Aljoscha Wothke, MPhil. Bio, PADI MSDT 900821, PMP, Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer - Executive Director
A senior sustainable development expert with over 15 years’ experience in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean, Aljoscha's major strengths lie in combining his expertise regarding locally applicable and participatory climate change adaptation and resilience, coral reef biodiversity, artificial reefs, sustainable tourism, capacity building, community engagement and organic agriculture into a holistic approach to sustainable resource planning and management. Aljoscha has been contracted by, and understands the language of, civil society organisations, governmental agencies and international donor organisations such as the UNDP, UNEP, FAO, IDB, EU, OAS and CDB. In addition, he has over 20 years of teaching experience from grassroots to tertiary education level and can look back at 25 years as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with a clean record.
Tamica Whitlock-Labadie, Accountant, GDip FAcctP, ACCA, BA, ERIC Accountant and Organisational Capacity Building Officer
Tamica’s accounting skills are a core part of her life. Her educational experience includes certifications in Anti Money Laundering & Counter Terrorism Financing, Grant Proposal Writing, and Practical Auditing. She also possesses credentials in ACCA and a BA in Business Management. Tamica is currently pursuing certification in Financial Investigation & Forensic Accounting while simultaneously working on a Doctorate in Accounting.
Since starting at ERIC, Tamica made sincerely integral contributions to the organisation where her keen eye has reduced concerns and improved compliance. ERIC’s financial reporting as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of organisational policies and procedures have been upgraded as a consequence of her efforts.
Tamica in her private practice is also instrumental in assisting small and medium sized businesses to grow and improve the organisational structure of their business, reduce tax liabilities, and increase income generation which is crucial to her clients in the manufacturing, retail and service sectors. She also assists other Non-Profit Organisations to improve compliance and achieve ideal positioning to attract and acquire local, regional, and international grants.
For Tamica, who loves seeing ideas, systems and policies establish and flourish, both her personal and entrepreneurial visions align.
Shanice Mark, Programme Management Assistant, BSc Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology
Shanice, a Speyside Highschool Graduate, is a dedicated environmental professional, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology from the University of the West Indies. Her career progression includes serving as the Assistant Natural Resource Officer for two years under the On-the-Job Trainee Programme, followed by her current role as the Assistant Programme Manager. In her capacity, Shanice prepares comprehensive reports, delivers staff training and school outreach, provides valuable support in project management, hand has started her career as a scientific diver.
Janina Ewals, BSc Wildlife Management, Graphic Art Design and Illustrations, Visual Communications - Backstopper
Janina studied Wildlife Management at the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein in the Netherlands, where she focused on ecosystem restoration, international conservation management and sustainable agricultural practices.
She was a key contributor to the preparation and submission of the UNESCO MAB Application for North-East Tobago, co-facilitated the secretariat for an international Climate Change Negotiator workshop in Tobago, and worked as a freelance outreach illustrator and art designer, combining her conservation knowledge and art design skills, which she acquired during her two semesters studying Fine Art at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology. She designed several outreach banners to raise awareness on vulnerable shark
and turtle species in Tobago and the natural and cultural heritage murals that currently beautify the Charlotteville jetty. To combine her passions for art and nature conservation she undertook courses in graphic design and communication strategies for conservation projects.
Jacob Bock, Website UX Design, PADI Diving Instructor, Reef Check Eco Diver Trainer, Geography Student - Digital Content & Marketing
Jacob Bock, a passionate conservationist and adept photographer, finished his secondary school education at Speyside Highschool and embarked on his conservation journey at the ERIC. Transitioning from dive instruction to digital media, Jacob founded Bock.Studio in 2021, specialising in photography and videography for environmental projects. Noteworthy endeavours include creating the content and interface for the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Stock Footage Databases and the North-east Tobago UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve Management Plan Website.
Jacob's expertise spans website user experience (UX), interface (UI) design, and e-commerce solutions, having significantly contributed to ERIC Tobago's website, the Tobago Moorings website, a regional online education platform, and more.
Currently, Jacob is completing his geography degree at Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Germany. His thesis delves into innovative aerial 3D mapping techniques for enhanced digital science communication in rural, small island state communities.
Welldon Mapp - Divemaster, Community-based Field Technician
Welldon is a resident of Charlotteville and an active member of the local artisanal fishing community. Since joining ERIC, Welldon has been trained as a field technician and public speaker. His strengths lie in working with the community on various projects. He delivers lectures for the School Outreach Programs and is one of ERIC’s Climate Change Champions. On top of that Welldon is a certified PADI Divemaster and a Reef Check EcoDiver.
Keywell Mapp - Community-based Field Technician
Keywell is a resident of Charlotteville and an active member of the local artisanal fishing community. Since joining ERIC, Keywell is a valued community-based field technician and recent oyster farmer.
Kimron Eastman - Affiliate member, Community-based Field Technician
Kimron is a resident of Charlotteville and a member of North East Sea Turtles. He is a certified PADI Divemaster and a Reef Check EcoDiver.
Curtis Antoine Senior and Junior - Affiliate members
The father and son duo are residents of Charlotteville, boat builders, boat captains, fishermen, tour operators and keen naturalists. They drive our dive and research boat with care and skills, and are happy to share their knowledge of the environment of North-east Tobago.
Susan Suchit - Affiliate member, Community-based Field Technician
Susan is a resident of Speyside and a member of Speyside Eco Marine Park Rangers. She is a certified PADI Open Water Diver and Reef Check EcoDiver.
Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville, ERIC
Man-O-War Bay Cottages, Charlotteville, Tobago, W.I.
Ph: +1-868-788-3550
Email: info@eric-tobago.org
Youtube: @erictobago
Instagram: @erictobago
Facebook: ERICharlotteville
