Harriet Gay of the Charles F Broome Memorial Scout group (back centre) aka 'Purple Beaver' showing fellow beavers and scouts the proper way to pick up Sargassum seaweed with little sand.
By:
Terissa John
Turtle hatchlings can now make their way clearly to the open ocean after a massive 5.30 am clean up at the Richard Haynes Board Walk in Hastings.
As part of the Barbados International Coastal Clean Up (CYEN) 2016, Scouts from the Bridgetown and Southern Districts accompanied by leaders and parents made it their mission to assist and be part of this clean-up campaign on Saturday morning.
Undaunted by the task ahead scouts and parents made their way along the coastal shores gathering litter and large amounts of Sargassum seaweed, which was placed in a number of trash bags, weighed, then placed for collection.
Michelle Crawford Applewaithe of the Charles F Broome Cub Scouts Association told The Barbados Advocate, “This clean up is very important, more so, because the litter on the shores is affecting the
turtles and tourists. In making the area free of litter, turtles can come and nest on the beaches and young hatchlings can easily venture into the ocean without being embedded in some form of litter, whilst providing a confortable area for tourists to relax and enjoy our beautiful beaches.”
“I am very pleased with the amount of work we were able to do today for this campaign. This is the first year we are participating in this event nationally with the district but it is a mandatory activity for Scouts and Beavers for the Global Conservation Badge and those groups going
forward for the Mahogany award.”
“All things considered it was a great turn out and the kids had a lot of fun, whether it was picking up litter and seaweed, playing or eating the sand – the activity provided a great forum of interaction for the Beavers and Scouts.”
On a final note Applewaithe added, “I am especially grateful with the level of parent participation in this event which was an added bonus and a big help to us.”
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