(CMR) As the Cayman Islands get ready to join more than one billion people worldwide in Earth Day activities on Saturday, 22 April, Minister of Tourism Kenneth Bryan is urging Caymanians to be part of the solution, not the pollution.
“As the Minister for Tourism, I know that the natural beauty of our Islands is an important factor in drawing visitation to our beloved islands. Therefore, keeping our landscape and seascapes free of litter is fundamental to maintaining our status as a world-class tourism destination,” the Minister said in his Earth Day message.
“To this end, in 2022, I worked to re-establish the Beautification Task Force with the aim of making an indelible mark on the face of our landscape. One of the major projects the Beatification Task Force is currently working on is a national anti-littering signage campaign where signs will be installed at the various ports of entry and along our beaches throughout all three Cayman Islands,” he continued.
He said that during Phase Two of the campaign, the group aims to place signs along frequently used roadways and in areas with known illegal dumping sites in every district.
“The Task Force is just one way I envision we will provide answers to the increasing problem of littering and illegal dumping we are now experiencing. I encourage individuals to invest in their homes and yards as well; commit to volunteering to improve our communities through events like the longstanding Chamber of Commerce National Clean Up, which depends on the support of businesses and private citizens,” Mr. Bryan added.
The Minister also encouraged the public to not only take care of the environment on Earth Day but to make it a part of regular activities.
“Caring for the environment has always been a part of the ethos of Caymanian heritage, so let us not wait for one time per year to do this; I encourage you to plant trees and plan neighborhood clean-ups at different times throughout the year. Amplify your impact by using social media to educate friends and family about environmental activities you may be involved in,” he said.
He explained that simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing plastic consumption by using reusable and sustainable materials, setting up recycling bins in homes, and buying sustainable clothing, can help in protecting the environment.
He encourages people to participate in advocacy groups like the Beautification Task Force, National Trust of the Cayman Islands, or Plastic Free Cayman to campaign for better sustainable business practices or for changes to our existing laws.
“If we all commit to making a meaningful investment in our planet, we will protect the well-being of our tourism products, our livelihoods, and ultimately our communities,” he stated.
“I firmly believe that keeping Cayman clean is a shared responsibility between residents, businesses, the government, and visitors alike. It is essential for us all to create a shift from a litter culture to one of civic pride in maintaining clean and healthy surroundings,” Mr. Bryan said.
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