The minister made the statement during a speech outside the newly refurbished Vanterpool Administration Building in Virgin Gorda, which was on Thursday, February 17, 2022, officially rededicated to the people of the Sister Island.

“We are fully behind and making sure that the dumpsite on Virgin Gorda is properly addressed, you will not be pleased with me if I didn't tell you that when I'm done, I'm going there,” he said.

Hon Malone said the plans that were in motion even before the pandemic and the 24-month disruption are now ready to be implemented and put forward to address challenges.

He said the administration is also engaging groups to ensure newer challenges like the recent fire at Pockwood Pond are addressed.

Virgin Islands (VI) Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) says his, government is committed to addressing the challenges at local dumpsites, including the Pockpond Pond Incinerator with the aim of creating safe spaces and safer working environments for the people of the VI.

More Solutions to come

“We are going to have short term, medium and long term solutions to it. It gives us a great opportunity to look in terms of the recycling project and programmes, all those persons who have put themselves forward so that we can reduce the amount of waste going into the stream”

The Minister said tertiary treatment options will also be explored, “because it is not good, it is not wise for us to continue to do that which pollutes the atmosphere.”

Hon Malone noted that Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has also committed to finding funding for the projects.

“Although we had to spend so much money on the pandemic, although we had to spend so much money keeping people safe, this is a very important project to us and we have to find ways in which these projects could be funded,” he added.