On July 10, 2026, the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project in St. Kitts and Nevis took part in an episode of Creative Voices, a popular talk program broadcast on WINN FM 98.9 from The Sands Complex, Basseterre. Hosted by Sarah Owen, the episode formed part of PROMAR's ongoing public education and stakeholder engagement efforts under Work Package 4, providing a valuable platform to raise national awareness of plastic pollution and marine litter prevention across St. Kitts and Nevis.

 

The panel featured Fidel O'Flaherty of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, focal point and project manager for PROMAR within the Federation; Lynelle Morton, an Environmental Officer within the Department of Environment; and Kodi Edwards, a marine biologist and project manager for local NGO Blue Conscience. Together, the panelists explored the far-reaching impacts of plastic pollution, extending well beyond waste management to touch on environmental protection, public health, tourism, fisheries, community wellbeing, and national development, underscoring the need for integrated, root-cause solutions rather than reactive responses.

 

A central theme of the discussion was the power of partnership in tackling plastic pollution. Panelists agreed that no single organization holds all the expertise, authority, or resources needed to address an issue as complex as marine litter. Instead, PROMAR was presented as a model of collaboration, bringing together government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, community groups, and international partners, each contributing unique knowledge and capacity. As Fidel O'Flaherty noted, collaboration and shared responsibility are at the very heart of PROMAR's regional success, and this same spirit of cooperation must be embraced nationally to drive meaningful, lasting change.

 

The conversation also highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and behavioral change in the fight against plastic pollution. While government leadership remains essential in shaping policy, panelists stressed that everyday consumption habits and waste disposal choices play a critical role in reducing marine litter. Every positive action taken by individuals, businesses, and communities helps ease pressure on public resources, freeing up investment for other national priorities.

 

Youth engagement emerged as another key focus, with panelists recognizing young people as powerful catalysts for long-term environmental change. Through education, hands-on experiences, and community involvement, PROMAR continues to nurture a culture of environmental stewardship from an early age, helping to shape a more sustainable future for the Federation.

 

The discussion further introduced listeners to the principles of the circular economy, explaining how materials once considered waste can be transformed into valuable resources. Rather than following a traditional "use and dispose" model, circular economy approaches focus on reducing, reusing, repairing, redesigning, and recycling, helping to lower environmental impact while unlocking new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and green employment across St. Kitts and Nevis.

 

The episode closed with a reflection from Fidel O'Flaherty, who drew on the Indigenous names of the Federation, Liamuiga, meaning "fertile land," and Oualie, meaning "beautiful waters," to remind listeners of the natural heritage entrusted to their care. He cautioned that continued pollution could deprive future generations of the healthy beaches, rivers, and natural spaces many citizens grew up enjoying, closing with the proverb: "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

 

The interactive format of Creative Voices also allowed members of the public to call into the program, sharing their own perspectives on plastic pollution and applauding the collaborative efforts of PROMAR and its partner organizations. This open dialogue reinforced PROMAR's ongoing commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement as a key driver of long-term behavioral change.

 

By reaching a wide radio audience across St. Kitts and Nevis, the Creative Voices feature strengthened PROMAR's public outreach efforts, promoting national dialogue on plastic pollution prevention, circular economy solutions, and shared environmental responsibility, while inspiring citizens to become active participants in building a cleaner, more resilient, and more sustainable St. Kitts and Nevis.