Local News
Community Meeting Addresses Virgin Gorda Landfill Fire and Waste Management Concerns
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, and Director of the Department of Waste Management, Marcus Solomon, held a meeting with residents of Virgin Gorda to provide an update on the recent landfill fire that occurred over the weekend.
During the emergency meeting, Honourable Wheatley, who also represents the Ninth District, apologized to the residents for the inconvenience caused and shared an update on the Territory’s Waste Management Plan. He encouraged the residents to voice their concerns and recommendations to the waste management officials.
Mr. Marcus Solomon, the Director of Waste Management, emphasized that the meeting served multiple purposes. In addition to discussing the landfill situation, it provided an opportunity to address other important issues affecting the community.
“It is crucial to establish a strong relationship with the community and gain their support for upcoming projects, such as the clean-up of derelict vehicles and other public education initiatives. We value the feedback from our clients to help us improve the services we provide,” stated Mr. Solomon.
The meeting proved to be fruitful, as it shed light on the waste management issues that the island is facing. “Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the management of the landfill. They raised concerns about waste being pushed off the borders and visibly hanging from the hills. They also voiced their grievances regarding previous fires, lack of information from the department, and the need to enhance our bulk waste services, among other things,” explained Mr. Solomon.
As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue holding discussions to find solutions to these challenging problems. The aim is to collaborate with the community in promoting public education and encourage the reporting of instances of illegal dumping.
Although the Virgin Gorda Landfill began emitting smoke on Saturday, July 29, around 6:30 p.m., pockets of fire and smoke still persist in the area. Individuals with respiratory conditions who reside in or are visiting the area are advised to take necessary health precautions.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to efficiently managing all environmental aspects that have the potential to negatively impact the health of the population. Their ultimate goal is to enable all individuals in the British Virgin Islands to attain and maintain optimal health and well-being.
Education
Friendly Competition Sparks Unity Between Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools
As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.
“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”
With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.
International
UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts
Business
Flow BVI Appoints Maria De Grads as First Female General Manager
Flow British Virgin Islands has welcomed Maria De Grads as its new General Manager, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s 58-year history, effective October 1. The announcement was made by C&W Communications, the parent company of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, which operates throughout the Caribbean.
Maria De Grads, a telecommunications veteran from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brings over 21 years of experience in the industry. Her appointment has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Flow BVI. Susana O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at C&W Communications, expressed confidence in De Grads’ leadership: “Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering teams will be instrumental in driving Flow BVI forward as we continue to innovate and deepen our connection to the BVI community.”
De Grads has held a variety of roles within C&W Communications since joining Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004. Her previous positions include Commercial Lead for the Southern Caribbean markets, which covered St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados. She has also served as Commercial Manager and Product Executive, gaining expertise in growth strategy, customer care, and human resource management. In her most recent role as Senior Manager for Commercial Operations in the South Caribbean, she was responsible for spearheading plans that drove customer acquisition and revenue growth.
“I am deeply honored to become the General Manager of Flow BVI, and being the first woman to step into this role makes it even more meaningful,” said De Grads. “I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to deliver innovative services, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the development of the BVI. Together, we’ll build on Flow’s strong legacy and ensure we remain at the forefront of connectivity in the Territory.”
De Grads holds an associate degree in business management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Edinburgh.
This new leadership is expected to further strengthen Flow BVI’s position as a leading provider of telecommunication services in the British Virgin Islands, offering cutting-edge solutions to both consumers and businesses.
About C&W Communications:
C&W Communications, part of Liberty Latin America, is a comprehensive communications and entertainment provider serving over 20 markets in the Caribbean. It offers video, broadband, mobile, and telephony services, along with IT solutions for business and government clients through its business division.
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