The Department of Environment successfully concluded its Annual Coastal Cleanup event, a collaborative effort that brought together 240 students and 16 teachers from across St. Kitts to tackle pollution along the island’s coastlines. This year’s cleanup drew Social Studies and Geography students from secondary schools and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, providing them with hands-on experience in environmental conservation.
Volunteers gathered early at six designated beaches, including Dieppe Bay, Conaree Beach, Hermitage Bay, North Frigate Bay, Keys Beach, and the Industrial Site Bay. Students and teachers focused on categorising collected waste into groups such as plastics, glass, and general refuse. Each category was recorded and weighed to contribute valuable data for the Department’s ongoing environmental impact assessments.
Following the cleanup, students assembled at Frigate Bay Lawn for a debrief with Ministry of Environment officials. Addressing the participants, Permanent Secretary Colincia Levine and Department Director Derionne Edmeade praised the students’ commitment and emphasised the importance of youth-led conservation initiatives. “The enthusiasm shown by our students today is a testament to their commitment to protecting our environment,” Edmeade said, stressing that engaging young people in such activities lays the foundation for a sustainable future.
The cleanup effort aligns with broader environmental commitments, including the Sustainable Island State Agenda for St. Kitts and Nevis, the impending federal ban on single-use plastics, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14, Life Below Water. By actively involving youth, the initiative aims to instil a long-term commitment to eco-friendly practices and deepen awareness of the impact of pollution on climate change and marine biodiversity.
The event was a joint effort with support from KOSCAB St. Kitts Ltd., the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and The Chipeen Volunteer Center, illustrating the value of cross-sector partnerships in addressing environmental challenges.
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