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New 'Beach Use Policy' on the horizon
Within the past year, the beach has had to be closed due to poor water quality which inevitably resulted in the loss of tourism dollars.
Protecting the Environment
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert in his November 14, 2019, 'Speech from the Throne', delivered at the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), said a new policy is now on the horizon to address such issues.
He said the government is committed to a blue economy and the green economy of the Virgin Islands through environmental management and protection of our natural resources to ensure economic growth and development. "It is for this reason that our Government is tackling Climate Change as one of its high priority areas. Our Government believes in a beautiful, clean, and healthy green environment."
"Along the lines of sustainable development and climate adaptation, the Beach Use Policy will be introduced and ratified in this Session to ensure environmental management and maintenance of beaches."
According to Mr Jaspert, with the new beach Policy will come amendments to the Climate Change Trust Fund Act, which will allow for greater access to funding that may become available to the Virgin Islands.
It is unclear what rules and regulations will be drafted in the policy; however, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) for a preview of what can be expected but no response was received up to publication time.
Priority to Tourism Industry
According to the Governor, "Our Government believes in its primary responsibility to preserve and protect the natural assets and environment of the Virgin Islands. Our Government remains committed to its further responsibility to ensure that the sea as an asset is used sustainably to provide benefits for the people of this territory."
Outspoken citizen and clergyman John I. Cline aka ‘Bishop’ had challenged the government to give him $1M to have the issues at the CGB Beach permanently resolved.
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