The Department of Waste Management is currently seeking to find a solution for the removal of all derelict vehicles from the Territory. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Department of Waste Management seeking the assistance of the public by reporting abandoned or derelict vehicles on both private and public property. Photo: DWM

Derelict vehicles are currently being stored at Havers. Photo: VINO

In a press release from the department on Friday, February 7, 2025, Director of Waste Management Mr Marcus E. Solomon said efforts are also underway to identify a long-term site for storage of the derelict vehicles. 

Derelict vehicles are currently being stored in Havers; however, residents have actively voiced their concerns and disapproval of the site being moved into their community. 

The derelicts were stored in Pockwood Pond at a property owned by Mr M. Ashley Ritter until December 2024. 

Proposals being reviewed

Mr Solomon added that proposals are being reviewed for the maintenance of the current derelict vehicles site, which includes processing and exporting up to 600 derelict vehicles.

“While we await the conclusion of this tender process, efforts are being made to clean the existing site and identify a long-term site that aligns with both social and environmental requirements for vehicle storage and processing in the Virgin Islands,” he said. 

Mr Solomon assured that once viable options for long-term solutions are identified, stakeholders and the wider community will be consulted to provide input as part of the ministry’s commitment to transparency and community involvement.

Public's help needed

One major concern of residents of Havers was the lack of communication before the site was moved to their community. Residents also accused the Ministry of allowing the derelicts to be transferred under the cover of night. 

“In the meantime, we sincerely appreciate the public’s patience, and we welcome their participation in identifying suitable locations on Tortola that can serve as a sustainable solution for derelict vehicle storage and processing,” Mr Solomon stated in the release. 

The department is also seeking the assistance of the public by reporting abandoned or derelict vehicles on both private and public property. 

They can do so by contacting the department at telephone number 468-4934, via email at dwm@gov.vg or through the BVIGovReportit app.