By Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer PUERTO RICO:
TWO JAMAICAN hotels, Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club and Sandals Inn have copped the prestigious Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), American Express and Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) Green Hotel Award for 2004.
The two received the awards at the 'Annual Salute to the Stars of the Caribbean Lunheon' for outstanding achievement in the Hospitality Industry at the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC), held recently in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Boscobel won in the Large Hotel Category and Sandals Inn in the Small Hotel Category. CHA and American Express created the Green Hotels Awards to identify, promote and recognize in each calendar year, hotels that are exemplars of responsible environmental and social performance through their policies, plans and activities. The Green Hotel of the Year Awards demonstrates the Caribbean travel and tourism industry's continued commitment to pursuing sustainable tourism development in the region. The two winning properties obtained the highest combined scores, based on the following five point criteria: environmental management and stewardship, conservation of natural resources, awareness and community activities, infrastructure and technology, and health and safety. "CAST applauds the achievement of the Sandals chain, which took the decision, a few years back to be more environmentally and socially responsible in their hotel operations," said Deirdre Shurland, director of CAST, the environmental division of CHA. "The achievement of the two winning properties demonstrates the success and the wisdom of this corporate decision. We hope that many other Caribbean-owned properties will be inspired by this success to do their part to preserve our Caribbean paradise" she added. This has been a milestone achievement for both properties. In fact, Sandals Inn was Green Globe certified just over a year ago and Beaches Boscobel just celebrated its first birthday.
PAID OFF ROYALLY
An enthusiastic Patrick Drake, General Manager of Sandals Inn told The Gleaner that being environmentally friendly has paid off royally for his property. "Without a doubt we have seen significant reduction in the use of water, electricity and are even reducing the amount of garbage we disposed of".
Not only are his staff more aware of the importance of conservation, but they now master the method of improvisation. According to Drake, "with a little effort and time, you would be amazed at how much you can give back to the community."
Both hotels are deeply involved in their communities and part of the award recognised the work being carried out by them. Sandals Inn works the inner-city community of Canter-bury providing training and recognized certification; and it recently embarked on a Lime Tree Planting project with the Roehampton Primary in St. James.
Beaches Boscobel manages a wide array of environmental and social initiatives, the positive impacts of which extend far beyond the limits of the hotel's grounds. Indeed, their Green Team, formed by motivated volunteer staff from all levels, always seems to take projects one step further, under their enhanced four R's commitment: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle AND Rethink.
To collect and treat grey water, a sewage plant was built on the property. After proper treatment, the recycled water is used to water lawns and gardens, which consist predominantly of native species, attracting local birds and wildlife for the enjoyment of guests and the preservation of the local ecosystem.
