In tropical small islands the application of hydrological modelling is challenged by the scarcity of input data. Using in-situ and statistically estimated data, a hydrological model was calibrated and validated for the Upper Navet watershed in Trinidad, a small Caribbean island. The model was built using the soil water assessment tool (SWAT). The sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation were performed in SWAT calibration and uncertainty program (SWAT-CUP) using sequential uncertainty fitting (SUFI-2). The results revealed that for the estimated volume of water flowing into the reservoir (Flow_In) there were six sensitive parameters. To estimate the reservoir volume (Res_Vol), a modification of only the effective hydraulic conductivity was required. The model’s performance for the Flow_In validation showed acceptable values (R² = 0.91 and NSE = 0.81). The uncertainty analysis indicated lower than recommended values for both theR-factor (0.46) andP-factor (0.31). For Res_Vol, the model’s validation performance indicated acceptable values (R² = 0.72 and NSE = 0.70) and theP- andR-factors were 0.80 and 0.64, respectively. Based on the statistical metrics, the uncertainty for the Res_Vol was regarded as reasonable. However, care must be taken with the model’s use in the dry season, as the simulated Flow_In was generally over-predicted. A second validation of the model was performed for the reservoir under different negative (removal) and positive (addition) water amounts which confirmed the model’s ability to estimate the Res_Vol. The hydrological model established can therefore serve as a useful tool for water managers for the estimation of the Res_Vol at the Navet reservoir.

Human risk has further increased within the global maritime industry because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It also impacted the economic activity within the Caribbean islands, including its ship–shore delivery sector. Traditionally, this service includes human interface presenting safety and health hazards, and vessels employed operate on fossil fuels, releasing emissions that contribute to harmful GHG and air pollution. Opportunities have arisen for local maritime companies to introduce innovative strategies within the industry to rectify these challenges. Implementing unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology can reduce operational costs, human risk, environmental impact, and delivery time. This study assessed the feasibility of a UAS ship–shore delivery service to optimize near-harbor deliveries within six major ports of Trinidad. Data was gathered through field observations, a literature survey, questionnaires, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. Based on the above approach, the needs of the local ship–shore delivery sector were identified and categorized. An appropriate UAS which addressed these needs while maintaining the economic, environmental, and human safety requirements was then identified. Recommendations for overcoming the local implementation and operational challenges that were encountered are presented. This study may serve as a reference for conceptualizing a UAS ship–shore delivery service and offers resolutions for similar implementation challenges.

Much of the mangrove forests in the Caribbean have been impacted by human activities, and now they are projected to be negatively affected by sea-level rise especially where they are constrained on the landward side by built development, or starved of sediment. This study assessed the status and trends of mangrove forests in Trinidad and Tobago so that response to human induced changes and climate changes can be determined. Mangrove forests in Trinidad and Tobago were mapped between 2008–2010 using high resolution satellite imagery (2000–2007), geographic information systems (GIS) technology and extensive ground-truthing surveys. Their sizes were determined. In Trinidad, mangrove coverage was estimated at 7,532 ha on the west coast, 1,132.8 ha on the east coast, 481.3 ha on the south coast, 0.3 ha on the north coast and 222.9 ha in Tobago. Mangrove coverage was higher than anticipated, perhaps because of inaccuracies in historical data and in some cases because of re-growth following past disturb...

Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) have become pervasive for many small-scale and large-scale aerial operations around the world. Their implementation in small island states like those of the Caribbean is particularly useful because they are relatively cheap and versatile. Despite being used for more than a decade in this part of the world, however, many territories in this tropical region still do not have adequate regulatory and/or legislative frameworks to support UAS operations. UAS applications are varied in the Caribbean, ranging from recreational use and coral reef monitoring to public utilities and national security support. In this paper, we present the first collective assessment of existing UAS regulatory and legislative frameworks in the Caribbean region. Data on four factors that are critical to UAS operations was collected and analyzed for the fifteen full-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. Across the duration of this study, some of the countries assessed had no existing frameworks in place, while one had completely banned UAS operations within its jurisdiction. Others, including Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, had comprehensive frameworks that were continuously being updated. The outcome of a more in-depth analysis revealed that the UAS legislative framework for Guyana appeared to be the most robust amongst all CARICOM territories. Finally, some of the challenges of proper UAS regulation observed in the region are presented.