Gov’t issues 10-day warning over derelicts

The government has given owners of more than a dozen derelict and abandoned vehicles in Johnson Ghut, Tortola, 10 days to remove them from Crown land or face possible enforcement action.

The Ministry of Environment issued the warning on Monday, after identifying vehicles in the area that it said were raising environmental and public health concerns.

According to the ministry, vehicle owners have been granted a 10-day courtesy period, beginning from the date of the notice, to voluntarily remove their property.

The ministry warned that the Crown Lands Management Act, 2024, provides for enforcement measures, including administrative penalties for failure to comply with applicable legal requirements.

It encouraged owners to use the courtesy period to remove their vehicles and avoid potential enforcement action.

Permanent Secretary Dr Ronald Berkeley also called for greater public cooperation in identifying abandoned vehicles and other activities that could harm the environment.

“The ministry is also calling on members of the public to play an active role in protecting the environment by reporting abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping and other activities that may negatively impact their communities,” Dr Berkeley stated.

“If you see something, say something! Public cooperation is essential to identifying problem areas and maintaining clean, safe and healthy communities throughout the Territory,” he added.

The ministry reminded residents that Crown land and other public areas are not authorised locations for storing or disposing of derelict vehicles, vehicle parts, household waste or other debris.

It said removing the abandoned vehicles from Johnson Ghut would help reduce potential environmental hazards, discourage pest activity and restore the affected area.

The ministry also reiterated its commitment to protecting the environment and maintaining clean and safe public spaces throughout the territory.

Residents with information about abandoned vehicles or other environmental and public health concerns have been encouraged to contact the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change at (284) 468-2147 or by email at [email protected].

The latest notice follows the government’s announcement in June that it was preparing a territory-wide clean-up initiative targeting abandoned vehicles. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said at the time that the new Crown Lands Management Framework would allow authorities to remove derelict vehicles from Crown land after five days, although the government intended to provide adequate notice.

The government also introduced a one-time derelict vehicle disposal fee in September 2025 to help finance the removal and storage of abandoned vehicles.