No exclusive access! Nat’l Parks Trust ordered to reopen Baths to all
Natural Resources Minister, Vincent Wheatley has ordered the National Parks Trust (NPT) to immediately reverse its decision to give cruise shippers exclusive access to The Baths on Virgin Gorda at special hours of the day.
Less than 24 hours before today’s return of cruise ships to the territory, NPT issued an announcement that The Baths will be closed to residents and non-cruise ship guests between 9 am and 2 pm on days when the ships are in the port.
The Parks Trust said the decision was made to comply with local COVID-19 protocols. But Wheatley, who is the Representative of the Ninth District where The Baths is located, said NPT did not consult either him, his ministry, or the government before making this “unfortunate” decision.
“All beaches are public to anyone for any matter,” said Wheatley in an interview with ZBVI this morning.
“That’s the government’s position from long before the cruise ships even intended to come here. It was always our position. Even in the COVID, we are not closing the beaches off to any cruise ship. They are free to come and enjoy all the beaches they want but we are not closing the beach and make it exclusive only to the cruise ships.”
Wheatley further said NPT’s unilateral decision on this matter sends a conflicting message to the government’s policy.
He added: “When I saw that flyer I was distraught by it and I (INAUDIBLE) called and said it needs to be corrected and removed immediately. I was very adamant about that.”
“It is very, very unfortunate that happened, especially in a time like now when we’re trying to get ourselves back on our feet and welcome guests back to our shores.”
He said he expects the Parks Trust to issue a press release retracting its decision shortly.
Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal is the Director of NPT. Below is her explanation and statement of retraction on the matter.
Press Release- National Parks & Covid-19
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Right is right!
Good call
Vincent are you serious? Are you seriousssssssss! sick of yall now man. Thats how you want to throw Sandy under the bus? ARE YOU SERIOUSSSS?
DONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not only that, it was also illegal. NPT should know better.
WHO YOU THINK SIGN OFF ON THE IDEA?
It look like he following Andy footsteps, chucking his ppl under the bus first sign of trouble
This government needs a media specialist spokesperson who would speak on behalf of all the ministers and departments. One day, it is close public beaches to the locals! The next few hours, it is open public beaches to everyone. The COI made them look incompetent. Now they make themselves look foolish- constantly contradicting each other. You cannot close PUBLIC beaches to the locals and open those beaches to tourists. Darn, you do not need a high school diploma to know that.
that NPT have some people that think that they own the bvi.sistering the bvi is for all of us .everywhere you work you want to have all the say.this is a democratic country or should be but again these boards are going to help bring this government to its knees.we voted you honorable Minister to run our affairs and even if you put people in certain positions at the end of the day if they make a bad decision you Minister have to pay for that bad decision. I think the Minister make the write call.
that NPT have some people that think that they own the bvi.sistering the bvi is for all of us .everywhere you work you want to have all the say.this is a democratic country or should be but again these boards are going to help bring this government to its knees.we voted you honorable Minister to run our affairs and even if you put people in certain positions at the end of the day if they make a bad decision you Minister have to pay for that bad decision. I think the Minister make the write call.if in this case someone have to go under the bus well they will have to.
Is it not dangerous to have us mingling together in tight areas at this time with this new covid19 outbreak, be warned!
Sorry that was suppose to be a like
The VIP quickly becoming a Pappyshow. Now who negotiates for the cruises to come here? Is it not the BVITB that falls under the Premier’s portfolio? Are you telling me that they did not know this beforehand? So Shereen protesting against her own Government?
If a laugh a crap me pants.
She right to protest what is wrong. Second time.now they vote in something and the dictator trying to do what he want.. At least she had the guts to stand up to them. Guess she tried of protesting privately and doing what they want
Don’t like the idea of using NPT when its Somyone who called the shot.
Good job VIP
This is beautiful
Although I agree with the fact that the beaches should be accessible to locals, I do think that there is some merit in the decision of the NPT. We are in a pandemic and some sort of control is still required to protect our locals. The restriction had a time frame and did not restrict locals entirely. This I believe was just a proactive measure to avert a possible transmission and community spread. But oh well, the spreads have emerged..Go ahead..open the baths… and… locals, go ahead and mingle with cruise ship visitors. Smh. And no I’m not a political supporter or enthusiast. Just an open minded civilian who chose to see both sides of an issue.
Some sort of control you say?! Protect locals? Is every man for them f#$¥!&g self! Vaccinated or not! The borders open, so open up the beaches too yes. Why you must open up beach but not to locals. F#$k that!
Just thinking if we are not supposed to be mingling with the cruise tourists that comes on the cruise ships then tell me what are the ones that are on the sailing yachts are they not the same tourists that are enjoying our islands all over, beaches restaurant bars shops and all so what is the difference,,,, can someone in this our incompetent government please explain..
I am pleased that the decision was reversed, but I must say that the statement and retraction by Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal, the Director of NPT, was extremely well written. We understand the desire to be safe and while the result was not quite right, this is a learning process for all. As such, all is forgiven and let’s stay safe.
He is a l**r. He knew the Premier went over his head and made a deal with the cruise lines. Making deals with the devil at the expense of the people speaks volumes.
I believe it is very important that we exercise some level of patience with each other during this difficult time. I believe the letter written by the Director of NPT was well written and cleared up a bit of the misunderstanding. I believe the intentions in all this were meant for good, and in no way was meant to deprived or depressed the populace. This time of uncertainty is a learning curve for everyone, and more mistakes will probably be made. However, let us demonstrate patience, respect, and unity in order to achieve the best outcome.