The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority extends heartfelt thanks to the Bovoni residents, community leaders, and agency partners who participated in the Bovoni Community Town Hall on March 10.
Your presence and engagement reflect the strength, resilience, and commitment of our community as we work together to protect public health and preserve our environment.
The meeting served as an open forum for residents to learn more about landfill operations, environmental safeguards, and long-term waste management planning. Attendees engaged in thoughtful dialogue with VIWMA leadership and partner agencies, asking questions and sharing perspectives on ways to improve waste management practices while protecting the surrounding community.
VIWMA representatives, alongside officials from the Department of Health, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, appreciated the opportunity to listen directly to residents, strengthen communication, and provide updates on current operations and future improvements. The discussion reflected a shared commitment to identifying practical, sustainable solutions for managing waste in the territory.
Attendees also received updates on the proposed air curtain burner and waste incineration technology, including:
•A video demonstration illustrating the air curtain burner process and operation
•Examples of the end product of the process, showing how waste volume may be significantly reduced (e.g., approximately 10 pounds of waste reduced to about 1 pound of ash)
•Details regarding the placement and operation of the air curtain burner to assure residents that it would function within a controlled environment
Residents were receptive to learning more about how this technology can support improved waste management practices, reduce green waste fires, and help address smoke concerns at the landfill.
Special thanks to the Bovoni Council, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, and Shanna O’Reilly of the Department of Health; VI Fire and Emergency Medical Service Director Antonio O. Stevens; and Senators the Honorable Kenneth L. Gittens and the Honorable Avery L. Lewis for their active participation and support.
