Members of the SWAT include the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Community Organizations for Management and Sustainable Development (COMAND), the Social Development Commission, Western Parks & Markets, St. James Public Health Dept., Garbage Disposal & Sanitation Systems Ltd. (GDSS), Parish Council, Jamaica Hotel & Tourism Association (JHTA), NEPA, National Works Agency and the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust, which acts as the secretariat.

The Montego Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative got a major overhaul! With fresh new paint and a colour scheme designed by an expert at Sandals, the fishing beach looks better than ever. The property also improved its security with new chain link fence extending along the Howard Cooke Blvd. face to connect with the existing fence. As a final touch, our own Clayton Powell created the artwork on the bridge that leads to the fishing village. Nice job! Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

In August, the weekly Happy Hour presentations became a monthly activity of the Marine Park Trust. Now held on first Thursdays, Mr. Eric Sywak of Caribbean Producers gave a presentation on “The Merits of Volunteerism” on August 5th. He shared with the small audience at Pier One his experience in volunteering at the Shedd Aquarium in the U.S.A., and drew parallels to the benefits of volunteering in Jamaica and at the Montego Bay Marine Park. It is hoped that attendees left inspired to enrich their personal lives and build community through participating in volunteer efforts.