Give Thanks!

Port Antonio is undeniably The Other Side of Jamaica – a Jamaica that remains pristine and authentic. It is up to all of us to preserve and protect our paradise.

Our journey towards sustainable development would never have begun without the generous support and commitment of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica. (www.efj.org.jm.)

EFJ has launched a host of community education programmes to foster environmental consciousness, to illustrate environmental management systems and to bring basic literacy to our workforce. All these programmes will build our case for Green Globe certification. Of paramount importance, EFJ funding has partially financed a destination marketing campaign for Port Antonio. Without effectively marketing our destination, we cannot expect tourism to increase, and without this increase, our efforts will be wasted.

We thank the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica for helping our parish to forge the way towards a sustainable and dynamic tourism product – one that ensures that Port Antonio and Portland will thrive for us, for our businesses and for our families; and that we preserve environmental and cultural integrity for generations to come.

There are other important partners that have lent financial support and dedicated personnel that also deserve our recognition and gratitude.

The EAST project (Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism), a programme of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is driving the process to make Portland/Port Antonio a Green Globe certified destination with international recognition for its environmentally and socially sustainable tourism product. (www.greenhotelconferenceja.com; www.jhta.org.) EAST has joined forces with the JHTA (Jamaica Hotel & Tourism Association) to showcase Port Antonio as Jamaica’s “green” destination – a shining example of sustainable tourism in the making.

Portland’s PDC (Parish Development Council) is also involved and assisting with the campaign. In addition to a donation to the programme, the PDC has assisted us in seeking additional funding sources. The PDC also spearheads grass roots efforts locally.

Special recognition must be given for the monumental efforts of Shireen Aga and Barbara Walker from Hotel Mocking Bird Hill. (www.hotelmockingbirdhill.com) Their personal dedication, boundless energy and selfless perseverance has moved Port Antonio’s goal for sustainable tourism from dream to reality.

We’re all in this together! We have a common goal – to sustain the extraordinary natural beauty of Port Antonio and to preserve our rich cultural heritage for generations to come. It is the most important investment we can make in our community and in our future.

We thank every business and every individual who has contributed to this inspiring effort!

Environmental Foundation of Jamaica

United States Agency for International Development