In January 2020 JET kicked off the new year in Discovery Bay St Ann, where we delivered the last in our series of beach conservation and management workshops under the Better Beaches for Jamaicans Phase II project. Between November and December 2019 Big Up Wi Beach workshops had been delivered to community groups managing four of the five new beaches added to the project in 2019.
The January workshop took place at Red Cross (Peach) Beach in Discover Bay where JET’s Big Up Wi Beach team engaged with 59 members of the Discovery Bay Community Development Committee and Alloa Fisherman’s Cooperative Society. The day’s activities included a walk along the beach to observe the beach environment, and a discussion of the issues affecting two community managed beaches in Discovery Bay – Red Cross Beach and Alloa Beach. Community members expressed concerns about the impact the captive dolphin facility at the adjacent Puerto Seco Beach might be having on water quality in the area. They also outlined challenges the community groups were experiencing in getting permission for upgrades at Red Cross Beach from the landowner.
JET suggested ways that both groups could advocate for changes to alleviate some of these issues, and will continue to work with the Discovery Bay Community Development Committee and the Alloa Fisherman’s Cooperative Society on these matters.
View of Red Cross Beach and Alloa Beach
One of the garbage bins donated by JET to the beach
Ashley discusses the beach environment with workshop participants
Suzanne discussing approaches to advocacy with workshop participants about
Up next: The Big Up Wi Beach team will be visiting our BBFJ phase I community beach partners beaches in March. Stay tuned for more details!
