Just Right Trucking, the Waste Management Authority’s new contractor for waste collection in various St. Croix neighborhoods.
The V.I. Waste Management Authority announced Wednesday that it has introduced a new contractor, Just Right Trucking, for garbage collection services across several neighborhoods in St. Croix.
WMA says the move is part of its commitment to improving efficiency and reliability for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the announcement comes amid a breakdown in its relationship with Bates Trucking. The company was forced to furlough about 20 employees due to nonpayment by WMA, which owes Bates several million dollars. In late December, company owner James Bates told the Consortium that, despite promises of payment, WMA only provided $100,000, leading to a halt in garbage collection and the layoffs of employees. "I could not continue," he said. On Wednesday, Mr. Bates stated that WMA had still not paid him. "They still owe me," he said. When asked whether he planned to pursue legal action, Mr. Bates, whose company is currently engaged in other projects, replied, "I will deal with that down the road."
According to WMA, the areas now under the new contractor's service include Ginger Thomas, Sunny Acres, Estate Diamond, Estate Strawberry, Estate Strawberry Hill, Estate Diamond Ruby, Estate Ruby, Estate Mary’s Fancy, Estate Castle Coakley (Old & New), Estate Peter’s Rest, Estate Sion Hill, Tan Tan Terrace, Estate Sion Farm, Estate Rattan (South), Estate Constitution Hill, Estate Annas Hope, Estate Herman Hill, Estate Catherine’s Rest, Rosegate, Estate Humbug, Veteran’s Land, Tamarind, Estate Cane Garden, and Estate Work & Rest.
Residents are encouraged to report any irregularities or missed garbage collections. VIWMA Collection Manager Michael Nathaniel can be contacted at 340-474-7683 or via email at [email protected].
