Almost 30 team members from Sandals resorts across the region have walked away with prizes in cluding weekends for two, day passes, and excursions from Island Routes Caribbean Adventures following the conclusion of the resort company’s internal Parrotfish Poster Competition.

The competition, one component of the company’s Save the Parrotfish, Save Our Islands campaign, launched in partnership with the Jamaica Observer, is designed to increase awareness of the decreasing parrotfish population and its many implications on the marine environment, food security and the livelihoods of those who depend on the ocean.

The campaign will also lobby for improved parrotfish management systems, whether through the introduction of a closed season for parrotfish, adding the parrotfish to the protected species list or through the implementation of stricter sanctions for catching undersized fish.

In addition to public education and advocacy, the campaign also features a robust internal campaign among staff at all resorts. The poster competition charged team members to create posters, whether digitally or by hand, to showcase the plight of the parrotfish and highlight ways in which the species could be protected. Each resort selected the top three posters, awarding first, second and third place prizes.

Oniel Stoddart, acting landscaping manager at Sandals Negril, was among the competition’s first place winners. Excited by his win and the opportunity to shed light on an important issue, he said, “I entered the competition simply because I’ve learnt the importance of parrotfish and their value to the ocean. I used to be a fanatic eater of parrotfish and since I have learnt so much about them and how important they are, I now see how we are damaging our shores and beaches not knowing it’s the same parrotfish that we like to eat that are responsible for the very sand that we stroll on.”

Stoddart said the movement to save the parrotfish was especially significant to him because working in the hospitality sector he recognises the connection between the species, coral reefs, beaches and the tourism product.

He added, “I was inspired by my work environment, knowing that we cater to guests from all over who come for our beaches. I want to ensure that we have returning visitors.”

Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, said he was pleased with the response from team members. “I’m happy to see our team members so excited and engaged by this campaign. We got some really good entries and I’m really pleased with the traction the overall campaign is receiving. This is an important issue and I urge all Jamaicans to take notice and take action.”

Since its launch, the Save the Parrotfish, Save Our Islands campaign has seen extensive activities including on-resort promotions, newspaper articles and advertisements, consultations with fisherfolk and other stakeholders, the launch of a social media campaign as well as a national jingle competition presented in association with Rainforest Seafoods Limited, another corporate entity which has publicly pledged support for the cause.

The jingle competition invites Jamaicans to record a 30-second song promoting the importance of the parrotfish and including the words ‘save our parrotfish, save our islands’. Winners will be rewarded with a weekend for two at Sandals and gift vouchers from Rainforest Seafoods.