The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir,

KEEP ANGUILLA BEAUTIFUL

I have just spent a wonderful week on your beautiful island of Anguilla. I met old friends, made new friends, swam from the stunning beaches and ate some delicious meals. So why am I writing a letter to The Anguillian about that? Well, I was concerned by the amount of rubbish I saw – beer bottles thrown into bushes, black plastic bags caught in trees, plastic floating in the sea.

At one beach the first thing I saw in the sea when I put on my mask and snorkel was an old rubber glove, the next thing a plastic water bottle, the third item a plastic bag and finally a fish! It is wonderful that some Marine Reserves have been designated, but that doesn’t mean we can neglect the rest of the island. So please, if you enjoy a drink on the beach don’t let your plastic cup and straw blow away and make sure your beer bottle doesn’t end up as broken glass which could harm someone.

If you are on a boat (whether it is a rowing boat or a luxury yacht!) make sure nothing is blown overboard and never dump rubbish in the sea. I’m sure readers have heard of the dangers of turtles and other sea creatures dying as a result of eating plastic and of birds becoming entangled in old fishing lines and nets. If we all do a little bit- locals and visitors alike.

I’m sure we can keep Anguilla beautiful and safe for people and wildlife. I’d be really happy to help with a litter-pick (that’s what we call it in the UK) next time I’m on the island. Meanwhile thanks to all Anguillians for their friendly welcome to the island and I look forward to seeing you again.

Yours faithfully
Elaine Henderson

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