Canouan residents clean up beaches on weekend

Young and old abandoned their Saturday chores on September 19 on the Grenadine Island of Canouan to ensure that their homeland received a general cleaning.

The clean up was in commemoration of International Coastal Clean Up Day, which was also part of the United Nations Environment Pogramme’s (UNEP)World Clean Up Weekend.

Armed with implements such as rakes, shovels, gloves and garbage bags, President of the Canouan Island Council (CIC) Albert Ollivierre said that he was pleased with the energy of the volunteers and pointed out that the people of Canouan have been mobilizing themselves to clean up their country since 2001. He said although members of CIC and the Green Team youth football club were in the forefront of the clean up, there were many persons who cleaned up their surroundings in solidarity of the event.

Ollivierre believes that the people of Canouan are becoming more environmentally conscious, but, however, admitted that there are still a few who are hampering the progress of the willing. Ollivierre said to deter the litter bugs, the CIC will be putting up signs in conjunction with the police to notify these uncaring persons of the consequences they face when they pollute the environment.

The Canouan Island Council President said that while many persons didn’t turn out to clean up the coastline, he was, however, pleased that many ensured that they cleaned up their neighbourhoods and back yards. Ollivierre admitted that while it was a sight to see the piles of debris and old appliances discarded, this was a revelation that people were mindful of the significance of the day to clean up the island.

Representative of the Sustainable Grenadines Project Hansel Henry also mentioned how impressed he was with the clean up volunteers, but, however, expressed a desire to see more participation.

Help to make “World Clean Up Weekend” a success came from Dawles Supermarket, Reuben’s Place, Club Eclipse, Allan Alexander, the Canouan Construction Association, Raffles, Vincy Water, Gem Star, Annie Garrick, The United Nations Environment Programme, the Canouan Island Council and the Green Team.