ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Public Services Commission this week moved forward with its first-ever investigation into the rates and services of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, while also officially welcoming newly appointed Executive Director Michael Ware during his first appearance before the body.
The meeting marked an important step in both oversight and leadership for the WMA, as the Commission appointed attorney Dolace McLean as hearing examiner to oversee the rate investigation and opened discussions about the financial and operational future of the agency under Mr. Ware’s direction.
“The PSC has engaged attorney McLean in a number of our examinations,” said PSC Executive Director Sandra Setori, in recommending her appointment. “In the past, we have had above average reporting from her as well as responses from her…she has consistently satisfied and met the needs of the Public Services Commission,” Ms. Setori added, noting that “her credentials are well vetted.”
Commissioners quickly approved the appointment without questions or objections, agreeing that Ms. McLean was well qualified to handle the responsibilities of hearing examiner.
Attention then turned to Mr. Ware, who was welcomed warmly in his first formal appearance as head of the Waste Management Authority. “I wish you well in that endeavor,” said PSC Chair Pedro Williams, extending encouragement as the new executive director begins navigating the challenges of modernizing the territory’s waste management system.
Mr. Ware told commissioners that the WMA could no longer continue operating in what he described as “emergency mode,” where “every half a day is a crisis, not even every day.” He emphasized that reforming the agency would require the introduction of a comprehensive fee structure aimed at transforming it into a “fully functioning autonomous agency of the government, but more importantly, to enhance regulatory and environmental stewardship.”
He added that improving waste collection and processing was vital to protecting public health and safety, underscoring the need for the territory to move away from short-term fixes and toward sustainable management practices.
Commissioner Raymond Williams offered both support and caution to the new executive director, recalling the political resistance that has historically hindered the implementation of waste management rates. “When Waste Management was literally founded the PSC set opportunities for rates for wastewater, solid waste, etc…because of political pressure at one point in time, those rates were tabled by the legislature,” he said. “This is a very strong political community, an environment that we live and work in…we don’t want to pay for anything.”
“Just know that you have to have a strong back,” Mr. Williams added, pledging his support for Mr. Ware’s efforts to “ensuring that fees are in place and are being collected such that you can run a reputable organization.”
Commissioner Clement Magras also expressed confidence in the new director’s leadership, citing his professional experience as an asset to the WMA’s reform efforts. “His background in auditing should give him an insight as to what needs to be done and what can be done with the limited resources available,” he said.
The meeting closed on a note of optimism, as commissioners underscored the importance of the upcoming rate investigation and expressed hope that under Mr. Ware’s leadership, the Waste Management Authority will move toward stability, efficiency, and stronger regulatory compliance.
British Caribbean News
