National Parks Trust apologises for Spring Bay closure
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) has apologised for the ongoing closure of Spring Bay National Park, citing urgent restoration work to address severe erosion and protect the site’s long-term sustainability.
The NPTVI released a statement on March 2 following public concerns surrounding the closure, explaining that the decision to close the park was made after consultations with some of its primary users.
Chairman of the Board of the NPTVI, Clyde Lettsome said officials determined that conditions at the site had become unsafe due to persistent erosion, which had worsened over the years, particularly following heavy rainfall.
“There have been growing concerns over constant erosion prior to 2017, particularly the damage that occurs after heavy rainfall events. The destruction sustained at Spring Bay made it unsafe for use by the public,” Lettsome said.
He added that previous efforts to control erosion had failed, making further intervention necessary. “We took steps to mitigate flooding and erosion without defacing the beach in perpetuity. Previous attempts were ineffective. Without immediate intervention, the degradation of this beloved natural site would continue to threaten its long-term sustainability.”
Lettsome said the NPTVI notified Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley on January 16 that a meeting was being held to finalise the layout of Gabion Baskets, a structure designed to stabilise the area and prevent further erosion.
“This initiative is just one of several necessary measures to ensure that this National Park remains accessible and well-maintained for both residents and visitors over the long term,” he explained.
Limited funding
Funding issues have also hindered restoration efforts. The Trust has been awaiting alloted funding from the Environmental Levy for several years.
“Many of the much-needed improvements to Spring Bay National Park and the other national parks would be effectively and efficiently addressed through the urgent allocation of these funds,” Lettsome said.
The NPTVI has faced other challenges in recent years. In 2023, Director Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal told the Standing Finance Committee that the Trust had an ageing workforce, limited resources, and a backlog of maintenance issues stemming from hurricanes and budget constraints.
The Trust has urged the public to comply with closure signs posted at the Spring Bay entrance, warning that ongoing construction poses safety risks.
“Specifically, I plead with you to recognise and adhere to the closure sign at the entrance to the Spring Bay National Park. Heavy equipment and contractors are operating on site, and we cannot guarantee your safety in the park while works are taking place,” Lettsome said.
He assured residents that the Trust remains committed to transparency and will provide further updates as progress is made.
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Waiting until the Park is completely unusable before maintenance is done.
What a shame!!
Have a monthly gang to maintain the Parks and natural beauty spots including the beaches and Mangroves in the BVI
What kind of leadership is this ?
This is a country with lazy, disorganized, some very educated people who has no planning skills. OR
Have no pride in improving the BVI
Poor performance and the leadership when given advice for improvement dismiss you .
They have a maintenance crew to a degree. The big dogs aren’t walking those trails probably why the effort is low funded and reactionary.
Again we in VG don’t have no Reperesetion when it comes to this. Vincent is a waste. In Spring Bay the Government Town and Country planning give the white people all the right to build and alter the natural water run off and divert on the we never suffer like this before. Now I can’t visit part of the beach because people have pools on the high water mark. This place will surely go up in smoke
This is what happens when you have a leader who focuses on self admiration only. She believes that having a degree makes her more intelligent than other people, therefore refuses to take their advice, as they are far beneath her.
It was not necessary going to the expense of decorating the Look-Out Centre on Sage Mountain. That money could have been spent on the upgrading of other National Parks. They are charging fees to all visitors in order to make back monies spent.
An attendant is assigned at the Information Center when cruise ships are in. This person follows the visitors, practically harassing them by requesting a fee to go on hikes whether they are going into the Park or not. A gate was installed to the Look-out and is kept locked. In order to enter, a request has to be made and a fee to enter is also charged.
As per maintenance, there are personnel on staff. However, there seems not to be supervision. Often times, these persons are seen loafing around or seated in the National Parks vehicle, slumped down in a deep sleep. This whilst the tourists traverse around a parking lot strewn with garbage and fallen deteriorating almond fruits.
I do agree with the statement made that there is disorganization and no planning skills with the leadership of the National Parks Trust. It gives a bad and negative impression of the BVI and the way to improve the views of this country, I think is to have the Director replaced by a more understanding, communicative and productive leader.