An international grant secured for the Department of Waste Management has been highlighted as one of the successes for 2024. Photo: Internet Source

Director at the Department of Waste Management, Mr Marcus E. Solomon said progress was realized by the department in 2024, though it faced challenges. Photo: Facebook

The Standing Finance Committee was held in November and December 2024, to examine the Draft Estimates for 2025. Photo: YouTube

In presenting to the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) held in November and December 2024, the Director of the Department of Waste Management, Mr Marcus E. Solomon, said progress was realised by the department though it faced challenges. 

He cited these challenges as adverse weather conditions, bureaucratic delays, and a prolonged tender process. Mr Solomon however, empahasised that the international grant of approximately $140,000.00 was indeed a success and thanked the Ministry of Finance for its support in obtaining the grant. 

Grant to fund 'diagnostic assessments'

Mr Solomon informed the SFC that the grant money has been earmarked for building climate resilience in waste management in the Virgin Islands. 

After being probed for more information by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1), Mr Solomon revealed that the grant would “fund diagnostic assessments to evaluate the department’s capacity to address climate-related challenges such as flooding and rising temperatures”. 

He also informed that consultants would be engaged to identify gaps and recommend interventions from policy, legislative, and human development perspectives.