Monday, October 27, 2014 - As the Territory continues to be plagued by indiscriminate dumping of garbage, the Ministry of Health and Social Development is informing the public that Litter Wardens will be reinstated to assist the Department of Waste Management in keeping the Virgin Islands clean.
Manager for the Department of Waste Management Mr. Greg Massicote, said that indiscriminate dumping of garbage is not just a problem for his department but it also poses concern for the Environmental Health Division, the Conservation and Fisheries Department, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and other enforcement agencies in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the natural environment.
He said, “We want to alert the public that the Litter Wardens will soon be more visible within the community as we strive to keep the Virgin Islands clean.” According to Mr. Massicote, before they begin road surveillance, the Litter Warden’s will be trained on the roles, duties and powers under their remit of the Litter Abatement Act Cap 182.
Mr. Massicote admonished the community to refrain from litter. “Persons who are caught by one of our Litter Wardens violating the law will be asked to admit their wrong doings and to accept the associated penalties. Please do not disrespect or abuse our Litter Wardens in any manner. They have their job to do as we strive to keep our beautiful Virgin Islands clean,” he said.
According to the section (5) of the Litter Abatement Act, a Litter Warden is defined as a Police Officer, a member of the Virgin Islands Auxiliary Force, an Environmental Health Officer, a Solid Waste Officer and any other person appointed to serve in this capacity.
Section (8) of the Litter Abatement Act, states that any person who is caught littering can be fined up to $500 or imprison for a term up to three months.
Earlier this year, Cabinet approved the appointment of 56 persons to serve as Litter Wardens throughout the Territory including the sister islands Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, for a period of three years.
The Department of Waste Management is committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of the Territory is enhanced by utilising state of the art waste management technology to ensure timely collection, disposal and where possible the recycling of waste.
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British Virgin Islands News