Mermaid statue attracting curious visitors

The recently unveiled mermaid statue at the Montego Bay Marine Park (MBMP) is gaining popularity, and in response to the increasing number of queries from curious visitors, Executive Director Hugh Shim and staff at the park have added colour to the statue.

They will also be erecting an information board near the waterfront’s latest attraction.

Shim said that a surprising number of persons have been visiting the MBMP to see the mermaid statue and make inquiries about the mythical creature.

The MBMP is currently awaiting approval from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to crane-lift the statue to the location identified as Jamaica’s first, and Latin America’s fourth underwater sculpture park, behind Mexico, Grenada, and The Bahamas.

In the meantime, the decision was made to enhance the appearance of the environmentally friendly figure.

“The statue was painted with water-based (non-toxic) paints, because we wanted to make it a little bit more attractive,” Shim said.

He added that there are plans to build out the underwater attraction with two additional statues in the coming year. Construction is set to begin in February.

With the establishment of the underwater features, the Montego Bay Marine Park is adding to its menu of points-of-interest for underwater adventure seekers, such as scuba divers and snorkelers, and those who would prefer experiencing the grandeur of the coral reefs from above on glass-bottom boat tours.

Shim described the coral reefs’ condition as “pretty stable,” and that it will improve once the sculpture is placed in the sea.

NOT ONLY fOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES

“It is also hoped that the Montego Bay Underwater Sculpture Park will take the strain off some of the popular reefs and dive sites,” he said.

“We are not having it for recreational purposes (only), meaning people can snorkel and swim around; but it is supposed to actually attract more small fish that can grow around it and can also attract coral growth,” Shim added.

The mermaid statue was unveiled on Saturday, October 23, and is being touted as a symbol of hope for the rejuvenation of the Montego Bay coral reefs, which are making a comeback from degradation.