Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, Tuimaugaoali’i Kazumasa Shibuta, led from the front last week when he spearheaded the effort by the Japanese community in Samoa to keep Samoa clean.

J.I.C.A and the Samoa J.I.C.A Alumni Association made up former participants of J.I.C.A’s Training programmes, joined forces with government ministries, private organisations, volunteer and church groups to collect waste and litter.

The clean up was part of Japan’s contribution to the National Environment Week.

“Protecting the natural environment, particularly our waterways and marine environment, is an important priority for J.I.C.A and S.J.A.A and one of its annual activities. It is a rewarding activity for both J.I.C.A and S.J.A.A. The group was allocated to the Sogi Mangrove Area,” a statement from J.I.C.A said.

“It’s visual, we can see the results where our S.J.A.A members, J.I.C.A Volunteers and J.I.C.A staff gather for a few hours, set aside normal activities as much as possible, and join together to throw out and spruce up.”

“People of all ages and backgrounds who take great pride in their local communities assembled on Saturday morning to send a clear message that littering will not be tolerated. Litter is a persistent, costly and avoidable problem and it is only right we take collective responsibility to end this scourge.”

“This was a fantastic energy and J.I.C.A and S.J.A.A would like to thank everyone involved. It shows that by working together we can make a real difference for a Beautiful and Healthy Samoa.”