Road Town, Tortola - Today the Government of the Virgin Islands took another bold step towards cleaner and healthier communities and enhanced environmental protection by entering into agreements with eight private contractors to provide refuse collection services.

This was in fulfilment of Cabinet’s recent decision to establish a new district-based solid waste collection system excluding Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. It is anticipated that the new system will result in a faster and more efficient removal of solid waste from the different communities throughout the Territory.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE signed individual contracts with Messrs. Wayne Walters, Calvin Hodge, Selvin Christopher, Denver Baronville, Brian Blyden, Nicolas Scatliffe, Diego Penn, and Ezra Frett.

This came as the Government moves towards implementing a new district-based solid waste collection system due to take effect by June 1st, 2010. Each of the contracts will span a four-year period. The total value of the contracts is just over one million dollars.

The Premier congratulated the businessmen on their success in obtaining the contracts for the disposal of solid waste in their respective communities and commended their willingness to provide this service. However, Honourable O’Neal reminded the men that he will be paying close attention.

“I am expecting you to do what you promised and will give you my support as long as you do that. It is essential for us to keep the Territory as clean as possible,” he said.

The Premier’s sentiments were supported by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn OBE, QC, under whose portfolio solid waste management in the Territory falls. Honourable Penn witnessed the Premier’s signature for the various contracts.

Honourable Penn urged the contractors to be diligent in the execution of their duties under the respective contracts. “My plea to you today is to perform at your best. We all want this to succeed,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Ezra Frett of CAMCO Heavy Equipment assured Government of their commitment to fulfilling their obligations under the respective contracts. “I am asking my colleagues to do the best they could. It will not be an easy road but we have to stick it out and try to give our best,” he said.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.