Sea Turtles are some of the most fascinating marine creatures in the world. They travel great distances returning to the beaches on which they were born to lay their eggs. There are 7 species of sea turtles in the world, of which Trinidad and Tobago has been blessed with 5. The loggerhead, the greens, the Olive Riddley, the Hawskbill and of course the Leatherback sea turtle. These turtles are all considered endangered and their populations have been gradually decreasing. 

There was a build up of excitement in me, when I learnt that the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago was having their first ever National Sea Turtle Symposium in the country. It was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on May 28th, featuring highly educated speakers in the sea turtle field. The symposium also invited residents from Toco and Grand Reviere to voice their concerns with respect to the continued protection of sea turtles. 

The primary reason for having the Symposium was to foster the development of a Sea Turtle Support Network to better protect sea turtles in the country. According to the Managing Director of the EMA, Dr. Joth Singh the network would better help coordinate the efforts of both governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations. The primary divisions being EMA, Forestry Division, Fisheries and of course multiple NGO’s and CBO’s.

Of all the speakers present at the Symposium, I was highly impressed with the presentation done by Dr. Scott Eckert of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST). He presented 20 years research material that featured how Trinidad and Tobago’s Leatherback population, stands against the rest of the world. It was quite remarkable to learn that our population has now become stable, unlike many others in the pacific regions, where the populations have rapidly declined. He then stated that the only place in the entire world where has seen sea turtles reach an environmental carry capacity is at Grand Reviere Beach. He further explained that it is the only beach in the world that does not have enough space for the numerous amount of sea turtles that nest on the sandy shore. It is a common occurrence to see a female turtle digging up the nest of another turtle, because there is simply no more space to nest. 

Dr. Scott Eckert also provided some key information to help reduce the mortality of sea turtles in open waters. He recommended that the nets of fishermen be reduced in length from 30-15ft. He stated that this would have no effect on the income of the fisherman and could reduce sea turtle mortality by up to 80%. He also suggested that live bait fishing can also be an option for fishermen. It was considered at the symposium to provide live bait as an incentive for fishermen to stop net fishing. He also added that assessing the areas where marine turtles thrive the most, can be areas where fishing is prohibited. These were just some of the ways in which the population of sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago can move from a stable one, to an increase in a more numerous, healthy and viable population. 

The symposium was primarily information driven. I soaked up as much as I can. The entire day was very interesting and I enjoyed it to say the least. It made me very aware of how special Trinidad and Tobago is, and how much we all need to learn to appreciate it as much as we can. We all have two gems for a twin island republic state, and it is simply a treasure that we must all keep close to our hearts.

RANDOM FACTS:

10.000 sea turtles nest on the North Coast of Trinidad and Tobago every year.

We have the 2nd best nesting site of sea turtles in the world, 2nd only to Africa

Grand Reviere beach does not have enough spac`e for nesting sea turtles.

The Toco/Matelot Area generates 31 million dollars every year, because of sea turtles.

The monetary value of a sea turtle is actually $6000.00

92 countries have visited Grand Reviere beach

3000 adult leather back turtles are entangled in gill nets every year

POINT TO NOTE:

I learnt at the forum that the Fisheries Act has been amended and now totally protects  sea turtles including CAPTURE. Why on earth are there two damaged sea turtles kept in captivity at a very popular Woodbrook location? 

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel 

THE SENTINEL: Don’t you just love T&T :p

(Source: emperorant)

It is customary as of recent for me to express my thoughts on the highlight of my day. Initially I thought that the highlight would have been attending  the EMA’s first ever National Sea Turtle Symposium. However when I reflected upon my day a lot more deeper, I came to the realization that the Symposium was not really the highlight of my day at all. While I do agree that I learnt a lot today about the current status of many of our Sea Turtles in Trinidad and Tobago, there are just some lessons of life that just stick with me more than others. It goes without saying that I would post my experiences at the symposium, but not until I get this particular highlight of my day off my chest. 

The forum like most events in Trinidad and Tobago ran a half hour late.  As such by afternoon, the symposium was trying to catch up with 90 minutes that seem to be moving further and further away. As 4 o’clock approached, I was faced with the tough decision of either staying at the Symposium or attending my communications class. I came to the conclusion that I am doing a course outside of my faculty and as such I should give it some priority. I left, a bit brokenhearted since I missed the segment on the efforts being placed into public education. 

Apart from the worries of my blackberry dying on me, since 7 hours had past since it had seen an electrical outlet, I was worried that I made a bad decision. I was convinced that I would have learnt so much more at the symposium. Like i said in previous blog posts, the communications class had to prepare a 1.5 minute oral presentation. While most of the students had completed their assignment, there were still a few students outstanding to finish the task.

I never once in my life saw or felt what stage fright was like. I always convinced myself that when given an oral task, I could complete it with confidence and deliver vocal messages with pure conviction. Much of my oral and public speaking skills is attributed to my mother, who would often push me in the spotlight for small family gatherings. This eventually lead to small competitions, where I proved to myself that I may very well have a talent. I never saw getting up in front of a crowd as entirely difficult. I am not saying that I do not get nervous at times, but I always seem to handle the situation moderately well.  

I was completely thrown into a different spectrum, when one of my fellow classmates stood up and tried his best to speak about the topic that he chose. To be honest, the entire class was expecting him to be nervous. In our first class, he was asked to do a very simple exercise that proved to be beyond arduous for him, even though he had a fellow classmate with him during this exercise. The 1.5 minute oral presentation that we were all assigned to, had to be done solo. I do not know if I am capable of expressing the number of stutters, pointless gesticulations, voice whispers and his incapacity to string words into a sentence. It was the first time I actually saw knees buckling, straining to keep a human up on his two feet. 

I say this without ridicule and absolute empathy. Despite students asking him to speak up, his voice remained the same, as he attempted over and over to reach the third sentence of his presentation. I was thrown aback, cause some of my other classmates struggled through and made it. For him though, the finish line of his presentation was light years away. Soon enough the lecturer intervened and made us ask him questions on a topic that he was more comfortable with. His nervousness did ease a bit. I noticed that it was very hard for him to even interpret the questions we were asking. I felt like I was in his nightmare.. just to describe the feelings of empathy just pouring out of me.

I take it for granted that I could do certain things with ease. I honestly do not appreciate the talents that I have. I often tell people that they are so extremely talented and I wish that I can have half of what they have. I never once felt like I was ever discrediting myself, until I met this particular individual. Maybe, just maybe I do not give myself enough credit for things that I do. Maybe just maybe, I need to realize that I do indeed have some form of skill inside me. Skills that I need to learn to love, own and appreciate!

All these maybe’s were soon vaporized when I learnt that everyone in the class got total marks, which would make up 5% of our final grade -_- I learnt off my 1.5 minute presentation and practiced for 2 hours straight and at the end of they day, it mathematically did not make a difference since we are all now back to square one. Apparently this was a test run until the final oral presentation. “No more freebies” our lecturer said. My eyes seriously wanted to roll back like the exorcist. Here I am, thinking that I was topping this class in the practicums and I was oblivious to the fact that you get freebies in communications. 

The point of it anyhow is that I learnt today that I should take time to appreciate the skills that I have. I still see them as weak and lacking any value. I need to see my skilss in a different light, and live life maximizing the hell out of them :D

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

It goes without question that One Direction has been making some serious waves in the music industry. They are of course a boy band that sings the usual love songs that seems to be getting a lot of attention lately. With their hairless appearance, rosy cheeks and amazing voices, it seems that these boys have been stirring the demographic pool of females all around the world. But who are they and where did they come from? We all know that they worked very hard on the reality show X factor, but who are they individually? The last time a boy band got this amount of attention in the local front of Trinidad and Tobago, probably had to be Surge back in 2006 with their one time single “In your timing girl.”  The song still brings about a bit of toe tapping and head bobbing when heard. 

I would be 100% honest when I say I had no idea that they were British. The first time I heard about them was not on X factor, but through some friends who were obsessed over their song “What makes you beautiful”. For a person who is die hard Caribbean music, I was surprised how well the song sat wit me. I did however thought they were American to the bone, considering that their accents were far off from British when they were singing.  None the less they were the new sensation and I was intrigued to find out a bit about each of them.

Niall Horain

18 years of age and according to TMZ, a couple of the boys have been already caught drinking beer. Not that there is anything wrong with an adult drinking beer, but one has to argue that the audience their attracting doesn’t consume alcohol. Well at least most of them do not. Considering that his parents were divorce since he was 5, and being this successful, clearly shows that divorce doesn’t necessarily mean a failure is about to be produced. 

Zayn Malik

I have serious issues with Zayn Malik. He clearly is seeking out the attraction of every female on the face of the planet. I have had females who are in their 30’s or late 20’s proudly stating that they have a massive crush on Zayn. He is now 19 years of age so I guess that makes things pretty legal. Well Zayn does have a thing for older women, dating Rebecca Ferguson who was also a contestant on X factor. She is now 25 years of age. The relationship lasted only four months though… I wonder if the age difference had anything to do with it?

Liam Payne

So apparently there is this fight between the fans of Zayn and Liam who have been competing as to which of the two, records highest on a thermometer. All humans averagely read 37 degrees Celsius on a medical thermometer, so I really do not know what the fuss is all about.  Liam tuned 18 this year and apparently when it comes to hook ups on the X factor show., it seems to be quite normal. He currently dates a dancer by the name of Danielle Peazer. The relationship has been going on for almost a year and a half. Some of the dancers associated with Liam, have received death threats because of their professional relationship. Wow…. and we all thought being with a celebrity is a dream. but in reality its more like a death threat nightmare!

Harry Styles

Honesty is the best policy. When I first saw their first video, I was like, this boy needs to cut his hair. Its thick and looks oooggggggllllyyy. Of course many female fans would disagree with me, citing that he is the most good looking of them all. I would say that Harry has a genuine interest in good music citing people such as Elvis Presley and the Beatles as people who he looks up at for inspiration. Harry Styles, I say to you! ……..style your hair and you may very well be the Justin Timberlake of One Direction in the future to come. 

Louis Tomlinson

Why does no one talk about Louis? Poor Louis… I never heard anyone talk about Louis being hot and irresistible…. Why is the world so cruel! Is it because he is old? Cause he clocks in at 20. Is that too old for a 1 directioner? Anyways Louis admits to failing his A levels when he was a form six student. He was busy having fun starring in musical productions at his school. Seems that failing exams is not necessarily all that is needed to become a success. Ambition and drive has taken him forward.

So these are the members of One Direction. Yes they have penetrated our musical airways like many others before them and many others  who will come after them. Their music is good to be honest and I am putting it out there that I am a fan. I just never thought boy bands would be popular once again. Seems just like metro jeans, history always have a way of repeating itself!

(c) Shahad Ali 2012

It only takes a second for me to step back and realize the great opportunities that have been presented to me. I also realized that these opportunities did not just present themselves out of thin air. Today I came across the notion that you have to work hard in order for opportunities to present themselves to you. This goes without saying that the limited opportunities today are taken up quickly by those who have embodied the motions of a hawk. Swooping down and taking the neck of its prey quickly before soaring off in the distance with its prize. 

Environmental education is of course my dream job. I never knew that I wanted to head into such a field when I was younger. I remembered wanting to be a meteorologist, a writer and even the garbage truck man when I was 5 years old. I joined the EMA Youth Ambassadors in 2009. A group that was formed by the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. This group essentially promotes positive action for the environment as well sensitization and education of many environmental issues. We of course usually take this a step further, by using creative mediums to get the message of course, rather than a stiff power point presentation. 

Today we had our general meeting and according to our very descriptive constitution I am not allowed to divulge any information with respect to our upcoming plans. We have however developed a lot of new and fresh ideas, that with a lot of work would eventually become a reality. After today’s meeting I realized that being apart of the EMA Youth Ambassadors did not happen overnight. I had always been actively apart of their education programs since 2007. In the year 2008, I remembered that I actually did the entire first few legs of the program completely on my own. I also remember quite distinctly that none of my classmates showed up at the semi finals of the program because it was valentines day. Looking back on it all, even though I had hard times working for what I want. I am so glad to say that I am now a proud EMA Youth Ambassadors and willing to make a collective cultural change for Trinidad and Tobago with respect to how we all view the environment around us. 

Today I also had the privilege of covering the book launching of Don La Foucade’s 2nd inspirational publication. It was so amazing to hear from such awe inspiring individuals speak of Mr. La Foucade so highly. It was very hard for me to stomach to see Mr. La Foucade in tears when he was delivering his feature address. He is truly committed and passionate about the youths of Trinidad and Tobago. He divulged some of the horrific stories that he had to hear, and how so many of our youths are suicidal for a multitude of reasons. Mr. La Foucade has changed so many lives and continues to do so on a daily basis. It was so shocking for me to see one man able to make several changes into so many peoples lives.

Writing for the giemagazine has afforded me countless opportunities. What started as a pro bono student writing experience in 2008, has now become something that is a apart of me. My entire wall in my bedroom, is filled with the many covers I did with the magazine. I have met magicians, musicians, artists, athletes and so many more who are making their own difference in their lives. If its one thing I strongly believe in, is looking up to your own. The people who I have interviewed with the magazine is not just people who I randomly select. Its people who have an undying passion that they would not easily give up. Its people who have expressed that without their talent, they don’t see themselves as living. Writing for this magazine has made me met a host of people who encourage me to go out and find the next big thing. Its absolutely a thrilling experience to meet talented individuals. 

Hard work I say. Hard work to reach where I have gotten today. Hard work, yet still I was able to enjoy today so much. Mainly because, it is what I love. It is what I breathe for. I love it. It makes my life worth living and it makes my heart worth pumping. There is nothing I love more than living life and learning so much about it each and every day!

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel