More Than 200 Abandoned Vehicles Removed Territory-Wide By Island Administrators

Since beginning their initiative in March to help beautify the territory by getting rid of abandoned vehicles, the island administrators in the Bryan-Roach administration have removed more than 200 of them, Government House has made known via release.

On St. Thomas, Administrator Avery Lewis said about 175 vehicles have been removed.

“The process is slow but we assure the community that we are answering calls and delivering service,” Mr. Lewis said. “The team is committed to making the Virgin Islands Paradise again.”

On St. Croix, Administrator Sammuel Sanes has disposed of 45 vehicles.

“We tagged them first and owners have removed some of them before the date designated to remove them,” said Mr. Sanes. “There are so many vehicles all over the island.”

On St. John, Administrator Shikima Jones said she has disposed of more than 30 abandoned vehicle shells and once those are gone, she will begin removing other abandoned vehicles from V.I. Government roadways and property.

“It seems like the more we move, the more that pop up,” Ms. Jones said. “It’s crazy how many abandon vehicles St. John has. We’re on a clean-up, going green beautification mission to get them all—step by step, road by road.”

All three administrators also expressed their thanks to the V.I. Public Works Department and the V.I. Waste Management Authority for their assistance, according to Government House.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience in this matter,” said Ms. Jones. “I know it’s been a long time coming, but we’re moving forward in keeping our home clean.”

Governor Albert Bryan announced on March 21 that the island administrators of his administration had convened the Abandoned Vehicle Task force to begin tagging and removing the eyesores, Government House said.

The Office of the Administrator is the coordinating agency for the Abandoned Vehicle Taskforce and they are working in collaboration with the public and private sectors.

Individuals who fail to remove their abandoned vehicles face fines of no less than $1,000 in accordance with Title 20 VIC, Chapter 49.

In addition to retrieving cars, the Abandon Vehicle Task Force will address other areas of public interest relating to the overall safety of residents in the community and beautification of public spaces.

To report an abandoned vehicle, please contact the Office of the St. Croix Administrator at (340) 773-1404 ext. 4806; the Office of the St. John Administrator at (340) 776-6484; or the Office of the St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator at 340-693-4350.