WMA Replaces Bates Trucking with New Garbage Collection Contractor Amid Payment Dispute

Following a breakdown in relations with Bates Trucking over unpaid millions, WMA introduced a new contractor — Just Right Trucking — to serve several St. Croix neighborhoods, urging residents to report any service issues.

The V.I. Waste Management Authority announced Wednesday that it has introduced a new contractor, Just Right Trucking, for garbage collection services across several neighborhoods in St. Croix. WMA says the move is part of its commitment to improving efficiency and reliability for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the announcement comes amid a breakdown in its relationship with Bates Trucking. The company was forced to furlough about 20 employees due to nonpayment by WMA, which owes Bates several million dollars. In late December, company owner James Bates told the Consortium that, despite promises of payment, WMA only provided $100,000, leading to a halt in garbage collection and the layoffs of employees. "I could not continue," he said. On Wednesday, Mr. Bates stated that WMA had still not paid him. "They still owe me," he said. When asked whether he planned to pursue legal action, Mr. Bates, whose company is currently engaged in other projects, replied, "I will deal with that down the road."