The Baths Closure Notice Was Made Solely By National Parks Trust – Wheatley
Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Vincent Wheatley has sought to clear the air on the matter of the controversial advisory indicating that the Greater Baths would be closed to residents during cruise calls, saying that the decision was made solely by the National Parks Trust.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, when I saw the notice that came from National Parks Trust saying that the Baths is closed to residents and local people etcetera, I asked them to remove that thing because it is not the government’s position on it. Before the flier went out, I didn’t see it nor did my Permanent Secretary,” he told BVI Platinum News.
He said while the National Parks Trust has the leeway to operate “with some autonomy,” they still must work in tandem with the Ministry.
“It was quite unfortunate what happened, but it is all being rectified,” he added.
The Minister said cruise ships over the years have always requested exclusive beaches for themselves, and “they have always been told by this government also that this is not something we are prepared to do."
"All beaches in the BVI are public, and we will not close any beach just for the sake of a cruise ship,” the Minister made clear.
In the meantime, Director, National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) Dr. Cassander Titley– O’Neal said via a statement, “Our advisory was by no means intended to upset or alienate anyone, it was truly a matter of protecting all parties concerned,” adding that the decision was not taken lightly and was done as a last resort.
She added, “NPTVI has been asked by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration to retract the advisory intend to maintain travel bubbles by implementing a staggered National Park visitation, and we shall comply. We implore all Belongers, residents, and tourists alike to please continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask, sanitize and continue to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols while visiting the Greater Baths and all other National Parks as the number of cases in the Territory continue to rise. I hope we can continue to work together as a community to protect the place and people we love.”
Following the release of the said flier with the advisory, Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon. Shereen Flax-Charles, along with a few others, staged a demonstration at the Virgin Gorda based Baths against the NPTVI on the matter.
He said while the National Parks Trust has the leeway to operate “with some autonomy,” they still must work in tandem with the Ministry.
“It was quite unfortunate what happened, but it is all being rectified,” he added.
The Minister said cruise ships over the years have always requested exclusive beaches for themselves, and “they have always been told by this government also that this is not something we are prepared to do."
"All beaches in the BVI are public, and we will not close any beach just for the sake of a cruise ship,” the Minister made clear.
In the meantime, Director, National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) Dr. Cassander Titley– O’Neal said via a statement, “Our advisory was by no means intended to upset or alienate anyone, it was truly a matter of protecting all parties concerned,” adding that the decision was not taken lightly and was done as a last resort.
She added, “NPTVI has been asked by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration to retract the advisory intend to maintain travel bubbles by implementing a staggered National Park visitation, and we shall comply. We implore all Belongers, residents, and tourists alike to please continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask, sanitize and continue to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols while visiting the Greater Baths and all other National Parks as the number of cases in the Territory continue to rise. I hope we can continue to work together as a community to protect the place and people we love.”
Following the release of the said flier with the advisory, Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon. Shereen Flax-Charles, along with a few others, staged a demonstration at the Virgin Gorda based Baths against the NPTVI on the matter.
