MSC Foundation and Bimini Community Celebrate World Cleanup Day

BIMINI, BAHAMAS – More than 120 students and faculty from Louise McDonald High School, joined by community leaders, residents, and employees of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, participated in a major cleanup effort in recognition of World Cleanup Day.

The event, organized by the MSC Foundation in partnership with the high school, the Bimini District Council, and the Bimini for Sustainable Tourism Council, brought the island together for a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship.

Over the course of the morning, participants collected approximately 30 50-gallon bags of litter and marine debris, dedicating more than 200 hours of collective effort to protecting Bimini’s fragile island and marine ecosystems.

The initiative combined hands-on action with education. Students attended an interactive awareness session led by Emeline Bouchet, Marine Program Manager at the MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay, who spoke about the importance of protecting marine habitats, reducing waste, and the long-term role of youth in advancing sustainability.

“This cleanup is about much more than removing trash,” said Bouchet. “It is about sparking a mindset shift, empowering the next generation, and ensuring that people, wildlife, and the natural beauty of places like Bimini thrive together in balance. The enthusiasm of the students and the support from local leaders and residents show what is possible when we act together.”

The cleanup was further strengthened by Senator Randy Rolle’s participation, the representatives from Local Government and the Ministry of Tourism, and enthusiastic support from residents.

Their presence reinforced the importance of partnerships between government, community, and private sector stakeholders in tackling environmental challenges.

Senator Randy Rolle shared, “It was an honor to join the MSC Foundation, Louise McDonald High School, and other partners in celebrating World Cleanup Day here in my hometown of Bimini. I am grateful for the continued commitment that the MSC Foundation has shown to our islands, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these collaborations for years to come.”

Nadia Sherman-Rolle, Ministry of Tourism, added, “We are truly grateful for the MSC Foundation’s continued partnership with the Bimini community. Joining together with the MSC Foundation, the Louise McDonald High School, and other local stakeholders for World Clean Up Day was both meaningful and rewarding. It was a pleasure for the Bimini Tourist Office team to be there, lend a hand, and support an initiative that highlights the importance of keeping our island clean and beautiful.” 

World Cleanup Day is a global movement that mobilizes millions of volunteers in more than 190 countries each year.

The MSC Foundation and its partners connected the island community to this international call for action by hosting the event in Bimini, reinforcing the shared responsibility to reduce waste and safeguard natural resources.

The MSC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the MSC Group, created to advance environmental, humanitarian, and development commitments worldwide.

In The Bahamas, where MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys bring guests to Ocean Cay and Nassau, the Foundation complements the Cruise Division of the MSC Group’s sustainable tourism experiences with dedicated awareness-raising efforts. These include engaging guests on board and at Ocean Cay on the urgent need for marine conservation, while leading a coral restoration programme in partnership with Bahamian and international science and education partners.

This cleanup initiative is part of the MSC Foundation’s ongoing commitment to marine conservation and community engagement in The Bahamas, with its Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay serving as a base for research, education, and restoration initiatives.