In a significant environmental initiative, the organization Energize Earth SVG executed a major cleanup operation below the Arnos Vale Bus Stop near Massy Stores this past Saturday, successfully extracting an astonishing 1,964 pounds of garbage from the area adjacent to the Warrowarrow River. This substantial waste removal effort represents a critical component of a broader educational campaign dedicated to combating littering and safeguarding vital waterways throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Financial backing for this comprehensive project is provided by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) through its Blue Tourism Initiative, with additional local support from the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) and the Solid Waste Management Unit. The campaign’s primary objective is to elevate public understanding of the direct correlation between improper waste disposal, river contamination, and marine ecosystem degradation, while simultaneously motivating citizens to embrace their role in environmental stewardship.
Despite the operation’s success, organizers expressed deep concern regarding the sheer volume of waste collected. In an official press statement, Energize Earth SVG emphasized: “The massive quantity of debris removed underscores the critical necessity for enhanced public compliance and rigorous enforcement of St. Vincent and Grenadines’ Litter Act of 1991.” The organization has committed to ongoing monitoring of the area and will continue advocating for sustainable, long-term solutions.
The multifaceted project extends beyond cleanup activities to include educational presentations at four local schools, installation of a locally manufactured waste bin at the site, and erection of an informational billboard reminding community members of their legal responsibilities under the nation’s litter legislation.
Lucinna Poyer, a director of Energize Earth SVG, contextualized the urgency: “As a nation that promotes tourism as a key economic driver, we must do better to protect our rivers, coastlines, and communities.” The Arnos Vale bus stop has been identified as one of the nation’s most problematic litter hotspots, regularly frequented by commuters whose disposal habits directly impact the area.
Twanique Barrow, Marketing and Communications Officer at NPRBA who participated in the cleanup, reported conducting frequent cleanups over recent years but expressed alarm that the situation appears to be deteriorating rather than improving. Both organizations are urging all citizens to demonstrate greater environmental responsibility by utilizing available waste receptacles.
Energize Earth SVG reaffirmed its dedication to advancing environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives across the country, with Poyer concluding: “We can all be advocates for a cleaner environment.”