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Thousands tackle coast-line clean-up

Published:Saturday | September 20, 2014 | 1:05 PMAndrew Harris
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Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer Diana McCaulay (left) chief executive officer of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) explains about the level of garbage found on the Rocky Fort Beach to, Dr Wykeham McNeill, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment.
Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer These Jamaica College boys had no time to spare as they moved the garbage taken from the cpastline.
Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer Laurel Williams volunteers her time to help in the clean-up.
Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer It's hard work for these students Clan Clarty High School as they clean-up a mountain of garbage.
Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer Representatives of China Harbour Engineering Company doing their thing.
Jermaine Barnaby/Photographer St Andrew High school student Dereon Senior doing his part.
Rotary team members tackled the Palisadoes Strip,
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Despite having to leave their beds at the crack of dawn yesterday, scores of Jamaicans took to the coastline to add their hands and hearts to the International Coastal Clean-up Day.

In the Corporate Area, the Palisadoes Strip was a hub of activity as volunteers from schools, service clubs, businesses, churches, and other groups took part in the clean-up.

For 17-year-old Jorjan Dolphy of St Andrew High School, it wasn't easy getting out of bed for the 7 a.m. start, but she did it because of her determination to see a cleaner Jamaica.

"I not only need this for my community service, but as a member of the environmental club, I have learned that it is very important to preserve and conserve the environment in order to keep our resources renewable," said Dolphy.

Wayne Jolly, a sixth-form student at Jamaica College and the president of the school's Interactive Club, was also dedicated to the cause.

"Cleaning the beach adds a lot of value to the environment. At first, I was a bit hesitant because I had to wake up early to volunteer, but seeing how important it is and the difference it made, I am happy I volunteered," said Jolly.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Some volunteers tried to add some fun to their day by running a competition to see who could collect the most garbage dumped by persons with no national pride.

Marie Powell, the site coordinator and marketing consultant for Pioneer Manufacturing and Distribution Company Limited, underscored the importance of ridding the coast of the garbage.

"We will actually collate and count the items collected today, and as the distributors for Garnier, a L'Oreal brand that is known for the environment, this fits in very well with our objectives," said Powell.

"This day is very important because from here, we can give statistics to many different bodies in Jamaica to use to lobby the Government and other agencies on the importance of keeping our beaches clean," added Powell.

More than 9,000 persons had registered to take part in yesterday's coastal clean-up.

andrew.harris@

gleanerjm.com