The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) has announced that Spring Bay National Park remains closed due to ongoing erosion control efforts.

In a statement issued today, March 2, NPTVI Chairman Clyde Lettsome addressed the public’s concerns over the park’s prolonged closure. He acknowledged the delays but stressed the NPTVI’s commitment to ensuring the long-term preservation of the park. “The works at the Spring Bay National Park are taking longer than expected,” Lettsome said. “However, the preservation and responsible development of our National Parks remain our highest priority.”

The closure is a result of long-standing erosion issues, which have been exacerbated by heavy rainfall. Previous efforts to address flooding and erosion had limited success, requiring further intervention to prevent further damage to the park. NPTVI officials are working with various stakeholders, including local representatives, to finalize protective measures. One such measure is the installation of gabion baskets—rock-filled wire structures designed to stabilize the area.

District Representative Vincent Wheatley was briefed on the progress of the project during a meeting held on January 16, where the next steps were discussed. “This initiative is part of the necessary actions to ensure the park remains accessible and well-maintained for residents and visitors in the future,” the statement from NPTVI noted. In addition, Lettsome acknowledged the role of Wheatley in securing funding for the project through the Environmental Levy, which had been delayed for several years.

While local residents have expressed frustration with the park’s closure, officials have emphasized that it is necessary for public safety while construction work continues. “We continue to request the public’s patience and understanding,” Lettsome said. “Heavy equipment and contractors are on-site, and for safety reasons, access to the park is restricted during this period.” NPTVI has committed to providing regular updates on the project’s progress and plans to reopen the park once it is safe for visitors.

Spring Bay National Park is known for its natural beauty, including granite boulders, white sand beaches, and tidal pools. It is a popular site for both locals and tourists.

For now, the public is advised to respect closure signs and avoid the area until further notice.

The man whose body was discovered along the shoreline at Handsome Bay Beach on Friday, February 28, has been identified as Bernard George, a resident of the Handsome Bay area.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed that officers responded to reports of an unresponsive individual near the water’s edge after 7 p.m. Upon arrival, an investigation was immediately launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

Reports indicate that the body was in a state of decay when found. The RVIPF have not yet released an official cause of death, and investigations are ongoing.

The RVIPF is appealing to anyone who may have seen or had recent contact with George to come forward. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

NOTE: Image does not depict the exact location where the body was found.

A pastor in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been arrested on multiple charges, including child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, and cyberstalking, following an extensive police investigation into allegations spanning several years.

Tthe Virgin Islands Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested 63-year-old Lawrence Turnbull On Friday, February 28, charging him with child abuse, unlawful sexual contact in the second degree, obscene internet contact with a minor, harassment, and disturbance of peace. His bail was set at $60,000.00.

The arrest follows a detailed inquiry into accusations that Turnbull engaged in inappropriate conduct with a minor over the past six years. According to the police report, the minor alleged that Turnbull, whom she regarded as a mentor and father figure, exploited her trust by initiating unwanted physical contact. Investigators determined that despite her efforts to distance herself, Turnbull persisted in his advances.

Authorities say the victim provided evidence indicating that Turnbull admitted to some of the alleged actions. Following the investigation, the VIPD Major Crimes Unit executed his arrest at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

Turnbull’s bail has been set at $60,000. He was processed at the Richard N. Callwood Command and subsequently remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, where he awaits an advise of rights hearing.

The Virgin Islands Police Department encourages anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact 911, Detective LoBlack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or the Police Chief’s office at 340-774-2211. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).