Markson: Environmentalist at Couples Resorts

Markson is the resident environmentalist at Couples Resorts and is an expert on the flora and fauna. He has worked at the resort (formerly the Almond Casuarina Resort) for 20 years. Guests can follow Markson around the resort to learn about plants, animals and the natural history of the island. We catch up with him in between his nature trail walks to talk about swimming with the turtles, renewable energy use on the island and the inquisitive character of the Green Monkey.

What inspired you to become an Environmentalist?

My visits to Canada. I have many good friends there. The country’s environmental programs in the three ‘R’s – REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE – first educated me to the benefits. Also, when I first started to work at at the resort in 1993, their Green Global programs further highlighted my interest.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

Informing the people about the flora and fauna of our environment especially their usage. It’s fulfilling when people come back and remind me that I taught them about the nature and how important it is.

Do you have a close connection with the Green Monkeys?

Yes I have a close connection with the Green Monkeys; I have been feeding them for the past three and a half years. They are friendly, shy and inquisitive but most of all they are cautious – with good reason.

Describe the nature on a Caribbean. What makes it so special?

Nature deals mainly with the flora and its medicinal use. The fauna aspect of it is the turtle hatching sites at Dover Beach. The interaction of the monkeys and humans on the Monkey Trail and the swimming with turtles cruise provides a unique feeling of bonding with nature. There is also the passage of migratory Birds from south to north and the whales’ diving season which is outstanding.

What are locals in doing to improve the environment in?

We are looking towards more renewable energy such as solar panel water heating and natural gas for cars instead of oil products. The Government is now making sure that environmental programs are on the school programs. Many work places have appointed environmental managers to institute programs of what is now the four ‘R’s: REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE and REFUSE (plastic or its use).

Can you recommend anything that guests should see or do to learn about the nature of the Caribbean?

The nature walk, safari tour, swimming with the turtles, diving and sporting activities are informative, fun and exciting things to do that many will find quite unique and thrilling.

What can people learn about the environment in the Caribbean?

They can learn about the use of plants and trees for medicinal purposes. Many of us through our parents and grandparents have handed down things such as using Sour Sop for cancer and Mauby for all headaches. They can also learn how to interact in the process of saving the turtles and identify the use of trees such as mahogany, coconut, cesuarine and travellers palm.

What is the resort doing to be greener and help protect the island’s environment?

The resort has spent much time and effort planting trees, creating green walks and maintaining the surroundings. They are also making sure rubbish is disposed of correctly and promptly. Also, with the appointment of our new Environmental Manager, environmental programs will soon be enacted for everyone’s benefit.