The Ministry of Communications and Works is appealing to the public to report any malicious activity on all Government work sites.     

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr. Anthony McMaster said there have been several incidences of tampering at work sites.

In explaining one instance, Mr. McMaster said, “The pump station at Diamond Estate, which supplies the central and northern sides of Tortola continues to be tampered with.”

He explained that there is theft of automatic transfer switches, which are responsible for the transfer of power to the backup generators, in the event of a power outage. Mr. McMaster further explained without these switches there will be little or no supply of water to customers.

The permanent secretary added that another concern at work sites was the adherence to the caution signs.

In citing an example he said, “We have been experiencing challenges with the road repairs [in Sea Cows Bay as recent as this week]. After completing the initial works and preparations for asphalt, we have noticed that persons are using vehicles to drive over the sub-base resulting in damage, and the sub-base must now be repaired. This is a waste of useful resources and it would be in the best interest of everyone if this practice is discontinued.”

Mr. McMaster stated, “The continued tampering of the utility infrastructure is counterproductive, expensive to remedy and hampers our ability to offer the services that we are mandated to deliver to the public.”

The Ministry of Communications and Works is asking persons who may be aware of these activities to contact the ministry at telephone number 468-2183 or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

The Government of the Virgin Islands reminds the community that everyone must do their part to ensure a better BVI so that we can all make progress together.