What I Brought Home From Trinidad: Patch Blogs

Just recently, I visited the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a small Caribbean nation known for its diversity of plants and animals. While there, I had the great privilege of spending time with individuals who are striving to protect the wildlife of this unique region. Among these was CNN hero Suzan Laklan Baptiste, who passionately strives to protect endangered Leatherback turtles near her home in Matura, and Dr. Bernadette Plair, a native Trinidadian and Cincinnati Zoo scientist, who has reintroduced Blue and yellow macaws to the Nariva Swamp. 

Both Suzan and Bernadette, as well as the many who help them, not only have the highest regard for the animals of their native home, they love and respect its delicate natural landscapes. And, most importantly, they do not allow these feelings to sit idle. Instead, they have tirelessly toiled and have inspired others to do the same. As a result, their home is a better place for both animals and humans.

Helping to tag turtles and seeing a majestic macaw flying in the wild were among the once in a life time experiences that I will long cherish and eagerly share with my friends and family. However, it is the deep appreciation for nature, passion, and determination of those I met that will have the most significant and enduring impact.

These ladies have taught me the importance of caring for our homes, each little corner of the planet, and the individual and priceless inhabitants of them. Like the islands of the Caribbean, Northeastern Ohio is a place of beauty. Green and blush, it is a land filled with life and deserving of protection. It, too, has endangered species, such as the Snowshoe hare and Bobcats.  

Before being able to hire staff, Suzan walked miles every night to guard mother Leatherbacks from poachers as they laid their eggs on the beach near her house.  Bernadette repeatedly traveled from Cincinnati back to her native land to insure the success reintroduction of the macaws and didn’t give up when the first attempts were unsuccessful. 

My sense of vigilance became accelerated during the moments of hearing Suzan and Bernadette’s stories, being in their presence, and experiencing the species they have worked so diligently for. But, unlike them, I know I can’t stand guard alone. They have an exceptional strengthen, which isn’t mine. To guard our corner of the earth, I will need to work with others. Let’s join together in protecting our home — its natural landscapes and precious inhabitants. It may take 10 of us to equal one Suzan or Bernadette, but like them, we can be the “one” that makes a difference.