SANDALS Negril and Beaches Negril commemorated World Oceans Day 2026 on June 8 by hosting an educational beach clean-up at Norman Manley Sea Park Beach.

This brought together students from Negril Primary School, representatives of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and Western Parks and Markets (WPM), the regional arm of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

The initiative blended environmental stewardship with interactive learning as participants worked to remove litter from the shoreline while discussing the importance of protecting Jamaica’s marine ecosystems.

The day’s activities concluded with students making personal ocean conservation pledges and colouring aquatic animals, reinforcing the message that preserving the environment begins with individual action.

Aniska Christie-Bruno, community relations officer for WPM, praised the initiative as she argued that, “this was one of the most worthwhile clean-up sessions we have ever had.”

Regional public relations manager for Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril Ashley Simms said engaging young people remains a critical part of the resorts’ sustainability efforts.

“What better way to help protect our oceans than to instil these values in the future generation? Initiatives like this reinforce the importance of ocean preservation,” Simms said.

According to Simms, buy combining environmental action with education, the World Oceans Day observance highlighted the importance of partnerships in fostering a culture of sustainability and empowering the next generation to become responsible stewards of Jamaica’s beaches and marine life.