Point 6: Environmental Stewardship—Protecting Our Paradise

Byniel

Our natural resources are our greatest asset and our first line of defense against climate change. In the Virgin Islands, the beauty that surrounds us isn’t just scenic—it’s the lifeblood of our culture, our health, and our economy.

For too long, environmental policy has been reactive, responding to crises only after they occur. The Donastorg/Nelson administration is committed to a paradigm shift. We must transition from reactive cleanups to proactive, statutory conservation. It is time to implement systemic, forward-thinking solutions that safeguard our islands for generations to come.

Here is our vision for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Virgin Islands:

Strict Enforcement of Environmental Legislation

Proactive conservation begins with the law. We will enforce the territory’s environmental laws strictly to protect our precious air and groundwater from industrial contamination.

Our administration will:

  • Monitor Vulnerable Areas: We will establish rigorous, ongoing oversight of sensitive zones, including local Superfund sites, to prevent further damage and ensure remediation efforts are on track.
  • Hold Polluters Accountable: We will ensure industrial and commercial operations fully comply with environmental standards, with zero tolerance for those who compromise our natural resources.
  • Empower Local Oversight: Strengthen our environmental protection agencies by equipping them with the resources, technology, and mandate needed to act as vigilant guardians of our ecosystems.

Modernizing Waste Management

Our current waste systems are unsustainable and ill-equipped for the future. We will revolutionize our waste disposal systems by partnering with proven, innovative firms to implement modern, circular solutions.

We will focus on:

  • Comprehensive Recycling Initiatives: Moving beyond a "throwaway" culture by establishing reliable, territory-wide recycling programs that reduce landfill burden.
  • Proper Landfill Management: Upgrade and actively manage our existing waste sites to reduce environmental and public health hazards.
  • Disaster Preparedness & Response: Scaling up heavy equipment rentals so that when natural disasters strike, we can manage debris efficiently and safely without overwhelming our regular waste infrastructure.

Animal Welfare and Community Care

A compassionate society is a healthy society. Recognizing the clear link between community health and humane animal treatment, our administration will actively support animal welfare initiatives across all islands.

We will proudly expand public-private partnerships with dedicated local non-profits—including the Humane Society of St. Thomas, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, and the Animal Care Center of St. John—to:

  • Fund Territory-Wide Spay-and-Neuter Programs: Proactively address stray-animal overpopulation to improve public safety and animal well-being.
  • Improve Shelter Infrastructure: Investing in modern, safe, and hospitable shelter facilities.
  • Enforce Animal Cruelty Laws: Ensuring that those who neglect or abuse animals face swift, statutory consequences, while fostering a culture of empathy and community care.

Our islands are a paradise, but they are also our responsibility. Through strict enforcement, modern infrastructure, and compassionate community care, we will preserve the Virgin Islands’ natural wealth.

Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future.

Donastorg / Nelson

FAST, FORWARD, TOGETHER

Do it, and Done,…Vote #1

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