The northeastern coastline has a range of memorable experiences to offer. From the crisp, cold air rolling off the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, turtle watching and rivers where crystal clear mountain water races to the ocean.
The area is also home to one of our most recognisable athletes – Keshorn Walcott, who grew up in Toco.
Well, there must be something in the water, because twins Jenniah and Jenique Mc Laren are on their way to becoming the country's next sports stars.
The 12-year-olds have been raking up medals since they were seven in track and field, in local and regional competitions.
But the youngsters aren’t only excelling in sport. They both did exceptionally well this year during their Secondary Entrance Examinations (SEA), passing for their first choice Toco Secondary.
[caption id="attachment_926633" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Twins Jenniah, left, and Jenique Mc Laren with their pet dog, Toffee, in their hometown of Matelot. - PHOTO BY AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
The girls spoke to Newsday Kids in their rural hometown of Matelot on Tuesday with their mother Tricia Mc Laren.
They said they got involved in track and field at the age of six, after participating in a few school events at Matelot RC.
Their parents felt they had a natural talent for running and decided to enrol them in a club, the Toco Track and Field Athletic Club (TAFAC).
Their mom said preparing for competitions and SEA has not been easy on them.
“We have to do training and we have to study,” she said. “To find the balance sometimes can be tricky. Training starts at 5 am and we have to get back in time to get to school. Sometimes they are really tired and worn (but) we want to have As in work and A-class in sports as well.”
She said being a twin has been a “God send” for the girls. “They have each other to rely on for that and I think they have done very well. Jenniah, in particular, has always placed first in tests.”
Jenniah was the highest scoring student in SEA 2021 at Matelot RC and her sister also did very well in the exam.
“Preparing for (SEA) was stressful, but we put in the hard work.” She said the test itself was not as difficult as she anticipated. “You just have to focus.”
Jenniah received 82 per cent in mathematics, 16/20 in creative writing, and 73 per cent in English. “I was proud of myself. Math was not hard for me, but I don’t like it, so I thought I was going to have the lowest score in that, but I actually scored the highest.”
[caption id="attachment_926635" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Twins Jenniah, left, and Jenique Mc Laren soak up the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean in Matelot. - PHOTO BY AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
Jenique scored a 56 in math, 68 in English, and 15/20 in creative writing. “I don’t like creative writing at all, so to get that mark, I was really proud of myself. Math was giving me trouble, but I was always good at math from infants to standard three and after that it got harder, bu
