Volunteer group extends clean-up campaign beyond Kingston Seawall

Seawalls and Beyond – a volunteer group that has been carrying out frequent clean-up activities at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown – has announced that it will be taking a break from works there and will be exploring other areas in need. The group expressed that it is happy to have provided its services where it saw a dire need in July 2020.
“Our results and impact speak for us. Today the Kingston Seawalls are frequented by more persons as they enjoy a cleaner beach. Our satisfaction is in seeing families, couples and especially children enjoying the space. We trust that the clean environs will be respected by all who use the space.”
Seawalls and Beyond assured that it will continue its advocacy, public education and awareness. It said that it will also continue celebrating the beauty of the seasides through photography, and other activities as needed.

Govt support
It, however, noted that citizens have an important role to play in keeping the seawalls clean by not littering or dumping waste next to and into waterways and on public spaces.
According to the volunteer group, “Ocean trash, poor waste management practices and environmental pollution and degradation remain major problems and we will advocate for these to be addressed seriously on the national agenda. If these problems are not addressed urgently, the impact on human health, well-being and livelihoods, as well as on the environment, including all lifeforms, are in grave danger. The time to address these issues is now, not later.”
On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, Seawalls and Beyond disclosed that it was represented at a multi-stakeholder meeting convened by the Office of the First Lady. Last month, First Lady Arya Ali joined the group for a clean-up exercise at the Kingston Seawall during which she donated a number of much-needed supplies, including pitchforks, spades, buckets, and brooms.
During that meeting, three Government Ministers, and heads and representatives of relevant agencies, as well as the Police Force gave commitments and made decisions going forward.
“Other important decisions will also be forthcoming at the Cabinet-level and public pronouncements will be made. A number of Private Sector entities and the Tourism and Hospitality Association will be providing major support as well,” the group added.
It continued, “Major contracts will soon be in place for the complete maintenance and cleaning of the area after an absence for some time. The contracts include cleaning of the beach – that is, up to 100 feet on the seaward side, in addition to weeding and cleaning on the landward side.
Also, Seawalls and Beyond volunteers are open to being part of a possible management committee for the Georgetown Seawalls.”
The volunteer group reported that relevant Government authorities and agencies will be taking a more hands-on approach in the responsibilities of the Georgetown Seawall with immediate effect. Further, it said that with the Georgetown Seawall identified as a key feature for domestic tourism, the Kingston Bandstand area will soon see major improvements with an upcoming beautification project starting in November – Tourism Awareness Month.
“We thank you all for your support and will continue to be in service to the seasides, the ocean and nature as a whole. We will consider lending a helping hand as we identify needs in other under-served locations. Individual volunteers may choose to continue to lend support at Kingston if they so desire. After all, we are lovers of the seaside and of nature! And where will we be seen next? Keep following!”

Logo
Seawalls and Beyond has unveiled its official logo which it says incorporates Guyana’s rich brown coastal waters (‘waters below’) that built the coastal plain over millions of years. The logo also captures the abundant freshwater sources (‘the waters above’ – clouds, rainfall and rivers which are represented in white); our fertile beaches and soil (represented in a different shade of brown), and our clean fresh air (represented in blue).
The shape of a fish can be seen in the brown – representing the creatures of the sea, and the shape of a bird can be seen in the white, representing the birds of the sea and coasts. All of these are within a heart of love and reaching outwards depicting that the group is made up of lovers of the seaside and nature.