Local News
USVI Governor Declares State Of Emergency Due To Bovoni Landfill Fire
An ongoing fire at the Bovoni Landfill on St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) has forced Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Tuesday to declare a state of emergency across the neighbouring territory.
The Bovoni Landfill fire has been a cause of concern since September 14, posing potential health and environmental risks across St Thomas.
“Smoke from the fire, which has been burning since September. 14, can be seen and smelled for miles and the resulting poor air quality has caused schools and businesses to close. The fire is not sustainably contained and external assistance is required to extinguish the flames below the surface of the green waste area of the Bovoni Landfill,” a September 20 government statement explained.
The declaration of a state of emergency will enable the government to access additional resources and assistance to expedite the containment and resolution of the fire.
A multi-agency emergency plan is being put in place to extinguish the fire on the USVI main island, which has just over 42,000 residents.
“The Executive Order that Governor Bryan issued designates Fire EMS Executive Director Daryl George as the incident commander to direct the territorial response and execute the directives for enforcement of the order and designates the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services as the lead agency to coordinate emergency response activities in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).”
The statement added that “the Incident Commander and Director of VITEMA shall advise the Office of the Governor on the implementation of the emergency response activities.”
The USVI has three islands—St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas—and about 50 small islets and cays, with a population of just over 100,000 people.
It is a popular tourism destination with millions of holidaymakers visiting the territory yearly.
Elmore Stoutt High School will transition to virtual learning on Tuesday, February 25, as ongoing water issues remain unresolved, school officials announced.
In a letter to parents and guardians, Principal Vanessa Garraway stated that the decision was necessary due to the continued disruption. “Unfortunately, our ongoing water issues have not yet been resolved, and as a result, we must transition to virtual learning,” the letter read.
Garraway stressed that students are still expected to participate fully in their lessons. “Please ensure that your child understands this is NOT a free day,” she wrote. “We are continuing with regular instruction, just in an online format. LIVE sessions will be conducted, and students are expected to log in, participate, and engage fully in their lessons.”
The school urged parents to support the transition by ensuring students attend classes and complete their coursework. “We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that your child logs in and engages fully in their lessons,” the letter continued.
No timeline was given for when in-person learning will resume, but Garraway assured parents that updates would be provided as more information on the repair process becomes available. “We understand that this is an inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate this situation,” she said.
New Life Baptist Church (NLBC) recognised four Virgin Islanders during a special service today. Mrs Bernadine Louis, Mr Milton McLean, Mr Kayron Todman, and Mr Dwight Pickering were honoured as recipients of the NLBC Unsung Heroes award. According to the church, the award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
With this recognition, the four honourees become part of NLBC’s Virgin Islands Unsung Heroes group.
Additionally, Senior Pastor Dr Howard Simon presented a special recognition to Ms Hilda Malcolm, a longstanding member of the church. The annual recognition is given at the pastor’s discretion to a member for their dedication to the church community.
Malcolm is responsible for sewing the choir’s uniforms, including those worn at today’s service. She also serves as an usher and participates in the Ladies’ Ministry, among other church activities.
Major road works being carried out by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Department of Public Works have encountered a new obstacle as a dispute between the government and property owners intensifies.
Reports reaching JTV indicate that a property owner has begun erecting fencing poles along a section of the project in Hodges Creek, disrupting construction efforts.
JTV has reached out to the Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer, for a statement and is awaiting a response.
Further details will be provided as they become available.
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