By Kisean Joseph
The Fitches Creek Residents Association (FCRA) recently hosted a special dinner and discussion event as part of a project called “Building a Community Constituency”.
The gathering, which took place at St George’s Anglican Church, attracted more than 45 residents and interested parties.
The team sought feedback on conservation matters, along with plans for installing signage and deploying cameras to monitor and prevent illegal dumping in the area.
Britney McDonald, Project Manager, emphasised the importance of local input, stating, “The success of this project lies in the strength of our partnerships and the active participation of our community members.”
She also acknowledged the support of the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) in advancing community-led action and conservation knowledge.
Daryl George, communications consultant for the project, provided insight into the ongoing initiatives and plans.
“The mangrove restoration and replanting are being led by John Mussington, our mangrove restoration expert,” George explained.
“We plan to work with him to train the community in mangrove tree planting and restoration. We’ve already completed one exercise, with one to two additional sessions planned.”
George also addressed the progress on other aspects of the project.
“We received favourable reviews for the design plans and signage. Regarding camera deployment, we’re currently evaluating options based on community feedback. We’re considering improving camera quality and focusing on primary points in the community,” he explained.
The project team has been actively engaging with local partners to ensure the sustainability of their efforts.
George highlighted the involvement of schools, such as Glanvilles Secondary, in biodiversity training and development programmes for students.
“We’re also working with youth groups like IHO Nature Rangers and Good Humans 268,” he said.
Partnerships will play a crucial role in the project’s success.
“We’re collaborating with IHO and CANARI for capacity building, especially in community-led conservation,” George stated. “These partnerships align with national and regional conservation strategies.”
To maintain community engagement, the team is employing various channels.
“We’re using social media and WhatsApp to encourage resident participation,” George said. “We’ll also be making in-person visits to community members and important stakeholders to gather feedback.”
The FCRA plans to host its next community consultation for the project in October. It is encouraging all interested individuals, including Fitches Creek residents and those living around the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA), to attend upcoming activities.
Encouraging residents to take part in community projects is a great way to build a sense of unity and contribute to local development. It’s exciting to see such initiatives and I hope many people in the north-east take this opportunity to get involved.