7410 Estate Bovoni, Bay 2 St. Thomas, VI 00802 PH: 340.715.9100 6196 Estate Glynn Kingshill, V.I. 00850 PH: 340.712.4962 6506 Estate Susannaberg St. John, VI 00830 PH: 340.715.9147 Office of the Executive Director St. Thomas | St. Croix | St. John | Water Island www.viwma.org HANNIBAL “MIKE" WARE October 8, 2025 The Honorable Carla J. Joseph Chair, Committee on Rules and Judiciary 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Capitol Building Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802 RE: Letter of Support for Bill No. 36-0039 Dear Senator Joseph and Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary: As the newly appointed Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA), I am pleased to express the Authority’s strong support for Bill No. 36-0039, which proposes to increase the cost for individuals, firms, corporations, and associations to bring containers or flat rack containers into the Virgin Islands. The bill further directs fifty percent (50%) of those revenues to the Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund, with twenty-five percent (25%) earmarked for garbage collection, solid waste removal, and territory-wide beautification, and another twenty-five percent (25%) to fund a Territorial Anti-Litter Beautification Summer Program within the Authority. For much of its existence, the Authority’s annual budget has been significantly underfunded, limiting our ability to meet operational demands and sustain timely vendor payments. This longstanding challenge has resulted in accumulated accounts payable exceeding $20 million, impacting hundreds of local vendors who continue to provide essential services despite these fiscal constraints. While the Authority has made measurable progress in narrowing its budget gap, the passage of this bill—coupled with the waste collection fees currently under review by the Public Services Commission—would position us to achieve a balanced budget by Fiscal Year 2026. This financial stability will allow the Authority to begin repaying outstanding vendor obligations and reinvest in the infrastructure required to efficiently and effectively fulfill our mandate. 7410 Estate Bovoni, Bay 2 St. Thomas, VI 00802 PH: 340.715.9100 6196 Estate Glynn Kingshill, V.I. 00850 PH: 340.712.4962 6506 Estate Susannaberg St. John, VI 00830 PH: 340.715.9147 The funding envisioned by Bill No. 36-0039 would be transformative—both for the Authority and for the people we serve. It would directly support ongoing efforts to modernize waste collection and advance territory-wide beautification initiatives. Our residents deserve a cleaner, more efficient system that reflects the pride and potential of our community, and a dedicated funding source will go a long way toward making that vision a reality. The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority fully supports Bill No. 36-0039 because it represents not only a sound fiscal measure, but also a commitment to environmental progress, community empowerment, and sustainable beautification. It aligns squarely with our mission to protect public health and preserve the natural beauty of our islands for generations to come. Thank you, Senator Joseph, for your leadership and for advancing legislation that strengthens both our environment and our community. We look forward to working with your Committee and the broader Legislature to move this important measure forward. Respectfully submitted, Hannibal “Mike” Ware Executive Director Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority