PROMAR Patrice Letren Nanyamkah Thomas Anastacia Auguste Jada Megan Ramnath IMA

Spelling, Puzzles and a Push to Reduce Plastic

August 18, 2026

News, PROMAR

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) joined the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD) Hive Five Spellbound Caravan on August 8th at East Gates Mall, Trincity. Hosted by Guardian Media Limited (GML), the event brought together representatives from the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and other stakeholders for a day of activities, challenges and excitement.

For IMA, the event provided an opportunity to connect with children, parents and other members of the public while highlighting efforts to reduce single-use plastics and prevent marine litter through the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project.

The IMA team used fun, hands-on activities to engage visitors and bring the message to life. Participants tested their knowledge of the marine environment, raced to complete a puzzle in under 2½ minutes and took on a mini spelling challenge. Tokens were presented to everyone who participated.

The excitement continued beyond the IMA booth, with the Spellbound competition, an eating competition and other activities taking place throughout the day. The event also had a proud moment for IMA when staff member Keith Bartholomew entered the eating competition and came out on top. He walked away with some great prizes, giving the IMA team another reason to celebrate.

Representing IMA were Anastacia Auguste, Nanyamkah Thomas, Patrice Letren and Jada Megan Ramnath (PROMAR). Throughout the event, the team helped keep conversations going about the importance of reducing single-use plastics and protecting the marine environment.

Through its participation in events such as the Hive Five Spellbound Caravan, IMA continues to bring environmental awareness into community spaces, using interactive activities to engage the public and encourage greater understanding of the importance of reducing marine litter.