Caribbean’s First Seabin Installed in Montego Bay Marine Park
By: , October 22, 2018The Key Point:
Photo: Serena Grant
Executive Director of the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust, Hugh Shim, demonstrates how the Seabin operates, following the facility’s launch at the Pier 1 Restaurant in Montego Bay, St. James on Friday (October 19).The Facts
- For his part, Wartsila’s Area General Manager for Marine Solutions, David Gonzalez, said the company embarked on the seabin initiative in a bid to assist in reducing and ultimately eliminating ocean pollutants globally.
- “I want to thank the Montego Bay Marine Park for being the first in the Caribbean basin to have this technology. I challenge you (stakeholders) to take this message forward and to help it (seabin) become bigger than what it (now) is. At the end of the day, it is the message [of environmental preservation] that will resonate [with the] next generation, and spark change,” Mr. Gonzalez said.Â
The Full Story
Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s first seabin, a submersible receptacle that collects ocean pollutants such as debris and oil slicks, has been installed in the Montego Bay Marine Park in St. James.
The undertaking is a collaboration involving the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust, National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP), and Finland-based entity, Wartsila, which manufactures the equipment.
The facility was formally launched at the Pier 1 Restaurant in Montego Bay on Friday (Oct. 19).
Executive Director for the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace, who was the keynote speaker, described the project as an important step in the thrust to promote proper waste management in Jamaica and improving the natural environment.
Dr. Wallace, who represented Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said this focus is imperative, in light of the critical link between tourism and the environment.
“Our environment is a part what attracts tourists to our shores… therefore it has to be sustained,” he emphasized.
Dr. Wallace told stakeholders in attendance that the Ministry welcomes installation of the seabin, while underscoring the importance of collective engagement in alleviating environmental challenges, which he said forms part of the Ministry’s mandate.
For his part, Wartsila’s Area General Manager for Marine Solutions, David Gonzalez, said the company embarked on the seabin initiative in a bid to assist in reducing and ultimately eliminating ocean pollutants globally.
In this regard, he lauded the Montego Bay Marine Trust for initiating the facility’s installation.
“I want to thank the Montego Bay Marine Park for being the first in the Caribbean basin to have this technology. I challenge you (stakeholders) to take this message forward and to help it (seabin) become bigger than what it (now) is. At the end of the day, it is the message [of environmental preservation] that will resonate [with the] next generation, and spark change,” Mr. Gonzalez said.