Our oceans and beaches are more than just recreational spaces, they provide avenues through which individuals can earn a living and are a major source of food for many, which is why Sagicor is putting its voice behind the call for more frequent and structured clean-ups of local beaches.
The leading insurance and financial solutions provider recently organised a beach clean-up in several of its operating territories, with the team here in Barbados focusing their efforts on Oistins Beach (opposite Rubis gas station).
Led by team members from Sagicor General Insurance Inc (SGI) and Sagicor Asset Management Inc (SAMI), the group braved the inclement weather on Saturday, July 16th, determined to rid the area of as much waste as possible.
“Indiscriminate dumping is not only a problem for beachgoers, but also for our marine life. Left unchecked, this bad practice will eventually have a negative impact on our main industry of tourism, by reducing the appeal of our world-famous beaches,” said Patrick Hinkson, acting general manager of SGI. “Over the years we have sponsored and participated in several beach clean-ups, particularly the annual Barbados International Coastal Clean-up organized by the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN). However, we need to do more, and this is our way of doing just that.”
Sagicor therefore partnered with the CYEN for this initiative, taking the approach that one clean-up, a year is not enough to stay on top of the amount of garbage being discarded daily. CYEN team members joined the Sagicor group for the exercise, assisting with the sorting and weighing of the waste collected.
Vice president, Investment Management Services with SAMI, Dexter Moe, said the company was very pleased to partner with the CYEN on this initiative, as it is viewed as an extension of their corporate social responsibility. “Certainly, most of us who live within the region see the very real impacts of climate change and we know that the continued degradation of our environment can be a contributing factor.
At Sagicor we do have a keen interest in the environment, and I think the launch of the Sagicor Renewable Energy Fund reflects that. We surely count it as a privilege and an honour to be able to come together as a team to do this.”
Environmental preservation and sustainability have been a major concern and focus for Sagicor this year, as evidenced by several activities already executed, and with others planned for the remainder of the year. Last month, the company made donations to the gardening programmes of the St. Martin’s Mangrove Primary and Workman’s Primary schools, in recognition of World Environment Day. (PR)
