Smoke and scattered fires have reportedly persisted at the Pockwood Pond landfill for more than three weeks, prompting renewed complaints from residents, particularly in the First District. Photo: Internet Source

In an interview with our News Centre, First District Representative Dr. the Hon. Karl Dawson said he understood residents’ concerns and had repeatedly raised the matter with the responsible Minister and waste-management officials. Photo: Internet Source

Residents say smoke can be seen during the day, while small fires are visible around the site at night at the Pockwood Pond Landfill. Photo: Sylvia Moses/Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley told Virgin Islands News Online that he was aware of an underground fire at the site. Photo: Internet Source

Residents say smoke can be seen during the day, while small fires are visible around the site at night. Although the situation has not been described as a major blaze, the continuing smoke has caused concern in nearby communities.

In an interview with our News Centre, First District Representative Dr. the Hon. Karl Dawson said he understood residents’ concerns and had repeatedly raised the matter with the responsible Minister and Waste Management officials. 

“I understand and share residents’ legitimate concerns about the renewed smoke from Pockwood Pond. Since taking office, I have consistently raised this issue with the responsible Minister and Waste Management officials,” Dawson said. 

He said earlier action provided approximately two years of relief, but that he had pressed for renewed action since the smoke returned.

“As both District Representative and a member of the Government, I am working with the Minister and Premier to secure a lasting solution." Dawson added that he had recently facilitated discussions with a private citizen about an alternative proposal, which is now under consideration.

“I am pressing for a clear plan, timelines and immediate measures to reduce the smoke. Residents deserve relief and regular updates, and I will continue advocating firmly on their behalf,” he said.

'It is a very delicate situation'- Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley 

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley told Virgin Islands News Online that he was aware of an underground fire at the site.

He said officials were seeking technical advice on how best to address it, citing concerns about the stability of the dumpsite. 

“Not knowing how long it has been burning and the extent of it makes it a very delicate situation,” Wheatley said.

Issue was brought under control by former Waste Management Director

The issue was reportedly brought under control during the tenure of former Department of Waste Management Director Marcus E. Solomon, a Trinidad and Tobago national; however, his contract was not renewed.  

The latest reports revive concerns about a longstanding problem at Pockwood Pond. Fires and smoke have affected the area in previous years; in 2022, the then-Minister for Health and Social Development told the House of Assembly that underground hotspots had ignited unprocessed waste at the site. At that time, the incinerator was also offline following fire damage. 

The issue has again raised questions about whether previous improvements can be sustained. Residents and the district representative say the smoke has returned after a period of relief, while the Minister says officials are still seeking technical guidance on the current underground fire. 

Virgin Islands News Online also sought comment from Brian A. Davis, Director of the Department of Waste Management, but had not received a response at the time of publication.