The Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association (AHTA) is calling on local hotels, civic organisations, businesses and conservation groups to participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s Annual International Coastal Clean-up Day on Saturday September 20th.

Over the last four years AHTA has sought to mobilize Antiguan and Barbudan residents, service organizations, church groups, civic groups and local businesses to take part in the worldwide initiative that seeks to ensure trash free beaches and oceans for future generations.

AHTA General Manager, Neil Forrester, is petitioning for local organizations to participate and adopt a beach for the annual clean up.

“We promote our 365 beaches to the world and our tag line is ‘the beach is just the beginning’. Now we have to live up to that saying and ensure that our beaches are pristine and healthy. And not just for tourists, but for residents alike,” the AHTA general manager said.

He added, “I am particularly urging not only tourism related businesses but also civic society to take part, this not only concerns the health of the nation, but the health of our industry. Adopt a beach, clean it up and make a difference.”

Stakeholders only primed to participate in the coastal clean up include the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) and American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA). AUA College of Medicine lead by AUA AMSA student group has already committed to cleaning Fort James beach.

“Recovering debris before it makes its way to waterways and the ocean is vitally important. It isn’t just an issue for marine life, but for the nation and its people. Remember that we visit the beaches and consume its bounty,” stated Dr Karron James. President of the EAG.

Last year, the effort was led by the AHTA’s Scholarship recipients and cleaned half a dozen local beaches in partnership with several civic groups. The local volunteers joined with over 640,000 volunteers internationally, collecting 12,329,332 pounds of trash. The AHTA is hoping to exceed last year’s effort and clean many more beaches this year.

For further information and to participate in the “Ocean Conservancy Annual International Coastal Clean-up Day”, call the AHTA office 462-0374