Beach officers who will form part of the Beach Monitoring Task Force were brought up to speed on the new health and safety protocols that will be in effect on beaches across the Territory.

The training session for Public Officers was conducted by Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lionel Michael and 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.  It is expected to build on similar efforts to ensure that physical distancing measures are observed by the visiting public at beaches to control the spread of COVID-19. 

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley said that it is crucial that the public officers as well as the volunteers are trained to stay up to date with the protocol that will take place on 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.”

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.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration continues to effectively manage and administer the natural resources of the Territory in a manner that ensures long term sustainability.

Photo Caption(s): 

Photo 1: Honourable Vincent Wheatley speaking to the Beach Officers

Photo 2: Chief Environmental Health Officer Mr. Lionel Micheal conducting the training session

Photo 3: Photo of beach officers engaged in the training session

(Photo credit: GIS/Ronnielle Frazer)