Tons of scrap metal and derelict vehicles collected as the first barge leaves the Virgin Islands.

Department of Waste Management’s Manager, Greg Massicote stated that the teams have been working around the clock this past week to get as much metals and derelicts onto the barges.

When speaking about the first barge that entered the Territory, Massicote said, “This barge is about 5,000 tons [in size] which means it is probably going to take about 4,500 tons. It is going to have a rotation more or less over the next couple of weeks; so the idea is not only to clean up these sites but also in the process, continue picking up whatever metals [that remain] around the island [Tortola] and the Territory.”

The first of the vessels arrived in the Territory on September 27. Two additional barges arrived subsequent to that.

Massicote highlighted that since November 2017, the Department of Waste Management has collected 12,000 tons of scrap metal and 3000 derelicts which include 54 derelicts from Jost Van Dyke. The process and eventual exportation of derelicts and metals on Virgin Gorda is scheduled to start this month as well.

The Department of Waste Management continues to collect derelict vehicles until October 20 on Tortola. Owners are asked to contact the department at 468-4934 to schedule collection free of cost.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates the recovery of human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.