As the tourist season kicks into high gear and more visitors arrive, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has called on all residents, businesses and community organizations to help clean up and beautify the territory for one month, starting Wednesday.
In a statement Monday, Turnbull said he has directed the commissioners of Public Works, Planning and Natural Resources and the director of the V.I. Fire Service to strictly enforce anti-litter and solid waste laws.
Government House spokeswoman Rina Jacobs McBrowne said Tuesday those government departments "will be enforcing what they should be doing all the time. What we're trying to emphasize is for all of us to pitch in."
McBrowne acknowledged that the V.I. government has been less than thorough in keeping the islands clean.
"We don't really enforce the laws," she said. "And we've got to call ourselves on the carpet as well."
With an eye to the long term, Turnbull said he has asked Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds to set up a program in the schools "to instill in our children the necessity of keeping their schools and our islands clean and free of litter."
The cleanup month runs through Dec. 15.
