Chat-bout.net - Peace Boat Stops In Montego Bay

Peace Boat Stops In Montego Bay

The international Peace Boat docked in Montego Bay on Tuesday (June 29), as it continues to take its message of peace to countries around the world.

During the one-day stop in Jamaica, the approximately 700 passengers, including university students from countries around the world, toured historic locations in western Jamaica, and visited communities to learn more about Jamaican culture and lifestyle.

They also paid a courtesy call on Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Charles Sinclair at his Union Street office. They were accompanied by International Co-ordinator of the Peace Boat activities, Emilie McGlone and Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Noel Martinez Ochoa.

During the visit with the Mayor, brief discussions were held on the role of the ship as well as on the healthy relationship that exists between Jamaica and Venezuela. Mayor Sinclair expressed appreciation to the government and people of Venezuela for the "tremendous role played by Venezuela in bringing the dream of the Montego Bay Sports Complex into reality."

"In Jamaica, we truly share a very good relationship with Venezuela, and in Montego Bay, in particular, we were fortunate to have experienced the successful development and completion of the sports complex, which was jointly financed by Jamaica and Venezuela," he said.

Mayor Sinclair in the meantime, commended the humanitarian work of the Peace Boat.

He noted that over the years the passengers have participated in a number of activities in Montego Bay, which have positively impacted the lives of young people.

He indicated that the St. James Parish Council has made direct contact with the directors of the Peace Boat and had agreed to levels of partnership, so that on its next visit, personnel from the ship would work with the parish council to carry out projects.

"We have come to the agreement that we would not only want to have them come here as guests, but to get out into the communities where together, we can participate in organised activities that will impact on us in more positive ways, whether from the point of view of humanity or the environment," Mayor Sinclair noted.

Ms. McGlone told JIS News that the project aims to engage in activities that will put an end to poverty, promote integration, equality, and create a more sustainable world.

"We are here in Montego Bay and will be visiting a (children's) home. We will be carrying out fund-raising drives where all the proceeds will be handed over to the home to benefit the children there. Our hope is to improve the lives of these children here in Montego Bay, Jamaica," she said.

The group presented gift packages to the Mayor before signing the St. James Parish Council's guest register.

Peace Boat was established in 1983 by a group of Japanese university students with a mandate to establish a global network to support initiatives in the areas of human rights and sustainable development.

Bookmark us!