ST. CROIX — Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens is calling on the Departments of Agriculture and Public Works to address deteriorating conditions in Frederiksted town, particularly at the Ann Heyliger Vegetable Market, and provide answers about the delayed Strand Street paving project.
In a letter to the commissioners of both departments and other government officials, Gittens expressed “serious displeasure and profound disappointment” with the condition of the downtown area.
His letter was copied to the heads of the Virgin Islands Police Department, Waste Management Authority, and Department of Tourism, as well as St. Croix Administrator Sammuel Sanes.
Gittens specifically pointed out the “deplorable” condition of the vegetable market, citing reports of litter, abandoned vehicles and vehicle parts, and other materials scattered across the premises. He noted residents have contacted his office about the conditions, while photographs circulating on social media have drawn attention to the state of the public facility.
Photographs taken by WTJX on Wednesday show trash and discarded materials scattered across the market, with two dogs on the premises. One person was also observed sleeping on a table.
The senator questioned whether officials are routinely inspecting the properties and projects under their responsibility and why the situation at the vegetable market has been allowed to deteriorate without decisive intervention.
The vegetable market should be a clean, welcoming, and accessible public space, Gittens said. Instead, he wrote, its condition has become an “eyesore” that resembles that of a mechanic shop rather than a market.
The letter also raises concerns about reports of aggressive dogs being kept and tied beneath the market’s bungalow. Gittens cited a reported incident involving a dog and a cruise ship passenger that he said required police intervention.
According to the letter, a video circulating in connection with the incident reportedly shows an individual believed to be associated with the dog using profane language toward police officers and blaming a cruise ship passenger for walking near the market.
When contacted Wednesday, VIPD spokesperson Glen Dratte said he did not have details about the reported dog incident and was unsure whether the market was still being used commercially.
“That place is not really in operation for business,” he said.
Rather than serving as a place for farmers to sell their goods, the market is used by “guys on the street,” he said.
“It’s a spot where they just hang out,” he said.
Gittens noted any allegations involving threatening conduct, animal-related safety concerns or interference with public access should be investigated and addressed by the agencies with jurisdiction. He emphasized that Frederiksted is a gateway for cruise ship passengers visiting St. Croix and is also home to residents, small businesses, and cultural landmarks.
The senator wrote that the conditions at the market raise concerns beyond appearance, including public safety, environmental sanitation and the government’s management of public property.
Gittens is urging the Departments of Agriculture and Public Works to develop an immediate corrective action plan, with assistance from VIPD and the St. Croix Administrator’s Office where necessary. He wants the plan to include removing trash, vehicle parts and other debris; addressing the reported presence of dogs; inspecting the property; and clarifying which agencies and parties are responsible for its maintenance.
The letter further calls for improved sanitation throughout Frederiksted, including an assessment of garbage receptacle placement at street corners, near businesses, and in other high-traffic areas where litter accumulates.
Gittens encouraged businesses, including bars and restaurants, to participate in maintaining clean surroundings through the appropriate placement and upkeep of garbage receptacles where feasible. He also called for consistent sanitation services and enforcement against illegal dumping and littering.
To prevent the problems from recurring, the senator wants a schedule established for routine inspections, cleaning, waste removal and enforcement.
Beyond the market, Gittens requested an update on the status of the Strand Street paving project, including the work remaining to be completed. He called on the responsible agencies to clarify their respective duties and coordinate rather than allow jurisdictional questions or administrative delays to prevent corrective action.
The pavement on Strand Street was removed during the summer, and the road remains unpaved. The only visible work along the street Wednesday was near the Athalie McFarlane Petersen Public Library, where drainage structures were being installed on both sides of the road.
Gittens urged the commissioners to visit Frederiksted personally to inspect the market and surrounding areas instead of relying solely on reports from staff.
With approximately 12 cruise ship calls expected in November, Gittens noted that the market and surrounding area should be addressed before additional visitors arrive.
He requested written responses from the departments by Friday, outlining the actions they will take, the officials responsible, and the anticipated timelines for completing cleanup and addressing outstanding safety and sanitation concerns.
Gittens stressed that residents deserve clean and safe public spaces, vendors deserve a properly maintained marketplace, and businesses deserve a town that reflects positively on their efforts.
Calls from WTJX to Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen Jr. and Acting Public Works Commissioner Reuben Jennings seeking comment were unsuccessful, and messages were not returned by publication time.
