British Virgin Islands Deliver Four Beach Clean-ups for the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign
- James Clark
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 23
The dedicated team in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), led by environmental NGO Green VI, braved wind and rain to deliver one of the most ambitious plastic clean-up efforts of the campaign so far: organising clean-ups across four of the territory’s islands.
Between 17 and 31 May, clean-ups were held at Festival Grounds on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, St Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda, and Anegada Ferry Dock, attracting 33 volunteers. Despite several postponements and heavy tropical downpours mid-clean-up, the teams successfully prevented 31 lbs of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways, along with an additional 206 lbs of other waste.
Green VI is a brilliant environmental not-for profit, which covers a variety of environmental areas, from waste and energy to water. With a wealth of experience in organising beach clean-ups, they ensured that all collected waste was properly sorted and disposed of. The organisation has thousands of followers on social media and a strong track record in delivering high-level eco-training for businesses and governments, as well as engaging educational programmes for young people. Their eco-parks, in particular, offer a fun, hands-on way for children to learn about conservation.
As part of the wider programme of environmental activities, the BVI Commonwealth Games Association and Green VI commissioned a commemorative polywood bench, crafted from recycled plastic waste, and is now installed in Queen Elizabeth II Park, Tortola. The bench, which bears the inscription: “Commonwealth Sport British Virgin Islands; Celebrating Sustainability in the BVI – Glasgow 2026 King’s Baton Relay”, stands as a lasting legacy of the community’s commitment to sustainability.
The British Virgin Islands not only came together to tackle plastic pollution head-on, but also demonstrated how waste can be repurposed into something meaningful and enduring. Their work during the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign exemplifies their continued dedication to protecting the environment and inspiring others across the Commonwealth.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN.
The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.
For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.
Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
