While several thousand People's National Party delegates gather this weekend at the National Arena to cast ballot papers, several hundred environmentalists and volunteers will be on beaches across the island removing paper and other debris that pose a threat to the marine environment.

This Saturday is International Coastal Clean-up Day and more than 20 groups, comprised of non-governmental, governmental agencies, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and volunteers, will be doing their part to clean up 26 beaches in 11 parishes. At least three will include underwater clean up.

Strong support last year

Last year, more than 500 Jamaicans came out to remove more than 4,000 lb of debris from 16 miles of Jamaica's beaches, including the Palisadoes. Beaches are very important to Jamaica's main industry, tourism.

Worldwide, 33,000 miles of beaches were cleaned up in 76 countries with the help of 378,000 volunteers.

The island's participation in Clean-up Day is being led by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) , which is encouraging citizens to volunteer. JET's programme director, Carlette Falloon, says while it has seen an increased level of interest in its efforts since 1994, when it first spearheaded clean up exercises, there is always room for more hands.

"With the increased level of interest, especially after the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, we should have more success in educating Jamaicans on the effects our carelessly discarded waste have on our very sensitive marine ecosystems," Falloon said.

Interested volunteers

People interested in volunteering can still register to participate by contacting the Jamaica Environment Trust at 960-3693 or email jamentrust@cwjamaica.com.