Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP 1) Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) says his party has done right for the Cane Garden Bay (CGB) community, even as citizens and former NDP 1 chaplain, Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) aka 'Mitch' has called for urgent action at the CGB Sewerage Plant. Photo: Facebook

In December 2018, Hon Turnbull, a former key member of the NDP 1 Government but now the Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) led Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM – NDP2), had called for urgent action at the CGB Sewerage plant, as the already ailing system was damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017 leading to flooding in the area. Photo: VINO/File

According Mitch, if the issue of the sewerage systems is not addressed as a matter of urgency, there is likelihood that the water in the area will eventually become polluted, forcing the closure of the beach once again. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Walwyn’s comments came while campaigning in the Second District, Cane Garden Bay, on Sunday, February 17, 2019, where he says the community has greatly benefited from the cruise tourism industry as a direct result of the NDP government.

We did right – Walwyn

“Under the leadership of the National Democratic Party, I do believe we did something right by Cane Garden Bay and the entire Second District over the past few years. Cane Garden Bay is one of those districts that benefit the most from our cruise tourism industry,” Hon Walwyn told those gathered at the rally.

According to the NDP Chairman, “Many passengers, before they get off the ship, already know they want to come down to the Bay, not only for the assortment of bars and restaurants but also for the culture that is resident in this district.”

He said an integral part of what the NDP hopes to do for all communities is to help to develop—in conjunction with residents—a master plan for their growth and development.

However, in December 2018, Hon Turnbull, a former key member of the NDP 1 government but now with the Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) led Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM–NDP2), had called for urgent action at the CGB Sewerage plant, as the already ailing system was damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017 leading to flooding in the area and closure of the beach.

Sewage woes 

In his address to the territory during the final 2018 sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands on December 28, 2018, Hon Turnbull elaborated on the situation by saying that if the issue of the sewerage systems was not addressed as a matter of urgency, there is likelihood that the water in the area will eventually become polluted, forcing the closure of the beach once again

Hon Turnbull further revealed he spent many restless nights with community members and other leaders to get the situation rectified even as the NDP 1—a party he was a part of—had done nothing substantial to fix the issues with the sewerage plant.

Hon Walwyn’s comments also came at a time when the NDP 1 government has been scrambling to complete unfinished works and making new promises ahead of the February 25, 2019, General Elections in the Territory.

“We also need to look at a serious waste disposal and waste management plan for a district... We have to protect the economy of Cane Garden Bay by better organizing what we have presently to maintain the expectations of visitors,” Hon Walwyn implored.