The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) collaborated with the St Ann Hi-Tech Farmers Group Ltd. to conduct a beach cleanup in Discovery Bay, St Ann, and Braco, Trelawny, on Saturday, September 21.

This initiative, which formed part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day observed globally on the third Saturday in September, targeted the Red Cross Peach Beach and Scenic View Beach as well as Braco Beach.

More than 200 volunteers from several organisations, including public and private-sector employees, community-based organisations, schools, farmers’ groups, families, and friends participated in the effort. Together, they worked diligently to clear the beaches of plastics and other debris. In the end, the volunteers collected more than 2050 bags of garbage which amounted to more than 3,000 pounds in weight.

Chairman of the Brown’s Town Chapter of the JCSA, Carol Clarke, said the project made a significant impact on the cleanliness of the coastal environment.

“We are happy to do our part in ensuring a safer environment for our children’s future,” said Clarke.

“I will encourage other entities to follow suit and to do their part in assisting to maintain a healthy environment,” she added.

She also called on the Government to invest more in policies, aimed at preserving the environment and marine ecosystems.

In addition to cleaning the beaches, the JCSA has been working with sponsors and local communities to promote efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of these areas, said Clarke.

She outlined that the ongoing collaboration aims to ensure that environmental stewardship becomes a continuous practice, with residents playing an active role.

The event received support from various sponsors, such as the Grand Bahai Principe, which is a long-standing supporter. Other volunteers included members from Minott Chemicals, Century Business, Jamaica Red Cross, Brown’s Town Community College, and First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, among others.