June 8, 2002 – Rotarians who headed out to Cas Cay at the outlet of Benner Bay recently for their annual cleanup project on the small isle were pleasantly surprised to find that the amount of trash and debris that had accumulated since their 2001 visit "was less than half what it was last year," members reported.
"It appears that people are beginning to take better care of this wonderful resource," member Greg Miller said.
Rotary Club of St. Thomas East began looking after the cay back in 1996, with guidance from the V.I. Fish and Wildlife Division. Initially, members cleaned up litter and cut walking trails around the island; later they installed benches and put up informational signs, including one acknowledging the gift of Cas Cay to the V.I. government by the Vialet family. In effect, they made the isle more welcoming for field trips by school groups and visits by others including bird watchers, boaters and kite-skiers.
Once a year, Rotary East members and friends head to the island to clean up trash, restain and repaint the benches, spruce up the signage and enjoy a day of fellowship in the process. This year's effort, on May 19, drew a work crew of about 20, including Diana White, president of Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie. Rotarian Gary Xavier, owner of Awesome Boat Rentals, provided transportation from Compass Point; Burrito Bay Deli supplied lunch; and member John Hamilton provided drinks.

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