VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Bovoni Council Demands Halt to 'Trash Burning' Proposal, Citing Lack of Consent
By CLARENCE PAYNE, St. Croix Sun Contributor
ST. THOMAS — In a direct challenge to the Virgin Islands Legislature, the Bovoni Council has officially signaled that their community's air is not for sale.
In a letter submitted to the St. Croix Sun, Council Member Clarence Payne expressed deep opposition to the current plan to implement "trash-burning machines" in the territory. Payne alleges that a recent "spontaneous meeting" with senators was used to manufacture the appearance of favor, while the actual constituents remain largely in the dark.
The ‘March 23’ Mandate
According to the Council, the community was under the impression that the March 23, 2026, hearing would be the primary forum for facts and public positioning. Instead, they fear the legislature is moving to "Balkanize" the decision-making process before all necessary information is gathered.
"We never gave consent or agree to what is being discussed in today's session," Payne stated. "We are demanding that this matter be tabled until the proposal is properly vetted with the constituents of Bovoni, Nadir, Frydenhoj, Bolongo, and Frenchman Bay."
'Spontaneous' vs. Substantial
The Council’s primary gripe is the lack of time afforded to neighbors to reach a proper conclusion. They argue that a few senators and staff members appearing at a meeting last week does not constitute a consensus of community concerns.
