yesterday after learning that Horseshoe Bay's toilet facilities were closed.

"Why can't we go to a public beach and use the bathroom,'' said one American visitor as she packed up her belongings at the south shore beach. "They have food and beverage here and you can't go to the bathroom. It's ridiculous.'' Echoing similar sentiments, the crowd of 50 to 60 people on the beach quickly dwindled when they were told the toilet facilities would not be available for the rest of the day because the Works and Engineering Department was fixing the pit.

"Why did they wait until this time of year to do this,'' asked former Ram's Head co-owner Mr. Dennis Carter who stood near the toilet facilities to warn those who approached.

Mr. Carter also noted that no signs were posted at the entrance of the beach to warn people.

"I've been made to understand that tomorrow they will have portable toilets,'' said one local woman who wished to remain anonymous. "But they should have had portable toilets today, especially since they knew this work was to be carried out.'' The American visitor agreed, adding: "When they knew they were going to be working on the toilets, they should have had an alternative facility''.

Mr. Carter said management at the Horseshoe Bay Beach House were just as upset about the situation as beach visitors.

But when contacted yesterday manager Mr. Raymond White would only say: "The persons with the answers would be the Public Works Department''.

Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira said there have always been problems with the toilets because of the capacity of the holding tanks.

"It's taken some time to fix because we had to check with everyone, Parks and the Health Department,'' he said. "Once they were satisfied, we went ahead and did the work.'' He added that he did not know why alternative facilities had not been arranged and he would investigate the matter further today.

"It's a very unfortunate thing to happen but we will do whatever is necessary first thing (this morning).''