76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesWATER ISLAND TRASH FINALLY BARGED AWAY

WATER ISLAND TRASH FINALLY BARGED AWAY

April 5, 2004–Water Island residents were vastly relieved Monday morning as thousands of pounds of trash, which have been accumulating over the past four weeks, were finally barged away.
It hasn't been an easy task. As flies and rodents have been luxuriating in the garbage, the local garbage contractor has been awaiting payment from the V.I. government to continue his work.
Steve Rampino, owner of Sunbow Ocean Services, was forced to discontinue garbage collection service until receiving back pay from the Public Works Department, which is almost a year behind in paying him to pick up the garbage and haul it to St. Thomas on his barge once a week. He said he's owed $15,000. (See "Something's rotten, and it's not in Denmark".)
Last Thursday, after much hassle with the government, Rampino finally received a check from Public Works. "A partial check," he said Monday. "It's for $5,600, but it allowed me to go ahead." He said, "If I don't get another check at the end of next week for $4,800 on time, then I will quit again. They should pay me that, and then another check for $3,200, and I will be paid up through the end of February."
Rampino said if he doesn't receive the checks on time, he will discontinue the service until the full amount is paid. A Water Island resident himself, Rampino doesn't want to interrupt the service again. "They kept telling me the check was in the mail. They didn't quite do what they said. There was no check in the mail. It was cut and delivered to me last Thursday."
Joanne Bohr, president of the Water Island Civic Association, backed up Rampino. "He needs to do that. It's the only chance he has of being paid. The bill ran so high because he felt pressured to keep doing the job. From a business point of view, he is out of pocket." She added, "As a homeowner, I truly appreciate it."
Rampino and Water Island resident Colette Monroe praised the efforts of two Public Works employees. "If you write anything, please mention Sean Brown and Mr. Donovan – they're so good, they do a tremendous job."
Rampino concurred, and he said right now everyone is working extra hard.
"It's significantly worse at this time because the winter residents have just cleaned out all their refrigerators, before moving away," Rampino said. "It doubles now."

Back Talk

Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name, and the city and state/country or island where you reside.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice… click here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.