MOLLY R. GASKIN is an environmental activist, locally and internationally known for her commitment and achievements in the field of natural resource management, public awareness and environmental education. A prolific writer; her environmental works have been published locally, regionally and internationally, and in 1988 her ‘Creed of Nature’ was published and distributed to schools and youth groups throughout Trinidad and Tobago. She has earned the respect and liking of her colleagues and professionals in the public and private sectors. As an artist, she developed photography skills and in 1977, put together the first environmental audio- visual programme, which she personally took to schools and community groups throughout the country, introducing the concept of environmental education to Trinidad and Tobago. She exhibited the first collection of wildlife photographs in Trinidad and Tobago at Art Creators, St. Ann’s in 1982 and 1985, introducing the concept of ‘Nature Photography’ as an ‘Art’, with all proceeds going to The Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, which she has developed through the years.
In 1983 as a member of WIDECAST, (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network), she designed and co-authored Trinidad and Tobago’s first Sea-Turtle Recovery Plan, and conducted regular weekly patrols for research, information and tagging at Matura Beach and produced a comprehensive book on Sea Turtles. In 1987 Molly R. Gaskin was awarded the Hummingbird Gold Medal for “loyal and devoted service” to her country. Together with her colleague Karilyn Shephard, she co-authored, designed and produced in 1993, the first complete Environmental Education books for Trinidad and Tobago schools- “A Collection of Occasional papers on the Environment”, “Wonders of Wetlands- A Teacher’s pack” and an Environmental Education Poster Colouring Book for Primary schools. Other publications: “Sea Turtles and their Habitats, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean”, “Medicinal plants of The Pointe-a- Pierre Wildfowl Trust” and Medicinal plants of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean”. Also produced are conservation posters for schools: “Energy flow in a mangrove swamp”, “Wetlands Birds of Trinidad and Tobago-1 and 2” and “The Importance of Wetlands, Linkages and Values”.
In 1994, Molly R. Gaskin was enrolled in the United Nations Environment Programme “Global 500” Roll of Honor in London, UK., and in 1997 she was also selected as one of twenty- five (25) “Exceptional women leaders from around the world for outstanding effort and dedication to the environment”, by The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) celebrating UNEP’s 25th Anniversary “EYES ON THE ENVIRONMENT- 25 Women Leaders in Action”. At the 1994 RAMSAR Conference of Parties in Kushiro, Japan, Molly R. Gaskin presented a paper on “Environmental Education and Public Awareness at The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust in Trinidad”, to the 2000 delegates. Together with Karilyn Shephard, Molly continues her hands-on day to day involvement with all aspects of the Trust’s work and as part of her belief and commitment, lobbies for improved environmental policies and the wise use of T&T’s natural habitats.
KARILYN G.D SHEPHARD has long had a passion for and commitment to the natural environment. She joined Molly R. Gaskin and The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust in the early 1980’s and has worked for the conservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural environment and the introduction of environmental education in schools travelling all over Trinidad and Tobago with audio visual equipment and other material. Together with Trust President Molly R. Gaskin and as members of WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network) she designed and co-authored Trinidad and Tobago’s first Sea Turtle Recovery Plan, conducting weekly patrols at Matura Beach for research and tagging. She co-designed and edited amongst many other Trust’s publications, Trinidad and Tobago’s only comprehensive book on Sea Turtles & Their Habitats, T&T and the Caribbean, and a local comprehensive teachers’ pack on wetlands “Wonders of Wetlands”.
