Hikers Inc. " Going one step further....."

Hikers Inc - A Profile.

Hikers Inc. was established in the year 2001. Its three founding members were  Paul Singh, Richard Lewis and Mario Russell. The club sought to infuse a new energy and dynamism into hiking adventures that was hitherto unknown.“ Going one step further” became the vision of this new organization, which soon rose to prominence as the preferred hiking club for many outdoor enthusiasts. With this drive and vision the club undertook to introduce the 'mother of all hikes'-the annual fitness hike from Matelot to Blanchisseuse.  For the first time in 2006 we undertook to start this hike in Blanchisseuse and end in Matelot.  Participants appreciated the change.

The current directors, Richard Lewis, Roger Reverand and Michael Jattan all have varying degrees of hiking experience under their respective belts, collectively totaling twenty years. More importantly they  share one common philosophy and that is hiking must be fun for those who venture into the outdoors with safety always being of paramount importance. Hence the origin of our mission statement ” Your safety and enjoyment is our priority.” To underscore this belief the directors have each undertaken first aid training with St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and are certified first-aiders. They are ably supported by a dynamic team of leaders. Cecil Francis, Rhonda Beckles, Adrian Rush, Sunil Maharaj, Felix Lamy, Marisa Loobie, Lalchan Ramsarran and Hayden London. Our assistant secretary, Camille Mitchell is usually there to greet new hikers on mornings. Approximately two hikes are held every month. In terms of rating hikes are classed as moderate, moderately challenging, challenging, very challenging and extremely challenging. Individuals are encouraged to make sure of their physical or medical fitness before beginning to hike. A visit to the physician is thus advised.

At the beginning of each hike the leaders would address all participants drawing their attention to the “Important Guidelines’ listed in the quarterly schedule. The participants are then separated into two or three groups with two hike leaders assigned to each group. Each group has a first-aid kit, 2-way radio, rope, and flashlights.

Before a scheduled hike, the leaders would undertake to do a scout or “recce” of the trail to ensure that it is properly cleared and marked. This is done even on the popular trails  since weather conditions can serve to alter the nature of a trail. A recce may also involve consulting with the local police station to advise them of our presence in the are. The club advertises upcoming hikes in the events sections of each daily newspaper and via e-mail  to interested persons.

We continually strive to go one step further, hence since September 2005  we have offered our members the opportunity to hike in Tobago.In 2008 we ventured into the wide Caribbean for the first time with a visit to Grenada. Hikers Inc. is a dynamic organization always open to change once it redounds to the benefit of the hiking public and once it is in keeping with their safety and enjoyment. So come with us as we show you the natural wonders of Trinidad and Tobago. God bless. 

MEET THE HIKERS INC LEADERS