Author: rachaelathomasj

Hello, I’m Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah—an editor with international experience, PR and communications consultant, marketing professional, and educator with over 21 years of teaching experience. I began my career at a very young age, and ever since, communication, education, and empowerment have been central to who I am and what I do. I bring 10 years of experience in communications and public relations, with a strong focus on crisis management and communications planning. I support individuals and organizations in navigating sensitive situations, protecting credibility, and communicating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. My background in marketing allows me to approach editing and communications strategically, always considering audience, impact, and long-term goals. I’m also the creator of a globally read blog, which has reached readers in 151 countries and received over 28,000 views to date. Sharing thoughtful content that inspires reflection, growth, and positivity is something I genuinely enjoy. Beyond my professional life, I’m passionate about sustainability and actively practice recycling, particularly paper and bottles. I also believe in recognizing excellence—when I receive impeccable service, I share it through Google reviews, which have accumulated 74,000 views so far. At my core, I value integrity, clarity, and kindness. I believe success is personal, growth is ongoing, and life—at every stage—is meant to be celebrated.
Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Local Wildlife, Nature and the Environment

Celebrating World Wildlife Day!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

March 3, 2023

Hey everyone, Happy World Wildlife Day 2023!

World Wildlife Day is dedicated to celebrating the world’s wild plants and animals, the contribution they make to our lives and to our planet. In this post, I am celebrating World Wildlife Day with the rest of the world by celebrating our local wildlife and sharing some videos that help to highlight some of the excellent work being done in Trinidad and Tobago.

When we think of local wildlife here in Trinidad and Tobago, lots of local animals come to mind. One of these animals is the macaw. Here is a video from the Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust which you can thoroughly enjoy and learn something from.

In case you are wondering about the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, certainly this virtual tour would allow you to see just how precious this place is and how remarkable the work being done here is! In addition to being about conservation, the work being done here also focuses on so much more, both for our flora and fauna.

I have also had the opportunity to learn more about our local wildlife through the work being done at Corbin’s Local Wildlife in Tobago. This tourism story which I am highlighting below speaks volumes and I am sure many parts of it will resonate with you. It is a tourism story shared by Mr. Roy Corbin, the owner of Corbin’s Local Wildlife. All of the animals highlighted here are local and their existence is also critical in managing our local wildlife.

Surely, we can agree that this is very insightful and if we have an opportunity to make a difference, we should. A couple days ago I had the opportunity to look at their virtual tour and I look forward to an opportunity to visit in person. For those who would like to view it, please click on this link:

https://www.tobagowildlife.org/tour/ Furthermore, for those who wish to make donations, please use this link https://www.tobagowildlife.org/donate/ or the information below:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/corbinlocal or via Bank transfers to:

 Name: Roy Corbin
Account number 21105000033603
Bank name and address:
Scotiabank, Scarborough, Tobago
SWIFT No. NOSCTTPS

Irish Natural Forestry Foundation,
Allied Irish Bank, Skibbereen, Co Cork.
Account no: 01711-078; Sort Code: 93-63-75.
Iban IE86 AIBK 9363 7501 7110 78
Bic AIBKIE2D
Lodgements marked INFF(Tobago)

I am intrigued by the story of our leatherback turtles. Protecting these leatherback turtles is increasingly important and this video is one that you should surely take the time to look at. In addition to Grande Riviere, there is also Matura and some places in Tobago. Let’s all make a conscious effort to save our wildlife and understand that we can make a difference!

Happy World Wildlife Day 2023 everyone!

Together let’s make a difference! Let’s do what we can to save the wildlife of our beautiful country.

Posted in Celebrate Today, Education, Learning Opportunity, Life, Surviving Covid-19

Announcing my Online Classes: IELTS (Academic & GT), CELPIP, ESL, CSEC

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

https://livexp.com/rachaelann-2427bb

Hi,

 
Have you been looking for alternatives to help you, your friends, children or other close loved ones in accessing tuition online?
 
 
In the event that you are wondering why online options are better at this point, it is because of the very fact that Covid-19 has placed several challenges and restrictions around the world. These have created so many trying options that many have not expected.
 
As people the world over continue to get things back to normal many still need help to prepare for their exams- (at least not the way they want to) and parents have been put in a position to help them get their education and help them prepare. To view my profile and sign up for my sessions please click on the link below:
 
 
 
Rest assured that I am offering many great options. Over the years I have acquired a lot of experience as an ESL Teacher. In addition to being TEFL Certified, I am also a trained IELTS Specialist for tutoring students preparing for IELTS Academic and General Training. I have also gained a lot of experience in tutoring persons preparing for CELPIP exams for all the strands being tested on as well.  Bear in mind too that I am also continuing to provide tutoring for CSEC Exams for English (A), Office Administration, EDPM and POB. 
 
IELTS, CELPIP and ESL Tutoring are available to people from all around the world. My CSEC online classes in particular are available to persons from several Caribbean countries and surrounding countries namely Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Belize, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Suriname. 
 
What benefits are in store for those who join my classes other than online tuition?
 
1. Videos on demand and ample notes
 
2. Opportunities for individual attention & personalized feedback
 
3. Lessons, assignments & quizzes that are easily accessible
 
4. Courses that are offered at great prices
 
5. An opportunity to benefit from discounted offers when provided
 
6. An opportunity that will help them realize that they should not give up
 
7. Having me as your Lecturer- means having someone who is dedicated, committed and passionate about teaching and helping others as well as a host of other benefits including my years of experience.
 
Here is your invitation to join me for any of my online classes!
 
I urge you to make full use of this opportunity and to share it with others! It is in every sense, yours for the taking!
 
I look forward to seeing you there and looking forward to working with each person who signs up. Here is my video introduction!
 
 
Posted in Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings, Nature and the Environment, Reading, Trinidad and Tobago, You Tube

Celebrating Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, you read it correctly!

Also, yes, I am celebrating this project as it helped me to meet some really awesome people within my country.

Many would not know but the last couple months have been very interesting, and it has also meant getting help from many special people in my life with photographs within the book that you will love.

Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago features our places, our food, our culture and so much more. It’s one of those projects I was enthusiastic about from the beginning and I am privileged to connect with so many valuable entities within our country. Here are some:

Angelo Bissessarsingh Heritage House, Green Market, We Foods, Sylvia’s Kitchen (Tobago) the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, Uncle Sam and Sons, The First People of Trinidad and Tobago and Corbin’s Local Wildlife (Tobago) just to name a few.

The great news is that this book is just the beginning with so many stories to tell. Further to this, when the interview was done this blog was being viewed in 132 countries and to date it has increased to 137 countries other than my own home country.

I am really happy that it is being published by IziMarkPublishing! With IziMarkPublishing there are lots of positives and lots to look forward to!

Enjoy looking at the interview! Like, subscribe and share!

Posted in Celebrating Life

Celebrating Life! Anil Bheem (May 14, 1974- February 4, 2023)

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Bob Marley

When in just 12 hours over 352,000 people view one man’s funeral, it speaks volumes! When thousands gather to say a final farewell, it tells how great he was and how many lives he impacted and when social media gets flooded with memories, condolences, photos, tributes and people comforting each other, it means that he was a blessing and those who knew him were blessed to have him!

When he could bring so many people together- artistes, politicians, religious leaders and so many others, it shows just how unique he was. When he could reduce so many to tears it shows that we have suffered a great loss and this is the effect of “The Vocalist” Anil Bheem, a man who spent so much of his life doing what he loved and serving others.

More so, when his early song and his last official song sharing similar messages of his views on life, it tells of his wisdom and his humility. With his early Mastana Bahar rendition of Kishore Kumar’s Musafir Hun Yaaron (1972), translated as, “I am a traveller, I do not have home and address” and his recent remake called the Indian Anthem which when translated means, “The beautiful night has slipped away, Throughout the world the seasons have changed,” he has shared very profound life messages with us. Indian Anthem, it should be noted has gotten over 3.3 million views in just five months.

On the morning of February 4, 2023 people across Trinidad and Tobago woke up to the news that Anil Bheem had an untimely death and as the news spread throughout the world, thousands more were plunged into mourning. Hours before he had two shows, one at “The Rig” and the other at “Avala” in Heartland Plaza. Mere hours before his passing, a pinned Facebook post, “Ima band boi for life✊🏼BMRZ yo.Thanks all❤️TheVocalist Anil Bheem Nirmal Ramdass Singh Suraj Ramdass Singh Amir Amit Ramjattan✊🏼”

Anil Bheem’s passing is a great loss for our nation and for his many fans across the world, but he deserves every title he has been given. I am sure that many can agree that in his music you could feel the energy and the sincerity. They are always filled with passion and love and surely these videos are just a fraction of his entire music offering to the world. His repertoire speaks for itself, and both his music and contribution tell his story to the world. He was gifted and God’s gift to mankind- an artiste par excellence.

Anil has reminded us of how quickly life can change and how everything is temporary as we all on this journey called life. As he always shared with his audience, “There is a spark of divinity within each and every one of us. Locate that divine spark and everything will just fall into place, it will be just mellow.” He has reminded us of how important it is to value each moment we have and to live well with each other, respecting each other and building people up rather than breaking them down.

He has, through his spark of divinity reminded others of how important it is for them to find their spark of divinity as we are all travellers. Worry and panic don’t help, but everything comes together naturally as it should because nothing is in our hands, but in the hands of the Creator and Master.

To his parents, his wife, his daughters, his grandchildren, members of his band, his 103.1fm family and his extended family, our thoughts and our prayers are with you! We pray for each of you to have courage and strength in this most difficult time. Anil Bheem, “The Vocalist” will not be forgotten! His voice, his music and his messages will live on!

Ram Naam Satya Hai

Om Sadgati

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating New Year 2023!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone!

Happy New Year 2023! If you are reading this, it means you survived 2022!

Let’s celebrate all we have overcome in 2022 and all that awaits us in 2023 and beyond!

Let’s also take the time to understand the meaning of Auld Lang Syne.

2022 has been quite a year but with it there have been lots of lessons and just as there have been for me, surely, there must have been for you! To those who ended the year with me, thank you! To those who have supported me, thank you! Let’s move forward together!

As I celebrate all that I have overcome in 2022, I urge you to celebrate all that you have overcome! Celebrate you! Celebrate where you have come from, celebrate where you are now and celebrate where you are going! Celebrate your journey, celebrate each step you take and the journey that await you!

As you do this, please accept some friendly advice (yes, it’s a A to Z version created by me just for you!):

  1. Always be true to yourself!
  2. Be your best friend and not your worst enemy.
  3. Celebrate you, where you are and where you are going!
  4. Do not let people and situations destroy you!
  5. Erase negative qualities!
  6. Find a positive out of every negative.
  7. Give yourself the best chance possible!
  8. Have faith in yourself and do not underestimate your worth.
  9. Invest in self-care! Invest in you!
  10. Journeys vary for everyone- yours is different with others!
  11. Keep your focus!
  12. Love yourself!
  13. Make every moment count.
  14. Never give up.
  15. Open your eyes to reality and accept it for what it is.
  16. Passionately pursue your dream(s)!
  17. Question what you need to but only to find answers that will help you!
  18. Remember silence is golden.
  19. Show the people you love that you love them- don’t just say it!
  20. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
  21. Use the scissors of life!
  22. Vision Boards help so create your own! Place it where you can see it every day!
  23. Wasting time is not an option! Every moment is precious!
  24. X-factor applies to everyone, so, what makes you unique?
  25. You are stronger than you realize and your strength comes from within just like your peace of mind.
  26. Zealously move forward, giving your best always!

As this post is being written, it’s already New Years Day 2023 in many parts of the world. Here is a short video sharing some of it.

In many countries too, there are different traditions. Have fun looking at this video from the Today Show with some of our favorite hosts.

If you would like to sing along to Auld Lang Syne, here’s a video you will enjoy as the lyrics are there!

I wish you the very best to you and for your family for this New Year 2023! Be true to yourself! Take it one day at a time and don’t give up!

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings, Music

Celebrating Music- Spreading Positivity!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

To the world with love! Surely you must need this, so let the music play! I am going to create a playlist with this on YouTube just for you!

As promised, here is the playlist everyone!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Blessings from Appaji, Celebrate Today, Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman’s Anniversary and Appaji’s Birthday!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

Yes, you have read the title correctly!

“It’s a Happy, Happy, Happy Day! It’s a Holy, Holy Day! “

These are the words which have been playing in my head all day, because for us (meaning the devotees in Trinidad), the celebration is two-fold! The difference is, I am hearing it in Sri Bala Swamiji’s voice and the only other song I stopped to sing today was “Vande Santam Hanumantam” when I heard it in Pt Ganesh Maharaj’s TikTok video being sung by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda!

@punditganeshmaharaj

♬ Vande Santam – Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

This was one of the first bhajans of His Holiness that I heard and today I was reminded of my initial visits to the majestically tall Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti which stands tall in Carapichaima. It is one many Datta devotees enjoy listening to, so I am sharing the YouTube link here.

Why is the celebration two-fold?

Let me explain:

  1. June 9, 2022 marks the 19th Anniversary of the consecration of the 85ft Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti by His Holiness Pujya Appaji.
  2. At the time when this post is being written, it is already Jyestha Sudha Ekadasi in India. It is also the day when we celebrate the Lunar Birthday of His Holiness and we wish His Holiness a very Happy 80th Birthday!

The 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti here in Trinidad is one that reminds us day after day, how blessed we truly are here in Trinidad. No amount of words can ever say how truly grateful we are!

As the day began, for me it didn’t feel like one where I wanted to be rushing and sorting work! Yes, I know work is important and it takes so much of my time, but it was a day when I wanted a different pace and in more ways than one, I got it.

The energy, the peace and the way the entire day unfolded was proof of it!

For those wondering about Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman, please allow me to share an excerpt from a post on Trinidad Hanuman Datta Mala, “Apart from that, Sri Appaji has always realised from His early visits, that our ancestors brought Hanuman worship in their hearts and minds and would sing his Chalisa if physical worship was not always possible, because of the difficulties they faced! This Hanuman devotion sustained them and helps us now also to overcome all obstacles!”

Please take the time to click on https://www.dattamalatt.com/post/happy-19th-consecration-anniversary and read the article in its entirety. Also, please take the time to view the video on the page in its entirety.

As described in “The Journey- Memoirs of A Devotee of Parama Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji,”  by Sheetal Prasadji, a very humble and gentle soul who is widely known as a musician and author, who is Trinidadian by birth, “On that most auspicious day, Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pontiff of Datta Peetham and Spiritual Master to countless devotees all over the world, by His Divine Sankalpa, consecrated the Karya Siddhi Anjaneya Temple and later stated, Now He had synthesized Himself with Sri Hanuman and taken permanent residence in my ‘Bhoomi’ my home land (Chapter 31).

For those wondering about the consecration day itself, please take the time to view this video posted by Hanuman Hoffman. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=YcgT5S_1360 Also take the time to view this video posted below:

With an abundance of posts on Social Media, namely on Facebook to mark this historic occasion, the energy and celebration were evident. They were all filled with so much love with several special moments and memories shared by Datta devotees. For most of the day messages and posts celebrating the anniversary of Lord Hanuman dominated social media and messages celebrating Appaji’s birthday were evident as soon as it was either morning in India or it was morning in other parts of the world.

What made my day was being able to view Puja and Purnahuti live from Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Ashrama and being able to hear Appaji’s message as before one of the live sessions concluded. It gave me renewed energy to do one of the things I love most- writing!

Today was a day of peace, a day of giving thanks and a day for counting blessings! It was also a day of positivity and gentle reminders.

Happy 80th Birthday year Appaji!

In closing I take this opportunity to wish Appaji a very Happy Birthday 80th Birthday year to You! Please accept our humble Prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!

@punditganeshmaharaj

#punditganeshmaharaj #85fthanumanmurti #hanuman #karyasidhihanuman #trinidad #westindies #caribbean #oneofakind #hinduism #sculpture #murti

♬ original sound – punditganeshmaharaj
Posted in Celebrate Today, Education, Educational Opportunity, Learning Opportunity, Life

Announcing UNICAF’s University Programmes!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, you read the title right!

For those who know me, you would know that I am on a mission to help others and touch the lives of people the world over, one country at a time. A question I always ask is, “Why deny yourself an opportunity to achieve the success you deserve?” As such I am sharing this link with you as I want it to be easily accessible to you https://apply.unicaf.org/

Have you seen this video? If not, please check this out as an opportunity to study with UNICAF is one you certainly should not pass up!

Backed by top investors from across the UK, US and Europe, their reach is global and in this video you can see they help students from around the world. They offer a host of programmes- Bachelor’s Degrees, Masters and Doctoral in a variety of fields- medicine, law, science and technology just to name a few.

Also, if you need to look at this video:

Give yourself the opportunity to invest in your future and to make your dreams a reality. Don’t lose any more time and remember it is yours for the taking! Apply today and start that new chapter of your journey today! Also, apply, share and give someone the gift of education today! Apply today!

Posted in Celebrating Life

Celebrating the life of my aunt, Kaysika Devi Dookie!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj
Photo Credit: http://www.paintedteacup.com

Her smile, her voice and every memory I have with her is how I will remember my aunt. She was a sister, mother, wife, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, aunt, aunt-in-law, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend of many.

The late Kaysika Devi Dookie passed away on Tuesday 17 May 2022 and for those who knew her and the life she lived, she fought a brave fight. While for some Auntie is just a term of endearment, many can agree that those who had Aunties like her have special bonds with nieces and it doesn’t matter how often you see them but moments you share with them are moments that you hold dear.

A priceless smile of her when she was younger that says it all!

Kaysika Devi Dookie was the daughter of Celia Dookie and the late Ramlal Dookie. She was the common-law wife of Arnold Bahadoor. She was the mother of Rishi, Imran and Candice, mother-in-law of Stacy and Shizelle and the grandmother of Regan and Rayaz.

One of the last pics taken with her!

The late Kaysika Devi Dookie was the sister of Doris, Dora, Dolsie, Bena, Jaggernath and Rajdaye. She was the sister-in-law of my deceased Dad Ramchit, as well as the sister-in-law of Hussain, Rajesh, Rosemary, Sharaz, Winston, Sally and Reynold. She was my aunt and the aunt of my siblings, Ria and Ricky as well as the aunt of Sasha, Adesh, Sarah, Vincent, Leah, Premnauth, Susan, Joseph and Josiah. She was also the grandaunt of nine.

She was the niece of Betty, Vinda, Doodnath, Sita and the late Mynie, Sookraj and Bharose. She was also the relative of Leela Ramdeen, the Atal, Jairam, Dookie, Thomas, Shah, Bocas, Baksh, Ramdass and Deowajit families.

Photo credit: all-greatquotes.com

A lesson she taught us was that no one can stand in your shoes because no one can fill them like you and she did it in more ways than one.  Many would remember her as a friendly and hardworking cashier who worked for several years at Rajack’s Supermarket in Point Fortin and also at NH Chan and Sons, Carl Chang Supermarket and Tang Hap’s Supermarket, all that are well-known businesses in Point Fortin .

When you love what you do and you do what you love, the smile says it all!

What many may not know is that she was a New Year’s Day baby- her birthday was on January 1. As we are always told, once we are born, death is inevitable and many of us don’t know is that today we may talk to someone and tomorrow they may not be around.  In case you are wondering what Jan 1, 1964 was like, then you need to read this January 01, 1964, Wednesday, 5 Things You Didn’t Know on NewYear’s Day 1/1/1964 | TakeMeBack.to

What I don’t think she knew is that she shared a birthday with famous American actress Dedee Pfeiffer, Italian singer Francesca Alotta and a few others! Her reaction might have been, “Really?” and it would have been matched by a smile on her face.

It is one time when gone but not forgotten holds renewed meaning! Her smile, her calls, her messages, her loving nature and her humility will never be forgotten.

The message that comes with death is to remind us who are here how to live! Please take the time to listen to and look at this!

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Education, Learning Opportunity, Life, Love and Blessings, Uncategorized

Celebrating my experiences with Premier TEFL!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Do you want to teach online? Do you also want to enhance your chances so that you can teach, travel and settle anywhere in the world? Then you need to read this post!

My review!

In case you are wondering if you read the title correctly, yes you did! So if you are looking for recognized school to do your TEFL Training with, this is certainly it! Premier TEFL is certainly it!

Photo Credit: Premier TEFL This is exactly what I needed in this pandemic- FULLY ONLINE!!!

This is because a couple months ago I began my journey with this institution and trust me when I say that I have not been disappointed. Having had the choice of quite a lot of institutions I did my research well and thankfully, good research has paid off.

My course was fully online, it was easy to access my study material and chart my progress every step of the way. What made it easier is that even though I had a very busy schedule I was able to study at my pace and ask for more time to complete my studies in case I needed to.

While I know not everyone’s experience will be the same, I am quite happy to share my experience! My advice to you would be to use this link https://premiertefl.com?ptaff=900 and check out their courses for yourself as you will realize there are many options to choose from. What becomes vitally important is knowing how recognized your qualification is and ensuring that you give your best.

Photo credit: Premier TEFL
Here is a review someone else shared about Premier TEFL!

Here is a review I posted: https://goo.gl/maps/CFhCNc3XTwLKifY88 as this may also prove helpful to you!

Photo Credit: Premier TEFL- Facebook

What’s even better is that thanks to Premier TEFL I am a trained and TEFL Instructor who is happily working my way through other courses at Premier TEFL.

As I do this I can easily reach out to the support team and I am always being informed to the best places to apply for TEFL jobs. Trust me, it is a journey you will enjoy so get ready to ‘wet your feet’ and begin a new adventure, for you as well as your family!

Photo Credit: Premier TEFL This is true on so many levels!

Thank you Premier TEFL!