By Kenicia Francis
Adopt-a-Coastline, a local non-profit that aims to preserve the country’s natural beauty, recently partnered with various youth organisations to hold another beach clean-up, tree-planting, and picnic bench installation exercise.
On Monday, youth representatives from the Department of Youth Affairs, the University of the West Indies, and Theopania School of Dance came out to plant 10 coconut palms and 10 seagrape trees at Pensioners Beach amid celebrations for National Youth Week.
They also collected 15 24-gallon bags and one 62-gallon bag of trash from the beach, which was all taken away by the National Solid Waste Management Authority.
Esquire Henry, a Caricom ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda and a keen Adopt-a-Coastline supporter, told Observer, “We witnessed over 20-something volunteers who came out to show their support in keeping the coastline clean, as well contributing to planting the trees, and we had persons as young as five who came out and were fully involved.”
He continued, “The day itself went really well. We had 20 fruit trees which we planted along the coastline. When they grow and the roots get connected within the sand, it’ll play a major role in keeping the sand intact and preventing erosion. It would also be a source of food and shelter.”
Henry said the new trees had stood strong during Tropical Storm Ernesto on Tuesday.
He explained that the volunteers hoped to continue their efforts along other beaches.
“It’s very important. It contributes to our economy and the environment in so many different ways. That for me was the highlight of the day; being able to plant the trees and seeing the young persons of ages five and six being so excited to contribute to climate action. That really put a smile on my face and it’s a big motivational factor,” he added.
Other activities for Youth Week include a hike, a fitness jam, and a skills training day.
