Eyes set on breaking Guinness world records, local environmentalist organizes plastic bottle chain at Sir Viv Stadium

In an effort to transform waste management in Antigua and Barbuda Joshuanette Francis, president  of Good Humans 268, recently managed an event at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, marking the first of 50 planned Guinness World Record attempts to be conducted over the next five years.

“This is one of 50 Guinness World Book records that I want to break for the next five years,” Francis explained. “I want to create a tourist attraction surrounding waste management.”

The initiative saw over 10,000 bottles connected in what Francis called “the world’s longest plastic bottle line chain.” The bottles were collected through various means, including school recycling programs, corporate donations, and community drop-offs.

“We removed 50,000 bottles from our facilities in John Hughes,” said Francis. “We had 10 truckloads brought here.”

While the initial goal was to create a 36,000-meter chain, funding limitations required scaling back the attempt. However, Francis views this as an essential learning experience.

“For all 50 Guinness World Book records that we want to break, we need to do trial runs. We need to do a miniature event so we know what works and what doesn’t,” she said.

The British High Commissioner, John Hamilton, attended the event and has agreed to partner with Francis’s organization on recycling initiatives that aim to expand from schools into homes and businesses throughout the country.

Francis emphasized the educational component of her work, noting the enthusiasm of participating students, “I’m really hoping that in the next few months, we change the dynamic when it comes to waste. Just like they were excited about being here, they should be excited about using the recycling bins at their school.”

The environmentalist is now seeking financial support to make the official record attempt, which requires substantial investment. “Guinness World Book record is charging us $16,000 for any official record.

I am now asking businesses to donate $5,000. If I get 12 businesses to give us $5,000, we can meet that 50,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars marker that we need.”

Francis envisions creating an internationally recognized attraction based on responsible waste management.