A significant leap toward environmental preservation was made when the Esirom Foundation unveiled its latest initiative, the KHERI (Kingston Harbour Eco-Restoration Initiative) pontoon, on Saturday, September 16.

The launch, aligned with International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to battling plastic pollution and rejuvenating Kingston Harbour’s pristine allure.

The KHERI pontoon, a revolutionary on-water waste collection vessel, made a captivating entrance at the event. Tugged into position by a fisherman’s boat, the crew of 13 individuals seamlessly coordinated various tasks, including waste collection, navigation, safety protocols, and meticulous documentation.

The event was witnessed by significant attendance, including Audley Gordon, executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). Gordon extolled the foundation’s dedication to the Kingston Harbour clean-up, underscoring the pivotal role of partnerships in addressing waste and pollution along coastal areas. NSWMA, a crucial ally in the project, plays an integral role in solid waste collection support.

In just four hours, the outcomes were astounding. The KHERI team retrieved an impressive 817 lbs of plastic bottles and 1180 lbs of general waste, tallying up to a remarkable 1997 lbs (equivalent to 1 ton) of debris removed from the harbour. Among the items salvaged from the water were commercial freezers, stoves, furniture, car parts, bicycles, and textiles.

Khalia Hall, sustainability coordinator at Esirom Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. She said: “The KHERI initiative signifies a significant stride toward the rejuvenation of Kingston Harbour and our relentless fight against plastic pollution. Our mission is to forge a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community and environment.”

Gordon expressed appreciation, emphasising: “We take great pride in our role within this pivotal initiative to cleanse Kingston Harbour. Collaborative endeavors such as these wield tangible influence in curtailing waste and pollution in our coastal regions.”

Denzel Edwards, captain of KHERI, also shared his sentiments: “It’s a privilege to be part of the KHERI team, dedicated to ensuring Kingston Harbour’s cleanliness and safety for all,” he said.

The Esirom Foundation’s commitment to cultivating a ‘Plastic Free’ environment paved the way for a strategic alliance with the NSWMA for the Kingston Harbour Clean-up Initiative. This initiative encompasses plans to construct additional waste collector platforms, featuring a wooden platform mounted on hollow plastic drums. Regular clean-up missions will be orchestrated with unwavering support from a dedicated team, complemented by waste collection services offered by NSWMA in the aftermath of these clean-up efforts.

Hall emphasised: “The partnership with NSWMA significantly enhances our clean-up endeavours and will exert a profound impact on mitigating plastic waste in the Kingston Harbour vicinity.”

Over the past seven months, the Esirom Foundation has rolled out numerous initiatives, including the “Bring Your Own Cup” campaign during the holiday season and the Earth Hour Concert. Most recently, the foundation initiated a four-part social media series, starring fisherman and environmentalist Densel Edwards, renowned as Trevor. The series shed light on the environmental repercussions of improper waste disposal, spotlighting issues such as flags lost at sea, wrapping paper waste, and fabric litter.

Individuals intrigued by this initiative can contribute to the Esirom Foundation, enlist as volunteers through the foundation’s website or Instagram, and actively participate in forthcoming harbour clean-ups. The objective is to conduct clean-up operations twice a month, reaffirming the charity’s commitment to the sustained vitality and ecological harmony of Kingston Harbour.