Save Pellew Island

The Jamaica Environmental Advocacy Network is urging persons of all walks of life to sign the petition against the development of Pellew Island in Portland, Jamaica

Also known as Monkey Island, Pellew Island is one of Jamaica's small, near-shore islands. Located just off the San San coast near Port Antonio, Pellew Island is an important part of Jamaica's natural heritage and an iconic image of our northeastern coast. Originally part of Cold Harbour Estates, it was purchased in 1953 by Baron Heinrich Thyssen as a Valentine's gift for his fiance, and has been privately owned ever since.

The island sits at one end of a coral reef, which protects the San San Bay. It is surrounded by healthy sea grass beds and wonderful swimming areas. Jamaicans and visitors alike visit the island by boat, laze on the small beach, snorkel at the nearby reef and generally enjoy the gorgeous setting.

The current owner plans to construct four villas on the island. This is likely to result in significant environmental impacts, both during the construction phase and afterwards, as well as the loss of access to the beach.
If you are concerned about this development, which will irretrievably alter one of Jamaica's most beautiful views, as well as pose risks to the marine environment, please sign our "Save Pellew Island" petition, asking the Minister of Health and the Environment to use Jamaican law to ensure Pellew Island remains in its natural state.

The Jamaica Environmental Advocacy Network, in association with the Cockpit Country Stakeholders Group is appealing to the Government of Jamaica NOT TO ALLOW prospecting or mining in the Cockpit Country or its immediate environs.

We are urging interested persons of all walks of life to sign the petition against mining and to make your own opinions known.

Cockpit Country is the largest remaining primary forest in Jamaica. It is a last refuge for indigenous animals and plants increasingly displaced by human-associated development. It is an internationally-recognized biological treasure area, sustains the water supply of most of western Jamaica, and contributes significantly to the sustainability of the critical tourism sector.

We are urging the Government of Jamaica to take steps to declare the Cockpit Country a Protected National Area AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY, as stipulated in the 1997 Policy for a National System of Protected Areas in Jamaica.

You can download the complete Fact Sheet by clicking here.