ROADDTOWN Tortola BVI, September 26th, 2012 – Visitors of Long Bay Beach, Beef Island can now enjoy cleaner surroundings, as a result of the effort by the Department of Information and Public Relations’ staff, who picked up trash and other debris along the coastline as part of the International Coastal Cleanup initiative.
The GIS Team along with family and friends all participated in the cleanup effort, which took place on September 22. The group was equipped with gloves, bags and data cards, provided by the Conservation and Fisheries Department. The Chief Information Officer, Mrs. Geraldine Ritter-Freeman said that she was happy to see the effort made by the department to take part in such a wholesome endeavour.
“I am really glad that we can be mobilised like this to support the Conservation and Fisheries Department and their cause for cleaner coastlines and waterways. I’m proud to be a part of the challenge made here, today and I hope the rest of our community gets revved up and involved.” she added.
The Deputy Chief Information Officer, Mrs. Vicki Samuel-Lettsome added, “After today, I can tell that we, as a people, need to be a little more conscious of our surroundings. Some of the trash found was only but a few yards away from a bin. Cups and cans placed in trees; it just shouldn’t be.”
The department collected over 100 cups, forks, knives, spoons and plates, at least 100 food wrappers or containers and approximately 70 caps and lids. The team recorded the debris collected on data cards provided by the Conservation and Fisheries Department.
Clean-up activities in the Virgin Islands officially started on September 12 and will continue through October 15. Individuals and groups are encouraged to spearhead cleanups throughout the Territory and are asked to first register with the Conservation and Fisheries Department. The department continues to stress the importance of record keeping and data collection during this initiative.
The International Coastal Cleanup is a 100 percent volunteer programme that encourages participants to spend a few hours cleaning a local beach, waterway or coastline by removing trash and unwanted debris from that vicinity.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department seeks to ensure that the environment, the fishing industry and the resource base in which they depend are managed in a sustainable matter for the greatest possible benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands.
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British Virgin Islands News