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New tests have cleared CGB beach to be reopened- Hon Turnbull
The world renowned beach was closed for recreational use “until further notice” due to poor water quality back in December 2017.
The announcement 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.
Water quality sampling of popular swimming beaches was recently conducted at Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler’s Cove and Long Bay, Beef Island.
Acting Chief Conservation Officer, Mr Kelvin Penn in December 7, 2017 had said 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 non-functioning sewage treatment plant.
“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.”
New tests clear way for reopening
However, persons have been anxious to know whether the beach has now been 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 asked on January 16, 2018.
And according to Hon Turnbull, he expects the beach to be declared open soon since recent tests have showed the water is now safe.
“I received a report that the new tests were taken and have cleared to be open,” Hon Turnbull told our newsroom today, January 18, 2018.
Sewerage Project meeting rescheduled
Meanwhile, residents of Cane Garden Bay have been notified that the public meeting slated for this afternoon has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 25 at 6:00 P.M. at the Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church.
“Residents are invited to attend, participate in the discussions and offer solutions for moving forward on plans for a Sewerage Project in the area,” a bulletin from the Department of Information today stated.
Officials from the Ministry of Communications and Works and District Representative, Honourable Turnbull will be in attendance.
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17 Responses to “New tests have cleared CGB beach to be reopened- Hon Turnbull”
Regulations must require boats to have holding tanks and restrict discharge of untreated sewage into the waters. Nonetheless, regulations without strong enforcement is useless. Often there are regulations in place but the weakness is implementation and enforcement. Regulations by themselves attain nothing.
Moreover, healthy waters (sea) is critical to both land-based and water-based tourism. Tourism is 1/2 of the BVI economy and many residents are employed in the tourism industry. Thus, contaminated and polluted waters can adversely impact their livelihood. Polluted/contaminated waters impact both human health and the environment. Polluted waters can cause diseases, ie, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis...........etc. Further, polluted waters can also contaminate marine food sources, ie, fish, whelks, conchs.........etc. The focus here is on Cane Garden Bay but it should include all beaches, ie, Baths, Long Bay, Brandy Wine.........etc. The water is critical to the BVI continued growth and development so it needs to be well-managed and protected.
We will see you Feb 2-9.
South Dakota Crew, a few MN's scattered in the mix.
Kdr