We were at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track, a stone's throw from Kingston's airport and looking across the harbour at the green hills and the high rise buildings downtown. The coast was fringed with a thick layer of garbage.
The humidity rising from the surrounding mangroves was like a malevolent creature crawling over one's skin. By nine o'clock, the heat was fierce. At that point, unfortunately, I had to leave, thanks to a friend who gave me a lift home. I couldn't last any longer, despite infusions of Gatorade and water!
An early morning view from the Go-Kart track towards downtown Kingston. Starting to simmer. (My photo)
But the other amazing "behind the scenes" volunteers remained, cheerful as ever. "Big ups" to them! We had penguins on our T shirts, but it wasn't exactly penguin weather... And the volunteers picked up (and recorded) nearly 7,000 pounds of trash, just in this one spot. That is a heck of a lot of plastic - which is mostly very light.
PS Thanks to the Tourism Enhancement Fund, among others, for their whole-hearted financial support!
Here's an update from Jamaica Environment Trust (JET):
Thousands Unite for International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day Jamaica 2024
Last weekend, International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day Jamaica 2024, organized by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), the National Coordinator for ICC Day, saw a great turnout as more than 130 groups across all 14 parishes worked together to 'keep wi island clean.' Under the theme "Sea the Change," ICC Day, celebrated globally on September 21, brought together thousands of volunteers to protect Jamaica's coastlines and waterways.
ICC Day is typically a one-day volunteer event which takes place on the 3rd Saturday in September. Volunteers are encouraged to not only remove waste, but also document the types and quantities of trash collected. This data informs local and global strategies to address ocean pollution. ICC Day is aimed at removing harmful debris from beaches, rivers, and coastal areas while raising awareness about marine pollution.
Students from Ardenne High School in Kingston, getting started. (My photo)
"We're grateful for the overwhelming support from volunteers and sponsors this year," said Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of JET. "The participation from communities and groups across the island highlights the growing awareness of the importance of protecting our marine environments."
Justin Saunders, JET's Programme Director said "We are now in the process of collating all the data from our site coordinators, so we don't have an estimate of the total volume of waste collected as yet. Data from the registered groups are to be submitted to JET by October 4, 2024 so that we can prepare our National Report which will be published in early 2025."
The crowd of volunteers, thinning out. (My photo)
JET also hosted its own cleanup at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track, where 657 volunteers collected 6,808 pounds of garbage, mostly plastics. "While cleanup activities are important, they underscore the urgent need for bold action to tackle Jamaica's plastic pollution and solid waste management challenges," said Dr. Rodriguez-Moodie.
The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), JET's long standing partner, continues to play a key role in ICC Day's success. Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of TEF, praised the turnout, emphasizing that clean beaches are integral to Jamaica's tourism product. "I am incredibly proud to have participated in this year's International Coastal Cleanup Day, not only with the dedicated team from the Tourism Enhancement Fund but also alongside 666 volunteers from the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated public bodies who participated island-wide.
"Since 2008, TEF has been a committed partner in this vital initiative, investing more than $78 million to safeguard its continued success. This year, our contribution of J$5 million reflects our deep understanding of the need to preserve Jamaica's invaluable natural resources—particularly our marine and land ecosystems, which are among the true treasures of our island. Our natural resources are at the heart of Jamaica's global appeal as a premier tourism destination, and we must protect them for the benefit of future generations. It's a privilege to collaborate with JET, other partners and volunteers to ensure that our environment is not only cleaned today but maintained and sustained throughout the year."
Justin Saunders, JET's Programme Director said "ICC Day would not have been a success without the support of our sponsors, volunteers and site coordinators. We are truly grateful for their commitment".
ICC Day 2024 was made possible by the generous support of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Ocean Conservancy, Scotiabank Jamaica, Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, Cemex Jamaica Limited, General Accident, Airports Authority Jamaica (AAJ), B.D. Gregg and Bros, Andy Gone Nutz, Jamaica Post, Nestle Jamaica, NSWMA, Recycling Partners of Jamaica, DFL Importers Limited and Couric Investments.
Sorting out the equipment. (My photo)
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