The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has announced the expansion of its Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Cleanup Network, which will support 21 community cleanups in Jamaica in 2019.
The announcement was made at the launch of this year’s cleanup network activities at the Shaw Park Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann on Thursday, March 28.
The Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Cleanup Network brings together community-based organizations, NGOs, businesses and schools who will partner with JET to host community cleanups across the island throughout the year.
“The work of this diverse group of cleanup network coordinators is extremely important for raising awareness of solid waste management issues in Jamaica and effecting positive change,” said Suzanne Stanley, CEO of JET. “These groups voluntarily give their time and effort to organize cleanups in Jamaican communities and get everyone energized around the Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica message - that’s really outstanding,”
The Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Cleanup Network was launched in 2017 and has facilitated 30 cleanups across the island so far. The initiative has attracted more than 1,400 volunteers, collected more than 1,000 bags of garbage weighing over 13,700 pounds.
Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Cleanup Network coordinators receive guidance from JET on cleanup coordination, as well as a cleanup kit including gloves, reusable bottles, garbage bags, data cards and t-shirts; non-corporate coordinators also receive a stipend to help cover their cleanup expenses. Coordinators gather data on the garbage collected at their cleanups, which is used in JET’s environmental education and advocacy on solid waste management.
“We received an overwhelming response to our request in February for groups to participate in the 2019 cleanup network – over 80 applications in two weeks!” said Lauren Creary, Project Coordinator at JET “Although we couldn’t support all those who applied, we hope that the initiative will inspire Jamaicans to not only volunteer at the cleanup network events but also stage their own community cleanups in 2019.”
The Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Cleanup Network is made possible through funding from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and Wisynco.
