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ABOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
GEOGRAPHYThe Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands in the Caribbean chain, only 10 km (7 miles) from the Venezuelan coast and geologically part of South America. The two islands are 33 km (21 miles) apart. TRINIDAD is half forested, with a range of low mountains running along the north coast. There is a flat central plain, with rolling hills in the south. TOBAGO has a central spine of hills, with flatter land in the south. The national capital is Port-of-Spain (pop. 350 000);
Tobago’s capital is Scarborough. Other major urban areas are San Fernando in the south, Chaguanas (central) and Arima (east). There is major industrial development in capital-intensive energy sector projects along the South-Western Coast especially in Point Lisas, Pointe-a-Pierre and Point Fortin.
ECONOMY Trinidad and Tobago is without a doubt the most industrialized nation in the English-speaking Caribbean. The country's prosperity is based, for the most part, on the commercial extraction and processing of its rich natural energy resources. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago is a major Western Hemisphere exporter of oil, natural gas, ammonia, methanol and other petrochemicals. Cash crops such as sugar, cocoa and coffee are also exported, although not to the same extent as in the past. There is a relatively small, but quickly developing non-oil manufacturing sector which exports mainly to the regional market in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and to the larger West Indian Diaspora in North America and Europe. The products exported are as diverse as they are fundamental, and they include carbonated beverages, juices, alcohol, confectioneries, breads, biscuits and pastries, processed condiments, clothing, electrical equipment and so on. The country has also been nurturing a moderate tourism-based industry centred, in Trinidad, primarily around the pre-Lenten Carnival festival which is often dubbed, "The Greatest Show on Earth". In Tobago, several white sand, unspoilt beaches, resort-style hotels/spas, and cosy guest houses/bed-and-breakfast facilities cater for a largely European tourist market. The quiet, lazy idyllic lifestyle of Tobago draws the type of visitor who desires a relaxing vacation, often lying on the beach, or on a hammock set up between the coconut trees on the heavily palm-fringed beaches. Event-type tourism has also become common, with the success of the two-day Carnival festival. Tobago is in the process of expanding its market into non-traditional tourism periods with summer events such as the Tobago Heritage Festival and Tobago Fest, along with the long-standing events such as the Angostura Sailing Week. Trinidad has recently launched its indents (Independence Feast) in late August, with other events such as Too Season, and Point Fortin Borough Day being supported by the State tourism sector. The Eco-tourism sector has expanded dramatically, with Trinidad and Tobago's South American-related geography complete with rain-forests, waterfalls, and rugged hiking trails drawing on the rapidly developing "adventure tourist" market. A thriving industry has developed around the visitor who seeks vacations which incorporate diverse elements such as bird-watching, sailing, deep-sea scuba-diving among coral reefs and manta rays, fresh-water kayaking, canoeing, and hiking along with the traditional sun, sand and sea (both of which the islands possess in abundance). A relatively new form of tourism has also been well supported by Trinidad (especially) - the yachting industry. Trinidad's geographical position, well away from the traditional path of hurricanes and severe tropical weather enables it to provide a safe haven for "yachties" who are travelling through the Caribbean region by way of the Gulf of Paria. A well-developed dry-docking and yacht maintenance industry has been recently supported by the establishment of full-scale luxury marinas, complete with restaurants, supermarkets, banking and hotel-type facilities. Chaguaramas, on Trinidad's North-West peninsula has been the focus of this development which is expanding even further as you read this. More recently, there has been the emergence of what is sometimes termed "cultural exports" with the thriving Carnival industry providing both the Caribbean region and the wider Diaspora with a wealth of human resources that are tapped on a year-round basis by the numerous Carnival-type festivals springing up throughout the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Carnival Bandleaders, Costume Designers, Craftsmen, Artisans and Musicians are providing their services continuously to these new markets, and at the same time opening up the Trinidad and Tobago market even further to cultural tourism through a classic form of cultural exchange. Visit InvestTnT.com for more information.POPULATION
1.3 million (Tobago : 50 000) tracing their roots back to Africa (40%), India (40%), Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and China. Most major religions are represented, including Christianity (Roman Catholic 29%, Anglican 11%, Presbyterian, Methodist and Evangelical faiths), Hinduism (24%), Islam (6%) and traditional African faiths.
LANGUAGEThe official language is English; the old French-based patois has almost died out, Latin American Spanish is used in the Christmas "parang" art-form, and some Hindi is used in the East Indian community.
CLIMATE
Average temperature : 29oC (83oF). with a maximum daily temperature in the low to mid 30s. June to December are the wettest months, with rainfall mostly in short sharp bursts; Tobago is often slightly cooler and less humid than Trinidad.
(Some material sourced from "Discover Trinidad & Tobago" )
"There are two sides to every story - and Trinidad and Tobago is no exception. On one side there’s TRINIDAD : energetic, exciting; a melting pot of races, cultures and ideas. This, for the most part, is a place of stimulus and excitement rather than relaxation. It demands participation: in a sport, a festival, a journey of discovery. A place that gives back what is put into it.
The flip side is TOBAGO, serene, philosophical, dreaming beneath the sun and the wash of the waves. Tobago, where the sea’s blue is startling and the roads wind like snakes along the steep green hillsides, is the place of dozing on a hammock, snorkelling on a reef, sipping a rum punch at sunset. A place for rest, or romance; for regeneration. Toss a coin, take your pick; choose one island or both. Heads or tails - you win. Expect an unforgettable experience. "(from Donna Yawching - "Discover Trinidad and Tobago", Media and Editorial Projects)
The National Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago :
IMAGES OF CARNIVAL 1998 IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
(Click on any of the thumbnails below to view a larger version of the image)
(All pictures are courtesy the Trinidad Express)
Now, join us for the last carnival of
the 20th century . . .
One carnival you simply cannot afford to miss !
Play mas' in these carnival bands with on-line service !
POISON (Funlovers Inc.) : 1999 presentation - "GALACTICA"
PETER MINSHALL and the CALLALOO CO.
HARTS' CARNIVAL : 1999 presentation - "LOCAL MOTION"
BARBAROSSA : 1999 presentation - "JEWEL OF THE NILE"
FUNTASIA : 1999 presentation - "RIVERLIME"
WAYNE BERKELY and MASQUERADE : 1999 presentation - "TRAPEZE"
DESERT RATS (J'ouvert and Monday Nite Mas')
PORT-OF-SPAIN : A DIVERSE & BEAUTIFUL CAPITAL
(Click on any of the thumbnails below to view a larger version of the image)
TRINBAGO BEACHES
(Click on any of the thumbnails below to view a larger version of the image)
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Coat of Arms The National Flag
Trinidad and Tobago is a Republic under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago Act of 1976 with the President as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is elected by an Electoral College compromising all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives voting by secret ballot.
The Parliament is organised according to the Westminster system and the 1976 Constitution provides for a Bicameral Legislature composed of an Upper House - the Senate, and a Lower House - the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of 31 members, 16 being appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, 6 on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 9 at the discretion of the President (known as Independent Senators). The House of Representatives consists of 36 (34 for Trinidad and 2 for Tobago) members elected by the citizens at the General Elections and a Speaker who is elected from either with or outside the House of Representatives.
Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President, and the Cabinet. At the General Election of November 6, 1995, the United National Congress (UNC) won 17 seats, the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) 2, and the People's National Movement (PNM) 17. The UNC and the NAR formed the coalition Government with the PNM becoming the official Opposition. In 1997 two PNM MPs (Point Fortin and Arima) crossed the floor and became Independent MPs, while one MP from the NAR resigned from the party and became an Independent. She remained in the Government coalition, however as a Cabinet Minister. In 1998, the same ex-NAR MP (now Independent) resigned from the Government and the Cabinet and now sits on the side of the Opposition as an Independent. As such, the new Government configuration is UNC/NAR/Independents 20, while the Opposition PNM/Independent numbers 16. This has interesting implications for passage of any legislation that effects changes to the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution, since passage of such legislation requires a two-thirds majority vote (24 out of the total of 36).
(see The Government of Trinidad and Tobago's Official Web Site for more info)
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(Visit here to see who's who in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago)
SOME LINKS TO THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
OF
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
(This list is not exhaustive. Feel free to send
in relevant URLS. Email to [email protected])
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This page was last updated October 14, 1998.
