March 7, 2003 – The administration's multi-agency approach to cleaning up St. Thomas has seen the removal of more than 1,400 abandoned vehicles, James O'Bryan said on Friday, with hundreds more to go.
O'Bryan, assistant to Gov. Charles W. Turnbull for public affairs and policy initiatives, chairs the multi-agency task force charged with cleaning up the island. He said the task force has been operating for nearly a year and is currently focusing on Hospital Ground, Estate Thomas, Coki Point Road, Contant and Savan.
When a problem is identified, the appropriate department or agency takes action, O'Bryan said. For example, if the task force wants to remove abandoned cars, the Public Works Department is responsible. "They hire the wrecker," he said.
Or, he said, if cleanup crews find that used motor oil is being stored in someone's yard, the Planning and Natural Resources Department will issue that person a citation.
Represented on the task force, O'Bryan said, are Government House; the Public Works, Planning and Natural Resources, Health, Property and Procurement, Licensing and Consumer Affairs and Police Departments; Fire Services; and the Water and Power Authority.
The program is funded through the Anti-litter and Beautification Commission, which comes under the Public Works umbrella.
O'Bryan called on residents to cooperate when crews are working in their areas, citing cases of people unwilling to move their parked cars to allow crews access. He asked that residents call him at 774-0294 to report problems, but he added that, given the task force and the government's limited resources, people need to exercise patience.
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