Fraser Urges Action on Illegal Dumping
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has called on elected leaders and residents to take shared responsibility for keeping the Virgin Islands clean. Responding to legislative concerns regarding derelict vehicles and litter, Fraser emphasized that recurring government cleanups must be matched by community accountability. He stressed that lasting environmental cleanliness requires direct engagement with residents to prevent persistent dumping.
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has issued a firm call to elected representatives and residents alike to tackle persistent illegal dumping across the Virgin Islands, asserting that government cleanup operations cannot succeed without sustained public cooperation. Speaking during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly, Fraser responded directly to grievances raised by Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn and Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn.
Both lawmakers had voiced frustration over the state of their respective constituencies, highlighting the prevalence of abandoned vehicles and widespread litter. Walwyn specifically called for derelict vehicles to be cleared from his district, while Penn pointed out unsightly conditions at key gateways such as Trellis Bay, questioning the impression being made on arriving visitors.
In response, Fraser defended the government's ongoing sanitation initiatives, pointing out that public spaces are routinely cleared only to be inundated with garbage again within days. He urged fellow lawmakers to speak directly with their constituents to discourage illegal waste disposal and foster greater community pride.
Fraser stressed that the refuse does not appear on its own and that residents must acknowledge their role in creating and resolving the problem. Fraser emphasized that government cleanup crews and participants in the Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development (RATED) programme will continue their beautification campaigns across the territory.
However, he suggested that authorities should actively publicize cleaned areas so the public can see how quickly litter accumulates after being removed, underscoring the relentless cycle facing sanitation workers. Reaffirming the administration's commitment to maintaining the islands, Fraser reiterated that long-term environmental upkeep requires an active partnership between the state and the populace.
He urged legislators across all districts to reinforce the message of personal civic responsibility, ensuring that public investments in territory-wide cleanliness yield lasting benefits for both residents and the vital tourism sector.
Primary source: BVI Platinum