WITH 25 BEACHES across Barbados being affected by the sargassum seaweed, a call is being made for volunteers to join a national clean-up effort on May 2 and 3, beginning at 6 a.m. each day.
Beaches earmarked for cleaning are Skeetes Bay, River Bay, Consett Bay, Bathsheba, Cattle Wash/Barclays Beach, Long Beach, Silver Sands, Foul Bay and Crane Beach.
Persons interested in participating in the effort, being coordinated by the National Conservation Commission (NCC) and the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU).
However, mechanical equipment is not permitted on the beaches without permission from the NCC.
In addition, persons, groups or organisations interested in cleaning beaches at locations not listed above are asked to contact the NCC by Monday to arrange for the collection of the seaweed.
The NCC is also appealing to corporate Barbados to assist with the success of this initiative by encouraging staff members to participate in the effort.
“Corporate entities may wish to consider selecting a particular beach and arrange for their staff to assist in the clean-up effort under the banner or colours of their organisation,” NCC management stated.
In addition, the NCC is also requesting support through the provision of haulage trucks to assist with the collection and transportation of the seaweed to designated sites.
The Commission is also seeking donations of hand rakes, gloves, garbage bags, dusk masks, bottle water and refreshments for volunteers.
Other beaches affected by seaweed are Morgan Lewis, Long Pond, Bell Air’s Beach, Lakes, Martin’s Bay, Bath Beach, Culpepper, Chancery Lane, Enterprise, Oistins, Welches, Dover Beach, Rockley, Hastings and Drill Hall.
The Ministry of the Environment and Drainage, through the NCC, the Drainage Unit, the CZMU, and the Ministry of Transport and Works, have also been working to clear the beaches of the seaweed for locals and visitors. (BGIS)
