In a significant environmental initiative, Trinidad and Tobago’s Coastal and Air Support Unit (TTPS) spearheaded a comprehensive beach clean-up operation across the Carenage District on January 18. The five-hour endeavor, conducted from 7 AM to noon, targeted multiple coastal areas including Tembladora Coastline, Williams Bay, and St Peter’s Bay.
The operation marked the inaugural event in a series of twelve community and public safety programs planned by the TTPS for 2026. This strategic initiative emphasizes three core pillars: enhanced public safety, proactive crime prevention, and substantive community engagement through collaborative action.
Through coordinated efforts between law enforcement and community participants, volunteers successfully removed more than 140 bags of accumulated waste from the coastline. The collected debris comprised diverse materials including discarded wood, metal fragments, abandoned tires, single-use plastic containers, and Styrofoam materials, collectively weighing over 12 volumetric tonnes.
The clean-up operation featured an impressive coalition of stakeholders, including diplomatic representation from the British High Commission through Jennifer Aoo Rogers, alongside the Island Property Owners Association, Marine Services Association, and the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism. Additional participation came from the yachting community, Chaguaramas Development Authority, and the Diego Martin Borough Corporation.
Critical logistical support was provided by several sponsors including Northern Outdoor and Tactical, Ocean Imports Caribbean, Henry’s Mini Mart and Transportation, with additional support from Assistant Superintendent Surendra Sagramsingh and Gregory Reece of Trinidad Dental.
Police officials emphasized the intrinsic connection between environmental protection and public safety, noting that well-maintained coastal areas reduce potential hazards, deter illegal dumping activities, and contribute to enhanced maritime security. The TTPS reaffirmed its commitment to holistic policing approaches that combine enforcement measures with preventive strategies and community partnerships.
The operation was conducted under the directive of Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, with strategic coordination managed by Deputy Commissioner of Operations Suzette Martin and Assistant Commissioner of Tactical Support Collis Hazel. Field execution was overseen by ASP Ag Rawle Ramharack alongside Inspectors Ronny Rampallard (Air Support Unit) and Ricardo Matas (Coastal Support Unit), with senior officers actively participating in the hands-on clean-up efforts.