The Cane Garden Bay beach is closed for recreational use until further notice due to results of water quality testing.

Routine water quality sampling of popular beaches was recently conducted at Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay by the Environmental Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration in conjunction with Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Social Development following recent rainfalls from Tropical Storm Karen.

Minister for Natural Resources, Honourable Vincent Wheatley said, “The routine checks conducted by the teams is beneficial and important to ensure the preservation of the pristine nature of our environment and in obtaining results that caused swift decision making for the temporary closure of this popular beach.”

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone added, “The results of the water sample showed high levels of bad bacterial counts for Cane Garden Bay beach, and we want to ensure the health safety of swimmers.”

Persons are asked not to bathe in the water at Cane Garden Bay while the beach is closed. The teams will continue to assess the area and will advise when the beach is safe and open for recreational use.

The water at Brewers Bay beach is of excellent quality at this time.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is working diligently to clean our beaches and coastlines and to ensure healthy residents and visitors to the Territory.