From Spelling to Marine Trivia: PROMAR Takes the Message to San Fernando
On September 5th, 2026, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), through the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project, joined the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD) Hive Five Spellbound Caravan at Gulf City Mall, San Fernando. Hosted by Guardian Media Limited (GML), the event brought together IMA, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Central Statistical Office (CSO) for a day of activities, challenges and community engagement. At the IMA booth, visitors tested their marine knowledge through trivia questions, took on the challenge of completing a 24-piece puzzle in under 2½ minutes, and joined...
240 Volunteers Unite for a Cleaner Coastline
Approximately 240 volunteers removed an estimated 4,000 pounds of waste from the Port of Spain Foreshore during the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on Saturday 12 September. The waste collected included approximately: 1,200 pounds of plastic 130 pounds of glass 2,600 pounds of tyres, metals and other materials. Volunteers also recorded information about the debris, providing valuable data that can help identify pollution trends and support more effective waste-management initiatives. Dr. Ava Maxam, IMA Director (C) with Dr. Joth Singh, Managing Director/CEO of EMA (R) and Mr. Doolar Ramlal, Chairman of EMA (L) at the ICC-2026 cleanup at the Foreshore, Mucurapo on 12 September, 2026.Photo credit: Daniel Suite, IMA (L-R) Dr....
Trinidad and Tobago and Panama Explore Cooperation in Blue Economy, Technology and Research
Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, September 2026 – The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) welcomed His Excellency Diomedes Heraclio Carles Cleghorn Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Panama to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on Thursday 10 September 2026. The visit focused on discussions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in marine research, the blue economy, technology and environmental sustainability. Ambassador Cleghorn paid a courtesy call on Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs, and was accompanied by Ms. Indra Peralta, Third Secretary of Diplomatic and Consular Career. The discussions highlighted the longstanding relationship between Panama and Trinidad and Tobago, which spans 32...
