International Coastal Cleanup
Day 2009 at
Xanadu a success,
by Gail Woon
On September 19th,
2009 children from various schools on Grand Bahama Island: Mary
Star of the Sea School, Hugh Campbell Primary School, St. Vincent de
Paul School, Freeport Junior High School and Bishop Michael Eldon School
gathered to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup Day at
Xanadu Beach. We also were assisted by members of the Grand Bahama
Committee for Concerned Residents. Zone Captains, Gail Woon (EARTHCARE)
and Cecilia Bodie (Bahamas National Trust) welcomed the eager students.
After being briefed on how
to fill out the data cards and what sorts of items should not be touched,
the groups of 4 and 5 set out to clean the beach. The Ocean Conservancy
based in Washington, D.C. coordinates the massive worldwide data gathering
effort. The types of marine debris found in each area are noted
on data cards and the results are tabulated to form a global report
each year.
This year the majority of marine
debris items consisted of debris from shoreline and recreational activities
such as fast food containers and debris from beach-goers. There
were a variety of beverage bottles, cups, plates, forks etc. Notable
items included underwear, tennis shoes, clothes hamper, a syringe, condoms,
diapers and electrical wire. Discarded fishing gear included fishing
line, nets, traps and rope.
The children were careful to
separate the aluminum cans for recycling at Presto Recycling on Queen’s
Highway.
Gail Woon, a Zone Captain was
impressed by the turnout. “The weather was looking like rain
at 8 am yet the students were out in full force. We have to thank
the teachers, parents and anyone who helped to get the students out
to all of the 12 beaches on Grand Bahama Island this year. This
effort would not happen without your help and support.”
Participants this year at Xanadu
Beach include:
Mary Star had our largest group
and quite possibly the most experienced with many of the students being
seasoned ICC beach cleaners.
Mary Star of the
Sea School Grade 6 Guides were: Anessa Prince, Raymona Estevez,
Lanae Desir, D’nia Freeman, Latess Bartlett, Briann Neely, Blair Russell,
Malique Ferguson, Isis Roberts, Kenisha Knowles, Breanna Smith, and
Kadijah Francis. Grade 6, Mary Star students were: Kadeira
Burrows, Cameron Hepburn, Ekive hanna, O’Neil Pinder, Mateo Rolle,
Leonardo Robinson, Tinellyah, Turlah Laing, Tara Bain, Shavonne Newton,
Adam Been, Sarah Gibbs and Gregory Cooper. Mary Star Brownies
included: Kristaleah Hall, Ariyanne Kelly, Beyonce Wells, Christian
H., Tanae Farquharson, Havan Gibson, Savanna Gibson, Kourtni Pinder,
Paige Russell, Deshea Stubbs and Tayja Atkinson. Mary Star Sunflowers
were: Maeve McCrea and Caitlyn Harris.
Hugh Campbell Primary School
always supports this cleanup effort. Teachers: Francina
Brennen, Sophia Thompson and Desiree Adderley supervised their students:
Natayo Forbes, Charity Monestime, Christa Adderely, Tara Neilly, Devonte
Gibbs, Charone Jenkins, Danielle Wallace, Ricquell Simmons and Franz
Muller.
The Grand Bahama Committee
for Concerned Residents participated this year. The GBCCR
members were: Dave Barr, Paris Barr, Makeaz Mackey and Dave Barr,
Jr.
Due to a transportation glitch
the large group of
St. Vincent de Paul students were not able
to attend. However the hard core students found a way to get to
the beach and they are: Canaan, Kianna, Ambrose, Chastity, Aleksi,
Xantal, JaVaughn, Neil and Devonte. They did a great job!
Students, Devon Russell, Tremecco
Johnson and Jeff Marseille accompanied Grade 8 Intervention Teacher,
Mrs. C. Johnson of
Freeport Junior High School. The boys
helped a lot with the heavy lifting!!
Candice Woon from Grade 7 at
Bishop Michael Eldon School assisted the Zone Captains.
