Cleaning up
We are pleased with the government’s recent clean-up efforts on Tortola, and we hope they will develop further into a sustained, territory-wide programme that motivates residents to help keep the Virgin Islands beautiful.
In recent weeks, Road Town in particular has received some welcome cleaning: Parked boats, derelict vehicles, weeds and trash have been removed from public spaces.
In spite of such efforts, however, there is much more to be done: Many roads and lots in the territory are still littered with unsightly junk. Residents and tourists alike deserve better.
Moving forward, then, the government should expand on its ongoing efforts. Where possible, it also should build on the previous government’s accomplishments, including 2009 amendments to the Litter Abatement Act, which needs to be properly enforced to be meaningful.
However, government can only do so much. We are chagrined to note that many residents seem to believe that they aren’t responsible for keeping the territory clean: Littering is a major problem, as are unsightly yards, houses, businesses and empty lots.
Fortunately, this attitude appears to be changing slowly, perhaps thanks in part to a few recently formed non-profit groups that have been working to make a difference.
The East Beautification Committee, for example, has been hosting yard contests in Tortola’s East End. The Cane Garden Bay Environmental Action Committee also has mobilised community action, as has Green VI, with its emphasis on recycling and other sustainability initiatives.
Also encouraging is the fact that some of these groups have received support from the government and businesses.
Such community collaboration is key in working toward the sort of pristine, litter-free environment that should be a given in a territory as small as the Virgin Islands.