PETITION

WE THE PEOPLE OF THE FIRST ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MAKE THIS PETITION IN RESPONSE to the open burning of garbage at the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Municipal Incinerator at Pockwood Pond, Tortola, Virgin Islands. On Sunday, 16th April 2023, there was an explosion on the hill where garbage was being dumped and buried. With that most recent explosion, plumes of toxic smoke descended on the Belongers and residents of the First Electoral District, creating a health hazard and a public nuisance. This situation has been an ongoing issue for many years with intermittent periods of relief but never a permanent solution.

WHEREAS we are all aware that the introduction of open burning of waste is a dangerous and avoidable practice! The risks thereof cause a wide range of short- and long-term health problems. This abhorrent practice implicates the Government of the Virgin Islands, as it violates its laws to protect its Belongers’ and residents’ health and well-being.  In the Virgin Islands, open burning at the Pockwood Pond Municipal Incinerator extends well into the hill above the incinerator.  The disaggregated garbage is dumped, buried, and consequentially combusts, causing plumes of toxin-filled smoke to descend on Belongers and residents.  This is a direct consequence of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ failure to manage solid waste comprehensively, adequately, and effectively, in a manner that respects environmental and health laws designed to protect its people. Children, older people, and people with pre-existing respiratory ailments are at particular risk. 

However, this situation is not unique to the island of Tortola, as it is also the practice in Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. There is significant scientific evidence to support the stated consequences on the health of persons exposed to the emissions from open burning on human health. These include but are not limited to the exposure of fine particulates such as dioxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls, which have been linked to heart disease, cancer, skin diseases, asthma, and respiratory illnesses. The dangers of open burning of waste are further compounded by the fact that the Virgin Islands lacks comprehensive systems to properly dispose of industrial waste, and healthcare waste, which is being mixed with the municipal waste stream.

Further, the highly toxic chemicals produced from open burning affect our agriculture and livestock by settling on crops, ending up in our cistern water, water table, beaches, and waterways which eventually end up in our food, on our skin, and in our bodies, thereby adversely affecting our health.

WHEREAS we are seeking immediate, short-term, and long-term solutions regarding the open burning of garbage at the Municipal Incinerator at Pockwood Pond affecting primarily the residents of the First Electoral District.

WHEREAS the open burning of garbage has negatively affected the air quality of the Belongers and residents of the First District and nearby villages (West End, Frenchman’s Cay, Towers, Cappoon’s Bay, Zion Hill, Carrot Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Chalwell Estate, etc.), and the health and wellbeing of said residents continue to be unceasingly compromised.

WHEREAS it is well known that burning plastic releases dioxins, trichloroethylene (TCE), benzynes and other known toxic and carcinogenic substances, the garbage being sent to the Municipal Incinerator is not disaggregated and is burned indiscriminately.

WHEREAS it is therefore the belief that the open burning of the garbage, and the plume of smoke which descends on residents in the villages listed above have caused residents of the said communities to suffer from cancer and die prematurely from certain cancers; respiratory ailments and the exasperation of pre-existing respiratory ailments such as asthma.

WHEREAS the Government of the Virgin Islands is aware of the issue and has also received complaints from the residents of St. John in the neighbouring USVI.

WHEREAS the cries of the Belongers and residents on this issue have gone unanswered for far too long by the current and previous administrations.

WHEREAS as Belongers and residents of the First Electoral District of the Virgin Islands, we have the fundamental right to life, freedom from inhumane and degrading treatment, and to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our loved ones;

WHEREAS our fundamental rights and freedoms are confirmed in the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

WE THE BELONGERS AND RESIDENTS OF THE FIRST ELECTORAL DISTRICT HEREBY DEMAND THE FOLLOWING:

1.    A comprehensive proposed plan of action to address this issue including immediate, midterm, and long-term solutions.

2.    An audience with the Minister of Health and Social Development to hear our concerns and advise on the proposed way forward.

3.    Provide official advice to the public on how to personally mitigate the effects in the short term.

4.     Cessation of the open burning at the Municipal incinerator in Pockwood Pond.

5.    Offer an official public apology to the Belongers and residents of the First Electoral District.

Signed by the People of the First Electoral District of the Virgin Islands

Petition Date: Thursday 20th, April 2023