The BVI Cancer Society has expressed that they are fed up with the current situation at the Pockwood Pond landfill on Tortola, which continues to experience frequent sporadic open burning and impact the livelihood of surrounding residents.
The Cancer Society’s plea comes after several residents complained to the organisation following the continued situation at the landfill which they said has now gotten worse.
“Our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that our fellow citizens are breathing in toxic fumes, and we cannot ignore the potential impact this may have on their health and well-being,” the Cancer Society stated.
It added, “We have received numerous calls from concerned residents, who fear for themselves and their families. They worry about the correlation between the harmful smoke and what appears to be a rising number of cancer cases in the area. As an advocate for health issues in the territory, we cannot stand idly by while our people suffer.”
Government urged to take matter seriously
The Cancer Society also labelled the issue a national crisis and called on the current and future governments of the territory to prioritise the issue by acting swiftly to have it resolved.
“We cannot ignore the very real consequences of this issue, as it impacts not only the health of our residents, but also the environmental health of our beautiful islands. During the past weekend, we received heartbreaking reports of individuals struggling to breathe and feeling trapped by the relentless smoke in their homes. This is a clear indication that the situation has reached a critical level, and the time for change is now,” it stated.
The BVI Cancer Society also pledged to continue monitoring the issue at the landfill and “to keep it at the forefront of public awareness until tangible actions are taken to resolve it.”
“The entire territory deserves to live in a safe and healthy environment, and as an advocacy organization the BVI Cancer Society is lending its voice by calling on the incoming government to commit to placing this health-compromising issue as a priority,” the Cancer Society added.
The entity also demanded that the government explain to the people why no improvements have been done to the incinerator to date.