In April 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming Juan Narvaez, Regional Sustainability Manager for Playa Hotels & Resorts, to celebrate the graduation of William Knibb Memorial High School grade 12 students from the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. Juan visited to experience the program firsthand, and his inspiring speech encouraged students to continue learning about mangroves and their significance. He gave students a platform to express what they had learned and share how the program had impacted them. As Juan put it, they are dedicated to “working for a better tomorrow,” a message that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Following his visit, Playa Hotels & Resorts committed to sponsoring the J.A.M.I.N. program for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in October. This support will enable Jamaican students to experience the transformative power of environmental education, deepening their understanding of mangrove ecosystems and their importance in coastal resilience. Playa Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to sustainability and community involvement makes them an invaluable ally in our efforts to foster a generation of environmental stewards.
As we embark on our 10th year, this partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts is especially meaningful. When the program began this year, Juan and his team provided financial support and were actively involved in program activities. Due to renovations at William Knibb Memorial High School, the first phase of the J.A.M.I.N. program took place at Discovery Bay Marine Lab, our longstanding partners since the program’s inception. Juan and his team were there every step of the way, helping set up the event, facilitating the activities, and engaging with students and teachers alike.
The highlight of the day was watching the students, who had just begun their J.A.M.I.N. journey, share their excitement about mangroves and conservation. It was inspiring to see Playa Hotels & Resorts not only invest in the program but also connect with students and support them directly.
As we celebrate a decade of the J.A.M.I.N. program, we are incredibly grateful for this new partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts. Together, we look forward to many more years of empowering young Jamaicans to cherish and protect their natural world, ensuring a brighter future for all.
