Posts tagged EMA

As the majority of our citizens would know, the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago came under heavy scrutiny in the past few weeks. One of them being a river diversion at the Grande Riviere beach, where Leather back turtles are accustomed to laying their eggs. The second being managerial issues within the EMA, where the CEO Dr. Joth Singh being placed on the spotlight

What has happened? Similar to the quarrying issue that had occurred months ago at Asa Wright Nature Centre, most people seem to have forgotten. It does not take much for issues to slip the mind of a Trinbagonian since our media highly sensationalizes a lot of the issues. Its not only in the field of environment. Does anyone remember Natasha Navas who was the youngest and also the first female mayor of Chaguanas. She was ALWAYS in the news. What has become of her? No one knows, because  there is no sensationalism in her name anymore. 

I have already spoken about the turtle issue. I already expressed my thoughts on what I thought was accurate information and what I thought was faulty reports. What I did not publicly express my sentiments on was the issues that surrounded the CEO Dr. Singh.

While I have no experience as to how Dr. Singh manages the function of the EMA, I do know him within my capacity as an EMA Youth Ambassador. In his relations with us as a youth model for environmental awareness and education, Dr. Singh’s management has been beyond my own expectations. He has successfully fostered a group of young individuals who are dedicated to changing the public’s perception on the environment… Our perception on the environment has not changed to anything positive. If it had… the Asa Wright issue would have still been rampant all over the papers today.

In my unbiased opinion, someone has to be prosecuted for what occurred at the Grande Riviere beach. However, to this day we still point fingers, and none of the turtles have see justice. There were many groups that were calling names, many individuals who updated their status and created a social outbreak of turtle madness. Our national newspapers are now devoid of anything related to the Leather back turtles.

I recognize that the EMA can do much better than they are doing now. However like with every organization there are positives and their are negatives. The establishment gets little recognition for what they actually do, and to me that is really sad. What I can vouch for is that EMA has an EXCELLENT educational department that tries very hard to make a difference in Trinidad and Tobago.

• Did you know that EMA hosted a Green Lifestyle Show?- EMA hosted a national exhibition at the Trinidad Hilton in June of this year that featured many corporate companies that sell eco products and services. These companies got the opportunity to show the public what environmentally friendly products and services our country has to offer. Did you know that there were over 80 booths at this show? There were a lot more companies that could not be facilitated because of space. The show keeps getting, bigger and better every year.

• Did you know that the EMA has a youth arm?- Over the years EMA has been having youth workshops for form six students. This year makes it the 5th year that they have hosted that workshop. After the workshop, the participants graduate to the EMA Youth Ambassadors where their mission is to educate and raise environmental awareness in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ambassadors also do many public events and always set the positive environmental action. The EMA Youth Ambassadors were able to host the first ever ECO Concert in the country.

• Did you know that the EMA honours many?- Every two years, the EMA holds its Green Leaf Awards, where individuals and organizations are awarded based on their contributions to the environment sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago. They encourage many to foster that environmental sensitivity that everyone should have.

• Did you know that the EMA documents are there for you to read?- All EIA’s are open for public comment. Even down to the highway development was open for comment until it eventually became approved. The public can come down to the EMA and literally write a comment stating why a certain project should not happen. If you are that passionate about the environment, make a visit and ask what current projects are there that I can have my own opinion on.

There are a lot of other educational initiatives that the EMA does. From the secondary’s school eco song competition to the primary schools hands on competition. Their stance on education to the public is something that I can vouch for any day. While the EMA has been criticized for being all about Public Relations, I do not think its about that. The mindset of our countrymen on the environment is VERY weak. Education plays a very important role in changing that mindset. I think that is something that we can all agree upon.

Again I am not saying that the organization is perfect, I am openly admitting that there are many areas where it can be improved. However, there are initiatives hosted by this establishment that needs to be smiled upon. No one ever takes a look at the other side of the coin.

The environment is our responsibility. We must take care of it! Its no ministry, authority, or government’s responsibility to take care of it… We live in the environment and we must nuture it as our own.

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

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 

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

The EMA Youth Ambassadors had a resounding success with their first ever Eco Concert in Trinidad and Tobago at Queens Hall on Saturday 4th February. The concert featured many skits, plays and songs that all reflected sentiments and issues of a changing environment. The production also featured soca celebrity host Super Jigga T.C.

As a proud  EMA Youth Ambassador, it was undoubtedly a great show that featured many theatrical concepts as well as current environmental issues. Forestry, littering, flooding and adapting to greener lifestyles were just some of the central themes for the many short plays in the concert. 

I was privileged enough to do a monologue and chose to perform “Harry D Hunter”. A seemingly older character, who is as vibrant as any young individual and tries his best to educate himself on issues surrounding the forests.  Harry is not a selfish person, and thus shares his “wealth” of information to a listening audience. He does so creatively and usually sings parodies of popular soca songs to make his delivery as entertaining and educational as possible. 

My fellow colleagues were simply outstanding. Notable mention must be given to Alexander Johnson, Jochelle Fortune, Shastri Ramroop, Alex Harripersad, Mahalia Marshall, Dominique Raphael and Matthew Omar for their outstanding performance in the play “Halfway Green”. The play featured issues of adapting to a greener lifestyle. It was quite entertaining, considering the characters were quite common in a real life setting. A drunkie, A maco, a loverboy and even a granny were all featured in the village of Halfway Green as they all tried to come to terms with changing their lifestyles for the betterment of their environment.

We tried our best to cater for the needs of an expansive audience, with even a  sesame street adapted play entitled “Monsters Surfers Club”. This illustrated the importance of not throwing trash in the oceans, rivers and drains. This was accompanied by song and dance which made for an excellent performance for both children and adults. 

The production also featured guest performances from Tinique Beckles and Anthony Batson, both of whom were winners in the EMA’s Eco Song Competition. Super Jigga TC along with the EMA Youth Ambassadors closed the show with his latest release for Carnival 2K12 “Action”

The EMA Youth Ambassadors must give great thanks to the management and staff of Queen’s Hall for their hospitality and accommodations. I must also give a special thank you to our fellow Youth Ambassador Annabella Thorne along with her designing team, that did a spectacular job on our costumes for the production. We would also like to thank the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago for showing their continued interest and support. Special mention must be given to Tisha Marajh, Manager of Corporate Relations and Public Education as well as Dr. Joth Singh, Directing Manager/CEO of the EMA

Ever since I had gotten involved with the Environmental Management Authority’s Youth Programmes, I have been dubbed the “EMA Boy”. I remember it quite vividly back in 2008 when I had won their “Envirologue” competition. This by far, was a milestone in my life. I could recall being in tears, upon hearing that I had won this prestigious national competition. The award that I won was the “Pawi Award” and this by itself was an honour. The Pawi or Piping Guan is an endemic bird to Trinidad and Tobago. Its population range is estimated at 70-225 individuals, and is protected by law. Giving a performance that was equated with such a rare and beautiful bird, was emotionally too much for me to carry. 

The props that I saw on that day of competition was by far extensive. Some participants brought well designed sets, locomotive costumes or elaborate body paintings to add the additional ”uff” to their performance. As the press described it

“WITH A compelling dramatic monologue and only two light bulb props, Shahad Ali, a sixth form student of Trinity College (Moka), won first place in the Environmental Management Authority’s (EMA) Secondary Schools’ Dramatic Envirologue Competition 2008.”- Newsday

For the past four years I have been quite active with EMA’s youth initiatives. In the year that I won the envirologue competition, I had performances almost every month all over the country. By 2009, the EMA had founded its new youth arm, known as the “EMA Youth Ambassadors”, who fore-mostly promotes environmental education and sensitization. This is done through creative art forms, such as visual arts, film and drama. We are expected to have our first green concert in February of next year.  

I am so humbled by the fact that the voluntary efforts that I made with the EMA Youth Ambassadors had such a profound impact on my life. From flying out to London for the Fourth Commonwealth Youth Parliament to staying at Asa Wright Nature Centre mentoring youths and encouraging them to join the EMA Youth Ambassadors. The past few years have been such an exciting thrill.

To this day I do not think most people get my burning passion for the organizations that I am involved with. Last night I was flat on my bed, with a scratchy sore throat, a massive headache, a pair of crowded nostrils and a fever than can literally cook food if a pan was placed on top of me.

Today was the finals of the EMA’s Eco Song Competition 2011 and I had promised my coordinator that I would assist her backstage since a month ago. I was not prepared to miss Eco Song, not only because I promised I would be there, but its the epitome of environmental education in a very entertaining and creative form. Students from Secondary Schools would create environmentally based calypsos, soca or chutney soca songs. This year the theme was “Forests for people”

What was most unexpected was that the CEO of EMA, Dr. Joth Singh spoke very highly of me, and all I could have done was just blushed like a fool. The manager of Corporate Relations and Public Education, as well as the prestigious title of “Most awesome boss ever”, Mrs Tisha Marajh,  called me out on stage to take a bow. By this time my foolish blush, had gone into overload and I bowed like a mannequin trying to move for the first time. 

I held my strength for the entire day, but to be honest I am now back to square one. If I had not gone, I could not have lived with myself, I would have had regrets, and I would have felt like I disappointed the entire world. I am not trying to be over dramatic, its simply how I would have felt. My passion and drive is relentless and volunteering makes up such a big part of my world. Seeing all those contestants compete was absolutely amazing. At the end of the day Couva West Secondary was able to win the competition in both categories. It was very much a happy day for them. 

The “EMA Boy” could be sick or not….. my passion inside me would keep me alive!

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel

Tomorrow is ICC, or the day for the International Coastal Cleanup exercise that is held on the third Saturday of September. The exercise is conducted all around the world on this specific day and is internationally coordinated by Ocean Conservancy. 

I, as an environmental student, an EMA Youth Ambassador and a person who is genuinely interested in the environment would be participating in this event. The EMA Youth Ambassadors have been stationed at Manzanilla Beach this year for the clean up, and we always are very excited for this event.

I would however admit, that ICC is quite controversial, in that it only happens for one day of each year. The time allocated to cleaning is probably about one hour and a half, so in essence, there is no focus on the amount of trash that you collect. The main purpose of ICC is for the collection of data on the type of trash that is found on beaches around the world. Each item that we pick up off our shores around Trinidad and Tobago is manually recorded and then later compiled. The national data is then sent to Ocean Conservancy where they compile the global data.

The ICC program then reports on the total weight of trash collected and the most common items that were found. There is also a certain place in the form which states the most unorthodox item found. A few years a back, we actually found a used sanitary pad, which by any measure was totally disgusting. Luckily we are well equipped with bags and proper gloves for this exercise because there is notelling what you might come across. Underwear such as jockeys, panties and bras are also not uncommon. They can be found on the beach near the busy areas of some shorelines. 

What makes the event interesting, is that there is an official record of what we pick up. We collect data on this day, so that scientists and other interested parties can be well aware of what is being deposited on our shores, so that they can stop it from the source. 

ICC also has a lot of public relations involved. Its internationally recognized and any organization that participates is viewed as an environmentally consious one through the spirit of volunteerism.

Despite the controversial views, I do try to participate every year and I am looking forward to tomorrow with anticipation :D

Always looking at life

Shahad the Sentinel

Okay Okay, I know that I have to prepare tediously for this Youth Commonwealth Parliament in London. However, my mind tires, and as such I need a break. Besides, I sourced a lot of important documents that we could use to assist us on our trip. I plan on making Trinidad and Tobago one of the most well represented countries.

After having such a great time yesterday with most of my family, how could I refuse yet another day together. I found myself enjoying a delicious meal of macaroni pie, read beans, stewed beef, baked chicken, boiled plantain and of course a fresh green salad. To top it all off, a nice cold glass of grape soft drink. How could I possibly say no to that? Hanging out by Aunty Fatima, is always the best :)

We even had a random talent show, showcasing our in house talents by all the nieces and nephews. I cracked two stale jokes and sang Nebula868’s “AMPED”. Of course the whole objective was not to sound like a platinum recording artist, it was just a game for us all to feel like one. lol

Tomorrow is my final day at the Environmental Management Authority. Without a doubt, I am going to miss the experience of working there. I am so sad to be honest. Working and earning an income is the aim of studying so hard, yet such a lifestyle seems so far away. Some of my co workers expressed to me that the lifestyle is not all that it is marked up to be. When working, there is added responsibility. 

Apart from being depressed about my last working day, I am happy that I decided to spend some time with my family this evening. It seems that torn cloth can always be mended. I think it’s time I learn to close my eyes, and learn to live a little…

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel 

For my text post tonight, I would like to talk about passion. The passion I speak of, is also known as bountiful enthusiasm. Great passion is not the easiest thing to find. It must be embedded in the centre of someone’s heart and attached to the root of one’s soul. When you are passionate about something in life, there is nothing stopping you from gaining success and realizing your dreams. Its important to show humility, but it is also important to see the bigger picture in everything that you do, in order to hold on to a diminutive ego that requires little feeding. 

I have volunteered so many times in my life. There is not a day that goes by that I would like to help people for their causes, and try my best to assist them in anyway possible. I love to go the distance. I love to prove to others that I can do this, once you show me how its done. I am always determined to make a lasting impression that you would never forget. Yes, I would admit that I have failed to do that on countless opportunities that I have had, but life is a learning process.

I have been discouraged so much when I volunteered, being paid a stipend of a mere TT$100.00 a week. There was never a profit doing a job such as that, but the invaluable experience that I gained was so much of a thrill. I learnt a lot. I have been working with my dad for sometime in the warehouse, and I learnt what it was like to function in the sphere of bulk business. I learnt what professionalism meant, and how one must carry themselves around corporate customers.

After the camp at Asa Wright Nature Centre with the EMA, I was offered a position as an Administrative Assistant. It was a position to die for honestly, since I could have been scrubbing floors at the EMA and I would have been equally ecstatic and overjoyed. Today was my first day and I must say it was rather enjoyable. I admit, it is indeed a lot to take in, but I am getting the hang of it.

One of my best friends came to visit me today, and he mentioned how hard I had to work to make an impression on the EMA as a worthy candidate for a temporary position at the establishment. I just told him that I was very dedicated to my cause as an EMA Youth Ambassadors and I was practically hired on passion alone. I really want to get into environmental education and this has proven to be one of my best opportunities yet! 

My point is, that one must always follow their heart. It would lead you to what you really want to do in life. I cannot believe how excited I am to return to the office tomorrow. Everyday brings something new and exciting. I am indeed still very nervous and intimated, because there is not a second that goes by that I think I am probably a bit in over my head with this new job. However, I am trying to stay positive and let myself know that this is what I want. If I want it, I need to work hard for it and continue to make all the sacrifices that are necessary.

Be passionate about what you do… Its so gonna be worth it in the long run!

Always looking at life,

Shahad the Sentinel.