Volunteers clean up Canouan

Clean up, Clean up! Everybody Clean Up! This was the message being sounded around Canouan Island recently as the Canouan Green Team supported by employees from CCA Ltd and Canouan Resort prepared to launch the 2010 “Clean Up Canouan” Campaign.{{more}}

The campaign in its 3rd year now was inspired by the Clean Up the World Initiative that “mobilizes an estimated 35 million volunteers from 120 countries annually, making it one of the largest community-based environmental campaigns in the world. The campaign brings together businesses, community groups, schools, governments and individuals in a range of activities and programs that positively improve local environments.” (www.cleanuptheworld.org)

Volunteers from across the island came out in support of this great event wearing their brightly colored campaign T-shirts & gloves sponsored by CCA Ltd, the construction and maintenance company based on the Island. Many other local businesses in Canouan and on mainland generously donated supplies or provided discounts on supplies for this initiative, that the whole Island – locals, expats and visitors stand to benefit from. Different areas were targeted through the rain and shine and by the afternoon there was a real sense of achievement when work was done, the streets looked clean, and those that gave their time and energy to this environmental effort were provided with a well deserved BBQ.

Of course, the Clean Up Campaign is just one day in the year, but keeping our immediate and surrounding environment tidy is and should be the responsibility of every person, every day. The Canouan Green Team, a group of green-minded residents and workers, who are dedicated to improving and maintaining their environment, are keen to instill this mindset in the whole community through educational programs, other initiatives similar to this and policy enforcement.

The Canouan Green team would like to say a big thank you to every volunteer which took part and to the businesses which supported the event by providing either discounted or donated refreshments, food and other necessary items. Special thanks to Canouan Foods, Rebecca’s Supermarket, Miss Sandy’s, Canouan Island Council, CK Greaves, Mountain Top, Vincy Natural, Oral Forde & Moussa & Sons. We are grateful to Tamarind Beach Hotel which prepared the sandwiches and to Lynette Samuel and Junior Stevens who manned the BBQ & for essential tools & manpower and vehicles special thanks to the Warehouse and Landscaping Departments at CCA Ltd & Canouan Resort.