International Coastal Clean-Up 2017- Hart's Cut

Hart’s Cut, Chaguaramas was the Ministry of Planning and Development’s location for the 2017 International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) event. The activity, which was held on September 16, 2017 was conducted in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL), and at twenty-four (24) other sites across Trinidad and Tobago by other entities.

The ICC is a global data collection exercise with an objective of removing trash and marine debris from beaches and waterways in an effort to help restore the integrity of the marine environment. The data collected is utilised for public awareness and sensitization programmes, mapping trends over the years and policy development. 

The Ministry of Planning and Development, as the Ministry with responsibility for the environment continued to be the largest local monetary sponsor of the event. The combined efforts from the members of staff from the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD), the Communications Department, the Central Statistical Office (CSO), and other divisions of the Ministry, along with the volunteers from the SWMCOL collectively resulted in the removal of 884lbs of garbage from the bay. The most unusual items collected included plastic veneer strips used for interior decorative purposes, an audio headset, an oil filter, a wooden stool, a paint tin, and dental floss.

 Special thanks to all volunteers who generously gave of their time and worked harmoniously towards the achievement of trash free seas, and for embodying the Ministry of Planning and Development’s ICC theme, ‘Environmental Pride is National Pride’.