Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Orlando D. Smith, OBE, has called on residents to stop the improper dumping of garbage and keep the environment clean.

The Premier while delivering his 2017 Mid-Term report lamented that one cannot travel throughout the Territory today without noticing evidence of littering and careless disposal of trash including used refrigerators, mattresses and other household items. He said this is not tolerable behavior and it must be stopped.

Premier Smith said, “Our land, our air, our seas are God’s gift to us. When any one of us throws our garbage out in public we are betraying that blessing and giving offense to our neighbours and families. We are essentially saying that we don’t care about one another and we don’t value God’s blessings.”

The Honourable Premier called on every citizen to do their part to keep the Territory clean and have the courage to speak up when others fall short.

“Toward that end, I am proposing the creation of an anonymous tipline where residents can report any incident they witness of improper dumping in public spaces,” he said. The Premier added, “The authorities can use these tips to investigate incidents and, when appropriate, level fines against the offenders. Let there be no mistake – this is an issue we take with the utmost seriousness. It shall not continue.”

Premier Smith said that Government will continue its work in cleaning up the Territory, and that it also intends to continue to invest in the upkeep and beautification of the capital of Road Town.

He said, “This city remains the gateway to our Territory and the symbol of the BVI to the world. There is much we have to be proud of in Road Town, but the appearance of the city has not kept up with its cultural, economic and social vibrance.”

Meanwhile, vendors who operated near Sol Gas Station at the roundabout in Road Town were asked to cease operations at the site in early July.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr. Anthony McMaster said that the Ministry along with the Office of the City Manager became increasingly concerned about the manner in which vending was taking place throughout Road Town.

McMaster said after completing a thorough review, a decision was made to immediately cease vending in specific areas which were considered to have a negative impact in Road Town and seek appropriate locations for these vendors to carry out business.

He added, “As such, effective immediately vending will be stopped in all areas, with the exception of the market, which was earmarked for vending, and … no vending will be permitted by or near the roundabout.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands will continue to develop plans for further enhancement of the Territory’s cultural, economic and social vibrance for residents and visitors to enjoy.