FALMOUTH, Jamaica – With gloves on and a mission in mind, employees from the bustling cruise industry at Falmouth’s port stepped away from their posts and onto the shores of Burwood Beach for an impactful environmental clean-up operation this past Friday.
The initiative, spearheaded by frontline staff of a major cruise port retailer, was aimed at restoring the natural beauty of one of Trelawny’s most frequented public beaches. In just under two hours, the team managed to remove a staggering amount of waste—20 hefty bags brimming with discarded plastic bottles, wipes, wrappers, and various debris.
More than a mere gesture, the clean-up is part of a broader internal initiative focused on deepening employee engagement with the local community and reinforcing sustainable practices across all port-related operations.
“It’s about more than customer service—it’s stewardship,” noted one team leader who participated in the exercise. “We serve thousands of tourists each week, but this country is our home too. If we don’t lead by example, who will?”
Burwood Beach, often buzzing with both locals and visitors, has long been a symbol of coastal relaxation. However, mounting waste from daily foot traffic and ocean tides has put pressure on its ecosystem. Friday’s clean-up not only cleared physical litter but sparked a broader conversation about long-term preservation efforts and corporate responsibility among tourism-dependent businesses.
The organizing company, which also operates in other cruise ports across the island, says this will not be a one-off. Plans are underway to launch a quarterly clean-up series, inviting both staff and members of the public to join hands in protecting Jamaica’s treasured coastlines.
From selling fine jewelry to preserving fine beaches, the message from Falmouth’s cruise community is clear: beauty belongs both in the showcase and in the sand.
