Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, is stating for public information that the government of Trinidad and Tobago, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has agreed to continue supporting the local implementation of the annual International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC).

An annual subvention of one hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars ($121,000.00) will continue to be administered through the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, which is the ministry with responsibility for Trinidad and Tobago’s environment.  This makes the Ministry of Planning the largest financial sponsor of the ICC.

The Caribbean Network for Integrated Rural Development (CNIRD), continues to serve as the national coordinator of the ICC since it introduced the initiative to the country. It acts as the country liaison with the global body, Ocean Conservancy, and leads the coordination of the annual event. CNIRD, in conjunction with a National Planning Committee, comprising representatives from government agencies including the Environmental Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry, the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), implements ICC activities annually in Trinidad and Tobago.