National Parks Not For Sale
National Parks Trust Director Dr. Cassandra P. Titley-O’Neal has assured the public that territory parklands will never be sold, addressing intense community outcry over a proposal for exclusive cruise access at The Baths. The clarification comes as political leaders and park trustees voiced strong objections to any plan restricting public access to the iconic Virgin Gorda site. Dr. Titley-O’Neal reiterated the Trust’s statutory mission to preserve and protect all 22 national parks across the Virgin Islands.
Titley-O’Neal has firmly pushed back against rumors and public concern, assuring residents that none of the territory’s national parks are for sale or ever will be. Her remarks follow widespread controversy surrounding a proposal that would grant an international luxury cruise operator exclusive access to The Baths and Devil’s Bay National Parks on selected mornings.
The contentious proposal was initially framed by the Trust as a potential solution to manage surging visitor numbers and generate funds to offset escalating conservation expenses. According to official data, the Virgin Islands welcomed 612,263 visitors during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 24 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Cruise ship arrivals accounted for the vast majority of that foot traffic, totaling 493,397 passengers. However, the idea of cordoning off public treasures for commercial interests drew swift condemnation from both the community and territory leaders. District Nine Representative and Minister for Health and Social Services, Hon.
Wheatley, maintained that The Baths and Devil’s Bay must remain open and accessible to the general public. At the same time, NPT trustees Shereen D. Flax-Charles and Lawrence Wheatley publicly distanced themselves from the proposal, stating they had no prior knowledge of any plan to establish exclusive access windows for private entities.
Titley-O’Neal sought to dispel misinformation circulating across social media regarding the commercial status of the protected lands. She reminded the public of the long and arduous process undertaken by the government to secure The Baths via compulsory acquisition under an order from the House of Assembly in 1987, which ultimately led to the formal establishment of the national park in 1990.
Titley-O’Neal emphasized that the Trust’s broader mandate involves managing 22 distinct national parks across the Virgin Islands, five of which feature significant historical assets. She noted that the organization also leads critical botanical and environmental research territory-wide.
Residents were encouraged to follow the Trust’s official channels and attend upcoming public engagements to gain a clearer understanding of the work being carried out to protect the Virgin Islands' natural heritage.
Primary source: VINO