Largest buildup of Sargassum seaweed ever @ Handsome Bay on VG
The unwelcomed visitor is even impacting the water plant in Handsome Bay, according to reports reaching our News Centre.
The current buildup of the seaweed is one of the largest seen for over a decade, according to Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, who is not only the Representative for the Ninth District, but he also lives at Handsome Bay and is directly affected by it.
Hon Wheatley told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the goal at this stage is to rid the bay of the rotting sargassum; however, there is only one equipment currently trying to get the job done. He noted, however, that the aim is to get at least two more “machines” to handle the large volume of seaweed.
Action Plan
According to Hon Wheatley, there is an item in the Schedules of Additional Provisions (SAP) currently before the House of Assembly for monies to address the Sargassum seaweed buildup in Handsome Bay, Trellis Bay, and South Sound.
Additionally, Hon Wheatley said he has engaged the Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), to create an action plan for the yearly invasion of Sargassum seaweed.
The former Minister for Natural Resources, Hon Wheatley, said he had successfully advocated for a line item to be put in the 2019 Budget to address the Sargassum seaweed cleanup but was “shocked” that it was not included in the budget the following year.
“Everyone seems surprised by the Sargassum seaweed, but this happens every year,” Hon Wheatley said, adding that the seaweed is relatively harmless, but can be a problem when it starts to rot.
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14 Responses to “Largest buildup of Sargassum seaweed ever @ Handsome Bay on VG”
Is there nothing a country can do to protect its resources and people from this seasonal phenomenon?
We still not voting for none of the two sisters
Wish it would all go to Maralago!
Badge as much as possible of the seaweed from Handsome Bay close to VG dump. Truck the same to VG dump. Let it dry for two weeks, maybe three, if needed. Set it on fire. Monitored the fire carefully until all have been burned
In other areas of the B.V.I collect as much seaweed as possible. Truck the same to the local incinerator, the burned.
Note: Money has great value. It should not be carelessly squandered or spent foolishly on wasteful wants, but rather spend on needs.
Our collective attention is locked elsewhere. Cue the jet-to holiday ads I guess. Priorities!