Energize Earth SVG conducted a clean-up exercise below the Arnos Vale Bus Stop near Massy Stores in Arnos Vale, removing 1,964 pounds of garbage for the location near the Warrowarrow River on Saturday.
The clean-up forms part of a wider educational awareness campaign focused on reducing littering and protecting waterways in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
This project is funded by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) under the Blue Tourism Initiative, with local support from the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) and the Solid Waste Management Unit.
The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the direct link between improper waste disposal, river pollution, and marine degradation, while encouraging citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
“Despite the success of the clean-up, the large volume of waste collected highlights the urgent need for stronger public compliance and the enforcement of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Litter Act of 1991,” Energize Earth SVG said in a press statement.
“Energize Earth SVG will continue to monitor the area post clean-up and advocate for long-term solutions.”
Other activities under this project are educational talks at four schools, a locally made bin will be installed at the location as well as a billboard, reminding people of the litter act in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“As a nation that promotes tourism as a key economic driver, we must do better to protect our rivers, coastlines, and communities,” Lucinna Poyer, a director of Energize Earth SVG said.
Energize EarthSVG is encouraging everyone to be more responsible and use the bins available.
“We can all be advocates for a cleaner environment,” Poyer said.
The Arnos Vale bus stop is one of SVG’s high-litter hotspots, frequented by commuters.
Marketing and Communications Officer at NPRBA, Twanique Barrow, who participated in the clean-up, spoke of the frequent clean-up exercises that the authority has carried out over the past years, adding that she is concerned that the situation is getting worse.
The NPRBA officer is also encouraging everyone to be a responsible citizen and stop littering.
Energize Earth SVG said it remains committed to environmental education, community action, and sustainable development across the country.