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.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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