The National Conservation Authority (NCA), in partnership with the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT), has unveiled student-painted trash bins that will be placed on beaches in the north of the island.

The installation of the bins marks the culmination of the project titled “Protecting Paradise: A Beach Education and Action Campaign.”

Conservation clubs at the Marchand Combined, Gros-Islet and Corinth secondary schools were given a chance to design the three bins, each with a unique message and image regarding the conservation of marine life.

“The goal was to engage local students in education related to beach ecosystems, science and conservation,” said Sarah Chang, a Peace Corps volunteer attached to the NCA. “The first phase was all about educational activities, they saw movie screenings, and they came to Vigie Beach and participated in variety of activities. All of the knowledge they gained in that first phase provided inspiration for them in the second phase.”

Cornelia Lubin, Principal of the Marchand Combined School, stated that the students have become more mindful of littering.

“At our school we have bins for different types of garbage: bins for plastic waste, a bin for composting, so that hopefully will instill in the students the principle of not littering.”

The beach bins, which were sponsored by Massy Stores and Harris Paints, will respectively be placed on the Vigie Beach, Reduit Beach, and Gros Islet Beach.

Karetta Crooks Charles, Communications Advocacy Officer at the Saint Lucia National Trust expressed her gratitude to the sponsors.

“We’re really hoping that other entities come on board, because people are expressing interest. It is the Trust’s intention to work with NCA, and we are calling on other corporate entities to come on board. We rely on the ocean for recreational purposes, for food, medicine, and sustenance, so it’s really important that we conserve our oceans,” she said.

The unveiling ceremony took place on April 8 at the Vigie Beach.