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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Grand Bahama
Freeport, Bahamas – Members of the Keep Grand Clean Committee (KGBC) were thrilled with last month’s ‘Earth Day’ efforts amongst the local community. According to KGBC Chairperson, Nakira Wilchcombe, “this year’s theme, ‘Mobilizing the Earth’ was embraced locally by the concept of ‘Mobilizing Grand Bahama’ to become active rather than inactive.” The ‘Earth Day’ celebrations officially kicked off on April 21st with an extensive coastal clean-up of the William’s Town Beach, from east to west. Volunteers were out in full force, including Royal Bank and Finco, Ministry of Tourism, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force and its Rangers, residents, and Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee Members. Moving on to assist some of the island’s primary schools, civic organizations and corporate businesses responded overwhelmingly by lending a helping hand to various institutions on the island to clean, plant trees, paint and beautify. “Those who participated showed their commitment by volunteering to assist various communities, by being a part of the solution, being mobile in their efforts and by spreading the real message of why ‘Earth Day’ is indeed a celebration,” Wilchcombe added. Members of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Volunteers group took up the charge and assisted with manicuring of the lawn and pressure cleaning the roof at Freetown Primary School. According to GBPA Volunteers’ President, Lucretia Sands, her team of fellow employees were absolutely thrilled to be able to assist. “GBPA’s mission statement begins with the words, ‘To better the lives of the Grand Bahama community’, today we are fulfilling that statement as we once again reach out to aid persons throughout the island,” she said.
Several groups followed suit on the western end of the island. Nebo’s Lodge #21 and We Can were visible with tree planting and donations of parking stoppers at West End Primary, whilst the Lupus Bahamas planted flowers and gave donations at Lewis Yard Primary. Corporate citizen, the Grand Bahama Shipyard also engaged in a full morning of cleaning at the Martin Town Primary School. Schools within the city also benefited from the altruistic efforts as the Lions Club of Freeport planted fruit trees at the Beacon School and the Pilot & Anchor Club of Lucaya collected litter, cleaned and painted classrooms at Walter Parker Primary School. Landscaping and the donation of paint supplies were given to Freeport Primary School by staff members and friends of Grand Bahama Nature Tours, whilst Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity lent a helping hand at the Maurice Moore Primary School with tree planting and litter collection. Hugh Campbell Primary School was the recipient of the generosity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. who planted a tree. Similarly, the Grand Bahama Branch of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas planted trees at Mary Star Primary School. Reflecting on similar support given to simultaneous clean-up efforts during KGBC’s fifth anniversary in October 2011, Wilchcombe commended all who participated. “We are truly thankful for the support of so many individuals and organizations who gave of their time and energy to preserve and protect our environment and to assist in keeping Grand Bahama clean. Regardless of whether it was a neighbourhood or coastal clean-up, litter collection, beautification, or tree planting exercise, a heartfelt thank you is extended to each and every one who participated,” she expressed. Going forward, “let’s be committed to continuing to celebrate ‘Earth Day’, every day,” Wilchcombe urged. “Not because someone is watching, not because it’s the ‘in thing’ to do, but because we see the bigger picture – that it’s my business and my responsibility to Keep Grand Bahama Clean: our lifestyles, our economy, and our future, depend on it.”
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