PEACE BOAT, the Japan-based non-governmental group (NGO), which promotes global peace travelling the world by ship, docked in Montego Bay on Friday with some 800 passengers.
The one-day stop in Jamaica was part of activities to mark the NGO's 20th anniversary this year. Montego Bay was the 13th port of call on the anniversary global voyage.
During the day, passengers went on organised tours of various historic locations in western Jamaica, and participated in soccer matches with local teams, beach events, and an educational tour of the Montego Bay Marine Park, where they learnt about initiatives to protect the local marine environment.
The activities culminated with the group visiting local communities to learn more about Jamaican culture and lifestyle.
CULTURAL EXCHANGES
Sarah Jenneade, chief co-ordinator of the Peace Boat activities, said that the group's main focus was on cultural exchanges and initiatives to improve the welfare of the needy.
She said the group had acquired 90 wheelchairs, toiletries, cosmetics and stationery in Japan, which would be delivered to the Mustard Seed Foundation in Jamaica.
Ms. Jenneade stressed that Peace Boat was committed to the principles of sustainable travel and tourism.
"Our main message of peace is that people need to respect diversity and differences among people and when problems do occur, to find the most peaceful solution without violence and which will be of benefit to all," she explained.
