Walwyn Blasts Garbage Truck Dumping
Opposition Leader and Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has condemned illegal dumping across the territory, singling out some contracted garbage truck operators who leave bulk waste at roadside bins instead of delivering it to Pockwood Pond. He urged the government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach, strengthen enforcement with inspectors or wardens, and resource the Solid Waste Department.
Opposition Leader and Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn on Thursday delivered a blistering critique of illegal dumping across the British Virgin Islands, saying the problem has reached “unacceptable levels” and is particularly visible in his constituency because of its central location and heavy traffic into Road Town.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Walwyn described overflowing roadside bins and bulk items—stoves, washing machines, microwaves and intact boxes—left where passersby and some commercial operators find it most convenient. "The bins are getting filled up on the side of the road and they look absolutely disgusting," he told legislators, urging residents and businesses to take more pride in the territory’s appearance.
Walwyn singled out a worrying practice by some contracted garbage truck operators who are allegedly abandoning bulk waste at public bins instead of transporting it to the designated disposal site at Pockwood Pond. He said he personally confronted one offender in his district. "When I catch you doing something you’re not supposed to do, I coming out of my car and I hauling you up because I want the district to look proper," Walwyn said, describing the embarrassed reaction of the operator when he realised who had caught him.
The Opposition Leader pressed the government for stronger enforcement measures, proposing inspectors or wardens with the authority to stop and fine offenders, and welcomed planned amendments to the Litter Act as a step toward changing behaviour. He also raised alarm about used oil being dumped beside bins and questioned the effectiveness of the territory’s contract for used oil removal. "I don’t know what's going on with the contract for the removal of used oil, but it’s not working," he said, calling on the responsible government ministry to provide immediate guidance.
Walwyn praised the newly appointed Director of the Solid Waste Department for early responsiveness and urged the government to ensure the department is properly resourced to tackle the issue. He emphasised the wider impacts of illegal dumping: environmental harm, potential health risks, and damage to the BVI’s image for residents and visitors alike.
As calls for zero tolerance grow louder, residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping and offences to the police and to the Solid Waste Department so authorities can investigate and take action. Walwyn said the territory must act decisively to protect public spaces and maintain community pride.
Primary source: BVI News