Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5744/-1/140/
|
Johnno Beach Clean-Up Launched
|
The 2008 Johnno Beach Clean-up Campaign was launched in Anguilla on Tuesday this week in a continuing effort to preserve the beauty and attraction of the island’s world-class beaches.
|
|
Leroy Martinez, Johnno and Stephenie Brooks
|
The annual event, which is sponsored by Digicel, also provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations raising funds for community or other worthy causes to earn some useful money – up to US $5.00 - for each bag of refuse collected for disposal.
Anguilla’s Country Manager for Digicel, Stephanie Brooks, told a press briefing that the company had undertaken to donate US$4,000 to the beach clean-up, one thousand dollars more than its contribution last year, due to the rising costs involved and the increasing number of persons and groups likely to participate.
“It is Digicel’s third year of sponsorship in a row and we are very pleased to support this very special initiative which is near and dear to the hearts of not only the residents of Anguilla but tourists again,” she told the media personnel.
The campaign is a joint undertaking by John Edwards, proprietor of Johnno Beach Bar and Restaurant at Sandy Ground, and Leroy Martinez, well known community service activist.
“Years ago Leroy and I came up with this plan and we have been working hard to keep funds in the account to continue the work,” Johnno said. “We are hoping that one of these days that we will be able to carry the campaign all through the year if possible, but the mighty dollar is not always there.
“We are therefore very happy to be working with Digicel again and hoping that a little more money can be put towards the cause. We are also hoping that other persons on the island who are aware of the importance of clean beaches would help us in whatever way they can.”
Ms Brooks endorsed that suggestion stating that the beaches are being enjoyed by everyone, locals and tourists alike, and are one of the island’s natural resources “that we need to preserve, cherish and take care of.” She added: “I want to thank Johnno and Leroy for giving Digicel the opportunity to sponsor this project and we look forward to continuing this relationship into the future.”
Mr. Martinez commented: “Once again Digicel has proven that it is a good corporate citizen by supporting this programme. It has been very, very successful over the years. We are all excited about starting again and we would like to invite tourists and other persons visiting the island to also participate.”
The Clean-up campaign will be taking on as many beaches as possible throughout the island. It is likely to commence shortly at Island Harbour Bay where Festival Del Mar is due to be held on March 22 and 23. Othlyn Vanterpool, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Festival, has already sought the assistance of Digicel in this respect, a matter that can now be undertaken through the Johnno Clean-up Campaign and the groups involved in the work.