The existing pump station in Cane Garden Bay was damaged during the 2017 Hurricanes. Photo: VINO/File

Second District Representative Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull aka “Mitch” has taken a stance to not rest until a proper sewerage system replaces the current 36 which were installed over some 20 years-ago as he voiced disapproval for proposed “Bringing back from the dead” Project. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Carvin Malone, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Basin Enterprises Ltd.. Photo: VINO/File

The pumps were installed by a company led by Virgin Islands Party (VIP) At-Large Candidate, Mr Carvin Malone, during a non-political period.

He recently moved to defend the system, stating that it suffered neglect by government but can still work effectively if given the well needed attention.

36 Stations

In his State of District Address, address on Sunday January 13, 2019 in the Brewers Bay community at Tortola, Hon Turnbull was adamant that it is, “not going to happen.”

“I want to put this to you, there are 36 pump stations in Cane Garden Bay from Ross bridge to Arrindel Bridge, 36 instituted over 20 years ago…There is not 16 in the Island of Saint Thomas (USVI) And now all of a sudden, the same person that put in this sewerage is now willing to come back and magically fix it…Not going to happen.”

He said, “we are going to ensure that the communities of Cane Garden Bay, even while we build the bathroom here at Brewers Bay, that the systems that are going to be put in place they work and they are maintained on a regular basis so that we don’t the threat to the natural resources that we offer to the residents and guest.”

Track Record

Hon Turnbull in his address to constituents reminded that in six-months of being elected as representative of the Second District, he was successful in having the problematic sewerage pump station that was erected on the campus of the Ivan Dawson Primary School repaired.

The House of Assembly meets today, at which point in time the Order Paper holds some some 20 questions in the name of Hon Turnbull, which he hopes to get answers for as he continues his level of representation for the district.

He told residents, “you did not put me in there to sit and dwiddle my fingers, nor did you put me in there to sit quietly. You put me in there to represent your needs, your concerns.”

Difficulties

However, Hon Turnbull said that he finds some difficulties, “I asked them when I was on the government side they did not answer me, so hopefully now I am on the opposition they will give you the people of the Second District and the territory the answers to these questions.”

“For as much as people think that we just sat there, I just sat there, it is absolutely untrue…What I feel and I realize is any time you challenge persons that are going in the wrong direction they try their very best to shut you down.”