SVG: Hurricane Beryl debris and garbage cleaned up from Indian Bay

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl continue to be removed in St Vincent and the Grenadines with an underwater cleanup at Indian Bay. 

On August 21, St Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) teamed up with free divers, Serenity Dive scuba divers, and Kirk Grant from Barrouallie (Alex Tours) for the much-needed underwater cleanup   

While the activity focused on debris left in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, much of the trash entangled in the hurricane’s aftermath was typical beachgoer litter—bottles, cans, eating utensils, pieces of clothing, and more.  

SVGEF said this kind of debris not only tarnishes the beauty of SVG’s waters but also poses a serious threat to marine life and, eventually,  health. As plastics break down into microplastics, they enter the food chain, making it a priority to keep the marine environment clean.  

SVGEF said thanks to the support of the Central Water and Sewage Authority Solid Waste Management Unit (CWSA/SWMU), a skip was provided for the proper disposal of the collected trash. Additionally, some recyclable materials were sorted and sent to All Islands Recycling Inc, further increasing the positive impact of this effort.  

Despite the determined efforts of their 13 skilled participants, the sheer volume of debris was overwhelming. They managed to extract a significant amount of garbage, but an even larger amount still remains.  

SVGEF said if the underwater cleanup had a name, it would be: Mission Impossible.

The group  pointed out that the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl left them with an enormous challenge, and though they did their best, much more work lies ahead.  

The SVGEF stated it is committed to continuing these efforts with more underwater and beach cleanups planned for the future.