New Site Planned for Derelict Vehicles
The government is negotiating with a private landowner to relocate derelict vehicles now stored in the Seventh and Eighth districts to a less visible inland site. Waste Management Director Brian Davis says talks could conclude by the end of March and that tagging and preparatory work is already under way.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is moving forward with plans to relocate a collection of derelict vehicles currently stored in the Seventh and Eighth districts, officials confirmed at a recent community meeting. Brian Davis, Director of Waste Management, told residents that the department is in negotiations with a private landowner for a new derelict-vehicle site.
He said the proposed location would be more concealed and not on the coast — addressing longstanding environmental and aesthetic concerns raised by neighbouring communities, including residents around Havers where derelicts have been highly visible. "Yes, the derelict situation is a great concern for this community and many communities," Davis said.
He indicated the talks are progressing and could be concluded within weeks. "Once those negotiations are concluded, which I suspect somewhere around the end of March, we will be in a better position to tell you what we’re doing with derelicts." The Waste Management Department has already begun preparatory work while negotiations continue.
Davis disclosed that a number of vehicles have been tagged and that the main remaining issue is securing reliable access to the proposed site. "It’s just a matter of getting that site readily accessible. And once we have that in place, we’ll be ready to go," he said. Derelict vehicles have been a recurring problem across the BVI, prompting periodic public notices urging owners to remove abandoned cars from public roads and private lands.
Authorities warn that unattended vehicles can contribute to blocked drains, create public-safety hazards and harm the appearance of communities — concerns that have driven calls for more transparent consultation about storage locations. To help fund removal and storage, the government introduced a one-time vehicle disposal fee in September.
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley said the fee applies to newly imported vehicles and to existing vehicles when owners renew their licences. Residents are advised to check licence renewal notices and public advisories from the Waste Management Department for details on removal schedules and any actions required of vehicle owners.
Officials say they will provide a fuller update after negotiations conclude. In the meantime, community members who have questions or specific concerns about derelict vehicles in their areas should contact the Waste Management Department or their district representatives for the latest information and guidance.
Primary source: BVI News