McNie All Age Principal Welcomes Upgrades at Mason River Environmental and Research Park

The students and teachers of McNie All Age School are set to benefit from upgrades at Mason River Environmental and Research Park, in Clarendon North.

Rehabilitation works at the park, selected as the 2025 National Labour Day Project, are ongoing.

Principal of McNie All Age School, Asa Harriott, has welcomed the improvements, highlighting the educational opportunities to be provided.

“They [students] will be able to learn about protecting the environment and how we can help in reducing the impact of climate change, starting within our own community,” he told JIS News during an interview.

He said that students use the Mason River Protected Area to observe the variety of endemic plants and animals, especially during the dry season.

The park is home to a wide range of endemic and invasive species, including the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina), the Jamaican Giant Anole (Anolis garmani), the Caribbean lesser Funnel-eared Bat (Chilonatalus micropus) and the invasive Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus Septentrionalas).

Visitors can also find carnivorous plants, such as the sundew and the venus flytrap.

These plants depend on insects for nutrients.

The sundew uses sticky tentacles to capture its prey, while the venus flytrap closes when insects brush against its sensitive hairs.

He added that while the students of the school’s environmental club visit the area annually, there was not much that they could do in one day. However, he said that the improvements at the park could encourage frequent visits by students and eco-tourism opportunities.

Major rehabilitation efforts at the once neglected 202-acre Mason River Park, began on Labour Day, May 23.

Phase one of the work included the renovation of two cottages on the property, one to serve as a caretaker’s residence and the other as a research facility. A disability ramp was also rehabilitated with approved ramp railings.

Additional enhancements will include the construction of an entertainment gazebo, the development of a lawn and park space for the community, installation of bathroom facilities, placement of a water tank and the landscaping of the grounds for the installation of eco-friendly seating.

The project, to be undertaken in three phases, is being led by several entities, including the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) through its division, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

The Mason River Protected area plays an essential role in the lives and livelihoods of both surrounding and wider communities. It offers numerous ecosystem services, such as water regulation, carbon sequestration, recycling nutrients in the soil, and providing opportunities for recreation.

In 2002, the area was designated a Protected Area under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (1991) and a Protected National Heritage Site under the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act (1985).

Mr. Harriott expressed appreciation to the Government and the National Labour Day Planning Committee for selecting the Park as the National Labour Day project, and for drawing attention to the community.

“We hope that we’ll be able to make it impactful and that it is just not going to be a one-day project, but with continued use it can help raise awareness about protecting the environment and reducing the impact of climate change,” he said.

The Principal also emphasised the need for improved Internet connectivity in the Mason River community, to better support the education of the school’s 320 students.

“We know that technology is huge as it relates to teaching and learning. The connectivity is very poor in this area. We could really do with some improvements in this area,” he said.

He noted that the school recently received a new 65-inch screen through the e-Learning Jamaica project, an initiative designed to integrate technology into classrooms islandwide. However, he said that the limited Internet access is a barrier to fully utilising the equipment.

“The internet connectivity is giving us a challenge, and we are looking to see how we could get that improved,” he added.

Residents have also welcomed the upgrades to the park.

Edwin Moodie, of Douglas Castle, shared his excitement about the changes taking place.

“This is an upliftment for our community. It has enlightened us of the value of this place, which we were never aware of. So, I am interested and will do my part to preserve it,” he said.

He cautioned, however, that long term success depends on consistent follow-up and maintenance.

“We often start things properly, but if there is no follow-up, no management and lack of maintenance…things will fall apart,” Mr. Moodie added.

Student Council President of Kellits High School, Jalia Shaw, also praised the initiative and work done at the site.

“I think it was something that was always needed. I think it is a beautiful area that doesn’t get a lot of attention, and we have a beautiful site as you can see. It is a great initiative to protect and enhance our environment, so I love the idea,” she said.

For his part, Executive Director of the JNHT, Leslie Harrow, said that phase one of the project is progressing well, adding that the next steps will involve the continuation of restoration work on the research building and the gazebo, following approvals from the Clarendon Municipal Corporation and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

“On this property we have gotten most of the approvals already to continue the work. Funding has already been earmarked for continued development,” Mr. Harrow said.

“We have no intention of stalling the project. We have had discussions with the JDF, and they have informed us of their readiness to continue as soon as we are ready to engage them,” he added.

With respect to Phase two, Mr. Harrow said it will include the construction of a multi-purpose recreational gazebo and preparing the area around the pond for the installation of eco-friendly seating.

“This will allow for the community to utilise the space as a recreation area for relaxing, reading and wildlife observation,” he said.