Several pieces of Just Right Trucking equipment, including dump trucks, were set on fire early Sunday morning by arsonists at the company's Orange Grove facility. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — A deliberate act of arson early Sunday morning left several pieces of heavy equipment belonging to Just Right Trucking irreparably damaged. The incident occurred at the company’s Orange Grove property, where arsonists reportedly trespassed and set fire to a trackhoe, a backhoe, and three dump trucks.
The damaged equipment was being used by Just Right Trucking to collect trash across St. Croix. Firefighters responded promptly to the scene and worked diligently to extinguish the fires, deploying industrial water hoses in multiple directions to contain the blaze. Authorities believe the act was carried out by multiple individuals in what appears to be a coordinated operation.
The incident comes shortly after the V.I. Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) contracted Just Right Trucking to handle garbage collection in several St. Croix communities. The contract was awarded following Bates Trucking’s announcement that it would cease operations and furlough employees due to nonpayment by WMA.
Arsonists set fire to Just Right Trucking's equipment at the company's Orange Grove facility. (Photo credit: Ernice Gilbert, V.I. Consortium)
In December, Bates Trucking owner James Bates disclosed to The Consortium that despite promises from WMA, only $100,000 had been paid, forcing his company to halt garbage collection and lay off staff. "I could not continue," Mr. Bates said. He reiterated on Wednesday that WMA had not fulfilled its financial obligations. "They still owe me," he stated.
Destroyed Just Right Trucking equipment at the company's Orange Grove facility, including severely burned dump trucks, following an arson attack early Sunday morning. (Credit: V.I. Consortium)
Just Right Trucking was tasked with servicing numerous St. Croix communities under its contract with WMA. These areas include Ginger Thomas, Sunny Acres, Estate Diamond, Estate Strawberry, Estate Ruby, Estate Peter’s Rest, and several others across the island. The destruction of critical equipment now casts uncertainty over the company’s ability to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Authorities are investigating the arson, and no suspects have been identified at this time. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
