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Cane Garden Bay beach finally reopens for recreational use
Mr Penn said in the press release that water sampling was done at Cane Garden Bay on January 23 and the results were excellent water quality at all sampling sites. All bacteria levels, he added, were far below the recommended standard levels for coliforms bacteria.
Water quality sampling of popular swimming beaches was conducted late last year at Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler’s Cove and Long Bay, Beef Island. The water quality at Smuggler’s Cove and Long Bay, Beef Island beaches were said to be of excellent quality.
The announcement of the beach closure had also come days after Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull had blasted his own National Democratic Party (NDP) Government for neglecting Cane Garden Bay following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.
Mr Penn had said in December that the results obtained for Cane Garden Bay indicated poor water quality in the swimming water which may have resulted from the excess runoff into the sea due to heavy rainfall just prior to testing and the nonfunctioning sewage treatment plant.
He added, “The water sample results showed very high bad bacterial counts for Cane Garden Bay within the designated swimming area at both the cemetery and Rhymer’s restaurant.”
Mr Penn further stated that his team will be conducting further testing for the coliforms bacteria in Cane Garden Bay. The Government of the Virgin Islands is working diligently to clean our beaches and coastlines.
Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull had previously told this news site that he had expected the beach to be reopened soon since he was aware follow up tests had cleared the way for it.
Reaction to beach re-opening
Speaking with Edward N. Hodge, a taxi driver, he stated that he loves to go to Cane Garden Bay beach after work.
"Sometimes after a long day of work especially on the weekends, I would go to the beach and relax for an hour or two. So it was sad when I heard that it was closed but delighted that it is back in business," said Mr Hodge.
"My friends call me a mermaid because I love any activity that involves the water. I do most of my water activities on Cane Garden Bay beach so when I heard that it was closed because of bacteria, I was very concerned," adding that she is still skeptical about going back to the beach, expressed Rebecca L. Franklin.
Many persons had been anxious to know when the beach would be declared safe for public use.
“Can you please provide a follow up on the condition of Cane Garden Bay and the water bacteria levels? I love swimming there; however, I do not want to become ill on my upcoming visit,” a Janice ODonnell had asked on January 16, 2018.
While the Cane Garden Bay beach was closed, cruise ship passengers were directed to Long Bay Beach and Trellis Bay on Beef Island.
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