Hotel Mocking Bird Hill
Working to Make a Difference

Port Antonio’s Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is one of the most respected ecotourism properties in the entire Caribbean. Here is the mission statement by Shireen Aga and Barbara Walker, managers of this eco-friendly property:

Tourism is a desirable activity of economic benefit to the nation and local communities, and of personal benefit to the individual. Excessive and insensitive tourism development can threaten the quality of both the environment and of the tourist experience.

We believe that every enterprise has an obligation to protect the environment and to offer something of tangible benefit to the community. Business must add value to the economy and the society.

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is committed to the highest level of environmental management that is incorporated into every aspect of its operations. We take a holistic view of our business and are guided by the following principles of sustainability.

ENJOYMENT. The promotion of tourist enjoyment of the countryside should primarily be aimed at those activities which draw on the character of the countryside itself, its beauty, culture, history, flora and fauna. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill actively supports the care and conservation of the Portland area and encourages visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area in an environmentally friendly manner.

RURAL ECONOMY. Development should support the rural economy and seek a wider spread to ensure benefits for the host community. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill favors homegrown produce and uses only local, seasonal produce and seeks to provide secure, stable and meaningful employment for people of our community.

CONSERVATION. Those who benefit from tourism should contribute to the conservation and enhancement of its most valuable asset – the countryside – through political and practical support for conservation. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is preserving its natural surroundings in order to maintain the habitat of native flora and fauna. Wherever possible we will try and improve conditions by terracing and composting and planting of new trees.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. We provide excellent service and a good quality product without compromising the comfort of the guests, while being mindful not to waste our natural resources such as water and energy for the sake of providing luxury. We seek to reduce consumption of energy and natural resources and strive to use the most energy-efficient systems of operation. We endeavor to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, while actively using alternative renewable sources.

WASTE MANAGEMENT. We promote an active policy of waste avoidance as far as possible. We minimize, re-use and recycle waste wherever possible and dispose of all other waste through safe and responsible methods.

BUYING POLICIES. We use natural, close-to-source products wherever possible and do not use ingredients that are scarce. We do not buy individually packaged, single use, disposal items.

RISK REDUCTION. We seek to minimize the risk of damage to the environment and to the health and safety of our staff and customers by using environmentally friendly products and safe procedures. No pesticides, insecticides or harmful chemicals are used.

COMMUNICATION. At Hotel Mocking Bird Hill we foster good communications with the local community in order to be a good neighbor and will continue to encourage regular interaction with environmental organizations. We also promote visitor awareness and considerate behavior.

MARKETING. Publicity, information and marketing initiatives of Hotel Mocking Bird Hill endeavor to develop people’s understanding of and concern for the country and the people.

EDUCATION. The hotel is used as an arena for raising the awareness of staff, suppliers and guests on a wide range of crucial environmental and social issues. We strive to increase understanding of the inter-dependency between tourism and our environment and encourage people to be responsible and accountable for their actions. We desire to change consumers to customers through education.

ASSESSMENT OF OPERATIONS. The management of Hotel Mocking Bird Hill will assume responsibility for the environmental impact of its operations. In addition to complying with the applicable laws and regulations, we will undergo periodic internal assessments, which will help us not only to monitor our operations but also identify areas for further improvement. We believe in ethical business practices and see our enterprise as a force for social change.