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Resident wants Pockwood Pond plants removed

A resident has called for the removal of industrial plants in the Pockwood Pond area including the incinerator. Photo: VINO/File
Health Minister Ronnie W. Skelton assured that the situation regarding the incinerator was being looked at. Photo: VINO
Health Minister Ronnie W. Skelton assured that the situation regarding the incinerator was being looked at. Photo: VINO
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI – Citing a rise in diseases and the area where she lives as being a growing community, a resident has called for the removal of some industrial activities in the Pockwood Pond area.

The concern was raised during the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) on the Road community meeting held in Sea Cows Bay at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre on April 29, 2013.

“The Pockwood Pond area and residents in the Pockwood Pond area, I notice the different plants that we have there. We have the electrical plant, we have the incinerator, we have the quarry,” the resident said.

She added that her reference was being made as a result of the increase in communicable diseases.

The resident further said she noticed Pockwood Pond has become quite a community, a community which she loves as she moved many years ago.

“I’m wondering if anytime down the road,” she said, “that you’ll look at these plants with an intention of removing them or having them relocated somewhere else.”

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton in his response stated, “I think it’s a very difficult question you have asked me. What we are trying to do [with regard to] the incinerator, is to reduce the impact the incinerator will have on the community.”

“You will find that over the next few months, we will try to do recycling so that things like plastic and glass and the [metals] will not be in the incinerator to cause incomplete combustion,” he added.

The Minister explained that efforts will be made to separate things from the garbage that are going to be consumed by the fire, so that the effect on the environment would be less toxic and fumes coming out would be a lot less.

“What I can promise you over time,” Hon. Skelton said, “is that the people at the Waste Management Department, they’re constantly looking for new ways to reduce the burning at the incinerator.”

He told residents at the community meeting, “We have purchased a chipper [so] that all wood products now being sent to the incinerator can be chipped and the various landscaping [points] in the country, especially the botanic station, they are taking this up.”

“We are doing things to reduce [the issue] from the incinerator point of view,” the Health Minister assured.

With regard to the power station, he said, “what they will have to do is to ensure that their engines are running efficiently so the toxic fumes don’t come out of the exhaust.”

He further advised, “We need to constantly try to reduce the effect of what goes into the atmosphere.”

13 Responses to “Resident wants Pockwood Pond plants removed”

  • hog city (01/05/2013, 08:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Its in the 3rd district so they dont care
  • ... (01/05/2013, 08:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    EVERYTHING BAD THEY HAVE IN THE THRID
  • ABC (01/05/2013, 08:36) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Move the what? things will get worse before they get better. Don't cry yet, just wait until all the gabbage is brought in from Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jose Van Dike to be delivered to the same plant for burning. That is when St. John will move to the North of Tortola.
  • bigger picture (01/05/2013, 09:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I often think of Pockwood residents and wonder how they can live in an industrial area. Cancers are up and we offend our neighbouring islands with toxic smoke. Then we get a shopping mall benefiting the land owner no doubt. But the question I have is where are these industries going to move to? It is a small island. The bay is already unfortunately filled and even historic sites like the stone house ruin on the clliff has fallen to the excavators.
    But my question is, and no disrespect meant, why are peoole moving to a place that has been pre-determined? And those families who have been there forever- why did'nt they speak up when they saw industries moving in?
    There is no easy answer. And is why vigilence has to be taken with every development project to make sure it doesn't get out of hand. It is one salted peanut and opens the gate for more unless monitored by residents and officials. I am watching Duffs Bottom as the next industrial site. Filling and big buildings have already branded the area.
  • Windy (01/05/2013, 11:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes Ronnie you will "look at it". That all, nothing else. what ever happened to the "scrubber" system to remove pollutants ? Still looking ? meanwhile Carrot Bay/Capoons Bay/Apple Bay on the other side is constantly smoked out and the people breathing in this pollution.
  • Duhh (01/05/2013, 11:20) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lady, it would be easier for you to move than it would be for a Power Station, Incinerator or Quarry to move. Clearly she has already inhaled too much smoke. You live in an Industrial area. What the hell do you expect??
  • Yep (01/05/2013, 12:50) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    He told residents at the community meeting, “We have purchased a chipper [so] that all wood products now being sent to the incinerator can be chipped and the various landscaping [points] in the country, especially the botanic station, they are taking this up.”

    Knowing how gov like to spend extravagantly, dare I ask how many "thousands" were spent on that chipper (raised eyebrow)
  • ahhhh Boy (01/05/2013, 18:42) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ronnie you got some family land for the plant right? This is all a set up not a sole call or if someone did its a set up! NDP old tricks. ha ha ha ha
  • Alright now (02/05/2013, 00:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I really don't know what's wrong with us in the BVI. Why do we always have to use the stupidest approach to everything we do. We never seem to put any thought and foresight into what we do. Then we wonder why we are falling behind every other country.



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