IMA launches book on TT’s beaches

THE SAVANNAH Terrace of the Hilton Trinidad was the setting for the launch of A Guide to the Beaches and Bays of Trinidad and Tobago, the latest publication of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) with the support of Yara Trinidad Ltd (formerly Hydro Agri) which provided funds for printing the guidebook. In her speech of welcome, director of the Institute Hazel McShine said the aim of the guide was to promote public understanding of and appreciation for the aesthetic, economic and cultural importance of the beaches and bays of this twin-island state. She spoke of abuse of our beaches by sand mining, littering, building on the beach fronts.

Mark Loquan, president of Yara Trinidad Ltd, was pleased that the company had been able to assist the IMA by paying the costs of printing the guide which was produced as part of the Silver Anniversary celebrations of the foundations of the Institute. He believed that through the full-colour photographs, the guide would make all who read it realise the importance of preserving the diverse beauties of the many beaches and bays of Trinidad and Tobago. Chairman of the Board of Governors of the IMA, Commodore Anthony Franklin, said he was delighted to see the Guide in print. Although produced by a scientific institution, he felt the guide would be a useful tool to give the general public an understanding of the need to preserve beaches under threat from sand mining, littering and inappropriate constructions.

In her feature address, Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment, stressed that the growth of tourism, industrialisation and uncontrolled development pose major threats to the environment and that this situation is expected to worsen in years to come. She pointed out this is not the only country where many agencies have an interest in coastal waters, so there is need in TT for an integrated coastal zone management programme to coordinate the varied interests. In the Caribbean the marine environment and beaches are the main assets for the tourism industry — which is often in conflict with use by the general public. The Minister said the beautiful and informative guidebook will be a valuable addition to the collection of tourist guides — not only for foreign visitors but for domestic tourists from cities and towns as well. She was pleased to note that complimentary copies of the guide are to be presented to primary and secondary schools and to public libraries throughout TT.

She emphasised that, for the general public, the guide is about discovery, saying: “The photographs, descriptions of the beaches, and the very detailed directions to these sites will be, for many, an introduction  . . . to these most beautiful examples of our natural and national heritage.” The Minister concluded by congratulating the IMA on the publication of the guide, and, in launching the book, urged all present to buy a copy. Following the formal launch chief information officer of the IMA Donna Spencer gave the vote of thanks, and chairperson of the launch, Susan Shurland Maharaj invited guests to enjoy a reception held on the Savannah Terrace of the Hilton Trinidad.