MARINE LAB ASSISTS IN COLLAB WITH HOTEL, TEACHING STUDENTS AT DISCOVERY BAY PRIMARY ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
DISCOVERY BAY, At Ann; June 9, 2025
An educational and environmentally conscious celebration unfolded recently at Discovery Bay Primary & Infant School, where students, educators, and community partners came together to mark World Environment Day.
The event successfully took place on Friday, June 6, 2025, a day after the official World Environment Day when the sitting of the PEP Exams prevented the involvement of the school.
The celebration of the environment at Discovery Bay Primary and Infant School, was in collaboration with Bahia Principe Jamaica and the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory.
(Jason Grant, right, from the Marine Lab watches as a student follows his instructions in handling a sea cucumber)
The initiative aimed to raise environmental awareness and empower students through hands-on learning and community engagement. The school’s Principal, Mercella Shaw Bryan welcomed the team warmly and expressed gratitude for the partnership. She emphasised the importance of exposing students to real-world environmental issues.
(Students pose in the school yard with water bottles donated by Bahia Principe. Also shown in photo are Principal of the School Mercella Shaw-Bryan, teachers and members of the Bahia Principe Hotel and the Discovery Bay Marine Lab.).
Bahia Principe played an active role in enhancing the school’s environment by donating ornamental plants from its nursery and contributing 10 yards of gravel to help upgrade the students’ sitting area. The school began that project during Labour Day activities, on May 23.
The hotel’s delegation included Environmental & Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Jevaun Johnson; supervisor Brandon Williams, and team members Damion Scott and Richard Brown.
MARINE LAB PRESENTATION
Adding an educational dimension to the day, marine scientists from the Discovery Bay Marine Lab delivered an impactful presentation in the school’s auditorium. Experts Yasmine John, Arthur Brown, and Jason Grant explained the environmental hazards posed by plastic pollution, particularly the formation of microplastics and their harmful effects on marine life and human health.
(Team members from Bahia Principe plant palms in the sitting area of the school)
Students were able to see and touch live marine organisms, including sea cucumbers and sea urchins, in a captivating interactive session that left many students inspired and curious.
The event concluded with a meaningful gesture from Bahia Principe: the donation of over 125 reusable water bottles to the student body. The gift served as a practical reminder to reduce single-use plastics and embrace more sustainable lifestyle choices.
(Don’t be scared. It’s all part of your environment).
(Students interacting with Yasmine John from the Discovery Bay Marine Lab).
Through this joint effort, the community of Discovery Bay celebrated more than just a global observance—they reaffirmed their commitment to environmental education, youth involvement, and sustainable development.
