Monies For Installation Of Cameras At Bin Sites To Be Taken From Anti-Litter Fund

ST. THOMAS — A bill sponsored by Senator Marvin Blyden that seeks to install surveillance cameras at bin sites was given the nod of approval by all but one of the senators who make up the Committee on Rules and Judiciary here on Thursday, after a critical issue — a funding source — was resolved.

Bill No. 32-0066, an Act making an appropriation from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (W.M.A.) for the purchase of surveillance cameras to be installed at selected bin sites, which was favorably approved by the Committee on Finance earlier this month, was also approved in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary yesterday.

Mr. Blyden confirmed to lawmakers yesterday that there were funds available in the anti-litter fund, which, if the measure is signed into law, will be made available to W.M.A. to procure and install the cameras that would serve to either catch those who participate in the illegal act, or as a deterrent to those contemplating it.

The measure was opposed by Senator Positive Nelson on Thursday, who pointed to millions of dollars in debt owed by Waste Management to various contractors. Mr. Nelson argued that spending over half a million dollars to purchase and install surveillance cameras at bin sites should not be priority.

Items that are usually illegally dumped include appliances and tires, according to Mr. Blyden. Excessive dumping, which sees garbage being thrown on the side of bins instead of inside the trash holders, are illegal.

“These issues specifically were a strain on the territory for there were consistent complaints from residents and tourists alike about the decline in our ability to manage waste,” said Mr. Blyden in a release issued earlier this month.

Rules Committee senators who voted in support of the measure included Sammuel Sanes, Janette Millin Young, Myron D. Jackson, and committee chairman Novelle Francis. Senator Positive Nelson voted against forwarding the bill to the full body, and Senator Jean Forde was absent.