AT least 25 businesses and charitable organisations have committed to partnering with the St Ann Municipal Corporation to maintain verges across the parish.

The Adopt-A-Verge programme, which is being carried out under the theme “Transforming grassy patches into beautiful native gardens,” is expected to be carried out across the 16 divisions in the parish.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis, who conceptualised the programme, told those in attendance at the launch of the project recently at Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, that he was happy that many businesses are already on board to beautify the parish.

“We have some 25 companies, some national, some local which have committed to supporting this programme,” Belnavis stated, commending the businesses for wanting to be a part of the programme.

He said the programme will return St Ann to its former beauty and is hoping that some of the verges would have received some attention before Christmas.

Each councillor in the St Ann Municipal Corporation has identified potential areas for beautification in their divisions, however, Belnavis said companies can also make suggestions of areas they would like to adopt.

Some organisations have already named areas they wish to address. One main area to be addressed will be the roundabout where the North-South leg of the highway connects to Mammee Bay. The Rotary Club of Ocho Rios has plans in place to adopt the area. Beautification of the area will be done in two phases.

A number of other organisations, including hotels and fast-food restaurants, have also indicated areas they intend to adopt.

Claudiah Carter, acting CEO of the St Ann Municipal Corporation, said she was also “heartened by the number of businesses which have supported the programme”.

She explained at the launch that there were a number of benefits that the programme will bring to the parish. These include the greening of local streets, increasing and fostering biodiversity and preventing illegal dumping.

She said the St Ann Municipal Corporation will provide the technical expertise needed to perform the required work on verges and will also monitor the development of the verges. The Municipal Corporation will also make recommendations towards maintenance and will engage different forestry agencies to provide plants and trees at a minimal cost.

The Municipal Corporation is expected to engage in public education to ensure plants are protected, she said.

Meanwhile, Belnavis urged businesses across the major towns to paint their places of operation before Christmas.