Gov’t engages public on removal of derelict vessels from SCB Harbour
Among those in attendance and giving remarks were Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3); and Director of Programme Delivery at the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer.
Proper disposal of materials
Smith-Archer announced that discussions have commenced regarding the disposal of materials from derelict vessels.
She explained that part of the disposal process includes considering materials such as fibreglass. Initially, it was thought that disposal might occur at a public dump site; however, discussions with the Ministry of Health revealed concerns about the flammability of fibreglass, which prohibits such an action.
She emphasised, “Even if it may have been done in the past, that is no longer allowed under policy.”
She added, “We are extending the tender process, and if you have options or ideas for local disposal of fibreglass, metal, aluminium, and other materials, we expect those solutions to be included.”
Smith-Archer also noted that the Department of Waste Management is open to discussions with contractors regarding the disposal of wood, which is also part of the project. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to remove and dispose of the wood, whether locally or overseas. This requirement should be specified in the bidding documents to indicate which facility the materials will be sent to.
Ministry ready to collaborate with everyone involved- Hon Fraser
Meanwhile, Honourable Fraser acknowledged that there might be individuals attempting to delay the project. He stated that the Ministry is ready to collaborate with everyone involved.
“If you ask me, my preference would be for the materials to be disposed of here. However, I don’t want to initiate any quick fixes. If anyone is planning to propose a quick solution, they might as well not involve themselves in the process. At the same time, I don’t want to discourage anyone from participating,” he said.
Hon Fraser further expressed, “I believe we have capable people here, but we need to engage experts in the field to carry out this project. We are also willing to partner with others.”
The Sea Cows Bay Harbour remains littered with derelict and abandoned vessels, nearly eight years after the destructive hurricanes of 2017, Irma and Maria, struck the Virgin Islands.
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12 Responses to “Gov’t engages public on removal of derelict vessels from SCB Harbour”
That show for the last seven (7) plus years, a lact of good government representation is negatively inferior, far below good governance expectations.
Because of this ongoing direlect piiling up of boats, and vehecles, here,, and there, especially in the Seacow's Bay harbor, and garbagy vehicles, in my opinion professional help needed, not government led, in order to clean up this eye•soaring shameful mess, not only in Seacow's Bay, but also British Virgin Islands wide.
Mixup priorities continuingly cause great messup continuingly.
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