Davina Bennett hosts Clarendon clean-up powered by Wisynco
LAST SATURDAY, Davina Bennett, newly appointed Lifestyle and Wellness Ambassador of Wisynco Group Limited, in partnership with Wisynco ECO, hosted the first staging of the parish-wide Clarendon clean-up.
The initiative was conceptualised by Davina Bennett and Wisynco Group Limited in an effort to promote a cleaner Jamaica, with the flagship event in Clarendon, her home parish.
The event was aimed at assisting persons in and around Clarendon to become more environmentally conscious by making recycling fun and achievable.
The clean-up involved more than 1,000 students from eight schools across the parish, including Glenmuir High, Garvey Maceo High, Vere Technical High, Knox College, Denbigh High, Lennon High, Clarendon College, and Edwin Allen High.
According to Bennett, “It was only natural that as one of my first initiatives in this role with Wisynco, that I find a way to encourage recycling in Jamaica. That was how this project came to life. Choosing Clarendon as the place to pilot this parishwide clean-up was a nobrainer. Hailing from the parish myself, I am always looking for opportunities to give back to my community and family.”
COMPETITION
Bennett teamed up with fellow WATA Brand Ambassador and comedian Fat Skull to lead four schools each in community clean-ups and bottle drives. The teams, headed by Bennett and Fat Skull, respectively, faced off to see which team could collect the most plastic bottles at the end of the clean-up. Team Fat Skull emerged victorious at the parish-wide clean-up with more than 81,000 bottles collected. Vere Technical High School collected the most bottles – 32,000 – emerging the winning school. The winning team secured bragging rights and VIP access to the post clean-up concert.
Overall, the schools brought in moe than 120,000 bottles on the day.
Wisynco has undertaken several initiatives through their CSR arm, Wisynco ECO, to engage Jamaicans in sustainability efforts. These initiatives include Wisynco ECO Recycle Challenge, Wisynco ECO Club Competition, and currently under development is Wisynco’s involvement in a National Deposit Recycling Scheme. The initiatives are geared at changing the culture in Jamaica and continue to create awareness of these national issues.
Shelly-Ann Dunkley, environment communication officer, Wisynco ECO, said: “As a company, Wisynco is committed to positively impacting our nation. As one of the largest beverage producers, Wisynco is dedicated to supporting initiatives that not only bring awareness to proper waste management, but as a company we endeavour to be responsible corporate citizens and participate in the collection of plastic bottles.”
Dunkley continued: “It was only fitting that we support our newest ambassador with this project that is so perfectly aligned with our mission to provide a cleaner, greener Jamaica for all. The event was a great success and a part of why we continue to champion efforts to improve the collection and disposal of waste, including plastic and styrofoam. We are definitely looking forward to hosting this event in other parishes.”
ENTERTAINMENT
Wisynco brand ambassadors led the schools to Empowerment Park, at the Juici Patties location in Clarendon, where the day came to a close with a postclean-up event. The students were treated to an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment as host Badda Bling engaged them in several competitions, including dance battles, a pattyeating contest, and the Recycling Plastic Feels Fantastic DJ competition. Special guest artiste Chi Ching Ching also engaged the crowd with an energetic performance that left students and patrons wanting more.
For her role in this initiative and others that positively impact Clarendon and Jamaica, Davina Bennett was awarded the key to May Pen at the event. Mayor Winston Maragh presented the key and a glowing citation, declaring: “We are so proud of Davina as a parish and a nation. She has represented Clarendon on the world stage and provided hope to the next generation of what is possible to achieve.”
The overall positive response from the students, teachers and volunteers has encouraged the Wisynco team to continue its efforts in sensitising the younger generation in the role they can play in building a more sustainable Jamaica.
For more information on Wisynco ECO, contact them (876) 665-9000) or email wisyncoeco @wisynco.com. You can also visit www.wisynco.com.