IN a continuing effort to preserve the natural beauty and pristine condition of Jamaica’s beaches, the Sandals Foundation organised a clean-up of Fisherman’s Beach in St Ann’s Bay on Thursday.

A dedicated team of eight volunteers from Sandals Dunn’s River enthusiastically participated in the initiative, which focused on clearing debris and restoring the beach.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Fisherman’s Beach required significant attention due to the extensive build-up of debris. The hurricane left a trail of litter, seaweed, and various other material that marred the natural landscape and posed potential hazards to both marine life and beachgoers.

Armed with gloves, trash bags, and an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, the volunteers set to work early in the morning. Their efforts were driven by a shared passion for maintaining the natural beauty of Jamaica’s coastlines and ensuring a safe, clean environment for all.

“Fisherman’s Beach is the lifeblood of our community, providing not just a place for relaxation and recreation but also a livelihood for many of our community members,” said Deryk Meany, general manager of Sandals Dunn’s River.

“It is essential that we take proactive steps to protect and preserve it. I’m incredibly proud of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts today have made a significant difference in ensuring the beach remains safe and beautiful for everyone,” said Meany.

Despite the team’s hard work, there is still the need for attention and care of the beach and the Sandals Foundation volunteers are committed to continuing their efforts. They have vowed to revisit Fisherman’s Beach to help get it on the right path.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, has long been committed to supporting environmental sustainability projects across the Caribbean.

The beach clean-up at Fisherman’s Beach is just one of many initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and community involvement.

As the day concluded, the volunteers reflected on their accomplishments with a sense of pride and fulfilment. The collective effort not only resulted in a cleaner beach, but also reinforced the importance of community action in addressing environmental challenges.

Sandals Foundation ambassador Leon Lynch displaying some of the debris the team removed from Fisherman’s Beach in St Ann on Thursday.