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Île aux Bénitiers welcomed back visitors on Monday, 16th June 2025. The popular tourist destination had been closed since the 20th March. Environmental degradation and unauthorized structures prompted the government shutdown.
Cabinet held a special meeting on Monday, 16th June to finalized a list of fifty-five authorized operators. The operators were identified after consultations with the Black River District Council, in consultation with the Collectif Citoyen,
How It Happened
The transformation took unprecedented teamwork. Government ministries joined forces with environmental groups. Boat operators rolled up their sleeves for cleanup duty. Citizens rallied through the Citizens' Collective for Île aux Bénitiers.
Junior Minister Joanna Bérenger highlighted these joint efforts. "The island breathes again and has regained its natural beauty," she stated. Workers cleared unauthorized structures. They installed proper toilets and replanted native vegetation. A strict code of conduct now governs every activity.
Virginia Lamarque from the Citizens' Collective felt the relief. "Reopening the island is huge win for everyone," she said. Eager traders showed up at 6am despite low tide conditions. Three months of waiting finally paid off.
The Real Story
The island has been a tourism goldmine for decades. But here's the kicker—no business ever had proper permits. Every food stall, every guided tour existed in legal limbo. The State Lands Act required authorization that nobody bothered getting.
Following the decision to close access to the island, around 150-200 workers faced uncertainty. Tour operators scrambled for alternatives. Prices dropped as businesses fought for shrinking tourist dollars.
What's Next
Today those iconic catamaran cruises are back. Dolphin watching has resumed under proper oversight. Beachside barbecues and snorkelling adventures continue—but with real rules this time.
The big question? Will these changes stick? This restoration proves what happens when everyone works together. But maintaining these standards for long-term—that's where the real test begins.
# Paradise on Pause: Île aux Bénitiers Closure Reveals Years of Unregulated Tourism
