For the second time in less than a week, commute grounded after officials decided to close the road at Sophie Bay Hill yesterday afternoon, September 26.

According to reports, a barrel of oil fell from the back of a pickup around 5:00 pm, prompting Fire and Rescue Services to rush to the scene to contain the spillage. Dirt was used to soak up the oil after some attempts were made to remove some of the oil from the road.

The road was closed for more than an hour, forcing drivers heading east and others headed in the direction of Road Town from east to use the Ridge Road. Some drivers remained on location and waited for the road to be re-opened. The road has since been re-opened.

Last Friday, September 21, the Police at East End reported that a truck carrying cement suffered mechanical problems and forced the closure of the road at Sophie Bay Hill.

In 2010, it was announced that Government was committed to establishing safety standards to prevent potential risks to life and property with the introduction of an Oil Spill Prevention Bill in the House of Assembly. The Bill was never tabled; however, numerous attempts have been made over the past years to amend the Petroleum Ordinance to bring it in line with international standards, an issue the new Bill was expected to address.

The Bill was proposed to prevent petroleum products and hazardous materials from entering the territorial waters of the Virgin Islands; to establish a Marine Unit under the Ministry of Communications and Works; to control and manage the discharge of oil pollutants, or hazardous materials in the territorial waters; to provide for the appointment of an administrator of oil spill and response; to provide for licensing of operation of vessels and facilities; and to provide for offences and penalties and other related matters.