A bill sponsored by Senator Marvin Blyden will attempt to quell illegal dumping of garbage at the territory’s bin sites.
Bill No. 32-0066, an Act making an appropriation from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (W.M.A.) for the purchase of surveillance cameras to be installed at selected bin sites, was favorably approved by the Committee on Finance on Wednesday and forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.
The measure secures $500,000 for W.M.A. to procure and install cameras that would serve to either catch those who participate in the illegal act, or as a deterrent to those contemplating it.
Items that are usually illegally dumped include appliances and tires, according to Mr. Blyden. Excessive dumping, which sees garbage being thrown on the side of bins instead of inside the trash holders, are illegal.
“These issues specifically were a strain on the territory for there were consistent complaints from residents and tourists alike about the decline in our ability to manage waste,” said Mr. Blyden in his release.
The senator noted his ability to pass the measure even as the territory continues to flail financially, adding that W.M.A. believes the installation of cameras will make a big difference.
Correction: June 8, 2017
A previous version of this story stated that the bill was sent to Government House for the governor’s signature. However, the measure was forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. We’ve updated the story to reflect the correct information.
Tags: marvin blyden, waste management, waste management authority
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