The time for MPAs in Trinidad & Tobago is now

To my compaTTriots <3, 

To rise another day as one of 1.6 million is a gift. I think of our golden sand beaches and our blue waters. I consider the warmth of Trinidadians and Tobagonians that I have experienced. I take pride in knowing that on this Monday, we woke with a purpose to support ourselves and to uphold our role in the community. The memories of our accomplishments as a nation speak volumes, as reflected in the competence and potential of our population that have allowed us to do so. To be Trinidadian and Tobagonian is to cherish what we have, and “live”, “laugh”, “lime and steups” as we advocate for each other. The sense of community I feel here spoils my expectations of others. 

Today, in particular, we find ourselves in the second act of a stagnant chapter. A new resident to La Fantaisse, St. Ann’s ascends its staircases, and with him comes an opportunity for improved governance, policy, and growth, as well as to ensure the improvement of our nation and support the betterment of our people. The beginning of our 8th Prime Minister’s stewardship signals a chance for new ideas. 

We are embraced by the Ocean’s love in all directions. She’s allowed our camaraderie with international peers, granting us passage to trade cultures, ideas, flavours, and products of our respective expertise. Through the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, she bore witness to our story: the origins of our culture in Trinidad & Tobago, in origin, in injustice, and in responding to growth. Her rebellious response catapulted us into a competitive, intelligent, driven, and capable society. She continued providing space for our education, energy, and festivity endeavors. Engrained in our national consciousness, our flag bears its name, “The Sun, Sea, Sand Banner.” Our waters are home to How could we have Maracas on a Sunday without her? However, it’s our turn to uphold the end of this intertwined relationship. Inaction not only betrays our ideals in this intertwined relationship, but we deny ourselves the opportunity for a thriving, accessible society. 

Within our allotted 77,500 KM of maritime jurisdiction - 15 times our terrestrial mass- the Buccoo Reef Marine National Park accounts for 0.07% and is our sole Marine Protected Area (MPA). Now is the time to expand these protections to our Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea Coasts and do our part as global citizens. Before his swearing-in, Prime Minister Stuart Young iterated on the well-being of Trinidad and Tobago as a pillar of his premiership to combat existing divides and expedite strides in renewable energy. As Minister of Energy, Young approved expanding contracts with EOG Resources Limited resulting from invited bids in the Shallow Water Competitive Round of 2023/24, enabled a BP-Shell consortium to further deepwater exploration, and encouraged collaborations with neighboring Venezuela while extending this invitation to other NRE economies and mega-corporations. 

How can we continue these business approaches as usual while rapid onset events threaten our status as a SID? Vulnerabilities from sea level rise, coastal erosion, and disintegrating agricultural practices are evident in our coastal communities. Particularly in Manzanilla and Mayaro, residents are losing access to their agricultural capabilities. In Port-of-Spain, we see evidence of flash flooding brought on by the rainy season. In the Caroni and Nariva Swamps, our ecosystems are experiencing biodiversity loss, impacting those who rely on the provisions of their biomes. Furthermore, reliance on this industry becomes a farce when considering the uncertainty of the market and the ongoing geopolitical squabbling of our regional partners. Ongoing social conflicts between our partners, The U.S. and Venezuela, make any proposed energy deals uncertain.

Our health and future can not be gambled on these uncertainties as citizens. This is not the Trinidad & Tobago as guaranteed in our constitution. As per Section 1, Articles A and D: 

• “The operation of the economic system should result in the material resources of the community’s well-being.”

• “Men and institutions remain free when freedom is founded upon respect for moral and spiritual values and the rule of law.” 

This includes the moral will to advocate for the well-being of health, education, and opportunities for community growth. Our elected officials and executive decision-makers must uphold these ideals to implement this text. In the face of an impending election, we must remind Prime Minister Young of the importance of these responsibilities or prepare to demand the same of Dr. Persad-Bissesar, assuming she is her party’s nominee. Regardless, we, the citizens, must hold these truths accountable to those who plead to represent us. 

I urge you, my peers, to write to your Member of Parliament demanding action on climate justice and to emphasize the importance of expanding MPAs in Trinidad & Tobago. We must demand its accompanying increase in standard to provide opportunities in marine research and conservation efforts that empower all citizens, but not enrich a few at the expense of our masses; provide a detailed and feasible plan and timeline for reduction and necessary cessation of non-renewable practices. This is not only for us but also for the 47 species of sharks, five species of turtles, and multiple species of rays, eels, fish, and coral that deserve our protection. MPAs allow for restorative efforts in mangrove planting and the recalcification of coral and calcareous species- all of which naturally support carbon sequestration. A healthy ocean ultimately expands our eco-tourism efforts in scuba, sport-fishing, and marine wildlife observation. 

At this current juncture, we must consider the ethos of our island nation and use this chapter to lead the charge in SIDS’ climate efforts. What do we want to give to the world? With our influence, we are uniquely positioned to act on climate change, promote human rights, and uphold attitudes toward conservation. MPAs can protect our coastal populations, fostering scientific growth and opportunity in academia and career while guaranteeing safe passage for the species that call our islands and reefs home. 

This planet is precious. As we marvel at this pale blue dot, we must remind ourselves that nothing is guaranteed in the vastness of this expanding universe. Without a second point of data, we could never quantify nor fathom the chances of our opportunities. Or that life could spring here. The gift of feeling, the ability to taste, the opportunity to meet each other, celebrate, love, learn, and experience. 

These islands are precious. Among the 8-billion-odd, there was a 0.02% chance of being Trinidadian and Tobagonian; to feel the Caribbean Sea’s warmth, to taste a doubles- or bake and shrimp -, to experience a Caroni Swamp sunset with the flight of the Scarlet Ibis, or a Grand Riviere sunrise to celebrate motherhood with the leatherback turtles. With that chance, we bear- no, we are granted the responsibility of its protection. 

These islands are home. The best part is us; we deserve to preserve that for now and the future generation blessed to be Trinidadian and Tobagonian. Our history is one of overcoming adversity- We must do so again, and I believe we can. 

Full text: Prime Minister Stuart Young's inaugural address - Trinidad Guardian 

https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/full-text-prime-minister-stuart-youngs-inaugural-address-6.2.2258537.4e9fc9ad24

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Citations

"A Shark Sanctuary for Tobago?" Wild Tobago, 16 July 2020, https://wildtobago.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-shark-sanctuary-for-tobago.html. 

“BP, Shell Reach Agreement with Trinidad to Explore Deepwater Blocks." OE Digital, 26 Sept. 2023, https://www.oedigital.com/news/508235-bp-shell-reach-agreement-with-trinidad-to-explore-deepwater-blocks  

"Gazetteer: Trinidad and Tobago Marine Regions." Marine Regions, https://www.marineregions.org/gazetteer.php?id=8420&p=details. 

"Our Business." Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries - Government of Trinidad and Tobago, https://www.energy.gov.tt/our-business/. 

"Shell, BP Consortium Set to Explore T&T Deepwater Blocks." OilNOW, 26 Sept. 2023, https://oilnow.gy/exploration/shell-bp-consortium-set-to-explore-tt-deepwater-blocks/.

"Trinidad and Tobago Animals." Animalia, https://animalia.bio/trinidad-and-tobago-animals. 

"Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Future | Stuart Young Interview." CNC3 News Trinidad and Tobago, uploaded by CNC3 News, 10 Mar. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDsQczB-TU.

"Young: Petrotrin Lost $16.48B in 2018." Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.guardian.co.tt/business/young-petrotrin-lost-1648b-in-2018-6.2.2244885.e0aa243fbb. 

United Nations. The 17 Goals. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2025, https://sdgs.un.org/goals. 

Clement, Justin, et al. Citizen-Based Observations on Shark and Mobulid Species in Tobago, West Indies. ResearchGate, Dec.

2017, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322009235_Citizen-based_Observations_on_Shark_and_Mobulid_Species_in_TobagoWest_Indies.

Khan, Rishard. "Young Aims to Unite Young, Old to Take Trinidad and Tobago into Future." Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, 3 Feb. 2025, https://newsday.co.tt/2025/02/03/young-aims-to-unite-young-old-to-take-trinidad-and-tobago-into-future/.

Parker, Annie. "Common Sharks & Rays of Trinidad." Save Our Seas Foundation, 19 June 2019, https://saveourseas.com/update/common-sharks-rays-of-trinidad/. 

Ramdass, Anna. "Young Can't Guarantee Dragon Gas Deal Survival." Trinidad Express, 28 Feb. 2025, https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/young-can-t-guarantee-dragon-gas-deal-survival/article_caeb2982-f575-11ef-bc31-fb7e4dfc43f1.html.