Gov’t to legislate $5,000 fine for indiscriminate garbage dumping – Hon Malone
Hon Malone made the announcement in a social media post this afternoon, November 25, 2021, along with photos of the dumping of solid waste nearby a Children's play park.
“The Ministry is moving immediately to legislate a $5,000 fine and suspension of license for all inconsiderate and despicable persons caught and prosecuted for illegally dumping bulk waste in this fashion,” Hon Malone said.
Reward for whistleblowers
Hon Malone further revealed that Whistleblowers will be rewarded for information that leads to persons being identified, reported, and convicted.
In addition, the Minister said CCTV cameras will be installed at dumping hot spots in the territory.
“Now! Tell me - why should this be required for persons claiming to love the BVI,’ he said regarding the need for cameras.
Hon Malone further said ‘enough is enough’ and revealed that even after the Solid Waste Department would clear areas, immediately after, more bulk waste would be dumped at the same spot.
19 Responses to “Gov’t to legislate $5,000 fine for indiscriminate garbage dumping – Hon Malone ”
Like everything else where a law is broken.
PLEASE COME BETWEEN DR OSBONE AND CLARANCE THAMOS BUILDING THE TICKET YOU PUT ON THE OLD WHITE VAN THE OWNER TAKE IT OFF. THATS IN PURCELL ESTATE.
Legislation is a good start in the tool box to arrest the problem. However, legislation is only as good as execution and enforcement. Therefore, more than legislation is needed. The MHSS may want to consider launching a public education and outreach programme (perhaps it already has) to try to change behavior. A local marketing guru can be engaged to develop a catchy campaign slogan.
Moreover, in addition to daily/weekly garbage/solid waste pick up, a quarterly bulky waste pick-up schedule should be rolled out. The quarterly bulky item pick up should be by geographical areas; special arrangements for outlying islands. Daily/weekly pick-up should be limited to non-bulky items. A robust recycling programme should be established to reduce the volume of solid waste needed to be picked up, lessening burden on incinerator. Further, consider automated (automated garbage trucks) pick up for selected areas in Tortola, VG, etc. Residents can be encourage/incentivize to take bulky items to the landfill{s).