The Tribune

The Sandals Foundation collected 390 pounds of garbage in 39 bags, picked up by more than 49 volunteers, across New Providence and Great Exuma last Saturday during International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2013.

Sandals Foundation volunteers from Sandals Emerald Bay, and community volunteers, cleaned up Farmers Hill Beach, clearing it of trash, oil canisters and other debris.

Sandals Royal Bahamian volunteers tackled the shoreline in the Stokes Cabana area, near the boat ramp. Both groups were surprised by the amount of litter deposited along the shoreline.

The Sandals Foundation spent $3,500 to facilitate clean-ups in both the Bahamas and Jamaica.

“We are very pleased with the support we received on ICC Day, especially from members of nearby communities. It is important that we understand the effects the population has on our precious environment, and live by example to spread awareness of the possible destruction and what we can do to prevent it,” said Heidi Clarke, director of programmes at the Sandals Foundation.

“What was also great to see was the number of corporate partners who came on board and volunteered at the clean-up sites across Jamaica. Together, we can all work to make a positive and sustainable difference in our communities, and to our environment.”

Started by the Ocean Conservancy in Texas, USA, ICC is the largest one-day volunteer event in the world with more than 100 countries participating annually.