Future Marine Guardians: IMA Hosts Bring-Your-Child-to-Work Day 2026
On August 7th, 2026, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) hosted its annual Bring-Your-Child-to-Work Day (BYCWD), welcoming 17 children of staff for a day centred on learning and fun. The event aimed to show the young ones how their parents work together to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s oceans and coasts and to a variety of research careers in the marine and coastal environments that exist at the IMA and beyond. Following a warm welcome and introduction from Dr. Juman, Director (Ag.), the morning focused on educational tours and science career exploration, while the afternoon delivered food and entertainment.
Ranging in age from 3 to 15 years, the children explored hands-on science through guided laboratory tours and field technology demonstrations. Led by Environmental Quality Programme (EQP) staff, Aleisha Dennie, Joash Mohammed and Chad James, they learned about specialised analytical instruments used by marine scientists to test water and sediment quality. Geomatics Information Systems (GIS) Research Officer, Kyle Ranga, demonstrated drone technology, showing mechanics of flight, including propeller rotation and rapid ascent with brief explanations on how this technology is being used to enhance marine environmental research. Additionally, the young ones visited the Ecology Laboratory to learn from Research Officer, Attish Kanhai, how seagrass beds filter water, store carbon, and serve as crucial fish nurseries.
While scheduled tours of the Institute’s research vessel and Marine Reference Collection were omitted owing to time constraints, the event programme successfully incorporated external stakeholders from the Environmental Planning and Policy Division (EPPD) of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, as well as the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).
The external stakeholders enriched the educational experience with interactive presentations tailored for young minds. Representatives from the Environmental Planning and Policy Division, Ms. Rointra Hosein, Ms. Candace Amoroso, and Ms. Neerha Singh, used vibrant superhero animations to link environmental health to human well-being. Meanwhile, Public Outreach Officers from WASA engaged the children through dynamic storytelling, highlighting the vital role of water in daily life, and instilling lifelong water conservation habits.
The afternoon transitioned into a memorable cinema experience in the Auditorium. Moving away from traditional bouncy castles of previous BYCWD events, this year elevated the celebration by offering a dine-in movie event complete with food-fun-favourites of KFC, pizza, and dessert while the children watched Finding Dory. The setup created a theater-like atmosphere, bringing immense excitement and smiles to the children.
Behind the scenes, IMA staff and volunteers demonstrated remarkable teamwork by adapting schedules, preparing meals, and ensuring safety throughout the day. Beyond showcasing marine careers, the event highlighted the cross-departmental unity and supportive ethos within the Institute. Staff members took pride in creating a rewarding experience for their colleagues’ families, reinforcing the collaborative culture that defines the IMA.
Finally, none of this would have been possible without the following volunteers who made it happen – Dr. Rahanna Juman, Lorraine Barrow, Nanyamkah Thomas, Dawn Caesar, Anisha Samuel, Payaree Balkissoonsingh, Erica Caton, Jameela Karim-Dowlat, Jordelle Benjamin, Glendon Glasgow, Zaheer Khan, Cato a.k.a. ‘Bliss’, Mark Pierre, Alana Jute, Attish Kanhai, Aleisha Dennie, Joash Mohammed, Chad James, Rayna Sookdeo, Kyle Ranga, Brent Yates, Patrice Letren, Daniel Suite.