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Baths on VG still closed some 2 months plus after Hurricane Irma

- Virgin Gorda tourism officials outraged with the long delay as it affects the Virgin Islands' tourism product
The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda remains closed more than two months after Hurricane Irma and Maria hit the Territory. Photo: TripAdvisor
It is unclear how much revenue is being lost in the tourism sector with the continued closure of The Baths on Virgin Gorda. Photo: BVI Tourism
It is unclear how much revenue is being lost in the tourism sector with the continued closure of The Baths on Virgin Gorda. Photo: BVI Tourism
The trail to The Baths on Virgin Gorda has been severely damaged by the two recent hurricanes. Photo: Pinterest
The trail to The Baths on Virgin Gorda has been severely damaged by the two recent hurricanes. Photo: Pinterest
SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI- While the Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) is claiming that "we are back on our feet" following two category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, that destroyed the Virgin Islands 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark.'

Some 10 weeks and counting later, one of the Virgin Islands' landmark and premiere tourist attractions, the world famous The Baths National Park, is closed to the public.

The beach and immediate property that suffered some damages have been closed for repair by the National Parks Trust which is responsible for its maintenance and restoration.

Why the long closure?

This has angered many in the Virgin Gorda tourism and business community. One official speaking to our newsroom on condition of anonymity, said "it's a shame that The Baths is still closed, and I hope they are not doing this to spite Virgin Gordians, because the National Parks Trust were offered assistance from Rubicon...."

Chairwoman of the National Parks Trust Board (NPT) Ms Ayana  S. Hull, when contacted, referred our newsroom to the Acting Head of the NPT Ms Lynda Varlack.

Speaking today November 19, 2017 via telephone, Ms Varlack confirmed that The Baths is officially closed; however, they have "not issued a public notice and anyone going there will be doing so at their own risk as the trails are severely damaged following  the Hurricane."

Baths severely damaged; Not sure when it will reopen- Varlack

She further stated when asked for an opening time frame that "I could not give a time frame for the damages to be fixed but we were shooting for December...the restoration involves getting in materials and we have an issue with getting materials to the island."

Director of Tourism Mrs Sharon Flax-Brutus could not be reached for comment on the effects of the closure to the tourism product of the Territory. It is unclear how much revenue the NPT is losing over the closure of the property.

The world renowned The Baths has attracted people from around the globe to the Virgin Islands (VI) and is listed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

For yachtsmen and women, The Baths is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in the VI. 

Many international literature on The Baths have all said there are few places on earth that are quite so stunningly beautiful, quite so awe inspiring as the Virgin Gorda's Baths located on the island's south-west point.

20 Responses to “Baths on VG still closed some 2 months plus after Hurricane Irma”

  • VG (19/11/2017, 16:03) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Smh
  • one eye (19/11/2017, 16:16) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    So why they did not accept the help from the ngo group on the ground?


    Something fishiee and oh yea rotten in vg not Denmark
  • rich white friends (19/11/2017, 16:29) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    you all better check to see if the NDP is not trying to sell the baths...things that mek you go hmmmmm, as if we are opened for business how come there is no rush to open up this vital Tourism destination?
  • nonsense (19/11/2017, 16:53) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    What am I reading here so why is the premier saying these things.
  • facts (19/11/2017, 18:08) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    Sharon Flax-Brutus can’t be reached for a comment because she busy on Facebook blaming every body else for things that ain’t even their fault!
    • bvi (20/11/2017, 08:12) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      The Baths is some the responsibility of the National Parks Trust.
    • Hush (20/11/2017, 08:47) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Sharon Flax Brutus has a private life like everyone .
      • Reply (20/11/2017, 10:47) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        I have great respect for those Flax sisters if it was not for them VG will be left more behind keep focus girls I want one of you to run Burtie MUST GO FAST!!!
  • Taxi Man (19/11/2017, 18:54) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Get the damm place open fast
  • North Sound still no power (19/11/2017, 20:27) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    VINO you are the best thanks for bringing voice to our issues on Virgin Gorda as we are treated as step children. I doubt they know we are part of the BVI!!!!
  • Political Observer (PO) (19/11/2017, 21:01) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tourism is the work horse employer between the economic twin pillars of tourism and financial services. The world renowned Bath on Virgin Gorda is the major and most beautiful attraction in the VI if not the world. That Baths should become the eight wonder in the world; it bears no resemblance to the adjacent topography. Thus, if the Bath is such a major attraction and tourism draw why has more effort not been expended in getting it reopened. If it is so critical to the tourism industry, why is it not a top priority. If the Bath is only one among a few top atrractiins in the VI but draws 50-60% of tourists, why is it not getting more attention, more love?
  • Disappointed reader (19/11/2017, 21:46) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    When I read things like this I am discouraged from reading the news on this site. Looking at the bigger picture what is the media responsibility in message that is put out in a community. I’m sure their writing skills can be put to a more productive approach than can build a better community that reflects the VI way...SMH
  • Not good (19/11/2017, 21:54) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bomba Shack and now the baths things not looking good for tourism. Anyone know if Willy T's back on deck
    • Dr ZZZZZZZZZZZ (20/11/2017, 10:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      mehson relax we are back on our feet and opened for business....
  • Tourist, California (20/11/2017, 12:19) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is not a big deal that the baths is not open for business. They will open soon. We in the Travel circle knows about the hurricane and it will take time to get the Island and beaches back together. Stop worrying guys, we will be back soon.
    • Travel Trade (20/11/2017, 13:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's easy for you to Say. You can send your clients to other parts of the world and you are making an income still. I have been there since the storm and it's almost three months. They can do better than that. The NPT that is. The beach is still beautiful. The NPT has no respect for the people of Virgin Gorda.. the least they could do is announce that they remain closed and give a tentative date for opening. Volunteers are willing to help. what is the challenge?
  • VG (20/11/2017, 12:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Baths is the sole responsibility of the National Parks Trust . They need to do their jobs or just go home. The Tourist Board Director can only suggest to the powers that be in NPT.


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