Young People Involved in Annual Summer Cleanup

~~Adz:Right~~ TORTOLA, B.V.I- The Territory is getting a make-over as hundreds of young people from various parts of the BVI clean and maintain the roadsides during their summer vacation.

Cane Garden Bay, Little Apple Bay, Brewers Bay, Purcell Estate, Road Town, Huntums Ghut, East End and Sea Cows Bay are some of the communities receiving the daily attention from approximately 485 young people.

Assistant Manager at the Solid Waste Department and programme organiser, Mr. Greg Massicote, explained that the project is used to help build a sense of environmental pride among the young people. Students are paid stipends for their work and he advises parents to encourage their children to use their earnings wisely.

The programme, now in its seventh year, is designed to help beautify the BVI as well as provide positive activities for some of the Territory’s youth during the long summer break.  Since its inception, the campaign has grown significantly with young people from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda participating for the first time in this year’s programme.

Abdul Richards, a field supervisor in East End/Long Look and veteran of the summer clean-up campaign, agreed that the experience instills a sense of responsibility and discipline among the participants, since they must be punctual and follow instructions to work on the clean-up teams.

Anegada resident and parent of one of the participants in the programme, Ms. Gay-Toni Kirton, commented that the children on Anegada are very enthusiastic about the beautification campaign and eagerly report to work. 

The Solid Waste Department is responsible for facilitating the programme by providing trash bags to the cleanup crews and identifying areas throughout the Territory which need special attention.

 Additionally, once the Department receives the names of the participants registered to work within the campaign, it processes the payment of stipends. Given the overwhelming response received this year, the campaign is now closed for registration.

The Solid Waste Department functions directly under the Ministry of Health and Social Development and is responsible for the collection and disposal of community solid waste in the Territory.