A ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Interpretation Centre for the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) was held on Friday 16th January, 2009 in Clifton, Union Island.{{more}}

The centre is being constructed in an effort to enhance public awareness of environmental issues and to contribute to public education in the interpretation of the natural environment,

The ceremony, witnessed by government officials, stakeholders, members of the TCMP board and staff saw brief addresses from Andrew Roache-Chairman BOD, Tecla Fontenard representative of OPAAL and Moses Alleyne-contractor MCA construction.

Fr Andrew Roache speaking at the ceremony stated that the centre will consist of an aquarium displaying the various species of fishes and other marine products found in the park. There will also be an audio-visual room and a small library that will provide information on the history and natural resources of the park.

Moses Alleyne promised to deliver the building on time. Mr Alleyne also thanked TCMP for awarding him the contract and further stated that MCA construction will ensure the building will be built to specification and of the highest quality.

OPAAL representative Tecla Fontenard applauded TCMP for its continued commitment to realising the objectives and goal of the OPAAL project. Miss Fontenard stated “As a OPAAL site the Tobago Cays has already benefited from a number of development initiatives and interventions including an updated management plan, a rehabilitated and fully furbished administrative office, a patrol boat to monitor the area, the supply of awareness equipment: support for the development of promotional and public education material and now, the construction of this interpretation centre.” She also urged management and staff to “Begin to focus on picturing the centre, think of the goal, behave like an athlete although you are just starting of the race, you are already seeing the finish line.”

The construction of the interpretation centre will be funded by the World Bank through the OPAAL project at a cost of EC$178,993.00 and is expected to last six months.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) is a marine protected area and one of the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods (OPAAL) Project demonstration sites.