Thousands turn out for coastal clean-up

It is not known yet if Jamaica achieved its goal of moving into the top 10 countries with volunteers turning out for International Coastal Clean-up Day, but whatever the count the persons who turned out yesterday removed tons of garbage which littered the nation's shores.

Susan Stanley, deputy CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust, which organised the clean-up, said they are awaiting the number to see if Jamaica will move into the top 10, having ranked 12th last year.

"We are hoping that when the total number is tallied from the 124 sites across the island, we will have more than 10,000 volunteers to make it into the top 10," Stanley told The Sunday Gleaner.

"The secret to get out so many volunteers has to be the fact that the event is well sponsored. The Tourism Enhancement Fund has played a major role in getting people aware of the event," added Stanley.

Close to 3,000 volunteers turned up at the Fort Rocky Beach, which was the focal point for the Corporate Area.

Great experience

First-timer Jonathon Wilson, the vice-president of external affairs at the Jamaica Medical Students Association, said he did not know he would have had such a great experience volunteering.

"As future doctors, we should be helping society and contributing our part. This was our way of being a part of promoting better health and it was good being a part of this," said Wilson.

Another first-timer, Yanique Forbes Patrick, vice-president of marketing for Caribbean Central at the Bank of Nova Scotia, shared a similar

experience.

"Volunteering is really a part of our way of life because I believe in Jamaica. We take a lot for granted, having this beautiful environment and all," said Forbes.

"We are in a state that we really have to do something, but I am impressed with the number of people I saw turn out this morning and I am proud that I did my part," added Forbes.