Wild Tobago

Beyond the iconic beauty that surrounds our islands, beaches exert an irresistible power over our bodies and minds. Dr Anjani Ganase presents some of our best loved beaches.  The coastline of Trinidad and Tobago extends some 704 km punctuated by over 200 beaches. We have a beach for any mood, or choice of adventure. Along the north coast of Trinidad there are over 40 beaches. Many are small sandy coves in the shadow of rocky cliffs.   For those interested in a sea bath at the end of the hike, these beaches are for you. Check out the hike to Paria beach and waterfalls - the broad white sand beach will welcome any weary hikers, willing to take the plunge into the water. Some of the most hidden beaches are found along the north coast. Have you heard of 100 steps, Yara beach or Paragrant beach? Man-o-War Bay, Charlotteville, photo by Anjani Ganase   Tobago’s coastline is indented and scored with about 80 beaches. Every village has their own beach for fishing or recre

Anjani Ganase continues to advocate reduction of the use of plastics; and challenges us to creative thinking in this season of giving. These are pathways to new habits that should be carried through the year ahead.   We should all be concerned about the growing plastic issue (reported in this column last week) and the impact to our environment and to the health of our species. Scientists are observing the effects of microplastics that end up in our bodies. Changing our habits with plastic must start with what we consume and individual choices. While some scenarios with plastics may be difficult to avoid, such as in the groceries and packaging of food, this shouldn’t discourage us from considering all choices and looking for opportunities especially in special seasons and occasions of gift giving.   Christmas, for example, is the perfect time to start shifting traditions to the meaning of the gift rather the gift itself. The length of wrapping paper thrown away in, for example,

  Dr Anjani Ganase provides an update on the problem that has grown through the pandemic, and likely to continue unless there are more committed approaches at personal and industrial levels (Photos by Pat Ganase)   We have a plastic problem. While the pandemic rages on - we know it will continue to be around for some time - there are other issues that have never gone away, indeed have escalated.   Plastic pollution is a major issue for us and our natural environment; and it will exacerbate the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Here is an update on the latest research on plastic pollution for 2021.   Even a pristine landscape like Toco collects plastic trash   Pollution and the pandemic   We have diligently followed the rules – mask up, sanitise and socially distance – to protect ourselves from the corona virus. While pollution from single-use plastics continues to grow (increasing by 31 % in 2025 compared to 2015), the pandemic has escalate

Celine Ramjit is an uncommon artist, seeking relevance and spirituality, and finding avenues of expression in tattoos and tapia. She tells her story to Pat Ganase. (All photos courtesy Celine Ramjit)   At 30, Celine Ramjit considers herself an artist working in eco-architecture and natural weaving; and continuing to experiment with body art through tattooing. She is in an integrative phase, converting her education and recent experience into a unique vision: building a community and a homestead that are ecologically friendly, through an art practice that is immersed in nature.   Celine grew up in South Trinidad where she was influenced by nature and art. She is the eldest of four, (one brother and two sisters) to her mother, Nimi and her father Ralphy who passed when she was 10. She attended Rio Claro Presbyterian, then Tableland High School, finishing her CAPE ‘A' levels at Rio Claro (College) West Secondary, where in 2012, she placed first across the Ca

Faraaz Abdool, birder and environmentalist, wonders what’s going on at Asa Wright Nature Centre, closed 20 months by Covid-19 ; first published in the Newsday. Photos by Faraaz Abdool Is the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) slowly slipping from our landscape and history? Are the verdant hills which once were its crowning glory now reclaiming the lodge? As the saga surrounding this ecotourism pillar continues, only one thing has become clear – there are far more questions than answers. Most people have fond memories of the place, its location, and the many birds which frequented the grounds on the property. Innumerable visitors from all walks of life have traversed its corridor to the main veranda. Gentle footsteps quicken as the majestic Arima Valley looms into view. Eyes open wider, most gasp unconsciously under sensory overload. The scent of the lush forest. The frenetic twittering of more birds than one can focus on at any given moment. The buzz of their wings as bej

  Dr Anjani Ganase looks at two similar Caribbean islands, two hours apart, with very different island ecosystems; and shares what we should learn from Curacao. All photos by Anjani Ganase   On a map, Curaçao is positioned as the mirror opposite to Tobago. Both share a vague resemblance to a cigar. Tobago is named for Tobacco. The origin of the name of Curaçao is unknown but thought to be given by the Arawaks who lived on the island. While Curaçao is 61 km long and 7 km wide, the island follows a northwest to southeast alignment, Tobago is shorter and fatter - 41 km long and 12 km wide - with a northeast to southwest alignment. It is the islands’ locations, geological histories and ecologies that make Curaçao and Tobago so distinctive with regard to their considerable natural wonders and biodiversity. View from Mt Christoffel, highest point on Curacao, shows an expanse of scrubland Tobago's Main Ridge Forest Reserve On the shoulder of South America Curaça