Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent Wheatley, along with a team of health officials, recently met to discuss the future of the Pockwood Pond incinerator, which remains non-operational and critical to the territory’s waste management system.
The discussions included Mr. Andy Hooker, President and General Manager of Pennram Diversified Manufacturing Corporation, a company with over 25 years of expertise in incineration. Mr. Hooker visited the territory last week to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the facility.
The findings of his evaluation will be compiled into a detailed written report, which is expected to guide the ministry’s efforts to restore the incinerator’s functionality in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.
Wheatley emphasized that addressing the incinerator’s issues has been a priority since he assumed office.
“I recognise the significant challenges the Department of Waste Management faces while the incinerator remains non-operational,” Wheatley said. “I eagerly await Pennram’s assessment, which will offer valuable insights into the incinerator’s condition and enable us to make well-informed decisions for the best way forward.”
The incinerator is considered a vital component of the Virgin Islands’ waste disposal infrastructure, and its prolonged downtime has presented mounting challenges for the territory.
The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary Ms. Tasha Bertie, Director of Waste Management Mr. Marcus Solomon, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Development.