ISLAND Routes Caribbean Adventures, to mark the first full year of its MINI-Routes operations, recently renovated the nurses’ station at the public infirmary in St Ann, a popular destination for tourists and locals.

In a release, Island Routes said it felt it would benefit the community of St Ann to provide the nurses of the infirmary with a clean, comfortable space to carry out their duty of providing the best care to the residents of the area. The scope of the renovations included installation of partition walls, tiling of the bathroom and fitting of a new face basin, windows and doors, painting and donation of new furniture. The project was fully funded with the proceeds collected from MINI-Routes.

“We are very appreciative of the renovations to the nurses’ station at the St Ann Infirmary and we thank Island Routes for the time and effort that they put into making this happen. The staff here at the infirmary can now perform their work in a much better environment. Now, every time we see the cute, green Island Routes MINIs drive through the community, we will think of you. Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference,” commented Matron Sharmain Davidson.

“Island Routes is honoured to play a part in building the Caribbean through its award-winning adventures and will continue to make a positive impact within its various destinations,” the release said.

“Island Routes is not only dedicated to providing the most authentic, sought-after tours and excursions but is also committed to the enhancement of local communities,” it added.

MINI-Routes offers guests the chance to see Jamaica in all its authenticity while contributing a portion of the proceeds from each tour to the local communities that are visited.

The ethos of MINI-Routes is “see, touch, taste, drive the real Jamaican experience” as each route takes guests to authentic spots on an exploration of culture and adventure to destinations such as Ocho Rios, Negril and the less-frequented Portland, the company’s release said.

The tour company offers a number of other tours that are aimed at community development. Reading road trips in Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Turks & Caicos, Barbados and Exuma, give guests the opportunity to give back to the little ones by spending the morning at a local school working with the children on developing their reading and comprehension skills. The Oistins Express Friday Night Fish Fry in Barbados gives guests the opportunity to immerse in the culture, knowing that the proceeds are being used for development of the community.

Turtle Watching Tour in Jamaica is about protecting the marine life and educating guests and locals about preserving the environment.