SLIDE SHOW: (Photo 1)KFC mascot, ‘Chicky’, helped in spreading the message of keeping the environment clean to West Grand Bahama students gathered for a special presentation by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation during ‘National Coastal Awareness Month’ in Grand Bahama; (PHOTO 2) After an impressive display of their coastal awareness knowledge, Bartlett Hill Primary School students, Justin Pratt and Taresha Gelin, were awarded KFC gift certificates for their winning performance. Making the presentation was: Nakira Wilchcombe, KGBC Chairperson (left) and Carla Wildgoose, KFC Marketing Manager (right), along with KFC mascot, ‘Chicky’. KGBC and KFC were invited by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation to participate in ‘National Coastal Awareness Month’ activities on Grand Bahama; (PHOTO 3) KGBC Chairperson, Nakira Wilchcombe, enjoyed an interchange with students as she joined the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in making special presentations on the importance of protecting our coastal environment.

Students of Bartlett Hill, Holmes Rock, Martin Town and West End Primary Schools, gathered in the Eight Mile Rock High School gymnasium to enjoy interactive presentations by Tourism and KGBC officials.

The morning’s event began with a video, ‘Under the Sea’, complete with a special appearance by popular children’s cartoon character ‘Sponge Bob Square Pants’.  The short film gave the students a firsthand look at the colorful undersea wonders surrounding us.

The poignant message was carried over in a vivid PowerPoint presentation, illustrating some of the ill effects of coastal and marine pollution, by KGBC Chairperson, Nakira Wilchcombe.

After leading the students in a spirited chant, “keep your environment clean everyday and it will grow, grow, grow,” Wilchcombe imparted an important reminder.

“I want you to share this message with your parents and friends of why it’s so important to protect our coasts.  One of the main things that hurt our environment is garbage and that is one thing we have to make sure that we, as children and adults, don’t contribute to,” she urged.”

Joining MOTA and KGBC in spreading the coastal awareness message was Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) who serves as an official corporate partner of the ‘Keep Grand Bahama Clean’ initiative.  Along with entertaining the kids, KFC mascot, ‘Chicky’, used visual aids to demonstrate how everybody can help keep the environment clean by tossing used food containers and cups into garbage bins.

Renamae Symonette, Manager of Community Tourism, MOTA, thanked all of the partners who helped in spreading this month’s message.  “We have already hosted a Green workshop and are doing much to heighten the awareness of protecting our coastal resources both for visitors and residents,” Symonette said.

As the month progresses, MOTA intends to spread their coastal awareness message to other schools, with presentations planned for Primary Schools in East Grand Bahama and Freeport/Lucaya.

Along with celebrating ‘National Coastal Awareness Month’, KGBC is gearing up for the worldwide observance of ‘Earth Day’ on Thursday, April 22^nd.  Grand Bahama businesses and residents are invited to share in a show of solidarity by participating in a ‘Lights Off’ exercise, 9am – 9:10am, on April 22^nd.

Additionally, KGBC plans to re-launch an aluminum cans recycling program on the island and develop a ‘Keep Grand Bahama Clean Junior Club’ amongst Primary Schools.  “The formation of such a program is intended to prepare students to become ambassadors to protect their surroundings and communities,” Wilchcombe explained.