Jamaica’s reefs are categorized as the ‘most species rich in the Caribbean’. Thirty-two years ago (1979) pioneer coral scientist, Thomas J. Goreau of the Global Coral Reef Alliance, described it as the centre of marine species diversity of the Caribbean region. But these once vibrant reefs have been fledging. To help address this challenge, the Improving Jamaica’s Agricultural Productivity (IJAP) Project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, government of Jamaican and IICA, recently installed 700 artificial reefs in two of the island’s fish sactuaries in the Montego Bay Marine Park and at Bluefields Bay. More 

ADDITIONAL HEADLINES IN THIS ISSUE

• Trevor Murray Retires ... pg 2
• Apiculture Project Makes Major Strides ... pg 3
• Let's Plant More Trees ... pg 4
• National Accountability Seminar, Jamaica ... pg 5

REHABILITATED FISHING BEACHES HANDED OVER TO GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA

October, 7 Kingston, Jamaica: Three of the six fishing beaches rehabilitated under the Improving Jamaica's Agricultural Productivity (IJAP) project, a partnership of IICA, CIDA and the Jamaican government, were officially handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries during the 2011 IICA Day celebrations in Kingston, Jamaica on October 7.  The Old Harbour Bay, Rocky Point and Savanna-la-Mar Fishing beaches received upgrades ranging from newly constructed vending markets, and gear sheds to modernized sanitary and waste disposal facilities under the project, to improve the business operations of the local fisher folk. Counsellor and Head of CIDA Ms. Marie LeGault, made presentations of ceremonial keys to Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague and to Hon. Ruydard Spencer and Mr. Roger Clarke the Members of Parliament for the respective beaches.

Related articles:   http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Fishing-beaches-rehabilitated   http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/103-leads/28970

IICA CELEBRATES 69 YEARS

On October 7, 2011 member countries across the Americas celebrated the Institute's 69th year of contributing to the sustainable development of Agriculture and rural wellbeing. In his address IICA's Director General Victor Villalobos lauded the value of collaboration among the 34 member countries and reiterated that today, "the Institute is the visible result of the will to tread a common path, supporting each other and believing that agriculture can help to increase the revenues of countries and the incomes of their peoples, contribute to efforts to ensure food security and mitigate the impact of climate change." Partners and stakeholders across Jamaica converged on the IICA office in Hope Gardens to participate in the local celebration, which included an exhibition of the office's current work programme and recognition ceremony to honour partners and the outstanding work of several former IICA emissaries of Jamaican decent. IICA Jamaica Representative Mr. Trevor Murray used the opportunity to outline the IICA Jamaica Country plan for the next three years and IICAs 10 year Strategic Plan. During the ceremony three schools from the surrounding communities were presented with 75 fruit trees to enhance their school garden programmes. Students and teachers from the three schools, Papine Comprehensive High School, Mona High School and School of Hope were all very grateful for the donation to their programme. The office also donated a tree seedling to each participants in a show of support to the National Tree Planting day observance, which coincided with this year's celebration of IICA day.