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Fire & smoke still active @ Cox Heath dump site 3 weeks later

-Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie & Communications and Works Minister Vanterpool made visit
On Friday, May 25, 2018, the Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) made a visit to the temporary dump site. Photo: Team of Reporters
A fire that erupted on May 9, 2018, almost three weeks ago, at a temporary dumpsite in Cox Heath, on the western side of Tortola is still burning. Photo: Team of Reporters
A fire that erupted on May 9, 2018, almost three weeks ago, at a temporary dumpsite in Cox Heath, on the western side of Tortola is still burning. Photo: Team of Reporters
COX HEATH, Tortola, VI - Residents and Government are getting concerned that a fire that erupted on May 9, 2018, almost three weeks ago, at a temporary dump site in Cox Heath, on the western side of Tortola is still burning.

There has been mixed information about when the fire and smoke will be put out, but government officials are sending mix signals. Last week Fire Chief Zebalon A. McLean said the fire should be out in two weeks, however, as of today May 27, 2018, the fire and smoke continue, as its week number 3.

On Friday, May 25, 2018, the Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) made a visit to the temporary dump site. 

The District that is most affected by the smoke on the western side of Tortola is represented by Hon Fahie who said he wrote to Government on behalf of the many complains he received from his constituents.

Where is Hon Ronnie W. Skelton? AWAL

It remains unclear as to when the fire will be extinguished, as the smoke continues to cause serious health issues for residents on Tortola and as far as St John and St Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands.

The Health and Social Development Minister Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) whose portfolio is that of Waste Management, the agency responsible for the temporary dump site has been silent on the fire and issues surrounding it.

Hon Fahie said on Facebook live on the day of the site visit that he has “gotten a 7-day plan from the Smith-Administration on putting an end to the fire and smoke”.

12 Responses to “Fire & smoke still active @ Cox Heath dump site 3 weeks later”

  • smoke going kill us (27/05/2018, 14:57) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    well sah
    • @smoke going kill us (27/05/2018, 20:01) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply

      The Uk came prepared with body bags after Irma so we know they have them on standby

  • NICK (27/05/2018, 15:06) Like (31) Dislike (7) Reply
    Can't even extinguish a fire and they want to run a country on their own.
  • ... (27/05/2018, 15:41) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ronnie right there trying to get Dr smith title lol
  • Impressed (27/05/2018, 16:04) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    It's a good job BVI is in charge of running its domestic affairs; the sooner it gets independence the better for us all.
  • fish (27/05/2018, 17:21) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Bottom line ndp must go!
  • So ok (27/05/2018, 18:00) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Being said, the health Department or whoever is in charge should issue the people that is affected by the smoke a air purifier for there home. I purchased two and it seems to be working. My kids no longer have the dry cough and runny nose.
  • um (27/05/2018, 21:22) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    You're trolling...right?
  • What!! (27/05/2018, 22:56) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    WHY was the offer from outside to clear out our garbage for no cost to us refused , so some from here could make money??
    • stop (28/05/2018, 04:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      It was not refused. There indeed was an agreement in place for an outside agency to come in and collect the waste. However, it was just a matter of them getting the process started. Maybe we should have placed a couple Policemen in that area to avoid people entering and using welding machines to remove copper and the likes, and then we won't of had a fire triggered.
    • @wHAT (28/05/2018, 06:27) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply

      The same people who knock Ronnie for the outside help are the same ones on fb b***** about the same smoke. Oh how funny life is

  • Dirty water (30/05/2018, 12:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So, a prominent member of Government offers his land as a waste disposal location (Dump), a contract is signed with a foreign company with no permit and dubious financial history to remove the waste for free (Using BVI equipment). Nothing happens and after mismanagement the site catches fire. I can already foresee a million dollar cleanup with damages to the land owner. Where there's blame , there is a claim. Where is this contract, where is the transparency, usual story I'm afraid.


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