Hiking Association launched

Rambharat highlighted some well-known hiking trails that he had the privilege to trek and to ‘see up close and first hand’. Sharing with the audience his recent hiking experience to the now famous Salt Water Volcano in South East Trinidad.

He pointed out that, “we have on our hands a battle to educate and encourage people to do the right and responsible thing’. Further that ‘all of us are here because we love ourselves, love physical activity and physical challenges, love the environment and what has been granted to us by nature – a beautiful place to live and enjoy – but we are up against the failure of individual responsibility in this country.” Rambharat shared that he will continue to do what is within his reach within his areas of responsibility because of his strong belief that, “whatever we have here should be enjoyed (responsibly) by all.” He also called on the executive of the newly formed Association to ‘place attention on standards and certification’ since that provides assurance to the public that ‘this group knows what they are doing and the [details of the] hike are known, the safety provisions are well established’ and that in the event of an emergency, there exists a system that allows for an effective response.

The Minister highlighted the all-encompassing, multi-faceted and far reaching nature of hiking, saying that ‘maybe the whole Cabinet could have been suitably invited to this [Launch]’, since hiking and the outdoors include the areas of tourism, planning (the environment), health, national security, sport, among others. He also highlighted the upgrades currently being made to the Emperor Valley Zoo, all intended for the enjoyment by the young ones in our country.

Also speaking at the event were Glen Wilkes, Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalist Club who delivered a message of ‘enjoyment and protection of nature’; Michael Jattan, Interim Secretary, HATT who said ‘HATT is an umbrella Association for all hiking clubs’ with a mantra to provide ‘a safe hiking experience for all’, since the statistics show that on a weekly basis over one thousand persons participate in hikes; and Dave Jacob, HATT Executive Member who urged all enthusiasts and professionals alike to leave footprints only and take pictures.

The core message at the evening’s event was ‘we need many more people to become eco-warriors’.

The aim of the Hiking Association is to ensure that hiking is promoted as a recreational, sporting and tourism oriented activity in Trinidad and Tobago, to encourage the responsible use of trails and their conservation and above all to set safety standards which will serve to foster the protection of the hiking public.