ST ANN, Jamaica — Guided by its motto, “Protect, Restore, Educate and Engage,” the St Ann Marine Association joined communities across the island in observing International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, leading environmental efforts in the St Ann area.

According to Asha Issa, a director of the organisation, the initiative forms part of the association’s wider outreach efforts, which include plans to establish a marine sanctuary in the area.

“We are developing a sanctuary in the area from Mammee Bay to Mystic Mountain, and a part of this outreach programme is to take part in environmental activities such as International Coastal Clean Up Day. It really is very important to clean up the beaches,” Issa told Observer Online on Saturday.

The clean-up exercise was held at Roxborough Beach in St Ann’s Bay, where volunteers worked to remove waste from the coastline.

“Our aim is to restore the reefs, engage the community and to also educate the public. We had around 30 volunteers here today and we 45 bags of garbage collected which includes items such as plastic bottles mainly, glass bottles, tires, Styrofoam boxes, paper and a few appliances,” Issa disclosed.

The event marked the St Ann Marine Association’s first participation in International Coastal Cleanup Day activities, as the organisation continues its efforts to promote marine conservation and community involvement in protecting the coastal environment.