The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) continues its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Grand Bahama as residents, schools and civic organisations participated in the 40th International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The annual initiative, spearheaded by MOT in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy, brought volunteers together at beaches throughout Grand Bahama as part of a worldwide effort to remove marine debris and promote greater awareness of the impact of litter on the environment.
According to Jermaine Johnson, MOT Coordinator and Manager of the GB Sustainable Tourism Development Department, participation in the ICC continues to grow.
“Every year we’ve been growing, we’ve been getting bigger and bigger. Last year we had over 750 participants, which was up over 115 individuals from the previous year. This year, from the numbers I’ve seen so far, I think we’re going to surpass that 750,” he said.
The initiative also expanded this year with the addition of a new cleanup location at the Freetown Heritage Site, bringing the total number of participating beaches on Grand Bahama to 11.
Johnson noted that the island’s beaches and natural environment remain an important part of Grand Bahama’s tourism product.
Beyond the removal of debris, the annual cleanup also relies on cooperation among tourism officials, beach captains, sanitation providers and local government to ensure that collected waste is properly removed and disposed of.
MOT continues to encourage residents, businesses, civic organisations, schools and community groups to support ongoing efforts to keep Grand Bahama’s beaches and communities clean.
With the continued expansion of the ICC, officials are also looking ahead to further growth, with the possibility of adding other cleanup locations on Grand Bahama in 2027.
