Despite the island’s continued struggle with COVID-19, the Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group on Saturday, November 6, decided to forge ahead with its annual beach cleanup as a means of tackling one of the environmental issues currently grappling our country – pollution.
With guidance from the Jamaica Environmental Trust (JET), the team, which had to be significantly reduced to adhere to Government protocols, journeyed to Sirgany Beach in Rockfort to achieve a more sustainable environment, not only for us but also for generations to come.
“JEP has been participating in international coastal cleanup day activities for several years – a commitment we made to the environment then and upheld to this day. Despite our small numbers this year, we stand resolute in preserving our natural resources in any way we can, following pandemic protocols. Through our CSR portfolio, beach cleanup activities are highly anticipated by our staff each year. Like our other CSR initiatives, this is how we demonstrate the joy of giving back to our country”. – JEP Group President & CEO, Wayne McKenzie, OD.
Under the theme, “Keep Wi Island Clean”, volunteers sifted through garbage and debris to identify, separate and document certain items to ensure safe and appropriate removal from the coastline.
Among the most popular items found at that location included plastic bottles, plastic utensils, plastic containers, food wrappers, batteries, old appliances, lighters, plastic bottle caps, and even devices still intact. JEP Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Cherries Wiles, stated: “We [JEP] are all about environmental sustainability. It is important for us to show the importance of keeping Jamaica clean and how we show our love for our country”.
She also implored Jamaicans to do better by making a concerted effort to dispose of garbage properly and encouraged reducing, recycling and reusing plastic materials where possible.
At the end of the exercise, the team collected more than 20 bags of plastic waste. The cleanup forms a part of JEP’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).
