The Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association’s (JHTA) Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) project paid tribute to Jamaica’s environmental ambassadors at an environmental awards luncheon last week. The function at the Hilton Kingston Hotel was one of several held to mark the JHTA’s 40th anniversary.

In particular EAST — a collaborative initiative between USAID, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, and the Jamaica Manufacturers Association with technical assistance being provided by a US-based consulting firm, PA Consulting Group (formerly, Hagley Bailly Services) — was taking time out to applaud the work of various individuals and organisations which according to EAST project manager, Hugh Cresser, “are making sterling contributions to the maintenance of Jamaica’s environmental health.”

Environmental Ambassadors receiving awards at the function included: Donna Yitshak of Sandals Montego Bay, who was named the environmental champion 2001, and the JHTA’s Negril Chapter won the President’s Cup for Chapter of the Year. Susan Otuokon of the Negril Environmental Protection Trust and Althea Johnson of the Ministry of Tourism, Sport & Entertainment were awarded in the government and non-government organisations category.

Michelle Best of Barbados’ Almond Beach Resorts; Trevor Ramsay of Treasure Beach Hotel, also in Barbados, and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) were named, “Environmental Ambassadors – International Partners”.

Environmental Ambassadors — attractions were Appleton Estate Tours and YS Falls. Environmental Ambassadors in the hotels included: Keeble Patrick, Seasplash Resorts; Portia Saunders, Rondel Village; Janet Logan, Renaissance Jamaica Grande; Vinton Dixon, Sandals Montego Bay and Anthony Morris, also of Sandals Montego Bay.