00:00There is a saying, there's strength in numbers, and there was an encouraging show of strength
00:05or the potential to strengthen the rules, regulations and organization as it relates
00:09to hiking in Trinidad and Tobago. The Hikers Association of TNT, Hunters Search and Rescue,
00:15along with other groups and hiking enthusiasts, gathered to discuss matters on safety, mentorship
00:20and unity within the community. This follows the unfortunate recent death of a female hiker
00:25and other mishaps in recent times. President of the Hiking Association, Michael Jattan,
00:31summed up the matters discussed at the meeting.
00:34We really want to draw attention to three important items coming out of tonight's meeting.
00:43And one is that we all have a duty of care, hike leaders, hiking organizations, we have a duty of care
00:49to each person that we carry onto a trail. It's important to undertake risk management
00:57to ensure those persons' safety. We also want to focus as we go forward on the appropriate training
01:05for hike leaders to ensure that persons are versed in first aid, versed in life-saving and so forth.
01:13Again, help to contribute towards a safe hiking experience.
01:17Meanwhile, one of the main objectives of the gathering is to get all the hiking clubs
01:22and enthusiasts under one umbrella.
01:24John Haddad of Hadco Experiences spoke about why there is a need for unity.
01:29The importance is really just self-regulation.
01:34The ability to get together as one sort of group, an amalgamation of various groups,
01:41but forming one voice, one statement, one set of regulation that would govern us
01:49so that we ourselves determine our way forward.
01:53And in so doing, we have less splintered views and more one considered effort.
02:01If we were to go for regulation, it would be an agreed upon set of rules that we present to the authorities.
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