Public beaches in the BVI have been re-opened as the B.V.I moves into another phase of its phased reopening. Beaches are currently opened from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily.
Beach officers will be apart of the Beach Monitoring Task Force. The Beach officers were brought up to speed on the new health and safety protocols that will be enforced on all public beaches throughout the territory.
The training session for public officers was conducted by Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lionel Michael. Emphasis was placed on public safety and effective methods to monitor the busiest beaches of the Virgin Islands in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley said that it is crucial that the public officers and volunteers are trained and stay up-to-date with the protocols that will be enforced in regards to the Territory’s beaches.
“Our aim is to ensure that beach-goers can enjoy these precious assets in a safe way. I want to remind the public to follow the instructions of the Beach Wardens. If the social distancing guidelines set out by the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) are not followed then beaches may be closed.” said Hon. Wheatley
The training session catered to Public Officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration; the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities; and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Sister Island members of the Task Force will be trained next during the initial phase.