Several derelict boats were removed from Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke last week, as the Department of Waste Management continues its drive to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Manager, Mr. Greg Massicote said derelict boats continue to cause significant challenges for the department and they contribute significantly to mosquito breeding. He said mosquito indices are high in areas where there are abandoned and derelict boats. 

Mr. Massicote said, “We are encouraging boat owners to secure their boats, either turn them over or cover them with tarpaulin or organise with our department to have them removed.”

Mr. Massicote said that a team of individuals from the department and the community removed the boats and assisted other boat owners to secure their vessels.

The manager commended the community for cooperating with the department in the exercise. He said, “They assisted with contacting owners of boats to notify them of the initiative. A representative from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was also present to ensure there were no incidences.

Mr. Massicote further added that the overarching message from Waste Management as it relates to derelict boats remains that persons should discontinue the habit of abandoning because it promotes mosquito breeding, it is unsightly and it takes away from the beauty of the Territory.

The Department of Waste Management is committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of the Territory is enhanced by utilising state of the art waste management technology to ensure timely collection, disposal and where possible the recycling of waste.