Local News
Marcus Solomon Appointed as Director of Waste Management
In an effort to enhance and develop waste management solutions in the Territory, Mr. Marcus Solomon has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Waste Management. This appointment comes as the Ministry of Health and Social Development recognizes the need for improved waste management strategies.
Mr. Solomon brings with him a wealth of experience in public utility management. In his previous role as Senior Planning Specialist at the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Public Utilities, he conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Public Utilities Sector, including water and wastewater, solid waste management, postal services, and electricity.
Honourable Vincent Wheatley, the Minister for Health and Social Development, expressed confidence in Mr. Solomon’s ability to address the challenges faced by the waste management system. He emphasized the importance of reducing waste through recycling and other means, and believes that Mr. Solomon’s expertise will greatly contribute to the betterment of the Territory.
As the Director of Waste Management, Mr. Solomon will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department. His vision and strategic actions will guide the department in finding effective solutions to the waste management issues that plague the Territory.
Mr. Solomon’s appointment aligns with the Public Service Transformation initiative, championed by Acting Governor Mr. David Archer Jr., which aims to create a public service that meets and exceeds the needs of the Territory. The Acting Governor expressed excitement about Mr. Solomon joining the Ministry and highlighted his experience in policy development and innovative waste management solutions.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr. Solomon shared his passion for the environment, which was sparked during his studies in environmental and social economics. Over the past seven years, he has been dedicated to developing policies and strategies to transform waste management practices and expand the waste management industry.
Mr. Solomon expressed his enthusiasm for working closely with the citizens and government of the Virgin Islands to make the Department of Waste Management a global standard in waste management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Planning, Appraisal, and Management.
The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to ensuring a cleaner and safer territory for all residents by establishing an excellent waste management system. With Mr. Solomon at the helm, the Department of Waste Management is poised to achieve new heights and set a global example in waste management practices.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation following an armed robbery at a popular bar in the Sea Cows Bay area late Monday night.
According to police, a group of armed individuals entered the establishment on the night of May 12, demanding valuables from patrons and staff. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the usually tranquil community.
Officers responded to the scene and are actively working to identify those involved. The RVIPF has confirmed that investigators are maintaining close contact with key witnesses and gathering critical information as the inquiry continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”
Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.
However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”
To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.
Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.
Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has credited the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to sweeping governance reforms for avoiding direct rule by the United Kingdom, a critical moment in the Territory’s political history.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley highlighted the dedication of public officers who were instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms to preserve local self-governance.
“The period challenged us as British Virgin Islanders to the core and forced us to confront some harsh realities of our governance deficiencies,” Wheatley said. “We had to make the choices necessary to uphold the values imparted to us by our fore parents. We had to defend who we are as a people and protect our future aspirations.”
The reform process, initiated in response to the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report, required the establishment of new structures, processes, and procedures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Despite these challenges, Wheatley praised the resilience of public officers who managed both the reforms and their regular duties under demanding conditions.
“Our public officers developed and implemented the structures, processes, and procedures necessary for the reforms while simultaneously managing daily operations,” he said. “This was especially challenging given the systemic conditions highlighted in the COI Report.”
The Government’s recently submitted Self-Assessment Report to the UK is a critical component in determining whether the Order in Council to partially suspend the British Virgin Islands Constitution will be lifted.
Wheatley expressed optimism that the Territory is now on a path toward greater self-governance, supported by a newly approved Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines the next steps in the ongoing transformation.
“Today is a day we should all applaud,” Wheatley said. “It symbolizes our collective resilience and commitment to the ideals that make us British Virgin Islanders and commits us to the pursuit of self-determination.”
Armed Robbery Reported at Bar in Sea Cows Bay
Mosquito Awareness Week: Virgin Islands Residents Urged to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Nyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoThree Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
-
Crime/Police6 days agoMan Detained in Alleged Break-In, Police Notified
-
Crime/Police6 days agoJamari Scatliffe Charged in Free Bottom Nightclub Shooting
-
Uncategorized2 days agoNyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Local News2 weeks agoOne Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Uncategorized4 days agoRVIPF Cracks Down on Illegal Motorbikes with Crushing Initiative
-
Crime/Police6 hours agoArmed Robbery Reported at Bar in Sea Cows Bay
-
Uncategorized6 days agoMen Released Without Charge in Firearm Case as Investigation Continues