The White River Fish Sanctuary was formally opened in a ceremony last Thursday, January 25th at the White River Great House. Jamaica Inn would like to thank all our supporters, dignitaries, press and partners that attended. Paul Wright, CEO of the Fisheries Division helped tie the knot, between the White River Fish Sanctuary and the local community, and fishermen’s association White River Fishermans Association and founding partners White River Marine Association who operate the Sanctuary in an equal partnership.
The Jamaica Inn Fish Sanctuary board members, Kyle Mais, Belinda Morrow and Everett Watson joined fish wardens from the White River Fisherman Association, Ministry of Industry Commerce Agriculture and Fisheries and other stakeholders to formally open the sanctuary. The ceremony was also attended by: Malgorzata Wasilewska, European Union Ambassador; Ian Isaacs, Councillor for Exchange Division; Lt Omar Cover, Jamaica Defence Force (coast guard); Dr Dayne Buddo, CEO of Alligator Head Foundation; Eric Morrow, Jamaica Inn Foundation; Debra Korver, Hermosa Cove; Heidi Clarke, CEO Sandals Foundation; Jonathan Hernould, Sandals Foundation Environmental Officer; Pierre Battaglia, General Manager Couples Sans Souci; Robert O’Brien, member of Jamaica Conservation Partners; Jonathan Gosse (excellent compere!), Inilek Wilmott and ‘Turtle Whisperer’ Mel Tennant from the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary; Pastor Nathan-James Taylor who offered a prayer; and all 12 wardens of the White River Fish Sanctuary led by WRFA President and Warden Supervisor, Rorie Bennett. Founding stakeholders were presented with plaques in recognition of their invaluable support.
The ceremony consisted of speeches from the White River Marine Association, the White River Fishermen’s Association and the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary and others that outlined the history of the area and the reasoning behind the opening. Mrs Belinda Collier-Morrow also outlined about the history of the Fish Sanctuary, outlining personal ties to its inception. She urged stakeholders and citizens to continue to support the sanctuary’s initiatives to protect the marine coast. For more information on the sanctuary and donation inquiries, email foundation@jamaicainn.com.