The Sandals Foundation Opens New Marine Sanctuary in Ocho Rios

All of my life I’ve had a strong connection to and love for the ocean. I’ve spent countless hours and days swimming, fishing and boating in the waters of the Caribbean. Without the incredible crystal-clear seas and white-sand beaches of the islands, there would be no such thing as Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Basically, the very success of entire populations across the region relies on a healthy and strong marine environment to help sustain a whole slew of industries ranging from tourism to fishing.
 

That’s why the Sandals Foundation, in conjunction with the Jamaican government and with the cooperation of local fishermen and community members, has been working so hard to create a series of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) throughout the island. By prohibiting fishing within their boundaries and allowing the fish population to rebound from decades of overfishing, these MPAs will eventually cause a chain reaction that will restore Jamaican coral reefs to health, which will build up the beautiful beaches and spawn even more fish for the fishing industry. So, in the long run, this will benefit not only the environment, but also the economy of the local community as well.
 

After all the hard work and planning, we just officially opened our very first MPA in Ocho Rios. Everyone who attended the official launch ceremony at Beaches Boscobel for the very first of what we hope will be many MPAs was excited about this project. For those who were instrumental in bringing this first sanctuary online, including Christopher Tufton, the Agricultural Minister of Jamaica, and Heidi Clarke, the Senior Coordinator of the Sandals Foundation, this was a very proud moment. It’s taken a lot of blood sweat and tears and required a ton of cooperation, but now that we’ve established this first MPA, I am convinced that we’re on our way to preserving our marine ecology and rejuvenating our coastal communities. Great things lie ahead!

It was a great honor to say a few words to officially kick off this very first Marine Protected Environment in Jamaica.

Looking out towards the new marine sanctuary, with a plaque marking the area and describing the project in the background.

I look on with a big smile, as Jamaican Agriculture Minister, Christopher Tufton, gets ready to cut the ribbon officially opening up the MPA.

Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton and I read the plaque that sits in front of and explains the MPA. It felt amazing to finally see all our effort paying off.

Jamaican Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton, Sandals Foundation Coordinator, Heidi Clarke, and I commemorate the start of this amazing project with big smiles, as we stand next to the MPA plaque.