Marine Learning Resource Centre opens in Canouan

Anyone wishing to learn more about the marine environment can do so in the newly opened one-of-a-kind Learning Resource Centre in Canouan.{{more}}

Built by the Canouan Resort Developers construction arm CCA, and financed by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, at a cost of $1.5 million dollars, the structure is described as a ‘green’ building, as it is powered by solar electricity, and the running water is harvested from the rain and stored in 10,000 gallon water tanks for further use.

Nestled in the conservation area of Twin Bay on the west coast of the island, the building, which was formally opened last Friday, September 7, is expected to be used to educate its users about marine management, the preservation and protection of marine wildlife, among other functions.

Chief Fisheries Officer Raymond Ryan, who was present at the opening ceremony, also indicated that training programs in fisheries marine techniques will take place as operations begin in earnest. Ryan, whose department will manage the facility, indicated that the resource centre will work closely with the Tobago Cays Observation Centre in an effort to protect the areas marine life.

Education Minister Girlyn Miguel, also present at Friday’s ceremony, said that the centre is expected to be a focal point of learning and encouraged students and adults alike to make use of the centre, which she noted was unique in its own way from the other 13 learning resource centers commissioned by the government around St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Like other centers, it will be available for workshops, seminars, conferences and other events.

According to Director of Grenadines Affairs Edwin Snagg, the marine centre’s management team will consist of Celsus Garraway, Andrea Baptiste and Orman Laidlow.

Special thanks were extended to CCA for the construction of the centre, as well as other persons who were fundamental in making the project a reality.

The keys to the building were handed over by General Manager of CCA Elena Korach to Miguel, who passed them to Ryan, who in turn handed them to the management team.(JJ)