Hillsborough, Carriacou, August 3rd, 2010- Noting that environmental management is an essential part of national development, Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas officially declared the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed area a marine protected area on Saturday July 30th, 2010. Prime Minister Thomas also highlighted the importance of management and proper control of the nation’s coral reef system and other marine eco-systems.
The official declaration which coincided with the annual regatta festival saw attendance by a number of high ranking officials which included US Charge de Affaires Bernard Link, The Nature Conservancy Coordinator for the Caribbean Ruth Blyther and Head of the OECS Environment and Sustainable Development Unit Keith Nichols. Their organizations played a critical role in ensuring the MPA became a reality.
For Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Senator George Prime it was a gratifying moment as many turned out to witness this historic event. He commended the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed Management Board led by Davon Baker for their sterling work and said this will now bring about positive developments in the island’s tourism industry.
Sandy Island with its postcard quality scenery and white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise waters is a landmark for the people of Carriacou while the oyster bed located in Tyrrel Bay is important to boat owners who use the area to secure their boats during tropical storms.
Meanwhile as part of the MPA two wardens were hired in the persons of Jody Placid and Kordel Simon who recently visited St.Lucia to gain firsthand knowledge on the operations of a marine protected area.
