MULLET BAY--In comparison to last year far less trash was collected at Mullet Bay Beach during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held this past Saturday morning.
Preliminary figures show that while 2,894.5 kilos of trash had been collected at the conclusion of last year's cleanup, this year the figure was far less at 1,674 kilos collected.
More than 514 individuals volunteered this year, collecting 103 bags of trash. Last year more than 511 volunteers collected 158 bags of trash.
"The fact that less trash is visible on the shoreline and in the nearby bushes can be attributed to the decision by our government to award trash collector Leonard Enterprises the contract to clean up Mullet Bay Beach on a daily or weekly basis," noted St. Maarten Pride Foundation President Jadira Veen.
She applauded Leonard Enterprises for its efforts in keeping the sand clean and nearby bushes in good condition. However, she pointed out a particular area on the beach frequently used by local residents where a significant amount of trash had been found, including two mattresses that had to be hauled away.
"Pride Foundation has spoken over the years about creating a 'Beach Authority' or a Department of Beaches to manage and patrol all our beaches, with Litter Wardens or Beach/Coastal Inspectors to patrol every day making sure the beaches are clean, giving out fines to those littering, and monitoring illegal activities such as crime and illegal walking vendors who harass tourists with selling items and timeshare," said Veen.
While thanking the various volunteer groups and sponsors, she noted the participation of Members of Parliament Frans Richardson and Jules James. "Bravo, everyone, and much respect to all the volunteers who came out on an early morning to collect trash as a community event and to help our coastal and ocean environment," Veen concluded.
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