2006 Press Releases
Crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter DECISIVE participate in volunteer clean up effort
October 18, 2006
The 210 foot U.S. Coast Guard Cutter DECISIVE visited Nassau from October 10 - 12. After several weeks of patrolling the Bahamian coastline with the assistance of a Royal Bahamian Ship rider embarked, the Command and Crew of DECISIVE were finally able to take a little time out for themselves to enjoy the natural surroundings and Nassau’s unique culture. In an effort to express their gratitude to the people of New Providence, the crew of the DECISIVE volunteered their last day to a community relations project taking the form of clean-up efforts on a mile stretch of Yamacraw Beach. With Columbus Day just a day away, the crew of DECISIVE ensured their efforts would allow residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy a clean beach for the 3-day weekend.
Armed with positive attitudes, and heavy duty 55-gallon trash bags, the crew of DECISIVE tackled the mounds of beer bottles, fast food containers and non-biodegradable materials carelessly stacked along the beach’s coastline. “The officials at the Department of Environmental Health weren’t kidding when they said this beach needed some attention” expressed one of the volunteers as they arrived to the site. The absence of trash cans and regular visits by cleaning crews resulted in weeks, if not months, of neglect taking the form of scattered rubbish all along the beachfront. Having seen one of the Government of The Bahamas’ signs advertising “YOUR BAHAMA LAND” along the roadside heading to the beach, it was the intent of the DECISIVE crew to support these efforts by taking the initiative and putting these ideas to action.
“This is some of the most amazing beach front I have seen in my entire life”, the Mississippi native and DECISIVE crew member exclaimed as he picked up empty, sun faded KALIK bottles that rested in a heap just behind the start of the beach sand. “Just a little picking up of trash now and then would really make this beach a fantastic place to bring the family”. After close to three hours of dedicated clean-up work, the workforce of 30 DECISIVE crewmembers managed to fill 20 bags as full as possible, many of which were so full that if any more trash was added they would have ripped from the excessive weight that was inside. “This is all we can do for today,” stated DECISIVE’s Commanding Officer, “but it’s a good start in doing our part for helping protect The Bahamas.”
Homeported in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the DECISIVE crew has had their fair share of clean up efforts in recent time. For most of the crew, this time last year their own homes and livelihoods were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The care and concern for the environment displayed by this crew in this act of gratitude for The Bahamian people is a testament of their dedication to service and commitment to protecting the environment both home and abroad.