Beautification Task Force Supports Earth Day Initiative

The Ministry of Tourism & Ports in conjunction with the Beautification Task Force (BTF), offered support to the annual Earth Day Clean Up organised by the Chamber of Commerce on Saturday (22nd April).

The Ministry sponsored the post event brunch and event t-shirts while the Task Force solicited approximately 80 volunteers from the various districts and Cayman Brac. The BTF teams retrieved litter from roadsides and beaches, removing over 125 bags of trash and other debris.

Minister for Tourism and Ports, the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, congratulated the Chamber of Commerce saying, “I wholeheartedly support the Chamber in its continuing efforts to keep Cayman clean, but I want to encourage the public to remain vigilant beyond Earth Day activities. We must continue monitoring our neighbourhoods and communities in order to maintain a clean and healthy surrounding for all to enjoy. Eliminating the litter culture can only happen when the entire country comes together, and takes accountability for our environment.”

The Beautification Task Force, led by Chairperson Theresa Lewis-Pitcairn and Heather Bodden as the Parliamentary representative to the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, is tasked with reporting illegal dumping, illegal garages and derelict vehicles. The group is also working with several Government entities whose legislation oversees aspects of littering and public health to make recommendations for policy revision.

Parliamentary Secretary, Heather Bodden participated in the clean-up commenting, “I want to thank everyone who came out to tidy our islands. I am so proud of our many volunteers, who worked so hard to remove over 100 bags of trash from our streets.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that civic pride is lacking, and I think it really comes down to caring about our fellow man because we all share this environment. If everyone took the time to ensure trash is neatly disposed of, and their yards and garbage receptacles are cleaned, I believe we will be heading in the right direction,” she added.

The Task Force teams concentrated on numerous areas including;

• West Bay Cemetery, Gavin Park and Tiki Beach in West Bay;

• Shedden Road and Crewe Road in George Town;

• Behind the Savannah Post Office, Hirst Road, North Sound Estates, Homestead Crescent and Shamrock Road in Savannah;

• Monument Road, Coe-Wood Beach and Kipling Street in Bodden Town;

• Sea View Road and John McClean Road in East End.

• Frank Sound junction and Old Man Bay Dock in North Side;

• And Scott’s Dock and West End Cemetery in Cayman Brac.