Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has announced the implementation of a Waste Management Strategy for the Territory.

His announcement was made today, April 6 during a live update on COVID-19 where he revealed that there are no new cases in the Territory.

Speaking on the strategy, the Minister said, “During this period of Curfew, the Government has found no better time to implement or roll-out the 7R’s of our Waste Management Strategy: Reform; Restrict; Reduce; Recycle; Reuse; Return and Rethink,” he said.

“Details of our strategy will be disseminated and all stake holders will be invited to participate and contribute to their areas of expertise,” the Health Minister added.

Honourable Malone shared that in the meantime, clean plastics bottles, glass and aluminum cans should be stored at home to be recycled after the curfew.

The Health Minister also announced a proposal for a recycling competition for communities.  “I will announce a village competition for students and households or maybe the village that collects the most recyclable items would be awarded lap top computers or other prizes to enhance their learning experience.”

Residents were also reminded that roadside collection of waste has been rolled out to all communities. Residents are directed to put out their household waste in sealed bags between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Government of the Virgin Islands will continue to exert best efforts, based on scientific evidence and best practices, to put effective measures in place to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people of the Virgin Islands.