SANDALS Resorts has strengthened its environmental and community outreach efforts in St Ann with the donation of two large garbage skips, a plastic bottle recycling area, and a community mural for residents of Fisherman’s Beach, recently.

The initiative, under the theme ‘Protecting the Beach, Protecting Livelihoods’, was carried out in partnership with the NEPM Waste Management Limited and Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda, who is also the minister with responsibility for water, environment and climate change.

The new skips are expected to significantly ease long-standing concerns over garbage build-up in the fishing community while the recycling area is intended to encourage proper plastic disposal and greater environmental awareness among residents and visitors.

A large mural, painted at the entrance to the community, was also officially handed over during the ceremony. The artwork highlights the heritage and culture of the fishing village while reflecting the environmental protection focus of the Sandals Group.

Community members welcomed the mural as both a beautification project and a symbol of pride for the area.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, general manager of Sandals Royal Plantation Omar Robinson underscored the importance of environmental education, marine stewardship, and community partnership.

“Sandals is committed to continuing its support of the local environment and development of the citizens of St Ann,” Robinson said.

He stressed that tourism development must directly benefit surrounding communities, and noted that sustainable tourism depends heavily on healthy coastal ecosystems and empowered residents.

“Development must benefit both tourism and community. Strong communities create strong destinations, and protecting the environment protects livelihoods,” added Robinson.

He said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to preserve St Ann’s coastal environment while supporting the fisherfolk whose livelihoods depend on clean and sustainable beaches.

Samuda, who also spoke at the ceremony, commended the Sandals Group for what he described as a meaningful investment in both environmental protection and community development.

He said public-private partnerships remain critical to improving infrastructure and preserving Jamaica’s coastal communities, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

According to Samuda, the fishing community is deeply grateful for the timely initiative, and by improving waste disposal along the coastline the skips will help reduce marine pollution; protect our beaches and sea life; and encourage a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all.

He noted that improper waste disposal poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and tourism product areas, adding that initiatives such as the Fisherman’s Beach project demonstrate how collaboration can deliver practical solutions for residents.

Regional manager of NEPM Waste Management Limited Daniel Heaven pledged the agency’s commitment to maintaining consistent garbage collection and ensuring that the skips are regularly emptied, to prevent further accumulation of waste in the area.

Also addressing residents was Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, who highlighted the long-standing relationship between the foundation and the Fisherman’s Beach community through environmental, educational and social development programmes over the years.