Environmental Management Authority awards women at 30th anniversary celebrations

IN celebration of environmental stewardship and in recognition of International Women’s Day and the EMA’s 30th anniversary, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Development, hosted the Women in the Environment Awards Ceremony 2025 on March 14.

A media release said, the awards ceremony was held with support from partner agencies, including The Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations Resident Coordinator Office, Angostura Limited, NGC Green, Caribbean Airlines, and National Flour Mills.

The support of these entities highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing environmental and social initiatives in the region and aligns with SDG 17 and Priority 5 of the National Environmental Policy, 2018, the release said.

The awards ceremony honoured 30 women, and five special awardees, who have made transformative contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago. Their contributions span a variety of fields, including forestry, wildlife rehabilitation, climate action, education for sustainability, environmental law and justice, among others. In addition to commemorating 30 years of the EMA’s dedication to environmental stewardship, the ceremony recognised women who have dedicated approximately 30 years to the conservation of the environment, the release said.

Nadra Nathai-Gyan, chair of the EMA, in her welcome address, said, “The awards were not just accolades but tributes to the inspiring efforts of those who motivate others to become better versions of themselves.”

In her address, Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Planning and Development and minister with responsibility for the environment, a recipient of a special award, expressed her pride at the awardees’ dedication and advocacy in raising awareness about environmental justice, and those who have worked with communities to shape a more sustainable future for TT.

Joanna Kazana, United Nations resident coordinator echoed that sentiment, emphasising the power of collaboration by reflecting on the partnership between the UN and TT for the past 30 years.

Entertainment was provided by Xhaiden Darius, Junior Calypso Monarch 2025, members of the Codrington Pan Family and the Kathak Kala Sangam.

List of awardees:

Forestry and Community:

Monica Lessey

Monica John

Jennifer Devette Bholasingh

Shemila Lalla

Nicole Campbell-West

Community, NGOs, CBOs:

Akilah Jaramogi

Molly R Gaskin

Karilyn Shephard

Patricia McGaw

Patricia Turpin

Community, Activism and Biodiversity Conservation:

Iyana Sealy

Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada

Dr Sharda Mahabir

Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste

Lisa Ramkissoon-Maharaj

Academia and Environmental Economics:

Professor Judith Gobin

Dr Rahanna Juman

Dr Marlene Attzs

Dr Carol James

Dr Yasmin Baksh-Comeau

Wildlife Rehabilitation, Law/Environmental Justice, Climate Action and Agriculture:

Rosemary Detta Buch

Christine Toppin-Allahar

Dr Marissa Gowrie

Neila Bobb-Prescott

Wendy Lee Yuen

Media, Governance and Environmental Leadership in the Oil and Gas Industry:

Heather-Dawn Herrera

Nicole Leotaud

Susan Shurland

Janice Dookharan

Orissa Forde

Five Special EMA Awardees:

Marcia Tinto

Nisha Ramsahai

Aloma Scott-Burgin

Nadra Nathai-Gyan

Pennelope Beckles