According to a press release from Government on October 23, 2020, Laboratory Technician in the Environment and Climate Change Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Ms Atoya George said, “After continued water quality testing at the various locations along the coast of St Thomas Bay, the results now show that conditions are up to standard for water contact activities.”

The press release said the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration continues to work diligently to carry out water quality testing on beaches throughout the Territory to ensure the preservation of the pristine nature of its environment and protecting the health of the public.

The Environment and Climate Change Unit can be contacted at 468-2700 for more information or to report any concerns about swimming conditions at beaches in the Territory.

See previous article published October 18, 2020

Beach @ St Thomas Bay in VG closed due to ‘elevated bacteria levels’

The beach at St Thomas Bay in Valley, Virgin Gorda, extending from Fort Point to Collision Point, has been closed to recreational use due to results of water quality testing, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration in a press release on Friday, October 16, 2020.

Laboratory Technician in the Environment and Climate Change Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Ms Atoya George said, “The unit collected and tested water at various locations along the coast of St Thomas Bay. The results showed elevated bacteria levels particularly in areas where a ghut exists. We are conducting further testing in the area and as soon as conditions improve beach users will be given the green light for water contact activities.”

Water quality testing

Ms George said ministry officials are working diligently to carry out water quality testing on beaches throughout the Territory to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

She added, “The preservation of the pristine nature of our environment and protecting the health of the public is of utmost importance; our people are our most valuable asset, followed by our environment.”

No bathing @ St Thomas Bay

Persons are asked not to bathe in the water at St Thomas Bay while the beach is closed. Assessment of the area will continue and the public will be advised when the beach is safe and open for recreational use.

The Environment and Climate Change Unit can be contacted at 468-2700 for more information or to report any concerns about swimming conditions at beaches in the Territory.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is working diligently to clean the Territory’s beaches and coastlines.