Janet Silvera, Freelance Writer
Evelyn Harrison-Smith (left), director of marketing, Point Village hotel; Fitz Davis, general manager, Country Resort; Mr. Ray Arthurs, vice-chairman, Negril Resort Board; Mr. Volney Williams, manager, Jamaica Tourist Board; and Lisa Richards, assistant manager, Negril Gardens in conversation before the press conference.
WESTERN BUREAU:
A PART of Negril's mission statement describes the resort as the place "where the beach meets the cliffs at sunset".
To showcase this fact the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) invited media representatives to get a sampling of the area recently.
The resort town, with its 6,000 inhabitants, is well known for its tranquillity, laid back atmosphere and ability to captivate visitors and locals. Now Negril has embarked on a plan to be the ultimate environmentally-aware area in Jamaica.
Since the announcement of Negril Cabin's Green Globe award, 13 other small properties have established environmental management systems with the view of becoming certified.
"Sustaining the environment remains an integral part of the activities of the Negril chapter (of JHTA) and we are working with the other agencies in the area towards the 'Greening of Negril'", said area chairman Carolyn Wright.
She was speaking at a press conference to update the media on the environmental-friendly plans for Negril.
Hugh Cresse, of Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project, one of the speakers at the conference, spoke of the uniqueness of Negril as a destination.
"The Negril Chapter continues to be the backbone of environmental tourism in Jamaica", he said.
"We have no choice but to go this route. We are not doing this for the tourists, we are doing it for ourselves. We then invite the tourists to enjoy what we have," he continued.
The 'Green' hotels monitor their use of water and energy and continue to report tremendous savings. Solid Waste Management is one of the methods being adopted by most of the properties to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. For example, Negril Cabins has not bought fertiliser in two years. And that resort's purchasing policy involves screening products such as chemicals. In addition, it buys in bulk to minimise the number of small plastic vessels to be disposed of.
Negril Cabins also has a composting system for vegetables and fruits.
Not only has Negril become environmentally conscious, but its thrust has caught the attention of international groups. On Monday, July 31, a group of more than 15 Egyptians and Caymanians will be here to understudy the programmes. USAID has also committed itself to providing additional funding to get the island more 'Green' aware.
