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n vi ron m en t T OBAGO (ET) is a nongovernment, non-profit, volunteer organisation , not subsidized by any one group, corporation or government body. Founded in 1995, ET is a proactive advocacy group that campaigns against negative en viron men tal activit ies throughout Tobago. We achieve this through a variety of community and environmental outreach programmes. Environment TOBAGO is funded mainly through grants and membership fees. These funds go back into implementing our projects. We are grateful to all our sponsors over the years and thank them for their continued support
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Environment TOBAGO
September 2012
Environment TOBAGO’s President gets National Award
Mrs. Patricia Turpin has been a pioneer in environmental conservation for forty years. Today, she continues to pursue her passions as an environmental steward and a conscientious businesswoman. A naturalist at heart, she was raised in an isolated valley in a forest reserve in Southern Trinidad, where her earliest memories are of red howler monkeys calling in the surrounding jungle. Following her education in Canada, Environmental advocacy came naturally and blossomed when she joined the Turpin Legacy of environmental stewardship. Since the 1930’s, the Turpin’s have managed their 1000 acre estate using integrated forestry principles founded on a passion for environmental conservation. Mrs. Turpin continues this legacy in her ongoing management of this watershed estate. Always drawn to the beauties of nature, Mrs. Turpin and her family have, for 40 years, facilitated and assisted in scientific research undertaken by many visiting researchers to Northeastern Tobago, including the Smithsonian Institute team studying Tobago’s ET President Patricia Turpin receiving the Hummingbird Silver for rich biodiversity. In her Environmental Conservation role as manager of Man O’ War cottages, Mrs. Turpin has expanded the philosophy of the Turpin estate by providing a green refuge for visitors from around the world. She expanded her ecotourism work with a tour company that practising eco-tourism long before the phrase became popular. In 1996, Mrs. Turpin extended her role as an environmentalist when she joined the newly formed NGO, Environment Tobago. Her work with this widely respected organisation has steadily increased in importance over the years. As president of the organisation since 2000, she has helped to shape Environment Tobago as a trusted and valued voice for the environment in Tobago and the Caribbean in roles as varied as education, advocacy, and research. Mrs. Turpin continues with her busy schedule, advising on cabinet-appointed environmental policy committees, performing her duties as a game warden and sitting as a director or chair for numerous organisations in the tourism and environmental sectors such as the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, Caribbean Conservation Association, the GEF Civil Society Network and the COPE-Council of Presidents of the Environment, T&T. Mrs. Turpin remains a devoted and committed conservationist, seeking environmental justice as a lobbyist for environmental legislation.
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Environment TOBAGO newsletter
Another Award for the ET Team
September 2012 Editor: Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal Assistant Editor: Christopher K. Starr Design & Layout: Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal Technical Support: Jerome Ramsoondar Enid Nobbee Contributors: Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal Christopher K. Starr Bertrand Bhikkary Ian Lambie Linda HutchinsonJafar Environment TOBAGO Photographs: Environment TOBAGO
Board of Directors 2012-2014 President:: Patricia Turpin Vice-President: Bertrand Bhikkary Secretary: Wendy Austin Treasurer: Shirley McKenna Other Directors: William Trim Kai Trim Rupert McKenna Fitz Phillips Renee Gift Geoffrey Lewis Sean Clarke Darren Daly Allan Sandy
Juliana Antoine- ET Education Coordinator receives National Youth award in the Environment.
“A young woman with a passion for environmental conservation,” is how Juliana Antoine is described by her peers. It would be difficult to find any other person that could compare with her drive and fervour for the correcting of environmental issues confronting Tobago. Juliana, has worked with the Environmental NGO – Environment TOBAGO in different capacities for the last 4 years, she has educated and delivered projects in recycling, climate change, waste disposal and all issues that effect this island as it seeks developed status. She exudes confidence when speaking with her peers, educating children, working with government agencies and the EMA. She is a dedicated and capable young lady. A respected role model for youth in environmental consciousness and preservation who demonstrates an energetic and unflagging devotion to sharing the wonders of the natural environment.
JUSTICE ANTHONY LUCKY TO VISIT TOBAGO Justice Anthony Lucky, a member of the prestigious Germany-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), visited Tobago in mid-August to give two public lectures on a proper definition of the sea boundaries of Trinidad and Tobago, and especially Tobago. There has been widespread interest in this issue among Tobagonians, and Justice Lucky’s visit will be made under the auspices of the AllTobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA), the Buccoo Reef Trust, and Environment Tobago as part of their public education outreach. The first lecture was held on Wednesday, August 15 at the Atrium, Lowlands Mall, beginning at 5 p.m. and the second held the following day, August 16, at the Public Library, Charlotteville, also beginning at 5 p.m. He met separately with ATFA in the morning of August 16. Justice Lucky was also interviewed by Radio Tambrin, and will be a guest on the programme Your Point of View on Channel Five. A former Justice of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago, Justice Lucky has been a member of ITLOS since 2003. An acknowledged international expert in the law of the sea, he is also President of the Chamber for Marine Environment Disputes. He holds a law degree from the United Kingdom and a Master’s in International Relations from the University of the West Indies.
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
Bridge Strategy: The Path to Building a Zero Waste Community, the Ten year Plan Juliana Antoine – Education Coordinator (ET) The stakeholder session for the Path to Building a Zero Waste Community was held on Friday June 22, 2012 at the Scarborough Regional Hospital, Signal Hill. The function began with a prayer by a member of staff of the Division of Social Services and Public Health in the THA. In his opening remarks, Dr V. Partapsingh, County Medical Officer of Health, welcomed all and thanked them for their participation in the attempt to maintain Tobago’s mantra of Clean, Green, Safe ad Serene. He spoke of the need to find alternative and sustainable methods of waste disposal in Tobago and he welcomed the initiative of the THA to adopt a Zero Waste mentality. Pearline Nelson, Public Health Inspector III in the Public Health Department, pointed out in her presentation, the need to get on board with the Zero Waste initiative and gave an overview of the day’s proceedings. She then introduced Essie Parks, Programme Officer II, Division of Health, who, in her piece, spoke of how they conceptualized the initiative for Tobago. Tobago, over the years, has become more affluent in some parts, and as a result the demand for proper waste management systems has become unavoidable. With tourism being the highest income earner for the island, there is now the need to be on par with other island states in terms of our ability to deal with and properly manage waste as a resource. The Studley Park Landfill, the lone one on the island, is almost at capacity and all the waste that goes there is mostly commingled. There are some that can be recycled, sold or reused again but there isn’t an integrated facility that is operational to assist in the sorting of waste for reuse. The feature presentation was done by Eric Lombardi, Executive Director of Eco-Cycle in Colorado, U.S.A. He began by giving an overview of his company, EcoCycle, a non- profit social enterprise, which was established in 1976. He employs 80 members of staff at his facility and earns more than $6mil US per year in recycling. He spoke of how the Zero Waste Community can become a reality by outlining a 10 year plan. The plan serves as a roadmap for how a community can transition from a world dominated by waste disposal, using landfills, composting, reusing and the application of waste reduction. There are many benefits to becoming a zero waste community. It can create more jobs, better protect the environment and also expand the economy by using waste as a resource instead of just disposing of it at the landfill. The 10 year plan is structured into three phases with progressive community goals of achieving 50%, 70% and 90% materials recovery.
Phase one: The “access” years, years 1-4 aiming for 50% recovery and also created to develop infrastructure and provide access to recycling facilities across all sectors. Phase two: The “participation” years, years 5-8 aiming for 70% recovery with the goal of building participation in a source separation society and targeting hard to recycle material streams. Phase three: The “zero waste” years, years 9-10 aiming for 90% recovery whilst trying to reduce per capita discard generation and phase “waste” items out of the communities.
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This ten year plan offers a concrete and comprehensive approach to building new facilities, expanding recovery in all sectors of society, and revising the local incentives if any. In short, the way forward is to “Build, Educate and Regulate”. These changes will not happen overnight and ten years is a realistic timeline for the THA to formulate and pass legislation that will aid in this zero waste initiative. It will create green jobs, strengthen local economies, if any, reduce pollution as a result of less incineration and set a course towards a more sustainable economy. The Studley Park Landfill will then need to built or renovated to incorporate six facilities that is of utmost importance to seeing this initiative to succession. These are:
Materials Recovery Facility- for traditional recyclables such as paper, plastic glass Organics Recovery Facility for composting and energy production (methane gas) Construction, Demolition and Deconstruction facilities for recycling and reuse of building materials Centre for Hard to recycle materials to accommodate non- traditional recycling such as electronics and textiles Reuse and Repair facilities for the highest and best use before recycling Zero Waste Transfer Station for “whatever’s left”
He went on to give suggestions as to what the THA can do go get the initiative started and how they may be able to seek supplementary funding to get the facilities up and running and the facility at Studley Park isn’t at capacity or fully functional. He concluded by saying that the daily choice of what we choose to do with our waste can set us on a path towards a more prosperous and sustainable future or it can lead to resource wars, runaway climate change problems as well severe health issues. He thanks all for participating and looked forward to constructive critiques and feedback in order to make Tobago’s vision for Zero Waste not just a dream but a reality.
National Committee for Social Responsibility in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards Chamber of Industry and Commerce presents an awareness session on TTS/ISO 26000:2011, Guidance on Social Responsibility Juliana Antoine – Education Coordinator (ET) An awareness session on the ISO Standard 26000:2011 was held on Tuesday June 26, 2012 at the Works Lecture room, Shaw Park. With all protocols being observed, the Chairman, Melanie Richards of the National Mirror Committee on Social Responsibility welcomed all and thanked them for their presence in the day’s proceedings. She then acknowledged and welcomed the members of the head table. In his opening remarks, Mr Kenneth Winchester, Director of Information Technology in THA, representing Mr Ellis Burris, who was unable to attend, spoke of what are corporate social responsibility and the role that each stakeholder should play in making this standard one that is observed by all. He spoke of organizations becoming more cognizant of the needs of being more socially responsible and thus the need for this standard is one that is worth being considered to contribute to sustainable development.
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
Mr David Wong, The Tobago representative of the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce in his presentation, spoke of the need to generate awareness of the importance of the ISO 26000:2011 and how it benefits the private sector. He stressed that organizations and companies have become more performance related and as such there was the need for a standard. This is, in part, a reflection of the growing recognition of the need to ensure social equity and good organizational governance. Organizations around the world, and their stakeholders, have become increasingly aware of the correlation between corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. Although the standard is voluntary, it is the hope that many companies and organizations will come on board, and see the need to be corporate and socially responsible for and to the communities that they are in and serve. The feature address was presented by Mr Bobby Andrews, who was representing Honourable Orville London, Chief Secretary of the THA, who was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. In his remarks, he spoke of the need for all stakeholders to abide by and to adopt the standard. THA being the largest employer on the island, with a total of 51% of the workforce, sees their role as in important one as they recognize that labour and community awareness is the way to go in adopting the standard. Mr Andrews did acknowledge that there are some shortcomings in the way the standard is now as it was presented stressing that is it voluntary and that it gives companies and organizations a reason not to implement the standard and to gain the potential benefits that can be derived from the adaptation of the standard in their everyday operations. A brief overview and history of the TTS ISO 26000:2011 was then presented in the form of a power point presentation by Mr Wade Inglesbirth, Technical Secretary of the National Mirror Committee for Social Responsibility of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. He began by telling of the time that it took to prepare the document for publication. Consultations have been on-going for the better part of 10 years and it was finally completed in November 2010. The standard came about after a meeting was held in Trinidad in 2000 about the need for standard to monitor and evaluate corporate social responsibility. He went on to add that the National Mirror Committee have divided stakeholders into categories to determine what needs that would have. They are:
Government Non-Governmental Organizations Industries Labour Consumer Service, Support, Research and others
The needs of all these stakeholders have proven to be very diverse and as a result, he defined social responsibility as the responsibility of an organization for the impact of its decisions and actions on society and the environment through transparent and ethical behaviour that is:
Consistent with the sustainable development and the welfare of the society. This takes into account the expectations of the stakeholders Is in compliance with applicable law and is consistent with international norms of behaviour is integrated throughout the organization.
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He went on to add that the key principles of Social Responsibility are:
Accountability- Organizations must be accountable for the actions and the impact that it has on society and the environment. Transparency- Companies must be transparent and be able to show how they would have integrated the SR into their organization Ethical Behaviour Rule of Law Respect for other stakeholders International norms of behaviour (Human and Labour rights) Human rights
If any organization were to become interested in adopting the ISO 26000:2011, he advised that they were to first recognize and engage their stakeholders. Identify who they are and prioritize the core subjects that are relative to the stakeholder. One could engage them either formally or informally either through a seminar or advisory committee or create an interactive session with them so as to be able to gauge their needs. He spoke of the benefits that can be derived if an organization implements the standard. The perception and reality of an organizations performance on social responsibility can influence among other things a competitive advantage, a stronger, more solid reputation, the ability to attract and retain workers or members, the view of investors in the financial company that also recognize the standard as well as to create and foster a stronger relationship with other companies and stakeholders in the community in which they operate. In conclusion, he added that the standard is totally voluntary. At this time, it is not intended for certification. The ISO 26000:2011 has been produced to assist organizations in addressing the issue of social responsibility. He went on to add that its goal was to provoke a practical guidance related to operationalizing the SR by increasing the confidence and satisfaction in organisations among customers and stakeholders whilst proving to be consistent and not to be in conflict with existing documents and treaties that are already being observed. The final presenter was Mrs Mia Persad-Douglas of Footprints Eco Resort and Spa. She spoke of how her company has incorporated the ISO 26000:2011 and the benefits that she has gained as she is in the eco-tourism related industry. Her company has been recognized and has won awards for being socially responsible by being mindful of the potential impact that their operations could have on the society from which they operate as well as the people they serve. Closing remarks were once again made by Melanie Richards. She thanked all for attending and hoped that the ISO 26000:2011 would now be more understood and has the potential to be adopted into organizations more easily. She spoke of the need to have constant feedback through the National Mirror Committee for Social Responsibility as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce to make the standard one that can be adopted by our governing bodies and can go on to become a certifiable standard.
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
Field trip in Southwest Tobago with Minister of Tourism to check on Reports of sewage pollution
Environment TOBAGO’s 17th Annual General Meeting Thursday July 26th, 2012. Venue: P.R.D.I Conference Room, Cor. Of Main & Burnett Streets, Scarborough, Tobago. Executive Directors present: Mrs. Patricia Turpin- President Mr. Bertrand Bhikarry- Vice President Mr. Geoffrey Lewis- Treasurer Mrs. Wendy Austin-Secretary Staff: Juliana Antoine and Gillian Walker Excuses: Darren Henry and Hugh Baker Directors and other members present: Sean Clarke, Hugh Mc Kenna, Christine Turpin, Shirley Mc Kenna, Allan Sandy, Raymond Ottley, Renee’ Gift, Marcus Gremli, Rupert Mc Kenna, Kai Trim, Ean Mackay, Caroline Hardie, Darren Daly, Janet Parks, William Trim, Keith Gibson, Adana Mahase-Gibson, Andy Roberts, Kai Trim, Fitzherbert Phillips. Agenda: 1. 2.
Chairman’s Welcome ET prayer
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3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Review and adoption of Minutes of 16th AGMPresident’s Report Treasurer’s Report. Review and Adoption of Audited reports of 2011. Resolution for consideration by members: “That Clause 8.10 and Clause 11.4 are two distinct and different “Clauses- and not in opposition to each other”. Demit of current BOD Election of Officers Congratulations and Closing Remarks
1. The Chairman’s Welcome Mrs. Shirley Mc Kenna – The Chairman, welcomed all present to the 17th Annual General Meeting of Environment TOBAGO and called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Juliana Antoine –Education Coordinator Summary Juliana firstly apologized for the technical difficulties that she was experiencing with the laptop and said she had some slides representing education for the year to show, but she will have to explain instead. She began by saying Environment TOBAGO received some funding for projects for the year ended 2011. She also stated that one of the projects had been recently concluded such as “The Keep A Clean Green School “. The prize giving ceremony is scheduled for September 2012. Environment TOBAGO also collaborated with Caribsave to do a community project on climate change adaptation which started in May 2012 and ended in June 2012, it was a community based vulnerability assessment study dealing with the effects of climate change on the environment particularly in the Tourism and Fisheries sectors within the Pigeon Point to Plymouth areas. She went on to discuss various aspects of the Education program in schools and with groups (EMA and Biodiversity). 2. ET prayer The ET Prayer was lead by the Chairman -Mrs. Shirley Mc Kenna 3. Review and Adoption of Minutes of the 16th AGM Mrs. Patricia Turpin initiated the review and adoption of the minutes of the 2011 AGM. Perusal of the last minutes was done by all present, page by page. No corrections or changes were made. The minutes of the 16th AGM were then adopted by Rupert Mc Kenna and seconded by Mrs. Shirley Mc Kenna. All present were in favor. 4. President’s Report Mrs. Turpin, the President, again welcomed all present and proceeded to present her annual report. The President began by stating that the message of conservation needs to be celebrated, publicize and support the many positive events and changes in attitudes that are also taking place at the time and today we will do just that, focus on the achievements of Environment TOBAGO and its members. The President stated that this organization has been instrumental in the generation of government policy (now law) in the areas of Forests, Protected Areas, Environmentally sensitive areas and species, Climate change, Reforestation and Desertification. Mrs. Turpin further stated that ET has been recently appointed the focal PT- Tobago for the MEA’s
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
(Multilateral Environmental Agreements) the first being dealt with is Climate Change. Mrs. Turpin explained that ET has been consulted on the management of Buccoo Reef Complex and EIA’’s for gas exploration e.g. with Centrica pipeline to Cove Estate, and developed partnerships with the Green Fund project applicants(Garifuna) related to renewable energy, carbon reduction, climate change adaption and mitigation and integrated recycling of waste for Tobago. She stressed that ET education program has been focusing on recycling of plastics and other waste material. She reiterated that Environment TOBAGO is represented and are still members of COPE- Council of Presidents of the Environment and Global Water Partnership and ET members serve on BRMC –Buccoo Reef Management Committee and EIA Committee with the EMA/DNRE. Mrs. Turpin stated that ET has partnered with the US Embassy- AIS (Automatic Information Systems) Vessel project for Tobago, BTMC, Garifuna Ltd to name a few. Mrs. Turpin explained that the day to day administration of the organization has been overseen by the executive of the BOD of ET and supported by the current Education Coordinator – Juliana Antoine and the Administrative Assistant Gillian Walker, she further explained that due to the improvement of ET’s financial status in the last year, as of August 1st, 2012 an advertisement for a new Education Coordinator will be placed in the newspaper and Juliana Antoine will fill the post of General Manger. Financially, the funding ET received from Rockefeller Philanthropic Advisors and BHP Billiton in 2011, left ET with a surplus of $194,500.00 and fund raising of approximately $27,000.00TT and funding of $50,000.00TT from Caribsave for a climate related project, it is forecasted that a further $127,000.00TT for the 2nd tranche of support from BHP Billiton and $40, 00.00 from Dillon Consulting for another carbon/ tourism related project will add to it. Mrs. Turpin stated that ET budget for 2012 was estimated in the vicinity of $173,000.00TT and has several Green Fund projects in different application stages presently. The Garifuna turbine energy project (approx. $9 mil TT) has been approved by the Green Fund and ET hopes to receive word from the GF Unit as to when the Ministry of Finance will release the funding. ET membership now stands at approx. 280 active members and 180 inactive members. I n conclusion, she also congratulated ET’s Education Officer- Juliana Antoine on her receipt of the National Award-“Youth in the Environment” from the Prime Minister’s Office. She thanked everyone for their support in the last two (2) years and handed over to the treasurer. 5. Treasurer’s report. The Chairman introduced the treasurer; Mr. Geoffrey Lewis, Mr. Lewis welcomed everyone and proceeded to present his report and went through the audited financial statements. He explained that in the Income and Expenditure account, the increase in ordinary activities (over $300,000 represented an increase in Income over 2010). He also stated that even though our Expenditure increased, we were able to reduce recurrent expenditure. He further stated that in our Financial Report for the year 2010 mention was made of funds expected in 2011 and he is pleased to note that there has been a positive outlook for our financial position in 2011. A summary was presented as followsTotal Income $353,812.00 Total Expenditure $199,376.88 Advances $64,000.00 (liability) Excess Income $154,435.00.
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He went on to add that the income situation is now on a more solid footing and with the approval of the Green fund project by Government, we expect our income situation to continue to improve this year. In conclusion he calculated that we need $175,000.00 to carry us through for 2012 as projected in the 2012 estimations. This will cover operating and administrative expenses separate from our projects. The treasurer stated that this has allowed us to start and complete some of our projects in and in order for ET to become more sustainable, more emphasis should be placed on areas that will realize income for recurrent expenses. This can be achieved by: Strategic Alliance Partnerships, Employment with a full time CEO (ET will be hiring a manager for Sept), Massive Fund raising drives, Charging for services such as consultations and CEC’s, Sponsorship and Massive marketing and promotions. Additionally, he implied that our organization had received funding from BHP Billiton to the tune of $20,000.00US, RBC Royal Bank $10,000.00TT, Petrotrin 5000.00TT and we also managed to gain funds through membership, consultancy services ( Caribsave project) and sale of ET merchandise. A hearty “Thank You” is extended to these corporate sponsors for their continued support. The treasurer thanked Mr. Jalsa of Jalsa & Mahadeo Chartered Accountants for another year of excellent support and friendship to ET a no cost. He concluded by thanking everyone who has supported ET and if there are any suggestions in mind, this is the time to let us know. Financial reports was adopted my Mrs. Patricia Turpin and second by Mr. Fitzherbert Phillips. Membership concurred 6. Resolution for consideration by members “That Clause 8.10 and Clause 11.4 are two distinct and different “Clauses- and not in opposition to each other”. Mrs. Mc Kenna stated that the Financial Report shows a surplus in 2011 into 2012. She also spoke of directors not doing their best because they were qualified and just being remunerated or reimbursed for travel and petty expenses. She also spoke about the need to have it changed to be able to remunerate to directors for their expertise. She went on to clarify in the Bye law of 8.10 and 11.4 as ambiguous and that it needs to be clarified. She asked for those in favor to adopt. 16 supported 0 against. Resolution was passed NOTES: Mrs. Mc Kenna also raised a point about disclosure. A person can have a company and come to Environment TOBAGO however they have to disclose if they have any interest in getting on other boards. Vice President, Bertrand Bhikarry stated that Environment TOBAGO is becoming like a business and about in a year ET will have problems with space because the rent is doubling. He also stressed on the importance of directors to come on board and get down to business. Mrs. Mc Kenna spoke about the need to have a NGO building, and suggested that ET should go into a “rent to own” arrangement business because ET has grown considerably over the past year. 7. Demit of the Board of Directors. At this time the Chairman thanked the Board of Directors for their service and then proceeded to ask the board to step down. She then invited Mr. Raymond Ottley and Mrs. Janet Parks, returning officers to the head table. 8. Election of Officers Mr. Ottley began by explaining the election process to the membership and the order in which the balloting would be done and explained the ballot process. He then asked for the proxy votes (submitted by W. Austin and P. Turpin) to be submitted to the
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
table. Ms. Juliana Antoine was asked to assist in the vote recording. Nominations- President Pat Turpin- Nominated by Fitzherbert Phillips and seconded by Mrs. Shirley McKenna. No other nominations Nominations -Vice President William Trim- declined. Mr. Bertrand Bhikarry nominated by Mr. William Trim and seconded by Mrs. Shirley Mc Kenna. No other nominations Nominations- Secretary Wendy Austin Nominated by Mr. William Trim and seconded by Mrs. Patricia Turpin No other nominations Nominations-Treasurer Mr. Geoffrey Lewis was nominated by Mr. Fitzherbert Phillips and seconded by Rupert McKenna Mrs. Shirley Mc Kenna was nominated by Patricia Turpin and seconded by W. Austin Mr. Rupert Mc Kenna asked that nominations cease and voting commenced by closed ballot. Members asked that the 2 candidates give a review of their qualifications for the post. Voting papers were collected and votes counted. The voting results were 17 to Mr. Geoffrey Lewis and 18 to Mrs. Shirley McKenna. Congratulations were extended to Mrs. McKenna. Nominations -Ordinary Directors Ms. Renee’Gift - nominated by Mrs. Patricia Turpin and seconded by Mrs. Wendy Austin Mr. Fitzherbert Phillips- nominated by Mr. Geoffrey Lewis and seconded by Mrs. Patricia Turpin. Mr. Darren Daly - nominated by Mrs. Patricia Turpin and seconded Mr. Ean McKay. Mr. Geoffrey Lewis - nominated by Mr. Fitzherbert Phillips and seconded by Mrs. Wendy Austin. Mr. Allan Sandy- nominated by Mrs. Shirley Mc Kenna and seconded by Mr. Hugh McKenna. Mr. Sean Clarke - nominated by Mrs. Wendy Austin and seconded by Mrs. Caroline Hardie. Mr. William Trim- nominated by Mr. Rupert McKenna and seconded by Mr. Fitzherbert Phillips Ms. Kai Trim -nominated by P. Turpin and seconded by B. Bhikarry Mr.Rupert McKenna – nominated by Fitzherbert Phillips and seconded by W. Trim William Trim asked that all nominations cease 7. Congratulations and Closing Remarks Mr. Ottley extended his congratulations to the new Directors and stated that there was a typo in the agenda. He also took the time to give a short presentation about how our society is undisciplined and we should be far more aggressive as an organization. He also spoke about the need to sensitize our people to keep the rubbish in
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the bins and our beaches are not clean because they are filled with garbage. He emphasized that we have a poor garbage collection system. He concluded by speaking about the need to increase talks with the Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association and more focus should be placed on educating the 5th and 6th formers in Secondary School about conservation and environmental issues in and around Tobago. He then opened the floor for Mrs. Patricia Turpin, who proceeded to congratulate all the new BOD and asked all members to join us for some refreshments.
ET Board of Directors for 2012 - 2014
Report on the first public consultation of CENTRICA North Sea oil proposed exploratory drilling programme Bertrand Bhikarry The first public consultation was held at the Signal Hill Secondary School Auditorium on the 16th August, 2012 at 5.30 pm. Presenters included local representatives from Centrica staff (Indu Sharma) and the EIA consultant (LarryTeeelucksingh). Present too was a drilling expert (Rick Harrington). The consultation got off on time with a brief introduction of Centrica’s Caribbean presence, beginning with details of asset partnerships held with other block operators. Indu Sharma reassured the Tobago audience that Centrica’s outlook for involvement revolved around long-term, community involvement and conformation to law. The driller assured the audience when it came to his turn to speak that all international standards for waste disposal (human or industrial) will be adhered to. Larry Teelucksingh (Coastal Dynamics) gave a projection on the methods his company will employ to gather information on; currents with regard to waste disposal,
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
potential of disturbance to benthic fauna and pelagic life, and also to potential for disruption to local anthropogenic activities, focusing on the fisherfolk. After the presentation questions were fielded from the audience. Pamela Nicholson objected on the behalf of the people that this type of activity (drilling) was not a desirable option. She stated the presence of an oil field (syngas) portends a bleak outlook for tourism in rustic areas (Charlotteville). She further cast her apprehension that there will be little obvious gain for the Tobago people. Other members of the audience subsequently reiterated her concern, some asking for clearer identification of areas where Tobago could participate in the downstream (such as culinary services for the rigs). The bulk of the question gravitated to the fishing sector’s repeated queries on clarification on how they will access recompense for lost income because of the drillships presence, and after that by the continuous presence of heavy marine traffic. These questions were deemed (by Ms Sharma) as being outside the scope of the consultation. However, with suggestions from Dr. Teelucksingh (Coastal Dynamics) the fishers were advised to formally contact the EMA re: their potential for lifestyle disruption and therefore, remuneration. Towards the end of the presentation, the representative from Environment Tobago (Bertrand Bhikarry) dimmed the lights and as the amazed audience remained rapt, he asked that the computer generated models which are being compiled for emergency scenarios (oil spills, etc.) take into account that Zone NCMA-4 (an area which has never had an oilfield presence) is subject to the harsh north winds and the NW swells from the continental US about 60 days every year. That those phenomena present a real threat to Tobago assets on its west coast. That with changing weather patterns evolving, the propensity for even heavier weather is real. The ET representative also (apologising for taking it off-topic) drew attention the YET unopened NCMA-2 blocking the south of Tobago (off Trinidad’s east coast) which places a gas/oil field on Tobago's doorstep – when the persistent Guyana current is taken into consideration. In short, Paradise is to be bracketed in the oil sector. The ET representative gave it as; better the discussion about threats to the coasts of Tobago and other Antilles isles ( Grenada) be considered now, before an oilfield become entrenched, and even as it does, that the negotiation for who responsibility in case of an accident (like BP’s Gulf epic) be taken into account. Shyly, the ET guy also acknowledged that while such a question is outside of the remit of a EIA consultation which is primarily only seeking to drill exploratory wells, he wondered, If not now, when? In closing this report of an evening’s entertainment among his peers, the representative asks that his NGO consider a high-level engagement with the authorities – namely that several aspects of the push to monetize the ‘Tobago blocks’ be reconsidered in the light of (a) threats to biodiversity, (b) food security by way of a diminished fishery, (c) threats to a fledging tourism industry even now being refinanced or (d) and the obvious lack of provision for gas reserves for the local population of the future. ET may maintain too, that if any one of the above points ‘stick’, then there is justification for dialogue on the feasibility of opening petro-fields (and other industrial development projects) in and around Tobago.
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SECOND YOUTH FORUM ON CLIMATE CHANGE Linda Hutchinson-Jafar Earth Conscious Magazine The second Youth Forum on Climate Change in Trinidad and Tobago themed ‘Empowering Our Youth for a Sustainable Society’ was held in early August at the Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Port of Spain. Organised by the five-year old Earth Conscious magazine, a digital and webbased publication, the Forum seeks to empower its participants and by extension, all youth in Trinidad and Tobago, to take action – tangible, concrete steps to create a culture of development that is sustainable and that can enhance the lives of everyone in our society. “Such development must happen at all levels, but the responsibility to make it happen belongs to each of us individually, and all action, therefore, must be initiated at the personal level,” said Linda Hutchinson-Jafar, the Editor of Earth Conscious magazine. With this in mind, the Forum supports these three key objectives: To build awareness among youth on issues of the environment and climate change; To foster a generation of leadership in sustainable development and climate change adaptation; and To encourage environmental action. Hutchinson-Jafar said the Forum encourages young people to be the agents of change in Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean and in the world. “Youth have the most invested in the future of a healthy and sustainable earth,” she added. She noted that thousands of young people globally are already engaged in climate change and environmental degradation issues, recognising that if they are not part of the solution, they will inherit an earth ravaged by the effects of climate change. “Acknowledging their responsibility as stakeholders of this earth, youth groups throughout regions of the world are adding their voices to climate change policy and to environmental issues. Their voices are becoming louder and leaders worldwide are sitting up and taking notice,” Hutchinson-Jafar asserted. The opening session of the 2nd Youth Forum on Climate Change, chaired by Mr. Garfield King included an address by Ms.Ramona Ramdial, Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
From left: Some of the participants, including editor of ET newsletter (centre photo) and some youth panellists.
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
EMA Youth Environment Workshop
Photos highlighting ET’s work with youth over the years including the beach cleanups, the Clean School Programme and Rainforest Education & Awareness Programme sponsored by BP. Not forgetting that Tobago is not immune to pollution as seen in this photo of the Studley Park Landfill (bottom row left)
ECOLOGY NOTES Ecological land classification Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal Dept of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies One of the challenges of getting to know any field of study is the language or jargon. In ecology this poses quite a challenge with respect to describing the areas under study especially when they all start with the prefix “eco”. In ecology land is placed into five categories. Here I will start with the largest area and work down to the smallest. The largest is referred to as the ecosphere. The first category is an ecozone refers to large areas on the planet’s surface where organisms have been able to evolve in relative isolation mostly due to being separated by geographic features like deserts, mountain ranges and oceans. So the Neotropics is an example of an ecozone. This leads to an ecoprovince which is a smaller area (at a sub-continental level) of uniform climate and geological history and structure like mountain ranges and large valleys. Ecoprovince contains few ecoregions which are smaller versions of an ecozone in that it is geographically and ecologically distinct. Ecoregions also contain distinct assemblages of species and although broad, ecoregions are mainly distinguished by their climate. Contained in ecoregions, are ecosites which are smaller areas whose definition is governed by some local factors like physical characteristics such as vegetation. For example, a pasture is an ecoregion, as it possesses a relatively uniform climate. Changes like topography and soil texture govern the development of ecosites. Finally there are ecotopes are the smallest spatial unit in ecology also referred to as ecosystems and has ecologically distinct features for two or more years. So the next time you read an article on ecology in the newspaper or on the internet, do not let the words intimidate you from gaining more knowledge.
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ARTICLES Waste as an issue Bertrand Bhikarry Environment TOBAGO
“Tobago may soon choke on waste. “
its
own
Fast forward to Tobago 2013. The political climate is active, the airwaves are busy, and the population is heady with the buzz of an election and the expectation of another Carnival. In the eyes of the people, it's high time some of the real issues were put away. See? Savvy Tobagonians lining up behind the better manifesto, supporting the party with a clearer promise to solve local problems. Tobago 2012: Wishful thinking aside, Life is hard, and everyone is facing, carrying their share of the difficulties. But in the wings, hope springs eternal, and the politicians nurture those hopes with their promises. Since a political vehicle is judged by its (professed) ability to give a ride to the largest part of the community as is possible, the various party promises to help shoulder burdens are predictably grand. But putting aside offerings of graft and pork – it's not within this column's purview to acknowledge such things exist, the Tobago House of Assembly of 2013 – 2017 might really want to fix the issue of the islands waste. To clarify, it's just municipal garbage being discussed here, just as it's not the purview of this column to imply other kinds of wastage occur in Tobago. Municipal waste or MSW, is the stuff that ends up in the dump and the verges of our Belladonna. In Tobago, the literality of MSW dumping has now been inculcated far too deeply into local behavior to be removed in one generation, speaking realistically. The problem has reached a point where rubbish is assuming a life of its own. In a very real sense, Tobago may soon choke on its own waste. Waste management therefore is an item that could occupy the prime spot on a party manifesto come the Election. Garbage is certainly not a glam topic, neither is constipation. But the similarity cannot be denied, what with leachate from the dump pouring into Barbados Bay, Studley Park's poisonous dust sweeping across Tobago communities, and the landfill's invisible methane choking off the our life support. Adding insult to injury, Tobago's waste, while not officially counted as a negative factor for tourism, must surely have soured a few memories, looking at the mess objectively. Fixing the rubbish problem is not rocket science. The logical approach would seek a method to reduce the load on the existing landfill, magically consume newly generated MSW, and try to find a clean and productive way to use any by-product generated by the MSW management solution. Incineration comes to mind. Always frowned upon, always delayed before it's adopted, incinerators remain the most prevalent waste management tool globally. There will be the more elaborate proposals, some which perhaps contend a beautifully theorized zero-waste paradigm. However until oily sludgy waste, medical waste, biowaste, paper and plastic waste, electronic waste, and human waste are covered. It is best to think BURN. Yes indeed. It is that simple. The core elements for the clean burn for most of the Tobago MSW exist in the fortuitous combination inadvertently provided by the National Gas Company's Cove treatment plant, the unused factory space at Cove, and the need for steam required for a food processing industry in Tobago. In a very real sense therefore, the catalyst for the much touted potential Tobago economy really does lie down at Cove. But it's pulse will be the energy generated by the very waste which poses the problem
Environment TOBAGO newsletter
for Tobago at present. Popular community support for the burn solution does exist. Certainly enough for any of the Tobago political parties to invest the time to look into the idea. One can just see the election banners. 'Tangible solution, renewable energy, recycled waste by-product, cleaner streets', etcetera. But then there is another reality that may impinge on this dream. The fact that political parties do not need to solve issues to take an election in this time of Tobago's history. What a waste.
Artificial leaves Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal Dept of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies When we think of artificial leaves, we often think of those plastic leaves used in floral arrangements. But scientists have created practical artificial leaves my mimicking photosynthesis which uses sunlight and water which it converts into energy. These artificial leaves work by splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen, the latter of which can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity. Hydrogen is a good source of energy as it is very abundant but it is often combined with oxygen in the form of water. Also the use of solar energy rather than that derived from fossil fuels make this generation of hydrogen a renewable energy source. But the main advantage of these “leaves� is that they can be used in remote areas and in regions where hydroelectric power is just not feasible, for example deserts. However, the major drawback to the widespread use of this technology is the high cost of production, which includes the use of a platinum catalyst to generate the hydrogen gas. Therefore, in order to make them ore affordable, the platinum was replaced with a less expensive metal allow (nickel-molybdenum-zinc) on one side of the leaf and a cobalt film on the other to generate the oxygen. Another material being investigated is iron oxide simply known as rust, as it also absorbs light and acts as a semiconductor. But, this technology has not been perfected to the point where it has become so efficient that it meets the world’s energy demand. They say that imitation is the best form of flattery! But one has to wonder if in the future humans will rather depend on these artificial leaves rather than the real thing to fuel our ecosystems.
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Letter written by Ian Lambie-ET member Ira Mathur-Environmental issues Dear Ira, I had not seen your previous articles relative to the environment. However the headline in the Trinidad Guardian of 30th August, 2012 caught my attention. Welcome to the environmental movement. We can use as many allies as possible. It is my wish that journalists get educated on matters relative to the urgent need for sustainable use of our country's renewable natural resources and the benefits to be derived from proper land use planning and to desist from referring to persons who are striving and urging for the sustainable use of our renewable natural resources as "Obstructionists to Development" The majority of these "Environmentalists" are volunteers who are concerned about the continuing "rape" of our Environment and receive no financial benefits for their time and their efforts. It is imperative that we "Grow more Food".but there must be a National Plan for the use of our very limited arable land space. Our country must have development and progress but it must be planned, orderly and with a view to sustainability. We just don't wake up one morning and say that we will construct aluminium smelter plants . " And not a Man move"., except Dr. Peter Vine and Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh, who have sacrificed their careers in objecting to the misuse of our land. No other objections from professionals were heard. I have been a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club since 1958 when the Club was the only organisation calling for the proper management of our natural environment and our natural resources of land, water, forests and wildlife. At that time "Sustainable Management" or " Sustainable Use" were not popular terms and "environmental matters" were the concern of the Ministry of Health. Today environmental matters are the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing. There is no separate Ministry for the environment and one may interpret that environmental matters, which are so important to our quality of life and to our standard of living, are on the "back burner". I do agree with you that there is a "lack of concern for environmental matters". Even after the devastating flooding which first occurred in the Diego Martin Valley in November 1961. Yes 1961 , Fifty years before November 2011 and with it another round of havoc ,destruction , loss of property and suffering for the residents of Maraval, Diego Martin, Petit Valley Glencoe , and Pt.Cumana, some of whom as so poor that they will never be able to recover from their losses. And now we have the floods of 2012. Even between 2011 and 2012 , the removal of forest cover and building construction on hillsides continued. In 2011, Mr.Colm Imbert said that the flooding , landslides and destruction of homes and other property in Maraval and in the Diego Martin Valley ,was caused by "An Act of God" and in 2012 , Mr Jack Warner said that the Flooding, Landslides and Destruction was caused by "An Act of God". What utter nonsense. I may be prepared to forgive Mr. Warner who is ,or is it was, a sports administrator who may not fully appreciate the importance of proper land use planning and management of our natural environment, but I cannot forgive Mr. Imbert who is an engineer and who must know from his training and many years of experience that the removal of forest cover and other vegetation, the cutting and grading of hillsides and the construction of buildings on these hillsides will result in the rapid run-off of water when it rains , resulting in flooding, landslides and the loss of property and of life. I am amazed that both of these gentlemen expect us to believe that these incidents
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were not caused by the misuse and abuse of our land by respective Governments. " Dey tink we chupid or what ?" We have been focusing on recent flooding , devastation and loss of property in the North-west of our country but we must not loose sight of the loss of property including agricultural crops and the hardships being experienced annually by residents in the low - lying areas of Central Trinidad. This is caused by the removal of forest cover and the construction of buildings in the valleys of the Northern Range. The residents of Arima should be prepared for the flooding , the devastation, and the loss of property which will result from the extensive government-sanctioned quarrying activities in the Arima Valley. These disastrous situations arise because of the absence of a Physical Development Plan and a Land Use Plan for our Country, and the powers of the Minister to reverse or negate the decisions of the Director of the Town and Country Planning Division and the Management of the Environmental Management Agency. (Established by Act No.3 of 1995). This "Power of the Minister" is enshrined in the Town and Country Planning Act 29 of 1960, Section 11(3) and Section 12 (3) and this over-riding of the decisions of the Town and Country Planning Officers , who are qualified professionals in town planning, engineering, surveying and in associated disciplines has been the practice of the various Ministers who legally have the "final say" relative to the orderly development of land and the construction of buildings. Be it the PNM, NAR, UNC or PP governments, the respective Minister has never failed to exercise his or her " Power" to reverse the decisions made by the professionals of the Town and Country Planning Division or by the professionals of the Environmental Management Authority relative to land use and to building construction. When I looked at the military parade at the Queens Park Savannah on Independence Day, I once again saw the ill-advised and illegal paving of a large part of the Savannah to prevent mud from getting on the boots and shoes of the military personnel participating in these Parades. The ill-advised action of Mr. Carlos John, an Insurance Executive, who was responsible for the paving and Mr. Eden Shand, the environmentalist who put his life at risk by sitting in front of a bulldozer which was in operation on the site, will always be remembered by me. The paving has caused flooding along Cipriani Boulevard during heavy rains and possible loss of water percolating into the aquifer below the surface of the Savannah. You should be aware that there are water wells on the Savannah which extract water from this aquifer. I remember when the then Minister for Works, Mr. Hector Mc Lean, an attorney, dismissed his Quarries Advisory Committee comprised of professionals and under the chairmanship of Mr. Ronald Williams an engineer , when they had ejected an application from the contractor to cut the lands above the Lady Young Road , in order to obtain "the fill" to be used on the widening of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway through Valsayn. The Field Naturalists Club named the scar above the Lady Young Road "The Mc Lean Monument". I remember the then Minister Mrs. Carolyn Seepersad -Bachan who, by the stroke of a pen, reversed the decision of the then Chairman of the EMA, the late Professor Julian Kenny, who had refused the granting of permission for an increase in quarrying activities in several parts of our Country, As a result of her ill-advised action, "Jake " Kenny , my friend and my mentor of
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more than 30 years, resigned as the Chairman of the EMA. He must have died a very unhappy man, possibly from a "broken heart" due to his inability to get the EMA moving in a positive direction. Professor Kenny, during his short term as Chairman of the EMA, established a "Noise Pollution Committee", among other initiatives. Now that he has "passed", I do hope that the Committee is operational. Many residents continue to suffer "sleepless nights" due to "loud music" despite the promises made by the Attorney General more than a year ago to address and to amend the relative laws and to get the co-operation of the police in taking speedy action when a report of "loud noise" is received. Also to be remembered is the removal of forests and the clearing of lands by the Government for the construction of a proposed aluminium smelter plant even before the required Environmental Impact Assessment had been completed and accepted by the EMA. Ms. Molly Gaskin, an environmentalist, was assaulted by a Rice Farmer, when at a meeting she protested against the "rape" of the Nariva Swamp for Rice Growing. The Nariva Swamp is a RAMSAR Site. The then representative for Ortoire / Mayaro had urged the rice farmers to grow more rice in the Nariva Swamp. The environmental damage which followed is yet to be rectified. I often wonder whether the loans made to these rice farmers by the Agriculture Development Bank for the purchase of machinery, was ever repaid. I note with some concern that there is now some anxiety being expressed in the recent Ryder Scott Report about our country's declining natural gas reserves. ( Business Express 29th Aug.2012) But the politicians and dem still "talking fat" as though de oil and de gas can never "done" and promising to supply our Caricom partners with natural gas. Ian Lambie p.s.
Most of this has been written from memory and without reference to written records.
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GRAND HORIZONS Mary Taylor Young 2002. Land of Grass and Sky. Englewood, Colorado: Earth Tales 160 pp. [Twenty-ninth in a series on "naturalist-in" books.] Christopher K. Starr Dept of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies ckstarr@gmail.com
The Great Plains of North America comprises three broad longitudinal bands. From east to west, they are the tallgrass, midgrass and shortgrass prairie. This book explores these bands at their middle latitudes in the states of Nebraska, Kansas and eastern Colorado. The tallgrass prairies have the richest soil, the greatest rainfall and of course the tallest grass cover, in the summer often higher than a person. Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) -- wonderfully aromatic and used in traditional medicine -- is its signature plant. The midgrass prairie, the broadest of the three bands, has grass about a meter high. The shortgrass prairie, in the rain shadow of the Rocky Mountains, has sparser, shorter vegetation, mostly no more than 30 cm high. Very little tallgrass prairies remain today, as the fertile soil is very valuable for agriculture. During three years' residence in Kansas, I never saw the native tall grass except when I made a deliberate trip to one of the remaining patches. Somewhat more midgrass prairie retains its natural vegetation, although most has been turned to the cultivation of maize and other grains. The shortgrass prairie is Tallgrass (top) and shortgrass (bottom) prairies poor cropland, utilized mainly for grazing. It has been the least affected of the three bands, and it is here that Young did the greater part of her wandering. The Great Plains are a region of seasonal extremes, often very hot in summer and very cold in winter, with little to obstruct the winds that sweep over the land. I once asked a local man in the shortgrass prairie if the wind ever stopped blowing. His
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“Aside from seasonal and humanmade changes, the prairies are naturally dynamic. “
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laconic answer -- one that he had probably given to many visitors from afar -- was "Only to change directions." There are also large fluctuations in rainfall. Many rivers and streams are dry or almost dry much of the year, then swell in the spring on their way to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Aside from seasonal and human-made changes, the prairies are naturally dynamic. Much of the eastern prairie is a fire climax, with fluctuating boundaries. Where fire has been absent long enough, the forest advances only to be lost in the next major fire. This kills the trees, while leaving the roots of the grasses intact. Each of the 14 chapters treats a particular plant or vertebrate animal and its associated organisms, with frequent references to relationships between the plains Indians and particular plants and animals. The chapter titled "Tumbleweeds" includes a gripping second-hand account of a powerful life-threatening dust storm. Perhaps the most engaging of the animal chapters is on the black-tailed prairie-dog, a fascinating social mammal. However, the plant or animal that gives a chapter its title is sometimes more a nucleating agent -- barely mentioned -- than a theme. One can appreciate this device more if one does not insist on knowing exactly what is going on. I came close to abandoning this book in the first chapter. I'm glad I didn't. All in all, it is well structured, although with marked lapses of focus of the sort that makes much of journalism so tiresome. It is beyond belief that Young expects the reader to care about what she was wearing at one time or another, the Bailey's Irish Cream she drank, or her dog's breed and name, among many other extraneous details. On top of this, various vapid metaphors and such statements as "God blessed [magpies] with the magical power of flight, and added beauty and grace in the bargain" are downright cringeworthy. The author missed a fine opportunity to ask, in the context of natural selection, why magpies are such graceful fliers. Much of the book is a lament for diminishing and lost wilderness, as well as the loss of rural life as housing developments spread. Young regrets that "The Great Plains have been plowed, irrigated, overgrazed, planted with trees, depopulated of native wildlife, and built upon with cities and sprawling developments. Though native plants survive in places, no natural prairie, functioning as it evolved to function, still exists." Unlike when a forest is cut down, the physical change is not obvious to the casual observer, yet it is just as deep and lasting. Two keystone animals with major impact on the soil, have been removed: bison and prairie dog. Each has been reduced to an estimated 1-2% of its natural numbers. There is also a long lament for the passing of the native peoples. Young shows a laudable eagerness to try the various kinds of traditional foods available to the plains Indians. I just wish she wouldn't clutter the accounts with chatty comments on how they are prepared, for example, or what modern kitchen seasons to use on a bison steak.
Christopher K. Starr is also the host of the new weekly radio show "EcoTones", a half-hour programme devoted to a broad range of environmental questions. Among these are environmental law and policy, ecotourism, the state of the environment, and some of the exceptionally alluring wild plants and animals found in the Eastern Caribbean. EcoTones airs every Wednesday evening just after the 6 o'clock news (starting at about 22:10 GMT) on FM 101.7 (Heritage Radio).
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Community Announcements
Environment TOBAGO invites you to support the Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC)] 2012. This year ET will be participating in the cleaning of the Belle Garden Beach. Those who cannot make it to that beach can go to the beach that is closest to their village. Cleanup is Saturday October 6th at 7.00am, Light refreshments and gloves will be provided at venue.
"The UTC Tobago CSC is in your neighborhood Call us now to share with your group a Seminar on Financial Planning" Manager: Contact :
Florence Forbes 635 2115 Ext. 6201
Business Development Officer : Desiree Hackett Murray Contact : 635 2115 Ext 6239; 688 3862
Environment TOBAGO would like to welcome our new Manager Ms Juliana Antoine who started her new post on 1st September.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING @ ET
NOTICE ET is interviewing persons for the position of Education Coordinator Volunteers needed! ET is now on Facebook and Twitter We invite everyone on Facebook to join. Here we will post upcoming events, links, photos and videos on ET matters and other environmental issues. ET group link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php? gid=53362888661&ref=ts And keep up to date on what we are up to by following us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/environ_tobago
Persons who are interested in helping with cataloguing and filing of ET’s educational, research and operational material and archiving.
Environment TOBAGO Environmental and Services Map of Tobago They are excellent and will be published every two years. Published in January 2008. Requests for these maps can be made to ET office.
New Members ET has a membership of 418 worldwide: No new members joined this quarter
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TT$15 per card or TT$100 for a pack of ten
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Environment TOBAGO t-shirts and caps now available
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Orders can be made through the office.
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READERS’ FORUM Dear ET Newsletter Readers, Office:
Mailing address:
11 Cuyler Street Scarborough, Tobago, W.I. P.O. Box 503, Scarborough, Tobago, W.I.
Phone: 1-868-660-7462 Fax: 1-868-660-7467 E-mail: envirtob@tstt.net.tt
We want to hear from YOU! Comments may be edited for length and clarity. Send your comments to: jo_annesewlal@yahoo.com or envirtob@tstt.net.tt
GUIDEL INES TO CONTRIBUT ORS Articles on the natural history and environment are welcome especially those on Trinidad and Tobago. Articles should not exceed approximately 1200 words (2 pages) and the editors reserve the right to edit the length. Images should be submitted as separate files. Submit material to any of the following: 1) jo_annesewlal@yahoo.com 2) envirtob@tstt.net.tt
We are on the web http://www.Environmenttobago.net
Deadline for submission of material for the 4th Quarter 2012 issue of the Bulletin is December 10th, 2012.
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