Former legislator Archibald C. Christian has questioned the government’s decision to raise taxes to address problems such as the presence of derelict vehicles across the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

The public continues to raise concerns of the presence of Derelict Vehicles across the territory. Photo: VINO/File

The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) launched the Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project in 2025. Photo: VINO/File

In May 2026, over 500 derelict bales of Vehicles were shipped to Miami. Photo: VINO/File

Christian made the comments during the Talking Points programme on Monday, July 13, 2026, responding to co-host Damion C. Grange’s concern about tax increases. 

More awareness is needed 

He argued that greater public awareness and better fiscal management would remove the perceived need for additional levies.

“If the government is careful in its spending of taxpayers’ money in the area that it should be spent, doing the right things, then you don't have to create these additional taxes, but that's the problem with governments,” Christian said.

He criticised what he described as a reactive approach to public assets and enforcement, stating that the “government reacts to a situation but does not manage what we have.”

Christian added, “The reality is that if we manage these things properly, then your concern wouldn't exist. We need to make sure that we impose these penalties.” 

Derelict vehicles registered 

Christian pointed to cases where abandoned vehicles are registered to owners or companies yet sit untouched for years.

“It's registered to somebody, or it's registered to a company; it's been sitting in the hospital parking lot for, for 2 years. Why am I trying to raise fees to remove that?”

lack of enforcement 

He exclaimed, the government should be going after the owners to remove it, adding, “I should be going right after you to remove it and get it out of the way.” He said weak enforcement has “always been an issue, been a challenge.” 

From September 1, 2025, vehicle owners in the Virgin Islands have been required to pay a fee for the disposal of derelict vehicles. 

The fees associated with this initiative are structured according to the weight of the vehicles, categorised as follows: Category A: This includes vehicles that weigh between 1,500 pounds and 3,000 pounds. Owners of these vehicles will be charged a fee of $60.00. Category B: For vehicles that fall in the weight range of 3,001 pounds to 6,000 pounds, the fee will be $85.00. Category C: Any vehicle that exceeds 6,000 pounds will incur a fee of $125.00.

These disposal fees are collected at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when vehicle owners go through the licensing process.

Meanwhile, the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) continues the Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project, which was launched in 2025 to remove derelict vessels and vehicles across the territory. 

The programme aims to clear hazardous and unsightly wrecks and to recover public space.

In May 2026, over 500 derelict bales of vehicles were shipped to Miami.