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EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Marianne Van Steen, along with representatives from EU Member States Embassies – Belgium, France, Germany and Spain, led the team of over 130 volunteers, including staff of the EU Delegation and family members, youth advocates from the University of the West Indies Guild - External Affairs Committee, Caribbean Maritime Institute, Earth Ambassadeurs, and members of the Port Royal community in the beach cleanup activity. Together they collected approximately 870 lbs of garbage.

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Global statistics reveal that plastics make up approximately 80% of litter that ends up in the ocean or on coastlines, adversely affecting tourism, fishery industries, naval transport, and biodiversity.

Ambassador Van Steen stressed the importance of protecting coastal areas.

“In a country like Jamaica, we are privileged to witness the beauty of the coastal areas and the richness of marine life. However, we understand that preserving this natural treasure is not just about protection; it's about ongoing maintenance, education, and ensuring the well-being of the communities that call these areas home. It's also crucial for people to realise that marine pollution and ocean clean-up efforts are intricately linked to our own well-being. The fish we eat can carry the burden of marine pollution, and when we consume them, it affects us directly. Our commitment to cleaning our oceans is, in essence, a commitment to our own health,” she shared.

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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator  Matthew Samuda  who was also in attendance, shared similar sentiments. He noted that the government is working to improve the country’s solid waste and sewage management system.

“If we don't stop garbage from going into our waterways then it ends up back on our beaches. The government is very concerned about this issue and is working to rectify it. Last year we bought 50 new garbage trucks and are committed to purchasing another 50 this year,” he adds “we are also investing billions of dollars to ensure that we expand the Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant. This upgrade will enable the plant to efficiently process and responsibly manage up to 22 percent more of sewage from Kingston and St. Andrew. This should significantly contribute to our environmental preservation efforts,” the Minister said.

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Climate change and urban renewal are priority areas of focus under the EU’s current programme of support to the Government of Jamaica