Garbage skips strengthen waste management at St. Ann's Bay Fisherman's Beach

Fisherman's Beach in St. Ann's Bay, St. Ann, has received two garbage skips under a joint effort to improve how waste is handled at the coastal space and to support environmental care.

The undertaking brought together Sandals, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, who is also Member of Parliament for St. Ann North Eastern, marked the occasion by unveiling a mural focused on proper disposal habits and life along the coast.

At the May 22 handover, Minister Samuda said cleanliness is central to the future of the area. "The St. Ann's Bay Fishing Beach, as many would know it, is indeed a special place. It's a unique heritage site and has significant economic potential for the residents who live here and work and operate in the space. But the very basis of that economic potential has to be a clean environment, (and) a safe environment," he said.

He thanked Sandals for its role, saying private-sector collaboration remains important to Jamaica's environmental targets and to upgrading community facilities.

Daniel Heaven, Public Cleansing Manager at North Eastern Parks and Markets, said the donation fits into wider work to cut plastic waste, safeguard marine life and make public areas healthier. "As we are on the verge of the sea, it is important that we protect the ocean. Based on the waste characterization that has been done...there's a lot of plastics in our ocean, we're trying to curb it as best as we can," he stated.

Sandals Royal Plantation General Manager Omar Robinson said the effort shows the company's ongoing support for community improvement and environmental stewardship. He urged residents to make use of the skips and dispose of garbage properly. "There's a solid waste problem on the island, so we want to encourage the residents of these communities to use them (garbage skips)," he stated.

Sandals Foundation Executive Manager Heidi Clarke also appealed to residents to see the skips as part of protecting the future. "Every time a piece of paper goes from our shores to our reefs, it interferes with fishermen, it interferes with tourism, it interferes with our health and what we are eating. So, please bear that in mind, because this is for you, this is for your children and their future," she said.