Nov. 3, 2006 Two holiday programs by the V.I. Waste Management Authority hope to have the territory looking a lot brighter this Christmas season through the creative use of recycled products.
Collectively entitled "Spruce up for the Holidays," the WMA effort is hoping to reach two distinct segments of the community. The first program urges individual groups and not-for-profit organizations to ban together to decorate neighborhood entrances, homes, churches and businesses; while the second program challenges schools to "show their spirit" and get dressed up.
"The goal," said Stella Saunders, WMA communications manager, "is to encourage recycling. This is a great way to get people to use these products."
What products should be used in the decorations? "That," said Saunders, "I cannot tell you. The contests are based on creativity, so we are not telling them what to use."
Saunders said the program has been done on St. Croix for years under the former Anti-Litter and Beautification program, which now falls under the aegis of the WMA. "We are introducing it to St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island for the first time this year," she said.
Saunders said previous programs in this district were for a holiday bulk cleanup. "This is an entirely different effort," she said.
There will be cash prizes awarded to the various school levels — elementary, junior high school and high school — and to home and business owners, Saunders said.
"We want people to use recycled things to create Caribbean-themed Christmas decorations. They can use garden displays, lights, Caribbean-type symbols," Saunders said. "Judging for the schools will be based on imaginative concept, uniqueness, appearance, memorable display and original display."
According to Saunders, judging categories for home and business owners include "Caribbean Christmas lights, Christmas displays and garden displays."
She said packages have been sent out to all the schools, letting them know about the program, so it isn't confused with other WMA programs currently running in the school districts.
Judging for the school contest will be Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, and judging for the other group will be Dec. 27 to Dec. 29.
Applications for entering the contests are available at the WMA offices until Nov. 15. The St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island office is located at 9500 Wheatley Center, Suite 2, Charlotte Amalie. The office's phone number is 777-3073.
On St. Croix, the WMA office is located at No. 1 La Grande Princesse, Christiansted. Phone the office at 773-4489 or 778-7656.
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