Thousands gear up to clean Jamaica’s beaches

Over 700 volunteers are set to take part in a massive cleanup at the Palisadoes Go Kart Track in Kingston this Saturday, September 20, as part of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day.

Coordinated nationally by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), ICC Day is expected to see some 6,000 volunteers across the island lending a hand.

According to JET, more than 142 groups are preparing to lead over 200 beach cleanups in all parishes, under the rallying theme 'Sea the Change'.

"ICC Day is the largest volunteer event for the ocean, and Jamaica continues to play a big part in it," said Justin Saunders, JET's programme director.

"Every piece of trash collected matters, and the data we gather helps drive solutions - locally and globally."

Marking the 40th anniversary of ICC, Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of JET, reflected on the ongoing challenge of plastic pollution.

"This 40th anniversary of ICC is a reminder that while we've made incredible progress, the plastic crisis is far from over," she said.

Rodriguez-Moodie added, "We look forward to the day when beach cleanups aren't needed, but until then, we remain committed to protecting Jamaica's coasts and oceans. Plastic pollution is preventable, but it requires bold action from all of us. That means stopping the problem at its source - by cutting back on single-use plastics, redesigning packaging, and making more sustainable choices in how we produce and consume."

Continuing a practice from previous years, volunteers will record the types of trash they collect. This data will be submitted to Ocean Conservancy, contributing to global research and policy development aimed at tackling plastic pollution worldwide.