Ins & Outs of Trinidad & Tobago

Credits Project Co-ordinators Patricia Lewis Marie Gurley

Advertising Sales

Patricia Lewis Marie Gurley Betti Gillezeau

Editor

Roslyn Carrington

Layout

Soraya Gonsalves Patricia Lewis Sally Miller

Design

Tao Howard Miller Publishing

Production Jessica Medina

Production Assistant Nichele West-Broome

THE INS & OUTS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 2013 The Exclusively Recommended In-Room Guide of The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants & Tourism Association and the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association.

Photographers

Nathan Adams Christopher Anderson Edison Boodoosingh Kibwe Brathwaite Stephen Broadbridge Sarah Carter Larry Dahlberg Ronald Daniel Abraham Diaz Calvin French Mark Gellineau Justin Gurley Gerald Hart Inken Janning Joshua Joseph Kevin Kenny Sylvia Krueger (Oceans Discovery) Martin Lawrence Patricia Lewis Conrad Mitchell Marissa Moses Lily N. Reisling Courtenay Rooks Peter Sheppard Carlyle Singh Sylvester Stewart Daryll Willoughby

Writers

Kay Baldeosingh-Arjune Roslyn Carrington Derek Chung Dawn Glaisher Justin Gurley Nasser Khan Keith Lewis Aba A. Luke Geoffrey MacLean Gail Massy Marissa Moses Ruth Osman Lily N. Reisling Courtenay Rooks J.L. Ryan Gordon Samuel Sheldon Waithe

Published by Caribbean Tourism Publications Ltd. #9 Humphrey Street The Film Centre, St. James Trinidad and Tobago Tel: (868) 622-0738/9 Fax: (868) 622-0426 E-mail: info@insandoutstt.com Website: www.insandoutstt.com While every care has been taken in the compilation of information contained in this guide, such information is subject to change without notice. The publishers accept no responsibility for such changes.

Copyright © 2013 Caribbean Tourism Publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Printed in Canada.

2 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

The Ins and Outs is widely distributed locally to visitors through hotel rooms, villas, guesthouses and restaurants. It reaches residents through select merchants, conferences, seminars and business organisations. T&T’s overseas diplomatic missions and World Travel Market form part of the international distribution.

Trinidad Cover Artist:

Lisa Maria O'Connor Lisa O'Connor was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved with her family to Trinidad as a young girl. Her use of thick brushstrokes and lavish application of paint to capture scenes of blooming flora, historic architecture and bright beach scenes has been well received by the art-supporting public. Her spontaneity in capturing the light and excitement of each moment, whether in a fading sunset or a brilliant noon-day Savannah image, has evoked an appreciation for the mundane that sometimes eludes one in the fast-paced tempo of modern living. She has exhibited widely in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the United Kingdom and in the United States.

12 Simpson Drive, Andalusia, Maraval Trinidad (868) 628-2971 E-mail: gregoyoung@yahoo.com Tobago Cover Artist:

Neil Massy AT HORIZONS Neil Massy is a self-taught artist, painting professionally for more than 25 years. He is especially known for his detailed studies of birds in their natural environment.

He is also an accomplished portrait artist.

Over the years, Neil’s artwork has appeared at leading galleries throughout Trinidad, and in 1998 his book of paintings and writings, entitled Nature’s Light, was released.

Contact Horizons at 628-9769 Email: info@horizonsartgallery.com

Photo: Abraham Diaz

TRINIDAD

Contents

Independence 7 Calendar 12 Festivals 27

Carnival 28 Indian Festivals 34

Shopping 41

Art and Craft 52 Health and Beauty 60

Exploring 65 Touring 66 Beaches 70 Sights 74

Business 81 Accommodation 91 Entertainment 105 Nightlife 106 Sports 110

Special Events 116 Photo: Christopher Anderson

Restaurants 119 Fast Facts 142 Features

Photo: Martin Lawrence

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Machel Montano 31 David Rudder 32 Aaron Duncan 33 Meiling 51 Rachel Ross 57 Paula Lucie-Smith 83 Keshorn Walcott 112 George Bovell III 113

Festivals 147 Heritage Festival Goat and Crab Races Tobago Fest The Tobago Blue Food Festival

148 149 149 149

Tobago’s History 150 Touring 153 Sights 154 Beaches 158

Shopping 161

TOBAGO

Contents

Photo: Kevin Kenny

Property 165 Entertainment 171 Events 172 Sports 178

Accommodation 185 Restaurants 195

Photo: Inken Janning

Features Tobago wins “Island of the Year” 151 Ivor Archie 156

Accommodation Guide 200

Sarah Carter

Photo: Kevin Kenny

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

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6 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

INDEPENDENCE 50th Anniversary of Independence Photos: Sarah Carter

INDEPENDENCE

50th Anniversary of Independence

Photos: Conrad Mitchell

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Down by the Waterfront Trinidad and Tobago’s story in pictures

by Roslyn Carrington

With the exception of the indigenous tribespeople, the Amerindians who called these islands home long before the first European laid eyes on them, Trinidadians and Tobagonians all came here by various means. Some were brought by force, others were driven by curiosity. Many simply came seeking a better life.

Wherever we came from, we brought with us many qualities, and strongest among the many strands that make up our colourful tapestry is the thick chord that unites us all; our pride in being Trinbagonian. We are an artistic, creative and imaginative people. What better way to commemorate our 50th Anniversary of Independence than with the Waterfront mural project? A series of ten sculptures, each commemorating an element of the history that makes us who we are.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism, and conceptualised and designed by Brian Mac Farlane and brought to life by talented sculptor Ben Gayah, the panels are located at Tower D at the International Waterfront Centre on Wrightson Road. (If you can find the Hyatt Regency, you’re there.)

They showcase the rich history of T&T in a way that has never been done before. Minister of Tourism, Mr. Stephen Cadiz, shares his vision for more street art, looking forward to the day when artists can see their work displayed in thoroughfares, parks, and tourist hotspots throughout both islands. The murals, he thinks, are an excellent start.

The sculptures are made of styrofoam, coated with a strong, lustrous resin that can fool any eye into thinking they are made of pewter.

They strive to include all by not focusing on specific personalities.

Don’t look for calypso titan, the Mighty Sparrow’s face in the panel on Carnival, or medal-gobbling sprinter Ato Boldon in Sports and Competition. “There are so many people worthy of recognition,” says Mac Farlane. “We couldn’t put them all.”

You’ll also find elements of the places from whence we came, but they have been imbued with a unique Trini flavour. “We kept the symbolism tied to what’s happening here, in this country, rather than focusing on where they came from,” says Mac Farlane.

Launched in August 2012 on the occasion of our 50th anniversary of Independence, the panels continue to draw curious onlookers, both local and foreign. People pore over the panels, searching through their many layers of significance and imagery, almost as if playing a Trini version of Where’s Waldo, as they try to decipher the dozens of immediately recognisable elements.

“There was a group of Chinese people,” reminisces Brian Mac Farlane, “standing in front of the Chinese panel, taking pictures.”

Which proves that not only do we as Trinis see ourselves in the portrayals of our ancestors, but those who come from the lands of our ancestors see themselves in us.

The panels are united by a ribbon of red, underscoring the fact that though we are many, we are united by history, and by the future we all desire for ourselves. Why not take the Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago’s Waterfront Mural challenge? Have a look at these pages—or, better yet, stroll along the Waterfront and see them in person—and see how many elements you can spot!

50th Anniversary of Independence The Arrival

The indigenous people, primarily Caribs and Arawaks, were a thriving community whose deceptively uncomplicated lifestyle hid sophisticated systems of barter, government, trade and agriculture. The arrival of Christopher Columbus on his 3rd voyage in 1498 changed that forever.

You can see the Trinity Hills in the foreground, which, the story goes, were spotted by Columbus as he sailed through the Columbus Channel, and which he named after the Holy Trinity. But can you spot the Amerindian child joining the adults on a hunting expedition? What about Columbus’ legendary ships?

The Africans

As do many of the other panels, this one merges the history of the people who came with their present-day descendants. Here we see a man beating African drums, still a prominent part of our culture. Masks and sculptures owe their history to that great continent, but can also be found in artisan’s stalls in Port of Spain or on any popular beach.

Can you spot the Black Madonna, venerated by Christians, Hindus, Orisha and many others?

The East Indians

Classical dancers swirl, accompanied by the heart-stirring Tassa drums, the Tabla and the Sitar, under elaborately decorated archways. No elephants in Trinidad, you say? Ah, but the elephant is a symbol of prosperity, especially when its trunk is held aloft, and sculptures of them are proudly displayed outside and inside many homes.

Can you see the soft-petalled lotus flower, which grows not only in India, but abundantly in rivers and streams throughout these islands?

The Europeans

Many European settlers came to these islands, primarily from Spain and France, but also from Britain and even Portugal. The crown of the English monarchy hovers above a proud lion.

Find the water wheel which once stood on a plantation at Diego Martin, named after the Spanish explorer who settled there.

You can also see many examples of European architecture, such as Queen’s Royal College, one of the Magnificent Seven which skirt the Queen’s Park Savannah. Spot the dramatic masks worn during the French masked balls, and the movement of the French Creole and Spanish Flamenco dancers. More to look out for: A military man on a horse; a gavel, the symbol of our British legal system; a cocoa pod producing some of the best chocolate in the world; and a Parang band. Ayee! Ayee!

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

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50th Anniversary of Independence The Chinese

Here, yin and yang are in perfect balance. A traditional Chinese village gains its prosperity and strength from the stoic lion standing before it, and the dynamic Chinese Dragon delights us all with his footwork. Dancers glide with fans, umbrellas and ribbons of silk.

See if you can locate the popular Dragon Boat race and the mesmerising Lion Dance. There may even be a few fronds of bamboo hiding there, if you look hard enough.

Syrians and Lebanese

Comparatively recent arrivees, the Syrians and Lebanese have nonetheless settled in and thrived, particularly in the business community. Bolts of cloth harken back to their early history as traders in down-town Port of Spain. Water vessels are made from pewter and tin, and worry beads, held between the fingers, bring focus and inner peace.

Can you find the daring dancer balancing a sharp sword on her breasts? And we’re sure you can spot the cedar tree, the Middle Eastern symbol of strength and growth. And if looking at this panel doesn’t make you hungry for gyros, you’re missing something.

Tobago

The palms waving gently over the pier at Pigeon Point. A fisherman holding his monster catch. Goat racing? Crab racing? That’s Tobago. And so are the inimitable Tobago Speech band, and dancers doing their jig at a Moriah wedding. The bird you see is a Cocrico, of course, native to Tobago, and one of our national birds. You can also spot the famous Arnos Vale water wheel and a glass-bottomed boat for visiting the Buccoo Reef.

One of the world’s largest brain corals, found at Speyside, might be easy to spot, but what about the manta ray and sea turtle keeping it company? If you look a little harder, your eyes are sure to land on the graceful Bele folk dancer, and the surfer braving one of the best breaks in the world.

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

50th Anniversary of Independence Sports and Competition

For a tiny country, we pack a wallop in the sporting world.

From swimming to sprinting, football to cricket, you can be sure we’ve made our mark. Chess? We play it. Hockey?

Tennis? Volleyball? Yeah, we play that too.

Notice the boxers are women. That’s because our lady athletes can pack quite a punch. And on the netball court, our Calypso Girls are the team to beat.

And while this panel was already finished before our Golden Boy, Keshorn Walcott, wowed them at the London Olympics 2012 with his blazing javelin, worry not. Another sculpture honouring our Olympians is in the works.

But we aren’t just victorious in the sporting arena. If you can find the crowns and sash for Miss World and Miss Universe, you’ll know where else Trinidad and Tobago has left our mark.

Carnival

This collection of panels would be no collection at all without a tribute to Carnival. And like its namesake, it’s in a glorious state of chaos. While our unique steel pan is the first to catch your eye, it gets stiff competition from the array of modern and traditional costumes.

Here’s our checklist of things to spot: King Sailor and the Fire Stoker, with their elaborate dances. Moko Jumbies on perilous stilts. The Midnight Robber, making a speech.

Bats, dragons and Blue Devils...scary stuff! Red Indians whooping and howling. Kiddies’ Carnival. Soca and chutney ringing through the air. The pillow-bottomed Dame Lorraine with her coquettish smile. And, of course, glorious “pretty Mas” in a costume that shouts, “Look at me!”

Industry

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest states in the English-speaking Caribbean, thanks to the abundant oil and gas beneath our feet, and deep underground in our territorial waters. Due to a thriving energy-based economy, we enjoy a high GDP and the quality of life that comes with it.

Our people are industrious, educated and market-savvy, and the high levels of foreign investment are testimony to our international reputation as a worthy place to do business.

In this panel, you see our national airline Caribbean Airlines—which you might even have taken to get here! Oil and gas platforms feature prominently, of course, as do those who work in the oilfields. The Point Lisas Industrial Estate is the place where that clean-burning, energy-rich natural gas is turned into something of real value.

But remember a time when sugar was king? See if you can spot the old Brechin Castle sugar factory, and the clunking, clanging train that brought the cane in from the fields.

See the sugar cane workers toiling in the broiling sun.

Manufacturing ... we’ve got that, too.

If you like chocolate, you’ll love our cocoa dancers threshing the squishy cocoa pods with their bare feet to extract the dark brown beans that contain one of the most sinfully pleasurable gifts Nature has ever bestowed upon us.

How did you do on the challenge?

Found them all? Great! Now maybe these works of art, which show off so much that we have to offer, will inspire you to go out there and experience them for yourself.

What are you waiting for?

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 11

January

Photo: Joshua Joseph

JANUARY 1 1

5

5

6 9 10 – 13

12

12

16

17 – 21

19

19

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New Year’s Day – Public Holiday Sian’s Gold Sprint (GRII), Arima www.santarosapark.com Colours of Green (The Cooler Fete) www.showtimetrinidad.com/soon.html TRIBE ICE - www.carnivaltribe.com or www.ultimateeventstt.com Soca in Moka – All Inclusive, Trinity College, Maraval Junior Calypso Roving Tent Launch - www.tucott.com National Single Pan Preliminaries - Tobago, North, South/Central, East - www.pantrinbago.co.tt Junior Calypso Monarch Competition North Preliminary www.tucott.com ONE Fete - www.carnivaltribe.com or www.ultimateeventstt.com Junior Calypso Roving Tent Show Tunapuna Gov’t Primary School - www.tucott.com National Small & Medium Preliminaries – Tobago North, South/Central, East - www.pantrinbago.co.tt Junior Calypso Monarch Competition East Preliminary www.tucott.com Caribbean Turf Championship (GRII R), Arima www.santarosapark.com

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

19

20

24 – 27

25 26

26 – 27 27

27

28

28 – 30

31

TBA

TBA

Stumped!!! (Red Ants & QPCC) - www.carnivaltribe.com www.ultimateeventstt.com River Raid VI Mountain Bike Race www.rainbowtri.com/events.php The Caribbean Connection Int’l Golf Tournament brendon.gray27@gmail.com 868-681-0754 Junior Calypso Roving Tent Show - www.tucott.com Junior Calypso Monarch Competition SEMI-FINAL www.tucott.com Live Auditions - www.tucott.com Panorama National Semi-Finals – Small, Medium & Large Bands - www.pantrinbago.co.tt TRIBE Pan Posse - www.carnivaltribe.com www.ultimateeventstt.com Extempo Preliminary - tucocalypsott@yahoo.com www.tucott.com Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference www.ttenergyconference.org Queens and Kings Preliminary (Seniors) www.ncbatt.com/index.php/event-calendar Soca Under Samaan Tree (Old Market Square - Tobago) 868-639-3437 Under the Trees, Normandie www.normandiett.com/normandie_entertainment_trees. htm

January

Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 13

February

FEBRUARY 1

2 2

2

2 – 3

3

3

Photo: Joshua Joseph

Photo: Christopher Anderson

Photo: Sarah Carter

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Camboulay Re-enactment (Prime Minister’s Best Village) www.community.gov.tt National Single Pan Semi-Finals - www.pantrinbago.co.tt National Calypso Monarch Semi-Final “Calypso Fiesta” (Skinner Park San Fernando) - www.tucott.com Blue Flame All Inclusive www.carnivaltribe.com www.ultimateeventstt.com St. Andrew’s Golf Club - Svelty Ladies Open www.golftrinidad.com WET & WILD ~ The Carnival Foam & Wet Party www.spacetrinidad.com Junior Individual Categories/Age Group, Queens and Kings Preliminaries (Juniors) - www.ncbatt.com 4 Junior Calypso Monarch Final – (Queen’s Park Savannah)

www.tucott.com 4 “KAISORAMA” (Queen’s Park Savannah) - www.tucott.com 4 Arima Panorama 5 EXPLOSION – NALIS - www.tucott.com 5 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Pan Champs Finals 5 Queens and Kings Semi – Finals (Seniors)

www.ncbatt.com 6 “Entertainers Fete” Fundraiser - (The Paddock Queen’s Park Savannah) - www.tucott.com 6 Traditional Individuals (Senior) - www.ncbatt.com 6 Junior Calypso Roving Tent Final Show - Soca Under

Samaan Tree (Old Market Square - Tobago) 868-639-3437 7 TRIBE Ignite - www.carnivaltribe.com 7 National Calypso Monarch Final - (Queen’s Park Savannah)

tucocalypsott@yahoo.com or www.tucott.com 7 National Panorama Finals Single Pan and Small

www.pantrinbago.co.tt 7 Conventional Individuals - www.ncctt.com 7 C’est La Vie All Inclusive 8 BIG FRIDAY – Finals Kings and Queens (Juniors and

Seniors) - www.ncbatt.com 8 Blue Range Cooler Fete - www.carnivaltribe.com 8 Bright Colors & Bikinis Boatride 8 – 9 International Soca Monarch (Hasely Crawford Stadium)

www.socamonarch.net 9 Junior Parade of the Bands - www.ncbatt.com 9 Friends of Blood Bank “Feel the Vibe Feel the Pulse”

868-633-8204 10 Nostalgia Parade - Groups, Bands (Seniors) 10 St. Andrew’s Golf Club Carnival Fete - www.golftrinidad.com 11 Red Ants J'ouvert - www.carnivaltribe.com 11 J’ouvert Bands (Seniors) - www.ncbatt.com 11 – 12 Carnival Monday & Tuesday Parade of Bands

www.ncctt.org, www.ncbatt.com 13 Soca Lovers (The Boat Cruise) 13 Ash Wednesday 14 – 17 Tobago Carnival Regatta - Festival of Wind

nikib@tstt.net.tt 868-741-9135 16 Champs of Steel - www.ncctt.org 23 – 24 TTGFA Annual WAHOO Game Fishing Tournament, TTYC, Trinidad – www.info@ttgfa.com

February

Photo: Mark Gellineau

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

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March and April

Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

MARCH

APRIL

2 Flamingo Stakes (GRII C&G) – www.santarosapark.com 2 TRIBE Las Lap Fete - www.carnivaltribe.com 7 – 10 St. Andrew’s Golf Club - Ansa Mc Al 106th T+T Open

www.golftrinidad.com 13 – 17 Tobago Int’l Game Fishing Tournament (Charlotteville)

www.tgft.com 868-678-7171 16 Jazz Artists on the GREENS - www.productiononeltd.com 17 RWTC Mini Duathlon & 1 Lap run

www.rainbowtri.com/events.php 23 Starlight Stakes (GRIII R), Arima - www.santarosapark.com 23 – 24 St. Andrew’s Golf Club - Championships presented by Coca Cola - www.golftrinidad.com 24 Excellent Stores High Sierra Dragon Boat Regatta 29 Good Friday – Public Holiday 30 Spiritual Baptist Day – Public Holiday 30 Glorious Saturday Steelband Personality & Fashion Extravaganza – 868-709-9084 31 Spring Festival “Phagwa” (Prime Minister’s Best Village)

www.community.gov.tt

1 1 1

2 7

10 – 13

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Easter Monday – Public Holiday Easter Guineas (GIII R), Arima - www.santarosapark.com Easter Weekend Race – Power Boat Race, Tobago www.visittobago.gov.tt Buccoo Tobago Goat & Crab Race Festival – 868-709-9084 Traditional Bele Festival (Prime Minister’s Best Village) www.community.gov.tt 33rd Annual International “MARLIN MADNESS” Game Fishing Tournament, Pigeon Pt. Heritage Park, Tobago

info@ttgfa.com 15 – 18 Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Development Conference - www.onecaribbean.org 20 – 21 St. Andrew’s Golf Club - Sagicor St. Andrews Invitational

www.golftrinidad.com 20 – 28 Tobago Jazz Experience

www.visittobago.gov.tt/jazzexperience

contact@visittobago.gov.tt 30 Drumfest, Point Fortin (Prime Minister’s Best Village)

www.community.gov.tt

March and April

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• 17

May and June

Photo: Sarah Carter

18 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

May and June

MAY 4

4

5

7 – 9

8 25

30 30

31

TBA

Santa Rosa Classic (GRIII R), Arima www.santarosapark.com St. Andrew’s Golf Club - SAGC Corporate www.golftrinidad.com Point Fortin Dragon Boat Regatta www.ttdbf.webs.com Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/index.php La Divina Pastora, Siparia Neal & Massy Rainbow Cup Triathlon Jason@rainbowtri.com 868-784-4128 Indian Arrival Day - Public Holiday - www.ncictt.com MidSummer Classic (GRI R), Arima www.santarosapark.com Salsa Fiesta Tnt – Caribbean Salsa Congress (5th edition) - www.salsafiestatnt.com, 40 Latin dance workshops, at Cascadia Hotel & Conference Centre Tobago Free Diving Spearfishing Challenge phillipalmandoz@yahoo.com 868-684-3440

Photo: Sarah Carter

JUNE 1 – 2

Salsa Fiesta TnT (See May 31st) – Caribbean Salsa Congress - www.salsafiestatnt.com 868-471-5898 7 Corpus Christi – Public Holiday 7 – 13 WeBeat Festival - www.webeat.org 868-622-7622 8 Eric “Colt” Durant Memorial Turf (GRII), Arima

www.santarosapark.com 22 Neal & Massy Rainbow Cup Triathalon

3000 open water swim and 5K run

www.rainbowtri.com/events.php 16 Tobago Dragon Boat Festival - Pigeon Point

theoctrim@gmail.com 19 Labour Day – Public Holiday 21 – 23 San Fernando Fashion Week Trinidad 2013

868-722-6059; 868-335-4155

www.sanfernandofashionweek.webs.com 22 – 23 15th Annual Junior Angler Fishing Tournament, TTYC, Trinidad – www.info@ttgfa.com 23 Tobago Heritage Festival

www.tobagoheritagefestival.com 29 Gleneagle Stakes (GRII F), Arima

www.santarosapark.com

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

Sarah Carter

Photo: Sarah Carter

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 19

July and August

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

JULY

AUGUST

6 – 15 Annual Junior Angler Fishing Tournament, TTC, Trinidad

www.info@ttgfa.com 7 Food Festival, Queen’s Park Savannah (Prime Minister’s Best Village) - www.community.gov.tt/home/node/415 12 – 15 THA Tobago Rally Festival – Courland Estate

rcadiz@tropical-power.com 868-682-0423 20 President’s Cup (GRII), Arima - www.santarosapark.com 21 Pre-Emancipation Blessing of the Ground

kkambon.esc@gmail.com 22 – 29 Tobago Underwater Carnival 2012

www.tobagounderwatercarnival.com 868-681-5071 26 GRAND OPENING 175th Anniversary Celebration

kkambon.esc@gmail.com 27 Rhythms and Voices of the People; Masters of Calypso

kkambon.esc@gmail.com 28 Family Day/African Food Festival; Youth Steel Band Concert; Forum on Africa and its Daspora; PAN EXPLOSION

kkambon.esc@gmail.com

1

1

1

1 – 4

20 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Drum Call Tribute to Ancestors; KAMBULE Street Parade; Flambeau Procession - kkambon.esc@gmail.com Emancipation Day - Public holiday www.panafricanfestival.org (EMAN) T and T Breeders Classic (GRI T&T) www.santarosapark.com Travel Professional of Colour Conference and Tradeshow (TPOC) - www.tpoc.org 8 Eid-ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – Public Holiday - The National Council of Indian Culture 868-671-6241 - www.ncictt.com 9 – 11 7th Annual International TDC “TRINIDAD TARPON THUNDER” Game Fishing Tournament, Trinidad - www.info@ttgfa.com 24 – 26 The Carib Great Race – Power Boat – Port of Spain to

Scarborough - Michael@tychett.com 868-684-0459 31 Independence Day – Public Holiday 31 Independence Cup (GRI), Arima - www.santarosapark.com TBA Trini Tarpon Tournament

www.trinitarpontournament.yolasite.com

July and August

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 21

September and October

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

3 – 6

1

2 – 7

5 13 13 20

26

16 30 – 31

TBA TBA TBA TBA

TBA

Handicraft Exhibition, Queen’s Park Savannah (Prime Minister’s Best Village)

www.community.gov.tt/home/node/415 8 Mud, Sweat & Gears Mountain Bike Event (3 Time Trials)

www.rainbowtri.com/events.php 14 – 15 St. Andrew’s Golf Club - Agostini Insurance Brokers Ltd Ladies Open - www.golftrinidad.com 18 – 30 8th Annual Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival (ttff)

www.ttfilmfestival.com 24 Republic Day – Pubic Holiday 24 World Tourism Day 24 Republic Weekend Races Derby Stakes/Diamond Stakes Arima - www.santarosapark.com

22 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

8th Annual Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival (ttff) www.ttfilmfestival.com Tobago International Cycling Classic jeffreycharles57@hotmail.com 868-680-1214 Futurity Stakes - www.santarosapark.com Tobago Blue Food Festival - www.visitobago.gov.tt Chinese Arrival Dragon Boat Festival, Chaguaramas Parang Festival, Lopinot (Prime Minister’s Best Village) www.community.gov.tt/home/node/415 Caribbean Champion Stakes (GRI R) www.santarosapark.com World Food Day Caribbean Fashion Plus Week (Cascadia Hotel) www.caribbeanplussizefashionweek.moonfruit.com San Fernando Jazz Festival Taste T&T International Culinary Festival - www.tdc.co.tt Saute Trinbago 74-SAUTE - sautetrinbago@gmail.com Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan & Jazz Festival www.steelpanjazzfestival.com Opening of the Parang Season by the National Parang Association - www.parangmusic.weebly.com

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 23

November and December

Photo: Mark Gellineau

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

1 – 3

1 – 3

2 3 9

11 – 14 17 17

17

30

7 7 8 8 – 9

13 25 26 26 TBA

TBA

TBA

24 •

BagoSports Beach Soccer Championships Turtle Beach Heritage Park kylelequay@bagosports.com 868-772-0248 Caribbean Fashion Plus Week (Cascadia Hotel) www.caribbeanplussizefashionweek.moonfruit.com S.F.A. Breeders Stakes - www.santarosapark.com Divali (Festival of Lights) – Public Holiday - www.ncictt.com Folk Ball (Prime Minister’s Best Village) www.community.gov.tt/home/node/415 Hosay, St. James Hosay, St. James RWTC Ultimate Tag Team Tri www.rainbowtri.com/events.php Kartik Poornima www.daysuntil.com/Kartik-Poornima/index.html Best Village Thru The Years National Academy for the Performing Arts (Prime Minister’s Best Village) - www.community.gov.tt/home/node/415 Pan, Parang and Pork - Invaders Steel Orchestra 868-345-3442 www.invaders-tt.com

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Stewards Cup (GRI), Arima - www.santarosapark.com St. Andrew's Golf Club Men's Christmas Hamper St. Andrew's Golf Club Ladies Christmas Hamper Carib Tobago Int’l Rugby 7s Tournament baxterslimited@gmail.com 868-680-4757 St. Andrew's Golf Club Fundraiser Christmas Day – Public Holiday Boxing Day – Public Holiday Gold Cup (GRI), Arima - www.santarosapark.com Tobago Colours Annual Kite Flying Competition 868-639-5428 Silver Stars "Parang and Steel", Tragarete Road, Woodbrook

Indian Dancer Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

Amerindian Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

26 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

F carnival

indian festivals

borough day

emancipation day

FESTIVALS

Carnival King designed by Brian Mac Farlane Photo: Sylvester Stewart

CARNIVAL

Carnival

Kiddies’ Carnival Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

Steelpan Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

W

hen a nation is blessed with an abundance of distinctive flora and fauna and also has a unique, vibrant annual festival like Carnival, it’s inevitable that the two would combine.

Just as Trinidad and Tobago’s natural beauty decorates the landscape with bright flowers against the lush green background, it also provides the inspiration for designers to wield their magic upon the canvas that is the Carnival stage. With the upward trajectory of headpieces and stems of colour protruding into the air, many revellers’ costumes resemble living, breathing, moving plants, swaying in unison, just as the cool Caribbean winds move the flora in harmony upon the hillsides. Designers need only look out their windows to come up with next year’s Carnival concept.

Costume designers have given their nod to the botanical beauty of the country with bands such as Stephen Lee Heung’s 1983 epic “Rainforest”, and the immortal Peter Minshall’s unforgettable “Jungle Fever” in 1981. Even in the burgeoning years before the big Mas bands that exist today, trailblazers like George Bailey were unable to resist the influence of the flora, creating the memorable Carnival Queen costume “Kafiti, Queen of the Flowers” in 1962, the year of T&T’s independence. This was the same year that bandleader Cito Velasquez also produced “Nature’s Notebook”, a tribute to flora and fauna. Velasquez even produced a follow-up band in 1976, “Nature’s Paradise”. Another, more recent Carnival Queen took steps further afield—or rather below— with Crystal Aming’s “Flowers of the Coral Seas” in 1998. But it was the masman extraordinaire, Geraldo Vieira, who paid the greatest tribute to this sector of Mother Nature’s immense family with his initial band titled “Flowers and Fruits”. The 1959 band resembled huge bouquets moving along the road; the yellow, red and purple “flowers” that sat in huge pots carried by floats were the result of intricate wire-bending skills passed on to Vieira by the legendary Valesquez. Vieira’s 1998 Carnival King continued the trend with “In de Balisier”, representing the indigenous and unique-looking plant, with its different tones of red and green tips, much like the costume itself.

Sadly, Vieira passed away in September 2012, a major loss to the Carnival community of T&T. Further information regarding the history of bands–including a comprehensive profile of Vieira’s life’s work–and details of the 2013 Carnival can be found at www.ncbatt.com.

The plant life of the nation is also reflected in Viey La Cou, the Carnival heritage fair reflecting the olden days of Mas, with folklore characters said to exist within the lush forests: from blue devils to dancers on wooden stilts, tall as the trees themselves. Of course, no Ole Mas celebration would be complete without the presence of Papa Bois, the ‘master of the woods’, and he duly takes pride of place at Viey La Cou. The University of the West Indies are staunch supporters of Ole Mas and tickets and information are available via marissa.brooks@sta.uwi.edu.

No journey through the representations of nature in Carnival would be complete without Panorama, the steel pan competition that showcases the best of the instrument native to T&T. The melodic notes that fill the Savannah’s air are the result of many hours of practice and this amazing stage show is mandatory viewing (and listening) for any visitor to Carnival. You can find all the harmonious details at www. pantrinbago.co.tt. It all takes place at the Carnival’s hub, the Queen’s Park Savannah, also known as “the Big Yard”.

Carnival Photo Courtesy: Harts Carnival Band

Carnival More Carnival events to look out for

You can hear more of pan, sweet pan at the Bomb competition, held at Adam Smith Square in Woodbrook as part of the achingly early morning celebration that is J’Ouvert. This is where the bands show off their skills at non-calypso tunes such as rock, pop, classical and hymns, to the delight of the crowd. It can almost be described as the remix of the pan world.

While designers and Mas Camp staff put in gargantuan efforts to get thousands of revellers onto the street in a sea of colour, it is the Carnival Kings and Queens competition that showcases the real imagination and the skill that gives those images form. This is the beauty pageant of Trinbago’s Carnival, with nothing left to chance and the most intricate details providing the difference between winning and losing.

That same attention to detail produces the magnificent splendour that are the leaders of the bands; grand structures given life by both the accompanying music and the man or woman chosen to be its “pilot”. The competition takes place at the “Dimanche Gras” on Carnival Sunday (Feb 10th in 2013) with details available on www.ncctt.org.

Dimanche Gras also incorporates the National Calypso Monarch competition, not divided by gender, simply one winner: the one that the judges have deemed to have the best calypso. It’s political satire, hardhitting social commentary and melody all wrapped up in one performance, and is practised in the numerous calypso tents that litter the land, in the weeks leading up to Carnival weekend.

Information as to where you can find your favourite calypsonian honing this unique skill can be found at www. trinisoca.com.

Then it’s onto the grand finale, the Parade of the Bands on the streets on Carival Monday and Tuesday, which brings it all together for the greatest party on the planet. From Ole-Time Mas to Modern Mas all in one festival, and the natural thing to do is to let the vibe take over and simply enjoy!

By Sheldon Waithe

Jab Jab Photo: Peter Sheppard

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

Meet a Trini

SOCA SUPERSTAR:

MACHEL MONTANO

S

oca is to Trinidad and Tobago as reggae is to Jamaica.

On its ascendancy on the world music stage, the fastpaced genre of Caribbean party music, Soca—calypso’s pulsating offshoot—has as its front line exponent of the art form the indefatigable Machel Montano.

By the age of nine he already had a band, Pranasonic Express, which evolved into Xtatic and, more recently, Machel Montano HD (High Definition). His debut album “Too Young To Soca”, released in 1985, was an instant hit, which earned rave reviews and standing ovations at live performances. In April of 1986, the young performer appeared on the popular television show, Star Search, bringing Soca music to American national television. By 1987, at the age of 12, he won the Caribbean Song Festival, held in Barbados.

Another of Machel’s earliest achievements was his 1984 appearance at Madison Square Garden in New York City at the age of 9, as a support act for the Mighty Sparrow and other top calypsonians. Such was his meteoric rise to Soca stardom. By 2005, at the 3rd Annual International Soca Awards held here in Trinidad, he copped the awards for Male Soca Performer of the Year, Soca Song Writer of the Year, Overall Male Soca Performer of the Year, Soca Artiste Album/CD of the Year for “The Xtatik Experience”, Overall Soca Band of the Year; and Soca Video of the Year for “You”.

He was awarded the Bob Marley Award Entertainer of the Year 2007, Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer 2007, and named the Most Outstanding Stage Personality at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the historic Apollo Theatre in New York. That year also saw Machel receiving an award at the 1st Annual BET J Virtual Awards for Best Caribbean Artiste of the Year.

When asked to name a performance he would have liked a firsttime audience to experience, he lists Madison Square Garden in 2007, entitled “Rezzarek”.

By Nasser Khan

In 2009, he released his album, “Heavenly Drum” and in May 2010 he made history as the only two-time recipient (the first in 2008) of The Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year at the IRAWMA in Queens, New York.

He emerged as the Power Soca Monarch Champion 2k11 and also captured the prize for best presentation. The climax was his victory in the Road March, the most popular song “Advantage” played during T&T’s two-day pre-lenten Carnival festivities. On the heels of Carnival he returned to Madison Square Garden in March 2011 to another sold out event. By then he had released his 35th album, “The Return”.

In February 2012, he became a Triple Crown winner. At the International Soca Monarch he won the Groovy Soca Title with the popular “Mr. Fête” and The International Power Soca Monarch with his high-energy power hit “Pump Your Flag”. On Carnival Monday and Tuesday 2012 “Pump Your Flag” was the most played song, which earned him Road March glory once again. Later in 2012 he starred in a video production by Trinidad-born Nikki Minaj, which was shot in Trinidad and Tobago and featured many sights and sounds of our twin islands. He was also enlisted to perform at celebrations for T&T’s 50th independence anniversary and contracted by the government to produce a special CD for the occasion.

Not the indoor type, Montano is a true son of this tropical soil…when asked to describe his interests outside of being an entertainer, he said, “I love hiking and cooking outdoors, rivers, beaches, the jungle and the adventures nature has to offer.”

Tirelessly working toward his mission of successfully taking Soca into the realm of mainstream music, he emphatically declares: “It is a dream I have always had and something I look forward to achieving.”

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Photo: Lily N. Reisling

Meet a Trini

CALYPSONIAN DAVID RUDDER

By Nasser Khan

E

ver since he burst onto the calypso stage in 1986 and became a household name in Trinidad and Tobago, calypsonian David Rudder has maintained his place among the top entertainers wherever he performs.

Though currently resident in Ontario, Canada, this son of the soil is frequently back and forth to his native Trinidad where he still commands premier billing at special occasions (such as our 50th, Independence Anniversary celebrations in 2012) and parties (or fêtes, as we call them here). He was also a headliner at the 2012 Tobago Jazz Experience.

This former accounting clerk started as a back-up calypso singer whose big break came when the lead singer of the band ‘Charlie’s Roots’ fell ill and he was thrust into the limelight. So impressive was he that he soon became the co-lead singer of the band! But it was in 1986 that he really shot to prominence with the release of his first album, which spawned two huge hits: “The Hammer” (a tribute to the late steelpan ace Rudolph Charles) and “Bahia Girl”. These two hits, both of which he wrote, as he does all of his songs, earned him all the winning titles that year, including the Calypso Crown, the Road March and the Young King title, and have been eternal hits since then. You can view his calypso hits via You Tube.

Following his 1986 propulsion to fame, he did not find the previous year a tough act to follow and released his mega hit “Calypso Music” in 1987, which encapsulated the rhythm and vibe of our nation. Not content to rest on his laurels, he followed up in 1988 with what many considered to be his best album to date, Haiti, which included the title track, a tribute to the glory and suffering of Haiti; “Engine Room”, which captured the energy of the steel band; and “Rally ‘Round the West Indies”, which became the regional anthem for the world champion West Indies cricket team.

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Rudder’s innovative songwriting has been influenced by the uniqueness and inescapable styling of the chants and rhythms of the Shango Baptists, which is the foundation of much of his music.

The endless list of awards that have been showered upon him at various times over a sterling career that has lasted over 25 years includes Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Party Song of the year, Best Social Commentary, Song most played for Panorama, Best Produced Album, Male Vocalist of the Year, Best New Wave Soca and Most Humourous Calypso.

He has delivered performances at several World Music festivals and performing arts centres around the world in the USA, Canada, UK and Europe and has been featured over the years in prestigious magazines and publications such as Germany’s Gorgenpost and Stern Magazine, The Guardian in England, in the U.S. the Boston Globe, New York Times and Newsweek, was a cover story for Class magazine, and featured artist in Ebony Magazine. Rudder has performed with such stars as Barry White, Billy Ocean, KC and the Sunshine Band, Third World, Steel Pulse, Musical Youth, Miami Sound Machine and Chalice.

In 1990 he sang with the Bahia Girl in Wild Orchid, a major Hollywood movie produced by Warner Brothers, performing with internationally acclaimed Brazilian singer Margareth Menezes.

Together, Rudder and Menezes sang “Dark Secrets”, one of three songs Rudder contributed to the movie, which starred Mickey Rourke and Jacqueline Bisset.

Some thirty-two albums, records and CDs later, this “Trini to the Bone”, the title of a recent hit, shows no sign of letting up as his fans locally, regionally and internationally would attest. He was awarded one of the nation’s highest awards in 1992, the Humming Bird Medal Silver, for his contribution to culture.

Meet a Young Trini

AARON DUNCAN

By Nasser Khan

S

mall in stature, young in age, but with immense talent and the ability to command large audiences, 9-year-old Aaron Duncan has become the darling of the calypso world since capturing the coveted Junior Calypso Monarch crown at the Queen’s Park Savannah back in February 2010. His winning calypso entitled “Don’t Waste It”, a message about his mother’s advice to not waste water and electricity, propelled him into the media spotlight, and was the first win of his Junior Monarch hat trick.

Young Aaron’s current stature as an artiste brings back early memories of Duncan’s hero, international calypso-soca superstar Machel Montano, who also started his career at a very tender age.

Standing ovations are now the order of the day wherever he performs, in places such as Barbados, England, New York, Montreal, Toronto and Boston. He proudly says that he has received certificates of welcome from the city of Boston, and in Toronto some people actually threw money for him on stage.

And what of all this travelling and performing time in terms of his school work? No worries, says the pint-sized Duncan, “My mommy helps me out a lot when I’m absent from school. I don’t really miss anything because she calls my teacher and gets whatever I miss, and when I return we go through it together.”

Does he get any special treatment at school? “I have both types of friends but they are all my friends,” he laughs. And how does he deal with being famous? “I know that I’m famous, but I’m also just a regular kid,” he declares, adding “I want this to be my career, but I still want to do well at my academics.”

In 2011, at the annual Junior Calypso Monarch competition, he captured his second crown with a calypso entitled “Kaiso Alive”. Kaiso is another, more traditional, word for “calypso”.

On to 2012, and he again got the nod of the judges, this time with a number entitled “I’m Learning”. He also took the title of the Junior Monarch for Soca, the faster paced, party-type version of the more sedate calypso, with the song “I’m Home”. Not bad for a youngster who first got hooked on performing on stage at the age of three as a background vocalist for his older sister, who was performing in a calypso competition at the time.

Watch out world, here comes Trinidad and Tobago’s Aaron Duncan!

Junior Calypso Monarch Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

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INDIAN FESTIVALS

Indian Festivals

T

&T’s diverse culture and history would not be complete without mentioning our dramatic and colourful festivals.

Many of these were brought here by the Indian indentured workers, who first arrived in 1845.

Here’s a taste of just a few:

Hosay

Although it commemorates the sombre event of the assassination of Hussein and Hassan, the grandsons of the Prophet Mohammed, the festival of Hosay is alive with colour and sound. For three consecutive nights, Shiite Muslims are joined by Trinis of all faiths as they parade through the streets of St. James. There is a smaller version in Cedros.

On Flag Night, floats bearing colourful flags are pushed along to the accompaniment of Tassa drums, whose deep booming voices will reach your very heart. The flags symbolise the banners of war. On Small Tadjah night, devotees parade replicas of mausoleums made of wood, paper, tinsel and foil. Big Tadjah Night, however, is the spectacular culmination. Huge versions of the small tadjahs glitter under the street lights, and, at the climax of the evening, two men, one bearing a huge green crescent moon on his shoulders, the other bearing a red one, dance and sway toward each other along the Western Main Road, keeping time with the Tassa drums. The red represents Hussain’s shed blood; the green, the poison that took Hassan’s life. At their meeting point, the moons “kiss” briefly, to the awe and delight of the crowd.

On the following day, the tadjahs are solemnly taken to nearby Cocorite, and cast into the sea to the reading of funeral prayers. Hosay is a moveable feast, so check your festival calendar online for dates.

Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, which can fall in any season as it is based on the shifting lunar Islamic calendar. Dawn to dusk fasts is a discipline meant to help Muslims remember the less fortunate. Fasting increases a Muslim’s taqwah (relationship with Allah), so when they make dua (pray), their prayers are more likely to be heard and answered.

The Eid Ul Fitr feast, a national holiday, ends Ramadan.

Families don new clothes and visit mosques for prayer. They may visit friends and family to share a meal with special sweets and pastries. Muslims and non-Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Eid.”

Divali (or Diwali)

Hosay Photo: Peter Sheppard

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This Hindu “festival of lights” is a national holiday and is held on the darkest night of the month of Kartik, usually mid-October to mid-November. It is characterised by the spectacular display of hundreds of lit deyas (small clay lamps) outside houses, on walls and perched upon homemade bamboo stands. Deyas are said to have lit Shree Ram’s path back to Ayodia after his exile.

Because Divali traditionally marks the end of the harvest season, Hindus honour goddess Lakshmi with a puja (ceremonial worship) at 6:00 p.m., just when the first deya is lit, to thank her for bringing wealth and prosperity. They fast from meat, alcohol or intimate relations for up to a month before Divali, and clean their houses so that Mother

Indian Festival Photo: Sarah Carter

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

Indian Festivals

Lakshmi will enter on Divali night and bless the household. On the day itself, Hindus prepare special food and sweets to share with their neighbours, wear new clothes and look forward to the year ahead.

Ramleela

The epic saga of Ramleela can be found in the Hindu holy text, Ramayana. Annually, Hindus perform dramatic interpretations of this saga as their ancestors did, on open ground. Ramleela groups act out this drama around Divali. For up to 11 nights, elaborately dressed and made-up volunteer actors portray the timeless struggle between good and evil as seen in the life of Shree Ram, an avatar of one member of the Hindu Trinity, Lord Vishnu.

Phagwa

This spring festival marks the righteous but gruesome death of Hiranyakashipu, a king blessed by the Hindu creator Brahma, but who used his power for evil instead of good. He was killed by an avatar of Lord Vishnu because of his evil deeds and intentions toward his son Prahalad, a true devotee. Hindus celebrate Phagwa by playfully squirting a coloured fluid called abeer on each other in pastoral settings. Pagwha is also associated with fertility by women hoping for children.

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Ganga Dashahara

Phagwa

Ganga Dashahara originated on the banks of the Ganga River “Ganges”. It celebrates the descent of Ganga from the celestial region, to release the souls of the sons of King Sagara after five generations of self-denial. It is said that the waters are spiritually renewed annually on the anniversary of the descent, the tenth tithi (lunar day) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which runs from May 21 to June 22. Ganga Dashahara in T&T takes place at the source of the Marianne River in Blanchisseusse, Arima. The river was consecrated by water and dust from over 2000 holy rivers and places in India. Worshippers fast for several weeks to attend this puja. Wearing yellow, which represents purity and religious restraint, devotees walk along the river to its source, carrying offerings of buttercups, fruits, milk and other items and stopping at several points (ghats) along the way to perform pujas.

Raksha Bandhan

This endearing festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a colourful woven thread around the wrist of their brothers, symbolising their love and devotion to him, and his promise to protect her. In return, he may offer her a gift. The gesture may extend to unrelated men who are close enough to be brothers of the heart. The ceremony usually takes place in August.

BOROUGH DAY

By Roslyn Carrington

F

or fête-loving Trinis, just one Carnival per year simply isn’t enough. That’s probably the reason we came up with Borough Day celebrations, which were originally intended to observe the recognition of three of our major towns as boroughs. Though the event fittingly begins with the expected pomp and ceremony, Borough Day Point Fortin, Arima and Chaguanas culminate in a glorious burst of music and colour.

Though Point Fortin is T&T’s smallest borough, and only became a borough in 1980, its Borough Day celebrations are hands-down the biggest and most popular. About 20 miles south-west of Trinidad’s second city, San Fernando, it is steeped in sport, culture, and energy-related industry. But its Borough Day celebrations are larger than life, condensing the larger Carnival experience in the north-west into an intense burst of Trini-style fêteing which last the whole weekend. Point Fortin Borough Day is usually held on the first Saturday in May, although the anniversary of its receiving its borough status is actually April 30. Trinis from all over flock ‘down south’ as steelbands take to the streets.

The Carnival atmosphere even kicks off with J’Ouvert, the traditional opening of Carnival celebrations, in which people parade through the streets covered in oil, paint, mud, or even chocolate, or in homemade costumes through which they make political and social statements. From 4:00 a.m. masqueraders flock onto the streets, dancing to the music played from large music trucks.

Photos: Abraham Diaz

Several soca artistes also ensure they are on hand to whip the party-hungry crowd into a frenzy.

J’Ouvert celebrations go on until midday, when the traditional Carnival characters and “pretty mas” replaces the mud masqueraders. A Steelband ‘Bomb’ competition follows, in which steel orchestras perform their Panorama selections for that year, a ‘bomb’ or non-calypso song, often vintage pop or even a hymn, and a test piece. The partying, dancing, eating and drinking goes on until midnight, a true echo of its original Carnival parent.

Arima’s Borough Day celebrations take place in August, and they aren’t too far behind those of Point Fortin in size and vigour. This year, Arima is celebrating 125 years as a borough, so expect the events to be spectacular.

Chaguanas’ Borough Day celebrations kick off in October. Though they only attained borough status in 1990, they make every effort to keep up with the big-daddy fête that is Point Fortin Borough Day. It’s smaller, certainly, but well worth a visit.

If you’re in Trinidad and feeling bad about missing Carnival, don’t. Any one of these mini-Carnivals is more than enough to give you a taste. Party hard, enjoy the music, and join a band of masqueraders if you dare.

For more information, please call: • Point Fortin Borough Corporation at (868) 648-2124 • Arima Borough Corporation at (868) 667-3435 • Chaguanas Borough Corporation at (868) 665-5351

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Photo: Edison Boodoosingh

Emancipation Day

On Emancipation Day, The Bells of Freedom Ring

By Khafra Kambon

Overwhelmed … overcome with emotion … the experience of a lifetime!

These are some of the expressions repeatedly heard from visitors to Trinidad and Tobago when they become immersed in the celebrations of August 1, Emancipation Day. Many of those who make these comments are experienced travellers who have been to every continent, who have witnessed and participated in many festivals, but are still awed by that special, deeply moving magic of Emancipation Day, organized by the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago.

Professor Ali Mazrui, world-famous historian and scholar, commented, “It is the greatest celebration of Africa outside of Africa.”

After his experience in Trinidad and Tobago in 2005, President Obasanjo of Nigeria convinced the African Union to adopt Emancipation Day as a Global Day of African Remembrance.

August 1 is when people throughout the English-speaking Caribbean commemorate that historic day in 1838 when chattel slavery finally ended in territories ruled by Britain.

In remembrance, tens of thousands of people from all parts of Trinidad and Tobago, and visitors, gather on the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain, the nation’s capital. The focal point is a stage outside of the Treasury Building, formerly the Governor’s office from which the Emancipation Proclamation was read on August 1, 1834, four years before Full Freedom.

After short messages, the excitement rises as the rhythms of traditional African drums reverberate from dozens of groups, modern masters of these ancient instruments. Then the Kambule, the street procession, begins.

Soon, other sounds are heard: the fascinating melodies of steelpans, instruments invented in Trinidad and Tobago and which astound audiences all around the world; amplified voices of our singers and rapso artistes performing live on trucks, spreading positive messages; recorded offerings of mobile DJs highlighting

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dynamic music from Africans locally and internationally.

Participants and spectators add to the drama as they create a spectacle of colour dominated by African motifs, textiles and designs, adding visual vibrations to the rhythmic musical expressions, and generating an irresistible energy. It is a captivating moment as all strata of the local population and guests from abroad share a profound experience of reverence and celebration of the triumph of the human spirit over tyranny.

Participants always include the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, several government Ministers, foreign diplomats, community organizations, religious organizations, workplace groups, performing groups doing choreographed routines on the streets, individuals and visitors. On cherished occasions, we have the honour of the presence of African Presidents.

August 1 is the final day of the celebration at the Queen’s Park Savannah, which is where the parade ends. The Savannah is transformed into the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, and for five or six days before Emancipation Day it is alive with activity. There you can enjoy great entertainment, featuring local and foreign artistes – the late Miriam Makeba, Lebo M. of the Lion King, the National Dance Theatre of Senegal and Danzas Mandela of Venezuela are among those who have performed at the Village. There is a special night of steelband, a day dedicated to youth, daily workshops and discussions. Standard features are stimulating educational exhibitions in science and technology, history and contemporary issues, an art Exhibition, an International Market and Trade Exposition, and, at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, an annual Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium.

On the night of August 1, another glorious procession leaves the Emancipation Village, carrying lighted flambeaux, recalling the struggle against slavery, to perform the last ritual of remembrance at another historic site on Duke Street in Port of Spain, which is now the home of the All Stars Steelband. Here, and in the surrounding area, in February 1881, the colonial police and African Carnival celebrants fought a pitched battle over the right of the Africans to carry the profoundly symbolic lighted flambeaux in their “Cannes Brulées” procession.

If you’re here at the right time, be sure to catch as much as you can of this lively celebration of such a historic event.

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

S where to shop art & craft

health & beauty

SHOPPING

WHERE TO SHOP

Where to Shop

Photo: Patricia Lewis

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W

hen you’re ready to take a break from soaking up the sun, sand and sights, a little shopping is always a great idea. Fortunately, Trinidad is a major shopping centre in the Caribbean.

Most stores accept major credit cards or US cash, but you can also take advantage of conveniently placed ATMs, or visit an exchange trader to get some extra local currency for more ‘rustic’ shopping.

Trinis love to shop, so you can bargain-hunt just about anywhere on the island, from multi-level shopping malls and sprawling plazas to family-run businesses and main streets spilling over with variety shops chock full of alluring merchandise.

Our modern, comfortable malls are all easily accessible from the main highways and offer the convenience of banks and ATMs, food courts and restaurants, and a wide assortment of sophisticated retail stores, including jewellery, fashion, art, books, leather goods, home furnishings, flower shops, and much more. Many of the larger chains of supermarkets also have outlets in several of the major malls, and are stocked with all your culinary and household needs.

Our many cultural, religious and historical events, which take place throughout the year, are perfect excuses to hold sales, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. The mood of these occasions, particularly the busy Christmas season, is enhanced by mall decorating and a medley of foreign and local music to serenade shoppers.

The Falls at Westmall, in the north-west, is a world-class mall with 130 stores, two major banks, cellular phone centres, a food court or choice of cosy cafés to welcome the most fatigued and famished of shoppers. As you exit ‘The Falls’, the Western Main Road takes you through the ever-teeming St. James shopping district. To the north of this is Long Circular Mall, one of Trinidad’s first malls and a landmark shopping centre with three levels of brand-name merchandise and retailers, plus food court, gym and supermarket. Swarovski crystals, fine jewelry and watches, perfumes and skincare products, are all offered at Stechers Ltd. Those of you who enjoy shopping in the warm tropical air can try the plazas. Starlite Shopping Plaza in Diego Martin and Highland Plaza in Glencoe, or Shoppes of Maraval and the elegant Ellerslie Plaza, are open for sophisticated outdoor shopping in signature boutiques.

Nestled among the mangroves of Invaders Bay, one of our earliest Amerindian settlements, is the Mediterranean-themed shopping haven, MovieTowne entertainment and shopping complex. Here you can enjoy a complete shopping experience, with over forty premier shops and several popular restaurants, and a ten-screen multiplex cinema.

The ever-expanding Trincity Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the English-speaking Caribbean, is visited by over 5 million shoppers annually and is home to a mix of fashion retail, entertainment, two food courts and several top-class restaurants, which offer everything from Italian food to Asian cuisine to sushi. It’s also home to Caribbean Cinemas 8, an eight-screen Cineplex, a large supermarket, and three major banks either inside or adjacent.

Also conveniently located between Port of Spain and Piarco Airport, Valpark Shopping Plaza has 115 shops. The City of

Where to Shop Grand Bazaar is at the junction of Trinidad’s two major highways and offers a sprawling shopping, dining and entertainment experience while retaining the ambience of the outdoors. If you prefer something more cosy, Centre Pointe Mall and Centre City Mall service the customers of Chaguanas. Further South in La Romain, Gulf City Mall has a range of distinctive boutiques and a designated section for children’s shopping, with a convenient play area.

In Port of Spain, our country’s capital, you can find luxury items from all over the world: Irish linens, English china, Scandinavian crystal, French perfumes, Swiss watches, Japanese cameras and more than you can imagine. Shops specialising in locally-made products offer a choice of handmade soaps and lotions or, on the other end of the spectrum, exquisite jewellery. Prices may be higher, but expect both quality and variety. Cheaper imported items from Venezuela, China, India, Brazil and the United States contend with local commodities to satisfy every desire.

In “downtown” Port of Spain, shoppers can amble along some of Trinidad’s oldest urban roads. Admire the beauty of 100-year-old architecture in the columns and balustrades on Frederick Street.

“Lime” along the arcade malls from Frederick Street to Henry and Charlotte Streets and browse through jewellery outlets, bookstores, clothing and shoe shops. Haggle with sidewalk vendors as they jostle on the pavement. Head to the Brian Lara Promenade to see what local craftsmen are hawking. You’ll find leather goods such as belts and sandals and an array of wood carvings. Our fashionloving people have nurtured a thriving garment industry, serviced by numerous textile stores stocked with an array of materials and embellishments. Gorgeous batiks and exotic sari silks await you,

alongside upholstery and drapery fabrics, bridal and evening fabrics, men’s suiting and elegant linens, all at excellent prices.

Modern and traditional furniture and fittings of fine quality complete the decorating process. Choose from the beautiful rustic Mexican and Guyanese furniture or snap up precious West Indian antiques that project the history of our cosmopolitan society.

Yesteryear in St. James or West Indian Antiques in Arima have much to offer. Contemporary pieces manufactured in Asia, and North American traditional furniture, are also available at outlets of Signature Collection and Mi Casa, and are easily accessorised with home furnishings from local and international suppliers.

Before leaving “downtown”, be sure to nip into the landmark Excellent City Centre, which houses over sixty shops. Its very own Excellent Stores has a vast selection of items, from household objects to children’s clothing and seasonal decorations. With branches at MovieTowne, Price Plaza and Trincity Mall, Excellent Stores opens seven days a week.

The Parkade car park on the western end of downtown Port of Spain provides several stories of convenient parking. Head for the ultra-modern National Library on Abercromby Street or continue strolling as far across as Charlotte Street to the eastern end of town. You’ll encounter a marketplace buzzing with merchants, selling a cornucopia of items, from Chinese preserves to cast-iron pots, seasonal fruit and vegetables to trinkets you can browse through from a tray on the pavement or even the back of a pickup truck.

You can find mobile phones in the malls, plazas and other cell phone outlets. Top-up cards can be purchased at most supermarkets and drugstores and other easily identified

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Where to Shop distributors. Computer and other IT resources are available from a host of businesses. High quality network systems, data recovery services, rentals and repairs are available from Trinidad Systems Limited, POS, Technine IT Solutions in POS and Cunupia, Datasafe, Arima, Computer Rentals Caribbean and Computer Network Systems, McEnearny Business Machines in POS, S.A.R.A.S., Maraval or Pro Technologies, Belmont Circular Road – just a few of the numerous companies offering their expertise.

For a taste of shopping on a more grassroots level—and to interact with a quirky assortment of local characters—pause awhile and chat with roadside vendors, who ply their trade just about everywhere, in Port of Spain, Chaguanas and along the East-West Corridor. They’ll more than oblige your curiosity about their bounty of local and foreign fruit, vegetables, leather craft and imported goods.

Head down south along the highway to central Trinidad, where the pottery wheels hardly stop spinning, and enter Chaguanas.

You’ll find a fabulous array of useful and decorative clay items at reasonable prices.

Indian Trade Fairs and Expos are great sources of exotic, colourful clothing, authentic eastern style furniture, exquisite Indian jewellery, brass and bedding. They crop up frequently, so look out for advertisements in the local press, especially around the Hindu festival of Divali, usually celebrated in October or November. Rest and restore at the House of Jaipur’s Indian Tea Room as you deliberate just how to spend your money on a fine selection of jewellery, clothing, and home interior accessories.

Our multi-ethnic history gives rise to gems of the African continent as well. Beautifully crafted baskets, unique artefacts

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in wood, stone and copper from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe are sure to have you “ooh-ing” and “ah-ing” in delight at African Trophies.

Our vivacious fashion industry remains the envy of the Caribbean, with a number of designers and fashion houses, many internationally recognised, such as Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Meiling, Millhouse, Radical Designs and The Cloth. Caribbean flair goes beyond beach and trendy wear, as every occasion and season is a reason to dress up—or down—in Trinidad. For exotic shoes, handbags and jewellery, try Sounds of Shoes and Sandals at the Hilton. The fun begins with trendy Carnival early in the year, all the way through to glitzy and glamorous Christmas. From January to December, the latest styles, sporting both local and foreign labels, will tempt you from every display window. Zippers is also a great place to look for imported bags and luggage.

If you’re looking for gifts to take home, or to add to your own private collection, jewellery is a lightweight, sure-fire option.

Excellent workmanship, the creative use of natural materials, gemstones, copper and beads, sterling silver from South America and Indonesia and precious gold, provide a wide choice of styles and prices. Shoppers can also take advantage of the convenient hours of service (some open 24 hours) of pharmacies or drug stores, stocked with over-the-counter and prescription medications, toiletries and beauty products. SuperPharm has seven convenient locations nationwide, which are open on Sundays and holidays.

If you are looking for optometry or ophthalmological services, try Value Optical or Optometrists Today.

Where to Shop

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Where to Shop A literary reawakening and boom in magazine publishing has resulted in the publication of some stunning coffee-table books, primarily on Trinidad’s natural history, culture and architecture –one, if not the best purchase to consider. Don’t hit the beach without one of the many current international bestsellers, children’s books, craft and hobby how-tos and the ever-increasing work of Caribbean writers that adorn the shelves of bookshops in every mall and throughout the towns. Good places to start are Nigel R. Khan Bookseller and R.I.K. Services Ltd. Souvenir shops such as Bambu Gift Shop (West Mall) and Rainy Days (Ellerslie Plaza) can be found in the malls and plazas, in the towns and at Piarco International Airport. Trinidad & Tobago flags, pottery, ornaments, kitchenware and knickknacks proudly bear the national colours of red, white and black. Clothes printed or painted with local scenes and the irrepressible Trini humour, figurines of limbo dancers, Carnival masqueraders and calypso singers make fun gifts and memoirs. Take a piece of music history home with you with your very own steelpans and accessories, available at The Selection House in downtown Port of Spain or Panland Trinidad & Tobago Limited, proudly supplying commercial and retail customers around the globe.

Explore the wealth of Trinidad & Tobago’s artistic talent as illustrated in its sculpture, paintings, prints and use of wrought iron and atypical materials. Art galleries and framing businesses are located at the malls, plazas and artsy areas such as Woodbrook and St. Clair. Supplies can also be purchased at Da Vinci’s Framing & Art Materials Limited in Trincity Mall and Caribbean Contemporary Arts off the Eastern Main Road. Keep an eye out for advertisements promoting exhibitions by local artists and a growing number of craft markets.

Consider an edible gift or perhaps cultivate your own “sweet hand” (a local term for mad cooking skills) with local condiments and preserves available at supermarkets and airports. Let your mouth water over pepper sauces and jellies, preserved local fruit, chutney or kuchela made with tamarind, mango or other local fruits, authentic spices and herbs. Sample some fine local coffee blended by the Hong Wing family since 1921, available at supermarkets, factory outlets and airport stores, or indulge in a decadent creation of exquisite chocolate delicacies produced by local chocolatiers using the very best of Trinidad’s own superb cocoa beans.

Neither health nor gastronomic pleasures need be neglected while spending time in Trinidad. The Natural Store at Shoppes of Maraval and Health Food Specialist Limited in Cocoyea Village, San Fernando are but two of the many health food stores established to meet the rising demand for gluten-free and specialty foods. Gourmet shop Peppercorns in Ellerslie Plaza and Westmall import fresh fruit and vegetables weekly, among other delicacies, as does Malabar Farms in Long Circular, with stocks of top quality steak and meats, seafood, cheeses, deli meats and specialty platters, imported breads and gift baskets on order.

You can also stop in at Petit Gourmet at St. Clair Avenue, POS. The connoisseur in you can enjoy a range of alcoholic beverages, spirits, wines and specialty drinks. Be captivated by our fine local rums and world-renowned Angostura aromatic bitters or fine imported wines from Vintage Imports Ltd. Selections can be found in the beverage section of the supermarkets and smaller groceries and at excellent duty-free prices at the airport.

Allow yourself to be wooed by the country’s vibrant local flora

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Where to Shop and fauna. Pick from the bounty of local flowers cascading off roadside vans or employ the services of the many florists offering bouquets or arrangements of both local and imported blossoms.

Call on La Tropicale in Port of Spain, or visit Westmall for silk flowers, trees, vines, pots and decorations.

You’ll also find duty-free shopping at Piarco International Airport, with prices that are among the most reasonable in the region.

Both inbound and outbound passengers are entitled to take advantage of the duty-free stores on the ground floor (after exiting Immigration) and the first floor level shops (accessible via the stairs or escalator). Precious gold and silver jewellery and Swarovski crystals sparkle and wink from shelves and showcases.

Sweet tobacco and alluring perfumes, designer eyewear by Channel, Prada, Oakley, Maui Jim and Ray Ban, leather goods, books and local T-shirts and craft, cosmetics, chocolates and confectionery are some of the many purchases to be made. Why not browse the selection of CDs and music or opt for a treat of champagne, port, aged Caribbean rum, scotch or other spirits?

All purchases made by departing passengers are conveniently delivered to the designated aircraft with a mandatory close-off point for transactions of one hour pre departure time.

The seafaring commuter is not neglected. Nestled amongst the yachts at Crews Inn, Chaguaramas, Apadocas provides oceanbound craft departing the country with duty-free alcohol and cigarettes, or you can simply choose from the duty-paid selection.

So feel free to experience the appeal of the shopping mecca that is Trinidad. Keep your holiday memories alive by savouring a surprising treasure chest of purchases, brought to life by this melting pot of people that is Trinidad & Tobago.

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Where to Shop

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T&T poised to become the fashion capital of the Caribbean

By Ruth Osman

There’s no doubt that Trinidad and Tobago has something special to offer when it comes to fashion. Creations by our top designers have graced catwalks in the United States and Latin America, travelling as far as Johannesburg in South Africa. But do we have what it takes to compete successfully on the world stage?

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago sat down with fashion entrepreneur, Christopher Nathan, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion industry. Nathan has accumulated decades of experience in the local fashion industry as CEO of Coco Velvet International Fashion and Model Management, and more recently as Programme Administrator for the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD). His intimate knowledge of the emerging fashion industry places him in a unique position to comment on its evolution.

Nathan, a self-proclaimed optimist, believes that the local fashion industry is at a pivotal point in its development. Recent Government buy-in, resulting in the establishment of the Fashion Industry Development Committee (FIDC), augurs well for the future of the sector.

“I’m very excited about the FIDC because we’re all working towards a common goal,” Nathan said. “One of the obstacles we have experienced over the years is that there is little unity in the fashion industry.”

Another major challenge faced by the sector involves the lack of manufacturing infrastructure. Nathan opines that many local designers are stuck at the cottage-industry level because they have no means of producing high quality pieces in commercial quantities.

“To solve that problem,” he said, “the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro-Enterprise Development is looking at a fashion incubator.”

The incubator, he explained, will have two aspects: an educational arm for graduates from CAFD and other design schools, and a commercial arm which will see to the manufacturing needs of designers.

Work has also begun on the development of a fashion cluster, a concentration of fashion-related businesses in one geographical location. Two areas — downtown Port of Spain and Woodbrook — have been highlighted for development by the various industry stakeholders.

“I think that over time we will see a fashion district developing,” Nathan said. “And the Government needs to recognise that it’s not a big investment in the area. What you do is you develop it over time like they did in Milan and London.”

These projects, as visionary as they may seem, are rooted in the fact that Trinidad and Tobago is uniquely positioned in the fashion world.

“We have the ability to establish Port of Spain as the centre for resort wear in the fashion market. “ Nathan said. “We have tremendous inspiration from our festivals and landscapes, and we have some well established designers who are already doing it.”

“That positions our fashion industry to a niche market,” he continued, “which is fine because I don’t think that we could compete with Asia in terms of manufacturing for mass markets.”

That niche market, Nathan explained, exists right here, within the region. Cruise ships and boutiques along the Caribbean archipelago bring people from all over the world in contact with Caribbean goods and services. And of course, there are the Caribbean people themselves.

“We don’t need to go to Europe or North America to find a market,” Nathan asserts. “There are fifty-five million people just around us waiting for Trinidad and Tobago fashion.”

Photo: Calvin French

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Meet a Trini

By Gail Massy

You know you have achieved fame in the Caribbean, and the world, when people know you by a single name. Meiling – Trinidad and Tobago’s foremost fashion designer and chairman of the Fashion Association of Trinidad and Tobago – has achieved such a distinction and is known as an icon in her own lifetime.

Born to parents Evelyn and Herman Achong, Meiling spent her early years at her seamstress mother’s dress hem, fashioning clothes for her dolls from leftover trimmings and bits of cloth. At age 11 she envisioned a future as a designer, sewing her name into labels of high-fashion clothing. A pioneer in the industry in the 1970s, she attended the Lucie Clayton School of Design in England, and on her return to T&T set up her first studio and retail outlet.

As an enterprising entrepreneur over the past decades, Meiling Esau has been phenomenally successful. Her website meilinginc.com states that she is “known for designing and dressing celebrities in the region – from Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam and rapso artistes 3Canal, to soca artistes Machel Montano and David Rudder,” and among international celebrities “Chef Wolfgang Puck wears her classic white shirts on a regular basis.” She also mentored Season 9 Project Runway winner Anya AyoungChee from T&T, who calls Meiling her “second mom”.

Meiling has received many accolades over the decades. She worked with Emmy Award-winning costume designer Peter Minshall on his Carnival productions and other artistic presentations, and was involved with him in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also worked with the Miss Universe Pageant held in T&T in 1999. In 2007, Robert & Christopher Publishers launched Meiling: Fashion Designer, the second book in a series on local female artists.

In 2008 the government awarded her the Chaconia Silver Medal for long and meritorious service to Trinidad and Tobago’s business sector. Among her many other honours are the Grand Master of Fashion Design award at Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica and the Women of Influence Award from the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago. Meiling is also a recipient of the several Cacique awards, her latest in 2010 was for costume design. Most recently, in 2012 she was honoured with an OCEAN Style Foundation Award for being a force in the fashion industry.

Meiling’s fashion designs are legendary and her website features some of her classic collections, with names such as 24 Hours, Kites, Resort, Macafouchette, Grande Riviere, Wedding, Last Train to San Fernando, and Noir. But for all of her varied styles, which feature fine linens and natural fabrics noted for their wearability, Meiling prefers to clothe herself in black. “I feel more confident in black,” she said in a previous interview.

“If I am fitting a client, I want to almost disappear so just my hands are seen and I don’t compete with the image I am looking at in the mirror. I also feel that when I am in black I blend.”

The Meiling fashion house is located at Carlos Street in Woodbrook.

Meiling says she still has the same exuberance she had when she entered the industry decades ago. “Fashion is the passion of my life,” said the iconic designer. “I don’t think I can do anything else.”

Photo courtesy: www.meilinginc.com

MEILING

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ART & CRAFT

Art & Craft

Michel Jean Cazabon

By Geoffrey MacLean

The year 2013 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Michel Jean Cazabon, Trinidad’s great nineteenth Century artist, who was born on the 20th September 1813 on Corinth Estate near San Fernando, Trinidad’s second port.

The Cazabon name originates in Basque country, which spans north-eastern Spain and south-western France. Bordeau in France, the nearest large port to the region, was the point of departure for many of the French immigrants to the West Indies and north America. It is thought that the first Cazabons in the West Indies went to the French island of Martinique; records indicate that the family had settled there as early as the 1730s.

The artist’s mother, Rose Debonne, married Francois Cazabon in Trinidad about 1797, bringing into the marriage the 270-acre Corinth Estate in North Naparima. Their families were part of the free coloured/free black community from St. Pierre in Martinique, who settled in the Naparimas under the Spanish Government’s Cedula of Population. The Decree was designed to encourage immigration into an undeveloped Trinidad at the end of the eighteenth Century.

The new immigrants soon established a thriving sugar industry. San Fernando, the port from which their produce was shipped, developed rapidly under the leadership of Jean Baptiste Jaillet, an astute coloured planter who gained wealth and power through his land dealings. He used his influence to encourage other coloured immigrants to settle in the surrounding areas of the Naparimas. The community’s respect for Jaillet is demonstrated by San Fernando Hill being, at the time, known colloquially as Morne Jaillet. From the community there emerged an ambitious and articulate group, from which came many of the leading professional and intellectual personalities of nineteenth Century Trinidad.

Trinidad became British in 1797 when the Spanish Governor, Don Jose Maria Chacon, surrendered to the British naval force under Sir Ralph Abercromby. Under the new British administration, the Naparimas remained socially independent and were treated with a great deal of suspicion and prejudice by the British Governors, in particular Governor Sir Ralph Woodford. After meeting between Lord Bathhurst and Jean Baptiste Philippe in 1829, when he presented his Treatise, A Free Mulatto, the coloured community achieved equal rights.

When he was thirteen, Cazabon was sent to England to attend St. Edmund’s College in Ware. It is interesting that despite their French background, his parents preferred to send him to an English school, perhaps to prepare him for life in an English colony. Later he went to Paris to study art and where he was a student of the marine painter, Jean-Antoine Theodore Gudin (1802-1880), the portraitist Michel-Martin Drolling (1789-1851), Antoine Leon Morel-Fatio (1810-1871) and, it is believed, Paul Delaroche (1797-1856). It is likely that Cazabon learnt his printing techniques from Morel-Fatio.

Cazabon exhibited at the Salon du Louvre in 1839 and every year from 1843 to 1847. He travelled extensively in France and painted in Italy. His school was that of the French Landscape, his work showing a close affinity to that of another pupil of Delaroche’s, Charles-Francois Daubigny (1817-1878).

Cazabon returned to Trinidad in 1848 and in 1851 produced “Mulatto Girl” (c.1854) Michel Jean Cazabon Watercolour 290x215mm Courtesy Belmont Harris Trust/MacLean Publishing Limited

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Art & Craft

“Dry River, Port of Spain” (c.1850) Michel Jean Cazabon (1813-1888) Watercolour 215x300mm Courtesy Belmont Harris Trust/MacLean Publishing Limited

a series of eighteen lithographs, Views of Trinidad. In 1857 he published a second series, Album of Trinidad, and in 1860 contributed to two other series, Views of Demerara and Album Martiniquaise. Cazabon’s œuvre is extensive; his work shows a wide knowledge of media – oils, watercolours, gouache, gesso, etc. Although he was primarily a watercolourist and landscape artist, both his formal and informal portraits are highly valued, and his illustrations for the newspapers of the day, of important historic significance. His sketches for the Illustrated London News give us an insight into life in Trinidad, showing the riots of 1845, the trial of the rioters, the great fire of Port of Spain of 1850 and, on a more social side, “Ball on board Her Majesty’s Ship Wellesley” in Port of Spain.

In 1860, Cazabon moved to Martinique, where he lived and worked in Saint Pierre, but his success was limited and he returned to Trinidad about 1870. He taught art privately and at both Queen’s Royal College and St. Mary’s College and continued to paint from his studio on Edward Street, Port of Spain, for a diminishing clientele. He died in virtual poverty on 20th November 1888. He was buried in the Lapeyrouse Cemetery. In 2010 his grave was restored by the conservation group, Citizens for Conservation.

In Trinidad, Cazabon’s most important patron was Lord Harris, the

English Governor from 1848 to 1854. The Harris Collection of 44 paintings, now displayed at the family home at Belmont in Kent, England, is perhaps the most important collection of nineteenth Century visual references of Trinidad. Several other less extensive, but important collections were commissioned by William Burnley, the Scottish-American planter, John Lamont and the Earl of Dundonald among them.

Cazabon married Louise Rosalie Trolard (1821-1885) in Paris and had three children, two of whom were born in Paris: Rose Alexandrine, born in 1844, and Louis Michel, born in 1845. Their last child, a daughter, Jeanne Anna Camille, was born in Trinidad in 1852. Jeanne Anna Camille married Edmund Basilon. Their children, Andrea, Rita, Henry or “Harry” and Marie Louise were well known for their contribution to the arts and music. Harry was one of San Fernando’s leading “Mas’ men”. Their descendents include the Lasalle, Wears and Tanker families, many of whom are still involved in the arts, including musicians, the late Andre Tanker and Andre Lasalle, artist Peter Shim and photographer David Wears. Today Cazabon’s paintings are highly prized in Trinidad and Tobago and appear regularly at auction house sales in the United Kingdom.

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Art & Craft

Jacqueline Guzman Jacqueline Guzman is an artist living and working in Trinidad. As a child, she found herself appreciating the artistic form and the beauty in everything around her.

To this day she continues to have a keen interest and passion for art.

She paints primarily in acrylics and her art is impressionist in its style.

She likes to create large pieces that are local in content and vibrant in color. This combination makes her pieces very outstanding and stunning.

Guzman’s work can be found at Horizon’s Art Gallery, Port of Spain, and in public and private collections, both locally and abroad.

Judith Matthews

Tel: (868) 755-3656 E-mail: aquatic@tstt.net.tt

Judith Matthews was born Judith Navarro in Trinidad. She grew up surrounded by the art and culture for which Trinidad is famous.

After moving to Toronto, she experimented with various art forms before finding her passion: painting in oils. Her style is influenced by her love of the colours and beauty contained in nature.

Judith has had her artwork displayed at a joint exhibition at the Gallery at Fine Arts in Trinidad and in Durham West Studio Tours in Canada.

Tel: 1-905-831-6441 E-mail: judithmatthews@rogers.com www.judithmatthewsartist.com

Peter Sheppard

Jason Nedd

A son of the soil, Peter Sheppard has been exhibiting in Trinidad & Tobago annually since 1994. With passion for his homeland and background in travel and tourism, Peter enjoys escorting small groups to paint “en plein air” at some of his favourite locations.

Peter’s niche is in acrylic miniatures, with riveting monotones and vibrant colour. He is an active member of the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago and is a freelance photographer.

Tobago-born artist, Jason Nedd, continues to excel in his love and passion for drawing and painting. He started painting at an early age. Jason continued drawing at the Roxborough Composite School where he won an award from the Tobago Art Committee for outstanding achievements in Art. Jason has been holding exhibitions in Tobago and also Trinidad, which has led him to receive many commissions, both national and international. At present, he continues to aggressively pursue his enthusiasm for drawing and painting at L’Anse Fourmi in Tobago.

Mobile: 1 (868)-685-6289 Email: petersheppard@tstt.net.tt Join “Peter Sheppard Art” on Facebook and Twitter

L’Anse Fourmi, Tobago, W.I. Mobile: (868) 680-0469 E-mail: jneddminiartgallery@yahoo.com

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Art & Craft

On Location Art Galleries

• Original Art • Prints • Framing • Exhibitions • Art design • Consulting • Valuations We harness over 30 years of experience in Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and Trinidad to provide premium picture framing, local art works and prints to Trinidad and Tobago.

We have a wide variety of artwork by both established and top emerging artists. Two convenient locations; give us a call or come in today!

42 De Verteuil St, Woodbrook. Tel: (868) 622-3403 205 The Falls at West Mall. Tel: (868) 633-3404 E-mail: onlocationartgalleries@gmail.com www.facebook.com/onlocationartgalleries

Dillon A. Richards Dillon Richards is a self-taught artist from Trinidad and Tobago who has been painting for over twelve years.

He was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, but currently resides in Tobago. When it comes to art, he believes that a bit of an artist’s spirit is captured in everything they do.

Dillon is very versatile when it comes to mediums and materials. He has experience with oils and water colours, but mainly uses acrylic paint on canvas. His compositions consist of landscapes, seascapes, murals, birds and other wildlife, and aspects of Trinidad and Tobago’s life and culture. His works are created and can be viewed at the Tamarind Villa Art Studio/Gallery in Lambeau, Tobago.

Tel: (868) 330-0418 E-mail: mrdillonrichards@gmail.com

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Tomley Roberts Tomley Roberts, artist extraordinaire, continues to articulate colour and texture to recreate “edenic” simplicity on canvas.

With smooth, flawless strokes, he produces a creative climax of paint, form, light and shape. His passionate embrace of brush and paint demonstrates true mastery of form and vibrancy in unique and revolutionary pieces. It is as if Roberts has discovered the secret life-giving power that translates the formlessness and void of the distant and forgotten into distinct, sharply captivating derelict treasures. “Majestic Wheel”

unleashes Roberts talent. It is more than a nostalgic affair with the past; it is a resurgence of our culture that revitalizes our historic experience. Roberts appears to be the solitary echo that consistently trumpets for the development of visual arts in Tobago. His students at Speyside High can do no less as they reflect the ingenuity and artistic curiosity of their teacher through award-winning visual impressions. Currently, he is the CEO of Prestige Arts International, and continues to explore his creative gift at his studio in Mt. Pleasant.

48 Mt. Pleasant Local Road, Mt. Pleasant, Tobago Phone: 868-702-8764 Email: yelmot@hotmail.com

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Styling by Sparrow Photo: Daryll Willoughby

Meet a Trini

R

achel Ross remembers taking long walks around the Queen’s Park Savannah as a girl. She was fascinated by the little treasures she found in the grass: dried seeds, pods, grasses and leaves. Her affinity for all things natural is reflected in the jewellery she creates in her workshop in the hills of Cascade, overlooking that same Savannah, and the dusky city beyond.

For over 25 years she has created glorious works of wearable art.

On one end of the spectrum are her exquisite bespoke pieces in precious metals, studded with precious and semi-precious stones, which are destined to become heirlooms.

On the other end are her fun and fancy pieces, many of which are created using a variety of found treasures and natural materials, such as coconut shells, seeds and bamboo. These she embellishes with pieces of horn, buttons, or anything that strikes her fancy. “I try to create a different type of jewellery that’s more accessible,” she says.

Her style leans toward the chunky and the bold, the kind you throw on when you feel daring. Wear a Rachel Ross cuff around your wrist, and you’re sure to be noticed.

She has a love for muted colours and neutral shades, and enjoys

RACHEL ROSS

By Roslyn Carrington

the challenge of creating a harmonious contrast using these. “I prefer crystals, smoky quartz, citrine...but still, it’s nice to have a little colour from time to time.”

Ross believes that all women should be able to afford pretty things, and with the price of gold soaring, it makes sense to rely on less costly metals like silver and brass. While Trini men are still a little conservative when it comes to their tastes, she enjoys creating interesting pieces for them.

She likes the idea of making her jewellery from scratch, when so many retailers have begun importing their pieces to compete with the price of labour-intensive, hand-made articles. Clients still flock to her rather than settle for less personal items, because they know they will find something wonderful. They also know that the Rachel Ross name is worth its weight in...well, gold.

She also encourages her clients to revive and re-create old or broken pieces by bringing them to her. She melts them down and breathes new life into them, creating something fresh, new, and exciting.

Ross’ pieces are available at The Gallery at Long Circular Mall, Phillipa in Saddle Road, Maraval, and at Meiling in Woodbrook.

She can be reached at rrossjewellery@gmail.com.

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D

oubles. Singles. No, it’s not the last round at the bar but rather the distinction between the two types of a flower family; one that was chosen as the National Flower of Trinidad & Tobago, one that is unique to the region, including Central America, Colombia and Venezuela, while the other is like the culinary version of ‘doubles’: uniquely Trinbagonian.

The Single Chaconia flower captures the limelight as the official National Flower, yet the Double Chaconia takes pride of place on the 25 cent coin and beautifies homes and forests with its red petals as it blooms throughout May to October. The Double Chaconia flower also cannot be traced to anywhere else in the world, therefore taking the title for exclusivity. Indeed, there is now the argument that, given its originality, the Double should be renamed the National Flower and the Single retired and thanked for its years of service. After all, the Double has endured a hard road, facing possible extinction and being claimed by other nations, before finally returning to the loving arms of patriotic botanists in T&T. But its colourful history only adds to its allure.

The scientific bit is that both flowers possess the same number of chromosomes, but while in the Single only one of the five calyx lobes of one flower that exists in the cyme (flower cluster) is transformed, in the Double at least one lobe of every flower in the cyme is transformed. Thus the Double is a mutant offshoot of the Single and the result is the spectacular scarlet inflorescence.

It is a fairly unremarkable-looking plant when not in full bloom, resembling any of the number of vines that grow wild amongst the lush vegetation in Trinidad. As such, the Double never stood out to the untrained eye and was only discovered by chance in 1957 when enthusiasts David Auyong and Grace Mulloon found the magnificent flower at the edge of a precipice in the Arima area. Risking their lives at the cliff’s edge, they managed to take a cutting from the Double and planted it in Auyong’s yard.

As word of the discovery spread, a larger group of botanists returned shortly afterwards to collect more cuttings, but instead only found disaster: a Works Department gang hacked down the area, while clearing the trace. Though they scoured the wider vicinity for at least one more Double Chaconia, none were found and panic ensued when only two cuttings from the original flower survived. In desperation, the rooted cutting was sent to London’s world famous Kew Gardens and the Double bloomed under its hothouses and expertise, to the point that cuttings were given to some visitors, spreading first to the US and then eastwards to Japan. As such, the Double’s origin became lost; its scientific name was changed to Warszewiczia coccinea plenissima, with none of the accustomed reference to the person that discovered the plant.

Fortunately, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Plant Science Department highlighted the error, championed the origin of the Double, and T&T is now recognised as the birthplace of the Double and the scientific name has been rightfully amended to Warszewiczia cv David Auyong, reflecting the man that risked life and limb in its discovery. As the Double fills the hothouses and gardens across the planet, there is no doubt over its origin.

The Single Chaconia was picked as the National Flower because at the time of Independence (1962) there would have been little known about the Double outside of the botany fraternity. Now, with awareness of Double in full bloom, it is rightfully staking its claim for the title.

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

By Sheldon Waithe

Photo: Christopher Anderson

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health & Beauty

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Making fitness fun in T&T On a cool, dew-filled morning, Lady Chancellor Hill awakens to the sound of birds and the pounding of feet. The hill, which rises behind the Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain, presents a steep and winding challenge of 3.2 km to those who wish to conquer it, rewarding them with a view of the capital city nestled in morning mist. Below, the Queen's Park Savannah, the largest open space in the city, provides 3.5 km of shadefilled track along its perimeter. Trinidad has no shortage of scenic routes, some of which have become the favourite haunts of walkers, runners and cyclists. On the north-west peninsula, the Chaguaramas Boardwalk stretches along Williams Bay. And in the east, Mount St. Benedict, home to a century-old Benedictine Abbey, rises above the bustling community of Tunapuna. For those who wish to adopt and maintain a fit, healthy lifestyle, the options available in Trinidad are many and diverse. From road running to practising balance postures at one of the many yoga studios, there is an activity suited to everyone’s taste and fitness level. And as Trinidadian society becomes more aware of the importance of a healthy mind and body, the demand for such activities has increased.

According to yoga instructor, Doreen Hamel Smith, the rising interest in yoga is not just a local phenomenon. “There is a definite increase towards the yoga practice in Trinidad and Tobago and in the world, due to the fast pace of life in our societies today,” she says, noting that the calming effects of yoga provide a necessary balance to the stresses of everyday life. Fitness bootcamp instructor and nutrition consultant, Garth Voisin, has noticed a similar trend in his area of expertise. “I think that because the age for certain illnesses has dropped, people are a bit more aware of their health ... many of my clients are middle-aged people who are now getting into a healthy lifestyle.”

For those interested in lower-impact workouts, Pilates provides a viable alternative. The practice, which offers body conditioning while improving flexibility, coordination and balance, is a newcomer to the local health and fitness scene.

But already, weekly classes are being held at a growing number of studios in Port of Spain and its environs.

The growing interest in fitness and physical activity has directly affected the medical field, particularly in the area of physiotherapy. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Kristi Maingot, explains, “There is an increase in the popularity of cross training events, team sports, weekend warrior-type events, and therefore an increase in the injuries experienced.” This, she says, has been accompanied by a growing awareness of the benefits and appropriateness of physiotherapy for the treatment of sports injuries. “We treat patients of all kinds, all walks of life,” Maingot says. “We have professional athletes, semi-professional athletes, geriatrics, paediatrics, manual workers and sedentary office staff.” An increasingly wide spectrum of patients, she says, is taking advantage of the new approaches to sports injuries and ground-breaking techniques being adopted by local practitioners.

The many options available to new and experienced fitness enthusiasts in Trinidad and Tobago ensure that there is a fit for everyone in any situation, whether you are running up the Lady Chancellor Hill or nursing a strained hamstring. So while you’re here, why not take advantage of the many ways in which you can have a great time while staying healthy. Who knows; you may even pick up a habit so good you’ll be happy to take it home with you.

Meet a Trini

TRINI HONEY ... OH THE SWEETEST THING!

Photo: Justin Gurley

By Justin Gurley

Gleno Phillip is a local beekeeper with an inspirational story and an unassuming air. He is an award-winning beekeeper who has represented Trinidad and Tobago at the prestigious National Honey Show in London, England, where he placed third in 1998. He was in good company, as Trinidadians had a habit of taking home the top prizes at this show. Sadly, though, the entry criteria have since been changed, and the cost of submitting an entry is now beyond the reach of small-scale, third-world beekeepers.

Interviewed at his home in 8-Mile, Mathura, Gleno enthusiastically gave an account of his life that led to him settling in this rustic, north-eastern village.

Born in Prospect, Grenada in 1951, he moved to Trinidad to meet his parents, who had already migrated to Trinidad to work in the sugar-cane fields. The family settled in Belle Vue village near Forres Park in the deep south, where Gleno would alternate between going to school and assisting his mother in the cane fields. Always hungry as a child, he remembers eating food that was thrown away, but would never beg from his schoolmates.

He left school at an early age and takes great pride in calling himself a “professional labourer”, what we know as a jack-of-alltrades. Apprenticeships as a plumber and a mason gave him the skills to provide for his family and to educate his four surviving children, until the economic hardships of the late 1980s.

Gleno was not a man to sit still in the face of this challenge, and decided to try his hand at some form of agriculture. But what?

The answer wasn’t long in coming, thanks to two incidents from his childhood that had made an unshakeable impression on his psyche. The first was at six years old in Grenada, when “Mr. Johnny” had gave him a piece of honeycomb to suck on, and he was awestruck by the sweetness of the honey. He also remembered being so fascinated by the local beekeeper, that at thirteen years old he would be stung by a bee while straying behind his group of friends as they ambled past the hive. Though allergic to wasp and hornet stings, and would die if he received just a few of those, Gleno has been stung by bees more times than he can remember.

The man who “finds God in nature; in the trees, the animals and the forest” saw in beekeeping a way to provide for his family. He bought a book, and took a beekeeping course offered by the local Forestry Department, found his first beehive and started his new career. He settled in Mathura, and was soon well known for his quality honey.

Like a true Trinidadian, Gleno is always up for a good lime, but he is a teetotaller who doesn’t smoke or curse. He’s also a licensed gunsmith, who had to be persuaded to take time off from repairing two shotguns in order to be interviewed. Pressed as to why he became a gunsmith, he stated that it was because he loved a challenge. Gleno hopes for more young people to get into

beekeeping and says that we as a nation must work together to prevent deforestation, habitat destruction and illegal mining. He hopes that citizens and communities can work together to foster love, which can then be passed from generation to generation.

A lover of God’s creatures, especially his precious bees, he defends the behaviour of Africanised honeybees, though he admits that they can be, “a bit defensive of their territory.” He explains that Trinidad’s high-quality honey is due to the wide variety of trees, from which bees can pick and choose in their hunt for nectar. To Gleno, rubber and mora trees provide sweet nectar that leads to the tastiest honey.

If you’re planning to take some home with you, remember that some countries restrict the importation of organic material like this, so make sure to find out what applies to you. But while you’re here, feel free to indulge in Trini honey, some of the most flavourful you’ll ever find.

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Health & Beauty

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Health & Beauty

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 63

Earthen Oven Photo: Joshua Joseph

Our Lady of Montserrat R.C. Church, Tortuga Photo: Christopher Anderson

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

T trails

beaches

sights

EXPLORING

Zip Lining Photo: Courtenay Rooks

TOURING

Touring

Photo:Christopher Anderson

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& Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Waterfalls of Trinidad and Tobago

By Courtenay Rooks

Waterfalls are hypnotic, fluid emotions where dreams and reality merge. How many times I have found myself sitting on a rock gazing at the water, falling relentlessly, wondering where it came from; which mountain; which cloud; did an ocelot stroll over it or stop to refresh with its life-giving fluid; are the frogs happy. From small drops, just enough to give a massage and a smile, to massive, powerful deluges full of destructive and creative powers, waterfalls have an ability to calm, fascinate and light our imaginations afire. I am yet to meet a person who does not like waterfalls. My luck in life is that I am born and live on a tropical island with well over 50 of these beauties, and like our land of diversity, they come in all shapes and sizes.

My earliest recollections of our waterfalls are from when I was about 8 or 9 on trips with my dad and the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club, hiking with eminent scientists identifying plants and birds, which I found inherently boring.

Of course, the scientists eventually became my mentors and I became one of them, well kind of; I’m not boring! But my 30-second interest span would be punctuated with something wonderful yet thrilling; a waterfall like Rio Seco, which I still consider our most fun waterfall, because of its deep pool and the fact that you can swim under the waterfall, or climb it and, most especially, jump off it. This would expand my attention span to well over an hour.

Maracas or Edith Falls would mesmerize with their sheer cliffs and tremendous height. What dinosaurs lived up there; is there a lost world that man never sees? I would make an attempt at scaling but the enormity and difficulty of it would thwart my efforts, and if success was at hand, some boring grown-up would chide me, ensuring I stayed grounded. I enjoyed Sombasson and La Laja Waterfall because the last part of the hike involved steep trails that I could climb.

Avocat, Madamas and others were fun as we would endlessly skip stones in the rivers, or swing on vines, or try to catch crayfish between the rocks; I emphasize “try”.

As I grew the trails to these waterfalls became more and more interesting. The rainforests with their towering trees swaying sagely like Tolkien’s Ents in a long discourse that took centuries. Silence punctuated by echoed bird calls as they bounced around, showing off for potential suitors. Buzzing insects also making known their presence in their own mating game. Sensuous scents float around as flowers advertize to hummingbirds, bees, wasps and more in their own attempt at reproduction. Maybe in my hormone-charged teens I felt an affinity to their frenetic search for a mate, but there was so much more and it was then I found out just how relaxing a waterfall massage is. This discovery brought numerous small nameless waterfalls into play, no big pool or mesmerizing drop, but about 10 to 15 feet of drop; just enough to drum stress into oblivion.

So now that I am all “grown up” and “responsible” I try to have more mature fun at these waterfalls; rappelling, anyone?

Late last year I was urged on by a wonderfully crazy friend who suggested I set out to hike to the top of, then rappel down 12 waterfalls in 2012. Hmmm, one a month, sounds fun! So I planned out a list of 12 gorgeous waterfalls that I would explore, find a route to the top and anchor ropes

Paria River Photo: Christopher Anderson

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

Touring

and rappel. Adventurous, and with some sweat it could be done.

Yeeeaaaahhhh; nature has the amazing habit of giving me slow, hard, and life-changing kicks in the pants every now and again.

The first waterfall, Avocat, was straightforward and according to plan, except for the flood! We persevered and achieved liquid adrenaline, grown-up fun. Then it was off to Sombasson Waterfall, which I thought was 2 waterfalls next to each other, turned out to be 4 waterfalls connected by 2 cascades, surrounded by near cliff walls. So getting safely to the top and rappelling became very difficult. LOTS of expensive gear required; one day soon we will get to that! Then I looked at the lowest waterfall, hmmmm, we are already at the top! This led to a rappel that starts like a descent into middle earth and ends with splashes under the waterfall, screams and uncontrollable laughter. Double River and Sobo Waterfalls in Brasso Seco were similar in that 2 waterfalls turned out to be an odyssey of 4 waterfalls and 5 cascades, then added to this a glorious burst of rainforest beauty and remoteness.

Paria and Rio Seco Waterfall stumped me as to what to do there as they were fairly short and there not really an adrenaline-packed rappel. What to do? DING; did somebody say zip line... hmmm.

Heavy ropes toted through the forest, anchors, pulleys, harnesses, bolts, sweat, blood and a complete lack of tears led to new firsts and more enormous smiles and giggling.

Even without all the gear and shenanigans I just love our waterfalls.

They still mesmerize me, whether sitting below one being massaged, or just chilling on a rock looking at water falling, I can’t think of a year when I have not visited several and I fully intend that trend until only death do we part.

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& Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

LEAVE IT TO THE BIRDS

A

part from Carnival, its cathartic revelry, the allure of Trinidad and Tobago lies in the diversity of its landscapes, flora and fauna. One group of animals, those that take to the air, the feathered ones, deserve honourable mention. Altogether, over 450 species of birds have been recorded on both islands. This biodiversity, which was inherited from the South American mainland to which Trinidad and Tobago were once attached, plus our accessibility, makes us favoured by birdwatchers.

Our eclectic mix of birds includes Honeycreepers, Tanagers, Woodpeckers, Trogons, Parrots, Manakins and several others. We can also boast of 17 hummingbird species. One hummingbird, the Tufted Coquette, about the size of your thumb, is a charming creature. The male’s red crest and tufts tipped in iridescent green catch your attention. Nestled in the Arima Valley, the Asa Wright Nature Centre is one place you can spot the Coquette and other rainforest birds. There you can see beautiful Green and Purple Honeycreepers and visit the most accessible Oilbird Cave on the island. Have you ever seen a bird moonwalk? View the lek (the mating display of males) of the Golden-headed Manakins and see just that. Do not be alarmed if you hear a loud clanging sound overhead. It is the Bearded Bellbird with its pendulous wattle, often hidden in the rainforest canopy.

The Trinidad Piping-guan (Pawi) an endangered species endemic to Trinidad, is now probably only found in the eastern part of our Northern Range. Over in Tobago, its cousin the Rufous-

By J.L. Ryan Photo: Martin Lawrence

vented Chacalaca (Cocrico) is quite common. You cannot miss its distinctive rattling call from whence it gets its name. The Cocrico is restricted to Tobago and is the island’s national bird.

If you find yourself at the Caroni Swamp one evening, a crimson flock of Scarlet Ibises will greet you as they return to roost in mangroves from their daily foraging. The Scarlet Ibis is the national bird of Trinidad. Take a trip to Bush-Bush Island in the Nariva Swamp and you may glimpse Red-bellied Macaws overhead. The Aripo Savannah is another habitat for these Macaws.

Visit Tobago’s Main Ridge to view its own specialties, like the White-tailed Sabrewing or the Blue-backed Manakin. Or take a trip to Little Tobago to catch the Red-bellied Tropic bird in action.

Get acquainted with the Trinidad Motmot, the newly declared endemic avian species resident on both Trinidad and Tobago.

Formerly called the Blue-crowned Motmot, the intense rufous colour on its underparts separates it from other species. It has a racquet-tipped tail, a circular blue band around a black crown and sports an apparent black mask. The Motmot is a feathered canvas on which shades of blue, green and brown merge, and it often perches silently among the forest undergrowth. That majestic presence has led to the name “King of the Woods”. If the royal bird so pleases, a soft “hoot” will let you know it is there.

Whether you are an experienced or amateur birder, photographer, nature enthusiast or just curious, why not make Trinidad and Tobago the next stop on your itinerary?

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BEACHES

Beaches

Maracas Beach Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

B

ordered by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Trinidad’s splendid beaches remain unspoilt and within reach of avid surf seekers, sun worshippers and beach enthusiasts in general. The journey in itself can often be a breath-taking experience, particularly along the north coast road to the magnificent Maracas Beach or any of the picturesque villages and seaside spots in this relatively rural area. The rugged north-east coastline is truly a surfer’s paradise, blessed with waves throughout the year.

From November to April, ocean swells approaching from the north-east produce good surf breaks, while May to September the waters are calm and idyllic, great for swimming. Within easy reach of the capital, the well-developed north-west shoreline offers a variety of activities, from offshore island exploration to watersports. Down the islands – the offshore islands of the Trinidad’s western peninsula – are popular for fishing and boating, where a spectacular vision of lush hills, embroidered with holiday homes, meets deep blue sea.

On the south-west coast, there are some excellent beaches, perfect for relaxation after a visit to the extraordinary Pitch Lake and La Brea. Waters can sometimes appear muddy due to sediment from the Orinoco River.

Facing the Atlantic Ocean along the east coast, the sea floor is characterised by shifting sand, and special care should be taken when bathing along this shoreline. Rip currents here are a common feature, though a relatively inconspicuous natural phenomenon. These currents are narrow streams of water that flow away from the beach and out towards deeper water. If you remain calm, you can escape them. Rip currents push you out to sea; they do not pull you down, so it is best to go with the flow. Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then swim to shore using the waves to push you in. Non-swimmers should stay out of water that is higher than waist deep.

In Trinidad, lifeguards patrol most popular beaches during the weekends and public holidays. However, they do not patrol many of the more secluded beaches. Seek the services of professional tour guides for more adventurous excursions.

Maracas Bay

Maracas Bay is Trinidad’s most popular beach, with access from Port of Spain via the scenic north coast. Facilities include car parks and changing rooms, and vendors sell the popular “bake and shark” sandwiches, amongst other local fare. A fishing village and a hotel exist on the western end of the bay. Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. but extreme caution is recommended, especially from November to April. Rip tides and strong waves occur, so those with small children should be particularly careful. The beach is approximately 1.8 km long with fine-grained, off-white sand.

Las Cuevas

Photo: Joshua Joseph

Mark Gellineau

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Along the north coast road lies the scenic Las Cuevas beach.

Las Cuevas has 2.2 kilometres of fine-grained, off-white sand, bound at either end by “the caves” for which it is named. The majestic El Tucuche peak rises in the background. Two small inns overlook the bay and snack bar; car park, picnicking and changing room facilities are available. Lifeguard services are generally provided from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and fresh fish is sold daily. A backdrop of natural vegetation and a big, wide river make Las Cuevas a favourite of surfers, campers and “off-road” drivers.

Maracas Photo: Joshua Joseph

Beaches Blanchisseuse Bay

Quinam Beach

Blanchisseuse Bay is one of Blanchisseuse village’s three main beaches. The bay is located on the north coast, approximately 18 km east of Maracas Bay. Access is through the North Coast Road or the scenic Arima-Blanchisseuse Road. The beach is 1.4 km long, with light-brown and medium-grained sand. It is characterised by plunging breakers and strong rip currents that can make swimming quite dangerous. Swimming at the shallow mouth of the Marianne River is safer, while kayaking is also done up the river. Caution is recommended for both activities.

Probably the most popular south coast beach, Quinam is approximately 1.6 kilometres long, with waters good for swimming, although there are moderate currents along the beach. The sand is fine and brown, although it disappears during high tide. A favourite for weekend family outings, Quinam offers an opportunity to explore trails into the woods. A lifeguard station is posted at this site and a large car park directly faces the beach.

A recreational park 150 metres before the beach provides an interpretative centre, huts, tables, benches and barbecue pits.

Camping and fishing are popular.

Macqueripe Follow the length of the Tucker Valley Road (off the main road in Chaguaramas) and encounter one of most unspoiled pebbled beaches in Trinidad. Uncontaminated by river activity, the water in this small bay is usually clear and calm, with the occasional chance of rough seas during November to April. Upon entering the water, you’ll find that the beach has a downward slope with the gradient increasing to make it surprisingly shallow further out. Facilities include a paved car park, picnic tables, benches, a children’s play area, changing rooms and toilet facilities.

Scotland Bay On the north-western tip of Trinidad in the Chaguaramas peninsula rests Scotland Bay. Primarily accessible only by boat, the U-shaped bay is very sheltered and an excellent location for boaters and campers, for swimming and snorkeling. Being a rain shadow area, the water is clear and calm for the majority of the year. Cliffs of rich vegetation lead to sand and shingle beaches, introducing one of the many gorgeous “down the islands” settings. Scotland Bay draws not only kayakers and snorkelers but a vast number of sailboats and cruisers, which take full opportunity to moor inside this haven.

Vessigny Beach Vessigny Beach trims the edge of Vessigny village in south Trinidad, just three kilometres past Trinidad’s famous La Brea Pitch Lake. The water is generally cleaner during the dry season, with calm seas and low waves. White sand has been brought in to enhance this beach’s natural dark brown sand. In addition to a car park and camp grounds, there are changing rooms, picnic tables and a snack bar open on weekends and during school holidays.

Lifeguards stationed at the beach generally work from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a very popular beach and can be crowded on public holidays with beach parties and bus excursions.

Granville Beach One of best camping locations in southern Trinidad, this moderately sloping beach has low to moderate energy waves that are approximately 15 centimetres in height. The water is usually clear, except after periods of heavy rainfall, with a half mile of fine brown sand to satisfy campers and swimmers alike. Although quite popular, this is one of the smaller Trinidad beaches, where there are no lifeguards. A paved car park is provided for visitor convenience, along with toilet facilities and a private beach facility. There are a few beach houses along the northern section of the beach, which are also available for rental.

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Salybia Off the Toco Main Road on the north-east coast, the two indentations of Salybia Bay with its blue-green water and a shore line of coconut and almond trees, guarantees an attractive sight.

An expanse of reef on the eastern section of this windswept beach filters the water, making it a calm, clean swimming area at low tide and a surfers’ paradise at high tide. The western section of the beach does not have a reef and is deeper, with weak easterly currents. There is plenty of shade along the shore and although snack vendors abound in the vicinity, there are no facilities.

Salybia is a popular camping location, with a beach resort located nearby.

Sans Souci Bay Sans Souci, together with Toco and Salybia Bays, is the surfers’ paradise in Trinidad. The best surfing waves break during the months of November to April. Competitions are organised by the Surfing Association of T&T and locals welcome visiting surfers.

Sans Souci is approximately 300 metres long, with mediumgrained, dark grey sand. The water is clearer during the months of May to September, with more ideal swimming conditions during this time. Located along the Paria Main Road, this bay is some 7 km from the Toco Junction along the rugged north coastline and mountainous landscape.

Grande Riviere Bay Grande Riviere has become internationally known as an important nesting ground for the leatherback turtle (Dermchelys coriacea).

The turtle’s nesting season lasts from March to August. There are several hotels nearby. For more on turtle watching see page 76.

The beach is approximately 1.2 km long, with coarse yellowish sand and usually clear water. Swimming is safest from May to October; waves are much rougher at other times. The river, a beautiful feature of the area, enters on to the eastern side of the beach.

Mayaro Many Trinidadians own holiday homes along the CocosManzanilla-Mayaro stretch on the east coast of Trinidad. This beach strip is characterised by swaying coconut trees and Easter and the July-August vacation are popular times for visiting. “Chip chip” (Donax striatus), a bivalve, is commonly found in the sand and chip chip cocktail is served by locals. June to August are the best times for swimming at Mayaro, but surging breakers, tidal fluctuations and rip currents make swimming generally dangerous. The sand is fine-grained and light-brown in colour.

Surfing without a care in Sans Souci

By Keith Lewis

F

inally! I am on my way back to sweet T&T! It’s been a long year travelling to surf contests in the United States and the Caribbean, and nothing makes me happier than being back at my favorite stop on this region’s only professional surfing tour. The TDC International Surf Festival (ISF), hosted by the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SATT), is more than a surf contest; it’s a cultural experience!

The venue is a small bay in a remote coastal fishing village, appropriately named Sans Souci, a French phrase that translates to “without worries or stress” and perfectly sums up the vibe at Trinidad’s surfing epicenter. The drive there is an essential part of the experience.

The visiting surfers are met at the airport and loaded into “MaxiTaxis”, 13-seater mini-buses. The journey is punctuated by several stops at local bars, restaurants and hot-spots, making for a slightly longer but far more engaging mission. When we reach Sans Souci, the SATT crew has us well sorted with great accommodations, where we get to link up with old friends and meet new ones. The food is world-class…I’ve been dreaming about enjoying the local traditional breakfast of Sada Roti and Pumpkin Choka again for months!

The waves at Sans Souci, which is sometimes referred to as “Beach Break”, break over a shallow sand bottom. This makes them powerful and punchy regardless of their size, which we have seen range from 2 feet to 8 feet. The break offers waves that are both lefts and rights, with high scoring potential and perfect ramps for high-flying aerial maneuvers—my favorite! Basically, where most surf spots get boring and weak when the waves are small, “Beach Break” remains super fun and entertaining.

Last year, I was runner up in the Open Men’s Division, taking home US$1,500 and narrowly missing out on a US$3,500 payout for first place, the lion’s share of the US$10,000 total purse. Much like the

Photo: Nathan Adams

host country’s very diverse population, the crowd of surfers and spectators at the ISF is truly a melting pot of cultures, including visitors from throughout the Americas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Australia. As soon as the last heat of the contest is surfed on Saturday, Sans Souci erupts into an all-out street party, beginning with a bikini contest featuring gorgeous Trini Girls of every possible flavor. Next stop is Nick’s Bar, where the rhythms of Soca and Reggae mix perfectly with a healthy supply of Carib Pilsner Beer.

We then drift to the community center, where BMX riders and skateboarders display their skills while the preparations are underway for one hell of a rock show. T&T’s top local rock bands, Joint Pop and Orange Sky, perform classic Trini-Rock anthems with style and flair, as we rock out between jungle-covered mountains.

The locals’ hospitality sets the Trinis apart, and it is epitomized by one legendary rally car driver, who welcomes me and the other foreign surfers into his private beach house, where the party goes on. It’s a test of fortitude to balance the desire to keep partying all night with the necessity of sleep to perform in the second day of contest! Luckily for the spectators, no such balance is required and they keep going long after I have retired to prepare for battle the next day.

On Sunday, surfers surf in “Man on Man” heats. It’s a bittersweet feeling; though it feels great to do well and leave with some extra cash, it also means the event is almost over.

The prize-giving brings everyone together. Two days before, everyone had their “game-faces” on; now everyone is relaxed and smiling. As the sun sets on Sans Souci, winners take pictures with their boards covered in sponsors’ logos and their oversized cheques, and surfers and officials bid farewell to their counterparts from other nations. We prepare to travel home with more stories based on the colorful memories of the International Surf Festival, and look forward to doing it again next year.

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Sights Western Sights The Magnificent Seven, located on the western side of the Queen’s Park Savannah, are seven renowned architectural masterpieces. The President’s House, Botanical Gardens and Emperor Valley Zoo are on the northern end of the Savannah.

The beautifully manicured Gardens provide wonderful photo opportunities and a peaceful interlude for relaxing. The National Museum, located at the south-eastern corner of the Savannah, opposite Memorial Square, showcases historical exhibits and an annual Carnival programme.

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Museum is located at the Old Police Headquarters on St. Vincent Street in Port of Spain, and is open Tuesday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. except public holidays.

Take a stroll along the Brian Lara Promenade where you can enjoy an ice-cold beer from the many bars that line the streets. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with its nineteenth-Century stained glass windows, towers over the city. Trinity Cathedral, at the top of Chacon Street, with its statue of Governor Woodford, is also worth a visit. A sacred labyrinth (ancient walking meditation tool) on the grounds of the Cathedral is a spiritual oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The Cathedral is one of many buildings surrounding Woodford Square, which include City Hall, Hall of Justice, Greyfriars Presbyterian Church, the Red House (Historically the seat of Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament but this has been relocated to the International Waterfront Centre during renovations) Old Fire Station and the National Library on Abercromby Street.

The Chaguaramas Base and the Chaguaramas Military & Aerospace Museum house interesting historical artifacts of wartime. On the compound of the Museum are four consecrated Memorials alongside military vehicles, vessels, artillery and aircraft. The indoor museum covers over 500 years of history.

Located in the Bocas del Dragón, or Dragon’s Mouth, are the five islands referred to as “Down the islands”: Chacachacare, Huevos, Gasparillo (or Centipede Island), Monos and Gaspar Grande (or Gasparee). Many locals have holiday homes on Monos and Gasparee, within easy access by boat from Chaguaramas. Scotland Bay is also very popular with locals on weekends.

Northern Sights Paramin Village, especially during the Christmas season, is famous for its Parang Festivals and delightful cuisine, as well as breathtaking views. The charming village of Lopinot has a museum, a river, picnic tables, a cosy restaurant and playing field and is rumoured to be haunted by the Count de Lopinot.

The Angostura Museum, located in Laventille at the House of Angostura, features a display of corporate and national history.

For information and to arrange a tour guide, call (868) 6231841/5 or visit www.angostura.com.

Memorial Square Photo: Sarah Carter

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

The Eric Williams Memorial Collection is housed in the library of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. The Collection holds the library and archives of the late Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, historian, educator and the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. He led the country to Independence from Britain and to becoming a Republic.

The Collection is organised around the themes: Family,

Dattatreya Temple, Carapichaima Photo: Peter Sheppard

Photo: Christopher Anderson

Sights

Mount St.Benedict

Scholarship, Statesmanship, Education, Industrial Development, Politics, and Private Study. It is open to the general public on the last two Saturdays of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

School groups are welcome on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

For more information and to make reservations, contact the UWI Alma Jordan Library at (868) 662-2002 or 645-3232/4 Ext. 82132, 83506 or 83361.

Mount St. Benedict Monastery sits atop a hill in the north, overlooking south and central Trinidad. It offers spectacular views, nature tours and exhibitions. Accommodation is available at Pax Guest House, renowned for its afternoon teas and simple but sumptuous dinners. Dine either indoors or, if it’s not raining, out on the balcony, which overlooks mountains and treetops under the stars.

Cleaver Woods, situated on the Arima Old Road, is famous for the Amerindian Museum, which houses the works of indigenous craftspeople. Arima is well-known for the last remaining Santa Rosa Caribs who hold annual festivities there.

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is a 27-room nature lodge sitting high in the rain forests of Trinidad’s Northern Range. One of the world’s best known birding destinations, the Centre boasts of more than 120 bird species on its Spring Hill Estate. Ten miles of nature trails meander through the estate, where cascading streams and a variety of wild flowers and fruit attract birds, butterflies and small animals. The Asa Wright Nature Centre was established in 1967 in order to protect and preserve part of the Arima Valley. Telephone (868) 667-4655. Email: asawright@tstt. net.tt or visit www.asawright.org.

North-eastern Trinidad beaches like Matura and Grande Riviere are two of the few remaining nesting sites for leatherback turtles in the world. In order to go turtle viewing with a certified tour guide, you need to obtain a permit from one of the Forestry Division’s offices. The Division will also be able to direct you to an authorised tour guide or tour operator; these guides are trained to preserve the ecological balance of the turtle’s nesting ground.

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Leatherbacks are sensitive to disturbances while laying, so please listen and obey all the tour guides rules while viewing the nesting process. For more information, please call the Forestry Division’s offices located in San Fernando (call 868-657-8391/7257), Sangre Grande (call 868-668-3825) or Port of Spain (call 868-622-7476).

Permits are TT$5 for adults and TT$2 for children and must be collected at the Forestry Division offices. You’ll also be expected to pay tour guides’ fees or to tip volunteer guides.

Central and South Sights In central Trinidad, the Hanuman Murti, located in Carapichaima, is an awesome Hindu religious site. Lion House, formerly the home of Nobel laureate Sir Vidya Naipaul, stands aloof in Chaguanas.

The Temple in the Sea in Waterloo Village (located south-west of the borough of Chaguanas) is a testament to the religious devotion of one man, and a sacred site for Hindus all over the world. Siewdass Sadhu, an Indian indentured labourer and a true devotee, built this duplicate of a Hindu temple literally in the sea.

His first attempt to build a temple on sugar cane land was torn down by the estate owners, and he spent 25 years painstakingly carrying buckets of dirt out into the ocean to build the mandir by himself, even as the sea itself constantly eroded his efforts.

He died and never finished. In 1994, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago properly reclaimed the temple’s foundation and renovated the mandir to honour the 150th anniversary of Indian Arrival Day. It stands now like a spiritual oasis, almost floating atop the waters of the Gulf of Paria.

Opening hours for the grounds are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

For the mandir, opening hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and by appointment. For more information, call Pamela Gokool at (868) 636-5408 or e-mail pamels_3@hotmail.com.

If you’re in Waterloo Village heading to the Temple in the Sea, be sure to stop by D Indian Caribbean Museum of T&T on Waterloo Road, Carapichaima. The museum is one of a kind, dedicated to the preservation of the material history of over one million descendants of East Indians in the Caribbean. The collection

Photo: Joshua Joseph

Sights

Waterloo Temple

of artifacts is vast, including musical instruments, immigration documents and agricultural tools; religious ritual items, cooking utensils; old photographs of the original East Indian indentured labourers and historical books over 100 years old.

School visitors, tourists, researchers and diplomats all visit the museum to use its resources. Visits to the museum are free of charge, but large groups are asked to schedule tours beforehand. D Indian Caribbean Museum of T&T is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the TDC and the National Museum. Opening hours are from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact the curator at (868) 673-7007 or e-mail icmus@tstt.net.tt.

Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary A great place to see the Scarlet Ibis is the Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary. Book a trip with a tour provider, hop onto a low-slung wooden boat for a sunset tour among the mangroves. Sit quietly near a cluster of nesting trees and watch the glorious flamecoloured creatures, accompanied by snowy white egrets, wing their way home and settle in for the night.

The Wild Fowl Trust in Pointe-à-Pierre is a beautiful nature park with tours and nature trails. At the Trust, you can view the beautiful waterfowls of Trinidad and Tobago, and lakes that house a wildlife reserve that has been in existence for over

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thirty years. It is unique to the Caribbean region. Tours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. For more information, contact the Trust at (868) 658-4200 ext.

2512, two days in advance before visiting.

In the south, San Fernando Hill offers a picturesque nature trail and fabulous lookout over the heart of the city. For further information, contact the San Fernando Office of the Forestry Division at (868) 653-9563.

La Vega Estate, located in Gran Couva, from its humble beginnings as a cocoa estate, has grown and blossomed into a thriving nursery and garden centre with outlets in north and south Trinidad. La Vega has opened its gates to the public and offers fun for the entire family. La Vega is also home to a shrine dedicated to the Divine Mercy of Jesus. For further information call (868) 679-9522.

The La Brea Pitch Lake is the largest asphalt lake in the world. Located on Trinidad’s south-west peninsula, the lake provides the entire country, and many of the neighbouring islands, with pitch for building roads. The ride along the road is like a roller coaster from the melting pitch underground, and the sulphur lakes are well known for their healing properties.

Please use one of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) official tour guides ONLY. You can find them within the La Brea Pitch Lake Facility. Persons offering tours outside the facility are NOT authorised to conduct tours on the TDC’s behalf. Official TDCapproved tour guides are outfitted in red polo shirts with the La Brea Pitch Lake logo on the front and the words “OFFICIAL TOUR GUIDE” on the back.

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Adults pay TT$30; children between 6 and 12 years pay TT$12. Children under 6 years are free. For further information, call the TDC at (868) 651-1232.

Our Lady of Montserrat RC Church is located approximately ten minutes from the Solomon Hochoy Highway after turning onto the Claxton Bay flyover. This spiritual oasis commands a panoramic view over much of Trinidad. Designed by a French priest named Fr. Marie Jules Dupoux of Avignon, the building retains its original wooden frame and stained-glass windows, bought and crafted in France. The Church is also home to many holy statues, but the Black Madonna holds court above them all. Many believers travel to Our Lady of Montserrat to pay homage to and to ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin.

For more information, contact the Church Office at 650-0082 or 636-0769.

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

The Devil’s Woodyard, where the mini mud volcanoes belch out thick, chocolaty mud, is a delight for the kids to witness. There is a small play and picnic area nearby.

Port, Port of Spain Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

T&T Spirit Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

As the Government seeks to reboot the economy and stimulate new growth in both non-traditional and traditional sectors, Trinidad and Tobago’s diverse business environment offers an exciting range of possibilities.

Businesses involved in tourism, food and beverage, finance, recreation, sports, and the creative industries, will all benefit from various programmes and incentives in 2013.

For example, Government has partnered with the banking sector to offer hotels and restaurants in Tobago significant incentives to encourage new investment and property refurbishment in 2013.

To create a lucrative sports tourism industry that will attract international sporting events and athletes, Government is working on a Sports Tourism Plan and an International Marketing Plan. It will be spending over $700 million in 2013-2015 to build three mega sport facilities for cycling, swimming and tennis, and three multi-purpose facilities for various sports, including badminton, basketball, volleyball, netball, cricket, soccer and gymnastics.

It is also upgrading existing stadia and recreation grounds.

In addition, over the next seven years, it will construct 41 sporting academies with facilities such as gyms, 25-metre swimming pools and indoor facilities; and five highperformance centres, one in each stadium, providing clinical services to national athletes.

In the National Budget for 2013 and related documents, the Government also announced plans to:- build a financial institution support services industry on the foundation of the country’s existing strong, stable banking sector - increase incentives to the local filmmaking industry - create a hub for major ship-repair and ship-building within the Caribbean region - unveil a master plan detailing land use proposals for Chaguaramas - continue Port of Spain’s participation in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative - continue incentives introduced in 2011 for the creative industries, including a 150 per cent tax relief for business and corporations who make contributions to the arts and to artistic organisations and to organisations that are registered with the National Registry of Artists and Cultural Workers.

- allocate $20 million for commencement of infrastructural work on the Invader’s Bay waterfront development project.

Just a glance at the sectors, subjects and even advertisers contained in this edition of Ins & Outs will provide insight as to where opportunities exist.

By Kay Baldeosingh-Arjune

BUSINESS Port of Spain Photo: Christopher Anderson

Business

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

new airlines opening up markets that Tobago traditionally had no access to, such as in Eastern Europe and Canada.

Another major new initiative for which Hardwicke and the Association have been tirelessly lobbying is the establishment of duty-free zones in Tobago. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced in mid2012 the possibility of making the entire island duty-free. While that would be ideal, it is not likely to happen in the short-term, Hardwicke said. So, he is lobbying tirelessly for the more achievable duty-free zones.

He believes duty-free zones will create a new facet through which Tobago will sparkle as entrepreneurs seize opportunities to open high-end stores and create exciting new shopping and leisure areas for domestic, cruise ship and international tourists alike.

Hardwicke envisages these zones making Tobago a shopping mecca, creating a lot of jobs, and having a significant impact in terms of retail activity.

In October 2012, the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Investment (MTII) told Ins & Outs that it is now reviewing a report from the World Bank Group which had undertaken a study on behalf of the Ministry titled “Investment Promotion and Special Economic Zones.” The study included examining the option of declaring Tobago a regional multipurpose Special Economic Zone.

A statement from the Ministry said: “We have been advised that the fullest, best practice, special economic zones include the following features: - duty free access, - covers all non-prohibited economic activities, and - includes both residential and recreational activities.”

When it has completed its review, the report will be submitted to Cabinet for approval but the Ministry noted that: “a recommendation with such wide-ranging implications requires significant consultation with stakeholders, as well as the possible drafting and enactment of legislation, in order to facilitate implementation.”

Hardwicke certainly has no reservations. He sees the presence of attractive duty-free shopping contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange reserves as it entices more foreign tourists, encourages them to bring in and spend their hard currency in Tobago, and also provides Trinidadians and Tobagonians with the opportunity to spend their annual duty-free allowance in Tobago, purchasing the same high-end goods, at attractive prices, without having to go through the hassle and expense of traveling abroad.

While other island destinations in the region have already proven the case for duty-free shopping being an important stimulant for any economy, a confident Hardwicke is not afraid of starting late in the game. As far as he is concerned, when Tobago enters the duty-free shopping arena, it will be “a pretty unfair fight” because, in addition to its other natural attractions, the twinisland republic’s relatively large middle class will provide an important domestic market to support the development of vibrant shopping areas that, in turn, will become the focal point around which other activities will develop, such as high-end resorts, restaurants, transport hubs, and other retail and leisure activities.

New Initiatives set to give Tobago’s Economy a Boost

By Kay Baldeosingh-Arjune

W

ith its natural setting of virtually untouched, serene forests, hills, beaches and turquoise seas, Tobago has always charmed visitors and drawn them back for return visits.

But the international economic slowdown over the last three to four years shrouded Tobago’s sparkle as the tourism industry suffered a significant drop in visitor arrivals, saw almost no new private sector investment, and left operators facing enormous financial challenges trying to remain afloat.

However, with a recovering global economy, new fiscal and financial incentives from the government, and a determined private sector, the dark economic shadow is lifting, enabling investors to, once again, clearly see that Tobago is full of opportunity.

The outlook for Tobago is positive, President of the Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association Nicholas Hardwicke told Ins & Outs in October 2012. “We’re certainly on an upward trajectory, and I can absolutely assure and confirm that everybody connected with the tourism sector is aware of what is at stake and are committed to making sure the right decisions are taken in a timely manner,” he said.

Adding that “there has been some real progress,” Hardwicke said some major new ventures to look out for in 2013 include new initiatives in international branding, new investment in hotels and resorts, more robust marketing of the island, and the entrance of

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Photos: Kibwe Brathwaite, Carlyle Singh

Meet a Trini

Paula Lucie-Smith

By Gail Massy

A

s founder and CEO of the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA), Paula Lucie-Smith’s life’s work has enriched the lives of many of our citizens who struggle with reading and writing. In 2001, the Government awarded her a Hummingbird Gold Medal for loyal and devoted service to the country.

“I had a hard childhood,” says Yvonne, one of ALTA’s first students, who was taken out of school at an early age. “I could not read my name. I used to go to the grocery and cry by myself... to say I alone couldn’t read and write. But thank God for Paula accepting me with open arms. I learned a lot coming to ALTA. I feel more confidence now I can handle myself in reading and writing.”

It was International Literacy Year 1990 that started Lucie-Smith on this altruistic path. A former social studies teacher, she participated in a UNESCO/Government-organised adult literacy programme for volunteer tutors and was assigned to teach classes in Woodbrook. She soon found that some students had to come from far away because there were no tutors in their districts. This inspired her to start the association that now serves people all over the country. It began as a two-person operation at her home. Now, 20 years later, ALTA has headquarters in Belmont, with branches in San Fernando and Arima, and every year trains a hundred new volunteers to teach free reading and writing classes to adults at over 60 venues in Trinidad. Registration takes place once a year in September at the main public libraries, details of which, including a list of classes, can be found on ALTA’s comprehensive website, www.alta-tt.org.

As a pioneer in the field, Lucie-Smith found that there were no tools available for teaching literacy to adults. Apart from formulating its own training programme, ALTA had to create its own teaching aids. Relying on her teacher training abroad, and doing research

on courses and methods, including dealing with dyslexia, LucieSmith has today had a hand in writing and editing over 60 books for the association. ALTA also has a teacher resource library and recently launched a 20th anniversary magazine.

Before beginning her teaching career in Trinidad, Lucie-Smith attended St. Joseph’s Convent in Port of Spain; then pursued studies in England at the University of Warwick and the University of Leicester, where she did a first degree in history and obtained a postgraduate Certificate in Education. In 2003 St. Joseph’s Convent inducted her into their Hall of Excellence where she stands as an inspiration and role model for future generations.

ALTA is now an institution that’s embedded in the Caribbean landscape. In addition to the free community classes, the ALTA Programme is offered at public libraries to teens through NALIS Youth Lit and in the nation’s prisons, where literate inmates are trained to teach other inmates to read and write. The association has conducted literacy training in Antigua, Grenada and St. Vincent. ALTA was selected by UNESCO in 2008 as “a model for replication.”

ALTA and Paula Lucie-Smith have received countless accolades from corporate and national organisations, and thanks and praise from grateful students. The most recent recognition was the 2012 Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence in Public and Civic Contributions, which Lucie-Smith says “has brought the field of adult literacy into the public consciousness as never before.”

“A prestigious award like this could begin to chip away at the stigma attached to poor reading,” she says. From the beginning her interest has been not only to teach literacy but to help the public and her students realise that there should be no shame in not knowing how to read or write. There should only be national shame if we do nothing about the literacy problem.

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 83

Business

The newly reopened Magdalena Grand Beach Resort in Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau

T

rinidad and Tobago, often tagged as the Culture Capital of the Caribbean due to a spectacular Carnival celebration and diverse religious and cultural festivals, is arguably one of the most business-friendly destinations in the Caribbean.

The destination’s expanding portfolio of hotels and meeting facilities is amply complemented by an attractive capital city with historic buildings, a modern waterfront and a diverse leisure product including health spas, golfing, bird watching, spectacular reefs, glorious rainforest and majestic mangroves.

To help groups and meeting planners make the most of the twin-island’s many sublime offerings, the Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau (TTCB) offers an impressive range of diverse and innovative services.

From working closely with meeting planners to secure the right event venue and plan the perfect programme, to coordinating promotional literature, site inspections, official bids and quotations from suppliers, the TTCB specializes in creating the perfect package.

The TTCB can also coordinate amazing pre- and post-event activities. By tailoring activities to meet the individual requirements of each group, the TTCB has consistently surpassed the expectations of conference delegates by delighting every sense with a range of activities, from beach outings where participants snack on our local delicacies, to rum tours at the famous Angostura Distillery. Recent tours facilitated by the TTCB included a musical experience where delegates played the steel pan, Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, while sipping rum punch; and an eco-adventure at the internationally recognised Asa Wright Nature Centre for bird watching and conservation located deep in a tropical rainforest.

Last year, the TTCB also facilitated more than 35 meetings

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

and conferences, including the International Press Institute World Congress which attracted the industry’s most influential names and decision makers in media, the Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference and the Lions’ Multiple District Convention. In 2013, Trinidad and Tobago will play host to several major international conferences, including the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Sustainable Tourism Conference in April, closely followed in May by the prestigious Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference and the Travel Professionals of Colour Conference in July, which for only the second time in the event’s ten year history will be held outside of North America.

To learn more about hosting your event in this exciting Caribbean destination, contact the Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau at: conventionbureau@tdc.co.tt or visit www.gotrinidadandtobago. com/trinidad/meetings Plan Trinidad & Tobago – your clients will love you for it.

T&T hits the right note - Learning to play the steel-pan at a “Pan Yard Lime”

Business

The Bank’s Trincity Branch opened in 2009

Serving the People of Trinidad and Tobago for the past 175 years Republic Bank Limited was born in 1837 as Colonial Bank, in the newly emerging economy of Trinidad and Tobago. As the Bank evolved during the first hundred years of its existence, numerous changes were also taking place in the social and economic life of Trinidad and Tobago. Expansion of the Bank’s branch network became a priority to meet the demands of a growing economy.

Over the years, Republic Bank has grown by leaps and bounds to become one of the largest and most successful indigenous banks in the English-speaking Caribbean, serving retail banking customers, corporate clients and governments throughout the region.

As a major player in the financial services industry in this country, Republic Bank’s proven track record of financial services includes: Corporate Banking, Merchant Banking, Off-shore Banking, Private Banking and Asset Management.

As Republic Bank remains committed to charting the course as being the Bank of choice in the Caribbean for the past 175 years, it has consistently and conscientiously defined itself through commitment, dedication and performance, embodying the Bank’s core values – respect for the individual; professionalism; integrity; customer focus and results orientation. These values have remained at the centre of the Bank’s operations; values that it shares in common with its subsidiaries in Guyana, Grenada, Barbados and Cayman Islands.

The establishment of One Strong, unified Caribbean brand has been the Bank’s objective, and as such, the re-branding exercise of its Barbados subsidiary, formerly Barbados National Bank (BNB) on July 1, has been one of the major achievements in this anniversary year.

The Bank’s main purpose is to build successful societies, so its thrust is to continue to be an organisation that cares for

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its employees, shareholders, customers and the community.

Republic Bank believes that its commitment to these groups will produce extraordinary results.

In keeping with the Bank’s ground-breaking social responsibility initiative, the Power to Make a Difference which was launched in Trinidad in 2003, every day the Bank makes a difference in the lives of the communities in which it serves. The programme was later launched in Grenada, Guyana and Barbados in 2004.

Part of Republic Bank’s social investment agenda revolves around the philosophy that a nation can only truly be empowered when its communities are strong, vibrant and highly motivated.

You may read more about Republic Bank and its varied products and services by visiting its webpage: http://www.republictt.com.

The first premises used by the Colonial Bank on the righthand side of the corner of St. Vincent Street and Marine Square.

Detail from M.J. Cazabon’s “Customs House and St. Vincent Street Wharf”. Paria Prints

Business

Mariel Brown accepts the award for Best Local Feature for her documentary Inward Hunger.

S

trinidad+tobago film festival widens its lens

ince its inception in 2006, the annual trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff), has become one of the most anticipated cultural events during the latter half of the year. The largest event of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, the Festival screens the best films from Trinidad+Tobago, the Caribbean and its diaspora, India, Africa, and Latin American countries in the Caribbean Basin. The ttff also continues to facilitate the growth of the Caribbean film industry by hosting workshops, panel discussions, seminars, conferences and networking opportunities.

The ttff/12 ran from September 19 to October 2. Over 120 films—feature-length and short, dramatic and documentary— were screened at venues throughout Trinidad and Tobago, more than ever before. As ever, the majority of the films—roughly half— came from T&T. Locations not only included usual venues such as MovieTowne in Port of Spain and the University of the West Indies at St Augustine, but also the historic Little Carib theatre in Woodbrook, and community venues throughout Trinidad.

In an effort to represent and acknowledge not just Caribbean filmmakers but also the Caribbean diaspora, as well as international filmmakers who are inspired to tell Caribbean stories, the ttff partnered with the High Commission of Canada to Trinidad and Tobago to present Canada Focus, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank.

As a result, some of the most touching, thought-provoking and well-regarded Canadian films of 2011 and 2012 were featured.

The ttff traditionally hosts visiting international filmmakers, whose films are screened at the festival. The ttff/12 welcomed over 60 visiting filmmakers and actors. Among them was Kevin Macdonald, who introduced his critically acclaimed documentary Marley for the opening of the festival. Visiting filmmakers engaged in question-and-answer sessions with audiences, and also spoke on special filmmakers’ panels about their experiences in the film industry. The local acting industry benefited from the experience of Los Angeles-based acting coach, Kirk Baltz, who worked with actors and directors to hone their understanding of what it means to embody a dramatic role. The ttff also partnered with UWI to present a workshop on film criticism with award-winning Indian film critic, Manoj Bhajapuri.

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Jimmy Jean-Louis, lead actor in the film Toussaint L’Ouverture, accepts the People’s Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature on behalf of the director Philippe Niang.

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Ten Caribbean filmmakers came together in Port-of-Spain to be part of a unique training opportunity entitled Focus: Filmmakers’ Immersion, an initiative supported by the festival’s leading sponsor, RBC Royal Bank. Focus took place over four days during the festival, and was designed to help participants with documentary film projects they have in development. At the end of the four days, the facilitators chose the top five participants to pitch their concept to a jury at a public event on the 29th of September. The participant with the best concept and pitch, as determined by the jury, won a cash prize of TT$20,000.

The festival increased the number of awards in 2012, with over TT$170,000 in cash and other prizes being given out in jury and people’s choice categories. Best Narrative Feature as decided by the jury was Distance, a touching drama about a farmer searching for his kidnapped daughter in the aftermath of the Guatemalan civil war, directed by Sergio Ramírez.

The prize for Best Documentary Feature went to the The Story of Lover’s Rock, Menelik Shabazz’s, feel-good music film, while Ida Does captured the prize for Best Short for Peace: Memories of Anton de Kom. In the T&T films category, Mariel Brown won Best Local Feature for her authoritative documentary about Eric Williams, Inward Hunger, while Ryan Latchmansingh’s gritty drama Where the Sun Sets won Best Local Short.

Toussaint L’Ouverture, a sweeping historical epic about the Haitian Revolution, which was directed by Philippe Niang and starred Jimmy Jean-Louis, won the People’s Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature. Janine Fung’s joyful portrait of the Lara Brothers Parang group, La Gaita, took away the People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary, while Buck: The Man Spirit, an entertaining thriller-horror written and directed by Steven Taylor, nabbed the People’s Choice Award for Best Short.

The trinidad+tobago film festival is held annually in September and is presented by Flow, given leading sponsorship by RBC Royal Bank and bpTT, and supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, the National Gas Company, the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism and Copa Airlines.

Visit www.ttfilmfestival.com for more information.

Welcome! Our accommodation facilities are as varied as our tourism offerings here in Trinidad. They cover a wide spectrum, from luxury boutique hotels, to nature resorts, to cosy owner-operated host homes, to internationally branded star-rated hotels.

A large portion of Trinidad’s accommodation can be categorized as competitive business-oriented hotels which are capable of hosting meetings, events and conferences of all sizes. We recognize that some business travellers prefer a local flavour, so there are locally owned and operated facilities in a range of sizes which can compete quite readily with the internationally branded hotels.

Our properties are located throughout the island, so if you need to be close to the oil- and energy-based sector there are a number of excellent options in Pointe a Pierre and San Fernando. If you need to be near the business city centre, there are a number of different hotels, guest houses and host home options in and around Port of Spain. The larger hotels are in downtown Port of Spain; however, the more intimate and budgetfriendly options are available in Maraval, Cascade, St. Ann’s and St. Clair, which are all minutes away from the central business district.

Trinidad is not only about business; we also have a very diverse eco-tourism product. Our accommodations include beach-front hotels, ideal for turtle watching, as well as eco-lodges nestled in the forest which provide the perfect spot for bird watching. Our western peninsula is ideal for boating, fishing and nature watching.

Whatever your needs may be, while you’re in Trinidad there is an ideal option available. Explore and discover some of these unique elements of Trinidad on your next visit.

By The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA)

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

A

ACCOMMODATION

Photo: Peter Sheppard

Accommodation

Hyatt Regency Trinidad 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad WI Tel: (868) 623-2222 trinidad.hyatt.com facebook.com/hyattregencytrinidad twitter: @HyattTrinidad Hyatt Regency Trinidad, a luxurious high-rise hotel of contemporary design located in downtown Port of Spain, presents an unrivalled level of comfort, service and convenience among Trinidad hotels. This 428room hotel, catering to business, convention and leisure travelers, boasts spacious suites and guestrooms with spectacular gulf and city views, flat-screen televisions, wired and wireless internet and the signature Hyatt Grand BedTM. Also featured is a 16,000-square-foot Regency Ballroom, a 10,000-square-foot Port of Spain Ballroom; a full-service restaurant; lobby bar and lounge; sushi bar; a 9,000 square-foot spa; state-of-the-art fitness center and rooftop infinity pool with stunning panoramic views of the Gulf.

Tradewinds Hotel #38 London Street, St. Joseph Village, San Fernando Tel: (868) 652-9463 Email: delia@tradewindshotel.net www.tradewindshotel.net Tradewinds Hotel is situated in the breezy residential area of St. Joseph Village, San Fernando and has been owned and operated by the Laing Family since 1994. The forty-one-room “Home Away From Home” boasts friendly, helpful and courteous staff and an efficient management team, making it the first choice among the business sector. Rooms are spacious and fully equipped with minibar, cable TV, air-conditioning, safes and complimentary wireless Internet access. Meals are provided at the Driftwood Restaurant from as early as 5:00 a.m. and guests can also enjoy drinks and cutters at the On Deck Pub. Other facilities include: Conferencing, Mini-Mart, gym with state-of-the-art equipment and instructors on site, swimming pool, massage therapist, souvenir shop and hair salon.

Courtyard by Marriott Invader’s Bay, Audrey Jeffers Highway, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-5555 Fax: (868) 627-6317 www.marriott.com Refresh your travel experience at the Courtyard by Marriott, Port of Spain. This contemporary hotel features a re-designed lobby; restaurant, library and business centre. The 119 spacious guest rooms and suites offer plush beds, large work desks with ergonomic task chairs and free Internet access. The hotel is conveniently located 40 minutes from the international airport, just 10 minutes away from the city centre and within walking distance of the MovieTowne Entertainment Complex and the Hasley Crawford National Stadium. Host a memorable meeting or business event in any of our versatile conference rooms; the perfect setting for a small business dinner or social gathering.

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Accommodation

Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre 1B Lady Young Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 624-3211 ext. 6041 / 6011 Fax: (868) 624-4485 E-mail: reservations.trinidad@hilton.com www.hiltontrinidadhotel.com www.facebook.com/hiltontrinidad www.twitter.com/hiltontrinidad

This unique architecturally designed hotel is forty-five minutes away from the Piarco International Airport and five minutes away from the business districts, historical sites and downtown shopping area. The hotel offers 418 rooms, including 27 suites, all with private balconies, high touch and high tech amenities. This Hilton hotel also offers superb meeting rooms and function spaces that can accommodate up to 1,000 persons. Other services and facilities include one restaurant; one coffee shop; 2 bars; 24-hour room service; 24-hour business centre; two Chevron tennis courts; outdoor swimming pools; a 5,000-square-foot fitness centre with saunas; bank & ATM machine.

Cara Suites Hotel & Conference Centre Pointe-a-Pierre, Southern Main Road, Claxton Bay, Trinidad Tel: (868) 659-2271 Fax: (868) 659-2202 E-mail: carasuitespap@carahotels.com www.carahotels.com Try our new Superior Executive Ocean or Garden View Rooms All our non-smoking Superior Executive Rooms include: full buffet breakfast; king-sized bed with pillow-top mattress & comforter; high speed Internet access; in-room safe; 32-inch flat-screen high definition television with cable; air conditioning; work desk & chair; stocked minibar with complimentary water; iPod docking station / clock radio; reading chair with ottoman; direct-dial telephone; ceiling fan; microwave; hospitality tray; hair dryer; iron & ironing board and complimentary daily newspaper.

Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel Grande Riviere, Trinidad Tel: (868) 670 1868 Fax: (868) 670 1015 E-mail: maktoub@mac.com www.mtplaisir.com Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel is the only true beach hotel in Trinidad.

Located in Grande Riviere Bay, along the Caribbean northeast coast, it hosts thousands of nestings of the endangered leatherback turtles every year between March and August. Mt. Plaisir is also an excellent base for beach relaxation, forest hiking to the majestic rainforest of the Northern Range, or for boat trips to small coves or remote beaches. There is an excellent restaurant at the resort that offers Caribbean, Indian and Italian dishes, using mainly fruits and vegetables grown locally. Mt. Plaisir also proudly serves a line of dairy products: Dolce Valle Dairy, handmade in our farm utilising only fresh milk from our cows and water buffaloes. In 2008, it was also voted the best small resort in T&T by local and foreign visitors in a survey conducted by the Tourism Board. At Mt. Plaisir, you will surely have an unforgettable time.

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Accommodation

Royal Hotel 46–54 Royal Road, San Fernando, Trinidad Reservations: (868) 652-4881 E-mail: info@royalhoteltt.com Website: www.royalhoteltt.com Royal Hotel is located in the city of San Fernando. Surrounded by an awesome canopy of Samaan trees and lush foliage, we welcome you to the warmth of our Southern hospitality. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned and outfitted with modern facilities for your every comfort. Enjoy a meal at our restaurant, which specialises in a variety of tasty Caribbean and International cuisines, or just sit back and relax at our bar and lounge or around our swimming pool. Our hotel also includes conference facilities as well as an ideal setting for wedding receptions, cocktail parties and other special functions.

Ideally suited to the business traveler, we offer special group and long-term rates.

Le Grande Almandier 2 Hosang Street, Grande Riviere, Trinidad Tel/Fax (868) 670-1013 / 2294 E-mail: info@legrandealmandier.com www.legrandealmandier.com Located eighty-eight km from Piarco International Airport, Le Grande lies nestled between the almond trees and the beach. Here the forested headlands border the magnificent coastline to the north and the majestic Grande Riviere River, from which the village gets its name, to the northeast. The perfect retreat to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer: the birds, the wildlife, the nesting leatherback turtles, fishing, boat tours and waterfall tours. The ten tastefully decorated rooms and suites sleep two to six persons. The ideal choice for anyone in search of peace and serenity in completely natural surroundings.

Acajou Hotel Grande Riviere, Trinidad Tel: (868) 670-3771 Fax: (868) 670-4566 E-mail: info@acajoutrinidad.com www.acajoutrinidad.com ACAJOU is a small, eco-friendly, family-operated hotel situated on the beautiful and dramatic northern coast of Trinidad in a small fishing village called Grande Riviere. The hotel is built as a group of traditional cottages nestled between the beach, a crystal clear river and lush rainforest-covered mountains.

What makes Grande Riviere unique are the hundreds of endangered leatherback turtles that nest here every year, from March until August.

Please visit www.tripadvisor.com for unbiased reviews about ACAJOU Hotel.

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Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 1 Exposition Drive, Trincity Phone: (868) 669-6209 Fax: (868) 692-4557 E-Mail: holidayinnexpress2@tstt.net.tt www.hiexpress.com/trincitytt

This attractive hotel is conveniently located five minutes from Piarco International Airport and thirty-five minutes from Port of Spain. It is situated within a growing urban development, close to the Millennium Lakes Golf and Country Club and Trincity Mall and features a combination of eighty-two beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites. Take advantage of our Complimentary Airport shuttle, and enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary Internet access, outdoor swimming pool, Fitness and Business Centres. We also cater for small meetings. So whether you are travelling for business or recreation, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Trincity is the ideal place to STAY SMART.

The Carlton Savannah 2-4 Coblentz Avenue, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 621-5000 Fax: (868) 621-5001 Email: reservations@thecarltonsavannah.com www.thecarltonsavannah.com Nestled within the picturesque Cascade valley, The Carlton Savannah is Trinidad’s trendiest boutique hotel. Located minutes away from the eventful capital, Port of Spain, and adjacent to the world’s largest roundabout, the Queen's Park Savannah, we are your home away from home. Our chic 148 guest rooms can be transformed to 49 stylishly designed suites including fully equipped office spaces or a luxurious living room. Apart from our spacious air-conditioned rooms with 32-inch flat-screen televisions, we also provide complimentary Internet access, in-room tea and coffee, laundry facilities, heated salt-water lapped-style swimming pool and fitness centre. Excite your palate with dishes from our casual dining restaurant, RELISH, or our award-winning, AAA 4 diamond, fine-dining restaurant, CASA. Rest assured...it’s all about you!

Carnetta’s Inn Relaxing, Informal, Affordable 99 Saddle Road, Maraval, Trinidad, W.I Tel: (868) 628-2732; 622-5165; 622-2884 Fax (868) 223-9366 E-mail: hylite.carnettas@gmail.com www.carnettasinn.com One of Maraval’s best kept secrets, Carnetta’s Inn has thirteen spacious rooms spanning from the foot hills of the Saddle Road to over the Maraval river. Come experience the intimate surroundings, beautifully landscaped gardens, exotic fish in ponds, and rabbit farm.

Our rooms have been designed for the physically challenged. At your request, meals are prepared to suit specific dietary requirements.

After an exciting day, you can relax for afternoon tea at our Riverside Lounge, called Wonda’s. Indeed, some evenings we have live entertainment where you can come and sing along or participate in our daily menu. We also cater for the entire family. Bring the kids along to take part in our activities.

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Accommodation

Regent Star Hotel 118-119 BWIA Boulevard, Piarco, Trinidad Tel: (868) 669-STAR (7827) Fax: (868) 669-7000 E-mail: info@regentstarhotel.com www.regentstarhotel.com The newest and most beautiful hotel located in Piarco is only moments away from the airport. Our hotel comprises of luxuriously comfortable and stylish bedrooms, complete with state-of-the-art conference facilities for your business needs; a beautiful spa, gym and so much more! We also offer speciality food made by our international executive chef, ranging from fine dining to buffet-style, as well as a bar and indoor pool that includes a dining area to unwind the stresses of your day. Come, let us serve you…

Paria Suites Hotel and Conference Centre South Truck Road, La Romain Tel: (868) 697-1442/3 Fax: (868) 697-1445 E-mail: info@pariasuites.com www.pariasuites.com Based in the outskirts of San Fernando, located just 45 minutes from the island’s energy hub, Point Fortin, our hotel is the ideal place for the busy executive who requires much-needed rest and relaxation.

With a spectacular view overlooking the Gulf of Paria, all our rooms are fully air-conditioned, with all the modern amenities, an outdoor swimming pool and a large, secure car park. Guests can party the night away at Southern Edge Sports Bar and Grill, the ultimate hot spot in South, with live entertainment nightly and a friendly ambience.

Inna Citi Place 15 Gaston Johnson Street, Woodbrook Tel /Fax: (868) 622-0415 Mobile: (868) 683-6132 Email: innacitiplace@yahoo.com www.inna-citi-place.com At Inna Citi Place bed and breakfast we offer a warm and friendly experience in a secure and comfortable environment. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, cable TV, wireless internet, ceiling fans and en suite bathrooms. Comfort, service and great value characterise our offerings.

Inna Citi Place bed and breakfast is located just minutes away from two of the best known entertainment centres of Port of Spain: St. James and Ariapita Avenue. It is six minutes’ drive from the historic Queen’s Park Savannah and is within walking distance of the Queen’s Park Oval, banks, shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants and churches.

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Par-May-La’s Inn Par-May-La’s Inn 53 Picton Street, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-2008 Fax: (868) 628-4707 E-mail: reservation@parmaylas.com Sundeck Suites 42–44 Picton Street, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-9560/1 Fax: (868) 628-4707 E-mail: reservation@sundeck.com

Surfside Hotel Crown Point, Tobago Tel: (868) 628-4707 Fax: (868) 639-0614 E-mail: surfside@mail.tt

Three small, friendly properties, strategically located to experience the best of both islands, offering guesthouse prices with hotel standards. All rooms are air-conditioned with private bathroom facilities. Regular rates start from US$45 per night, single occupancy, but could be much lower for groups.

Airport Suites Hotel Address: LP#7 Factory Rd, Piarco, Trinidad Tel: (686) 669-0362 / 669-0257 Fax: (868) 669-1335 Email: airportsuites@hotmail.com www.airportsuitestt.com Airport Suites Hotel enjoys an unparalleled location, being less than two minutes away from the Piarco International Airport. It’s the perfect location for stop-overs, flight transfer passengers or a relaxing vacation.

The Hotel provides superb accommodations, with thirty-eight affordable guest rooms, an on-site restaurant serving up some of the best local dishes & authentic cuisine, an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi and swim-up wet bar, and many convenient amenities.

We invite you to stay and experience the traditional charm of our Airport Hotel and the attentive, personalized service of our friendly staff.

Small Tourism Accommodation Owners of Trinidad and Tobago (S.T.A.O.T.T.) P.O. Box 1657, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Fax: (868) 621-5064 Email: staott3@gmail.com www.trinistay.com We are a network of Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, and Host home property owners, who strive for excellence in the hospitality industry of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our motto is “People, Hospitality, Service”, and we are dedicated to providing the people who visit our properties, the best in Caribbean hospitality with a high quality of service.

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L’Orchidée Boutique Hotel 3 Coblentz Gardens, St. Ann’s Tel/Fax: (868) 621-0613 / 0063 E-mail: reservations@trinidadhosthomes.com www.trinidadhosthomes.com L’Orchidée Boutique Hotel is located in the beautiful landscaped neighbourhood of St. Ann’s, Port-of-Spain and 35 minutes from Piarco International Airport. Conveniently situated 5 minutes’ drive from the City center, Port of Spain, and minutes’ walking distance of the Queen’s Park Savannah. At L’Orchidée our twelve beautifully appointed rooms are themed after orchids, and our cozy fine-dining room and open-air patio serve a fusion of sumptuous local and international cuisine. Wireless and high-speed Internet is available throughout the property, making it ideal for the business traveller.

Enter L’Orchidée and experience being lavished with care and attention like our orchids.

L’Orchidée — The Boutique Experience!

Hacienda Jacana Trinidad Tel: (868) 498-7597 E-mail: haciendajacana@gmail.com www.haciendajacana.com Each of the four rustic cottages at Hacienda Jacana has 2 airconditioned bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining area and a porch – all fully furnished with quality-crafted furniture and Direct TV. A comfortable pool-house sits next to the lounging pool. Two canoes are available for use. Nestled within 22 acres at the edge of the tropical rainforest, the area is peaceful, private and totally secure.

Guests have been effusive in their praise: “Even more lovely than I could have imagined.”

“Food was scrumptious and plentiful.”

“I swung in my hammock listening to the birds.”

“Every possible thing was there for us to prepare our breakfast. And lunch and dinner were delivered to the cottages.”

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Chaka Khan Photo: Abraham Diaz

Keshorn Walcott Photo: Abraham Diaz

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E nightlife sports

special events

ENTERTAINMENT

Photo: Peter Sheppard

NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife

T

here’s nothing ordinary about the sounds, rhythms and beats of Trinidad and Tobago’s very active metropolis. In fact, even the rural areas of this twinisland paradise hold an excitement that you would hardly ever expect. On the smaller island of Tobago, where pristine beaches line the coast, country folk welcome visitors with open arms, immediately starting a “lime” (a gathering of friends to hang out or party).

Green figs are prepared, flour dumplings are rolled out and fish is placed in a large pot for a good taste of Trinbago fish broth. Impromptu “limes” are a big part of Trinbago entertainment. They can take place anywhere, but some feel they’re best enjoyed in places and spaces where the natural landscape can provide added visual bliss–the beaches, riversides and other areas where T&T’s lush green flora grow wild.

Whether it’s started at one’s house or rolls out into the streets of the newest entertainment capital of Trinidad — Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook—a good Trini lime is entertaining enough to take all involved into the wee hours of the morning.

Along the lengthy pavement of The Avenue as it’s called, visitors can find a plethora of bars that provide an almost party-like atmosphere to complement the free spirit of the people of this cultural hub.

From Stumblin to Rosco’s, Shaker’s to Coco Lounge, Cro Bar to La Habana, Frankie’s to as far west as sushi central, LeVels, there’s always a crowd boasting of the best lime. Don’t be mistaken, though. Cold lager and sidewalk chatter isn’t the be-all and end-all of Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment landscape. In fact, both islands boast sumptuous pleasures within the inviting doors of numerous restaurants, and we certainly offer visitors an array of cultural delights, from Chinese to Arabic, Italian, Nigerian, Indian, Jamaican, and certainly Creole dishes.

The multicultural nature of this country resounds in every aspect of our entertainment. At night, the Central Bank Auditorium, the National Academy For the Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain (NAPA), along with South’s SAPA (Southern Academy for the Performing Arts), Queen’s Hall, The Little Carib Theatre and Cipriani College of Labour and Co-Operative Studies invite patrons to relax and laugh with plays and theatrical skits that are most often locally written and produced.

On the flip side, nightclubs such as 51 Degrees, Zen, Fuzion, Space La Nouba, Shade in Tobago and so many others across both islands, deliver unparalleled excitement and enjoyment.

Not to be outdone, however, T&T’s ocean style entertainment, from daylight to nighttime, continues to engage. Boats that sail for three-hour-long parties present a level of fun that has become a mainstay to the entertainment lineup.

The heritage of Trinidad and Tobago’s people predict, to a large extent, the type of entertainment you’ll find on the island. Indian, African, Syrian and Chinese ethnicities and cultures combine to provide a sometimes unexpected level of delight that can be felt in our festivals — from Carnival to Emancipation Celebrations, Divali, Phagwa, Eid-ul-Fitr and the countless others observed throughout the year. T&T is certainly a dynamic place, with an essence of realness that is truly incomparable. The only way to truly understand it, however, is to experience it yourself. You must be warned, though—many have visited and never left, for it is here that the true meaning of living can be found.

By Aba A. Luke

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Nightlife

Space La Nouba South Trunk Road, Gulf View, La Romaine Tel: (868)-697-1165/7329 Fax: (868)-222-2582 E-mail: bunny@spacetrinidad.com Website: www.spacetrinidad.com Visit us on Facebook or add us on bbm: 2763A9A8

Looking for an out-of-this-world party experience? Well, SPACE LA NOUBA is the one and only place to be! We offer not only the most sensational Drinks-Inclusive and Theme parties, but we also do corporate dinners & Christmas events, graduations, launches and seminars. And if you are looking for a venue for your wedding reception, then look no further. At SPACE LA NOUBA our package includes the supply of chairs, tables, tablecloths, servers, DJ, food and drinks. Our audio and lighting system is state-of-the-art and our versatile kitchen can turn out any menu, giving you a totally personalised event. Contact our office today, and let us take the hassle out of planning your reception.

SPACE LA NOUBA .... We take our partying seriously!

Toppers Sports Bar & Grill The City of Grand Bazaar Valsayn, Trinidad Tel: 645-8677 Www.facebook.com/ToppersSB

Have the best of all worlds at Toppers Sports Bar & Grill! Great food, awesome drinks, exciting games and live entertainment.

Choose from our international menu of appetizers and entrees. Dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort or outdoors on our spacious covered deck. Challenge your friends to a game of pool, air hockey or basketball. Wednesday is Karaoke night and Thursday is known as T.N.L. (Thursday Night Live), featuring live bands every week. We also take you back on Thursdays with the biggest Retro hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

A unique feature of Toppers is the DJ plays music videos. You can hear and see all your favourite songs as well as all sporting events on any of 13 LCD screens.

Hours of operation: Sun - Thur 11:00 a.m. - 12 midnight Fri & Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

‘STUMBLIN’ on the Avenue 42A Ariapita Avenue Woodbrook, Port of Spain Tel/Fax: (868) 223 5017 Email: info@stumblintt.com www.stumblintt.com Facebook: Stumblin-On-The-Avenue

‘STUMBLIN’ as the name suggests, is a bar whose patrons show no mercy and party until the wee hours of the morning, giving credence to the name as they stumble out the door at the end of the night.

‘STUMBLIN’ is a unique sports bar that transforms into an energetic ‘party house’ after the sports programming is done. Eight TVs surround the bar on 6 walls, both inside and outside on the patio. ‘STUMBLIN’ also boasts a full kitchen, offering great appetisers and meals from lunch to dinner and beyond. A more perfect venue could not be found for your office parties, personal parties, Christmas parties and Carnival events. With courteous and professional staff and the best DJs on the Avenue, ‘Stumblin’ should be your choice when visiting the Avenue.

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SPORTS

Sports

Welcome for Keshorn Walcott Photo: Abraham Diaz

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2012 Sports Review

by Sheldon Waithe

2012 proved to be a golden year in sport for Trinidad & Tobago, and not simply because of the achievement of the nation’s long-awaited second Olympic gold medal, for there have been golden performances across the many disciplines in which the country takes part. Of course, Keshorn Walcott’s amazing and surprising performances in London’s Olympic Stadium are the highlight, but he would have also taken his place amongst the year’s honourees based solely on his gold medal performance a month before London, at the World Junior Championships in Barcelona. The 19-year-old javelin thrower from Toco sent the nation into raptures on a rainy August afternoon, and it has yet to recover. There is no underestimating the enormity of his performance, but to look at the casual demeanour of the man himself, it would be easy to think it was a school’s sport competition that he won. This attitude should take him far as he has only scratched the surface of his potential and the excitement of his performances at future Games excites T&T. Keshorn Walcott’s gold was the icing on the cake for a T&T team that returned from London 2012 as the most successful ever, and if further icing is to be added, they did it in the year of our 50th Anniversary of Independence. While there were early disappointments from medal hopefuls such as shooter Roger Daniel and Jehue Gordon, the rangy Lalonde Gordon got the haul going with bronze in the 400m. He then teamed up with Ade Alleyne-Forte, Deon Lendore and Jarrin Solomon to secure bronze in the 4x400m relay. Our 4x100m relay team also brought home bronze as Richard Thompson, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and the long-serving Marc Burns, maintained the legacy of great T&T sprint teams.

The four Olympic medals are only half of the story, for the country’s athletes made it to 12 Finals, an amazing statistic for a nation with a population of 1.3 million. Cyclist Njisane Phillip narrowly missed out on bronze with a series of rides in the Sprint that points to a medal in the near future. The women’s 4x100m team looked on course to emulate the men’s relay team until the baton unfortunately dropped. Tobago’s Kelly Anne Baptiste reached the 100m Final to enhance her growing status, while George Bovell again represented with aplomb in the pool. With a crop of young (and now experienced) athletes from one Carnival nation showing so much potential, there is every right to expect even more precious metal when the Olympics are hosted by another Carnival nation, at Rio 2016. It would be a great celebration indeed.

As ever, T&T’s cricketers, the Red Force, brought home regional titles as a reward for their hard work. A third title in the Caribbean T20 Cup emphasised their dominance in the most popular version of the game, while disappointment continued in the regional 50-Overs and four-day formats. There was also disappointment at the T20 Champion’s League, where they exited at the first round with a combination of sub-par performances and rain-affected matches. However, the Red Force continues to produce some of the most exciting and in-demand T20 cricketers, with the likes of Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo in high demand in the various leagues across the international cricketing landscape.

Those three players, along with bowlers Samuel Badree, Ravi Rampaul and keeper Denesh Ramdin, joined up with their West Indian colleagues for what was undoubtedly the highlight of the regional cricketing year: the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Sports

West Indies' jubilant World Cup win

Group stage matches, in which the team peered nervously over the cliff of a possibly early exit, were followed by a dominant dismantling of Australia in the semi, before breaking Sri Lankan hearts by defeating the hosts to raise the Cup, with celebrations in the uniquely Windies manner! It was a long awaited international success for a team that means much more than simply cricket to the Caribbean. Domestically, the Queen’s Park Cricket Club did the “three peat”, a repeat of their 2011 performance when they won the T&T League, T20 and Sunday League competitions.

In football, W Connection won the inaugural Charity Shield trophy and dethroned Defence Force as the Pro League Champions, while Caledonia AIA took the amazing treble of the First Citizens League Cup, the Lucozade Goal Shield as well as the FA Trophy.

But Caledonia fell short of the quadruple when Defence Force beat them in the Final of the knockout Digicel Pro Bowl. With six major trophies each season, there is little doubt about the popularity of football in Trinbago. On the international front, the Soca Warriors continues its period of restructure with mixed fortunes; while there have been victories in matches against other Caribbean nations, the disappointing exit from the regional qualification group for the 2014 World Cup leaves a dedicated fan base frustrated.

The sport of Dragon Boat racing continues its rapid growth, with schools now taking part in the gruelling competition and a number of festivals sprinkled throughout the calendar, to hone the rowers’ skills for international competition. At July’s Long Beach Festival in California, Trinidad & Tobago Island Girls took gold while the Bishop Anstey High School Dragons took bronze.

There was also fire on water as Fire One retained its title in the annual powerboat Great Race between Trinidad & Tobago, which made history in 2012 with the first all-woman crew in the ironically named Candyman. In sailing, as Andrew Lewis inspired a new generation of yachtsmen with his gritty Olympic performances,

which improved with each day’s competition, February’s Tobago Sailing Regatta continued to attract foreign and local competitors for a beautiful festival that encapsulates the best of Caribbean watersports. That same Caribbean stereotype would have to include fishing, and the T&T Game Fishing Association (www. ttgfa.com) put on two great tournaments: the Wahoo in August and November’s Funfish Tournament. If you think that you can match the 37-pound kingfish that was caught this year, then these waters are for you.

There was no catching George Bovell in the water at the swimming World Cup in Russia, with gold in the 50m freestyle, silver in the 100m individual medley. These results underline the dedication of an athlete who shows no sign of slowing down with age and one that continues to inspire the next generation of swimmers.

It was Trinidad’s turn to host the Stephen Ames Cup, the youth competition named after the nation’s most famous golfer, and played annually between Canada and T&T. Though they were the expected to make full use of the home advantage, the local lads lost 12-4.

As the Tobago Cycling Classic continues to grow since being recognised by the world governing body as a world ranking race, the country’s cyclists did their bit to bring international recognition, through their performances. At the Pan Am Championships, it was double gold as Njisane Phillip blitzed the Sprint while Quincy Alexander topped the Kilometre Time Trial, proving to be the two fastest men in the western hemisphere. Not to be outdone, at the Junior Pan Ams, T&T’s boys and girls took gold in the Team Sprint.

It’s all part of a new generation coming through the ranks in all sports, inspired by the pedigree of our sporting DNA, with eyes focused on the future. For 2013, that is exactly what T&T’s sportspeople will be doing, building upon the successes of 2012 and continuing to punch above its weight in terms of results. Good luck to them all.

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Meet a Trini

Olympic Gold Medalist

KESHORN WALCOTT

S

till a teenager at nineteen, Toco-born and -bred Keshorn Walcott brought golden glory to himself and Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday 11th August 2012 at the Olympics in London, England. Toco is a relatively remote village on the north-eastern tip of Trinidad.

Keshorn became the youngest ever to win the event at the Olympics. His record throw of 84.58 metres left the customary Eastern European winners stunned by his strength and ability. He was the second Olympic gold medalist in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, the first being Hasely Crawford, 36 years ago in Montreal in the 100 metre sprint.

But the story of his rise to glory on the world stage is a fascinating one, since it was only as a seventeen year old while playing cricket on an adjoining playing field, that he challenged his buddies to let him have a throw of their javelin. And what a throw it was! This fateful throw led his then coach John Andalcio to immediately realize that young Walcott was a star in the making.

Walcott was encouraged to pick up the sport, and Cuban coach Ismael Lopez-Mastrapa was contacted. Given the distance between the capital city of Port of Spain (where the appropriate facilities were located) and his relatively remote village of Toco, coach Ismael sent tailored coaching instructions to his new charge twice per week during 2009 and 2010. Walcott absorbed the instructions and religiously carried them out on his own.

With the rapid improvement in his javelin-throwing skills, and more regional and international competitions looming, he moved to the home of his manager Sean Roach, located closer to the

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

By Nasser Khan

training facilities at the National Stadium in Port of Spain.

Thus started his meteoric ascent, as the soft-spoken Walcott became a repeat winner in the Under-20 Javelin throw at the Carifta Games, a two-time champion at the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships and finally, before the Olympics, the Junior World Champion at the 2012 Barcelona Games, which in fact qualified him for London. According to coach Ismael, “Little did I think he would win it all, but I knew he had a shot at the final. Keshorn is so dedicated, he knows where he is and where he wants to be.”

Following the Olympics, his homecoming was fit for the king of javelin-throwing that he had become. The Monday after his big win was declared a public holiday in his honour, and he was bestowed with many valuable gifts such as cash, a house and a scholarship by the Government for his great achievement. One famous landmark and tourist attraction, the Toco lighthouse, has been renamed the Keshorn Walcott Lighthouse, and the high school from which he graduated, Toco Composite, was slated to become the Keshorn Walcott Secondary School.

The young star has taken his new-found fame in stride at home.

“It’s kind of hard sometimes, knowing that everywhere you go people are pointing, talking, asking for pictures…” He wants to win back-to-back gold, and has his sights set on the Olympic record of 90.58 metres.

No doubt, all eyes will be set on T&T’s Keshorn Walcott in 2016 at the next Olympics in Brazil.

Meet a Trini

GEORGE BOVELL III A National Hero

H

by Sheldon Waithe

e has been a flag bearer for sport (figuratively and literally) in Trinidad & Tobago for over 12 years. His dedication knows no limits, and, as such, his continued success belies his age. He remains the sole swimmer to have won an Olympic medal for T&T and is the most decorated swimmer from the Caribbean. He is, of course, George Bovell III. Bovell competed in his fourth Olympics at London 2012, a testament to both his talent and hunger. The nation shared this hunger as well; consider that as Bovell took his place in the Olympic 50m Freestyle Final, Trinidad & Tobago literally came to a stop, as everyone gathered in front of various screens to scream themselves hoarse for the 21-odd seconds of the race.

Though Bovell turned on the after burners in swimming’s sprint event, he just missed a medal, but yet again won the hearts of Trinbagonians.

The Bovell journey began in his grandmother’s pool and then on to the sea. Like most Caribbean boys he tried his hand at cricket, football and a number of other sports, but his DNA probably dictated that he would end up in the pool. For George’s father was himself a successful swimmer who was good enough to have won the T&T Sportsman of the Year title. George’s mother provided the other half of those championship genes; she was an Olympic runner as well as Canadian National Champion.

After stints at local clubs Marlins, Flying Fish and Piranha Aquatics, Bovell began to gobble up national records; by 16 he extended that to breaking Caribbean records. A year later, at 17, he was attending school in Florida to further his swimming and was

then recruited by the renowned Auburn University. Bovell never looked back and he would eventually go on to win 25 All American Honours (a record for Auburn) as well as 5 NCAA individual titles.

Bovell set a firm foundation for his Olympic medal when he won two gold medals and two silver medals at the 2003 Pan American Games, then put out a warning when he broke the World Record in March 2004 in the short course (25m pool) 200 Individual Medley; in relatively quick time he had become a world-class swimmer. At the 2004 Olympics, he was nursing a shoulder blade injury but still put it all together in the gruelling 200m Individual Medley to secure bronze and T&T’s only medal of the Games. Not only was his medal another example of the tiny nation yet again punching above its weight, it provided crucial linkage from the medal-winning Ato Boldon years of 1996 and 2000, through to the 2008 and 2012 Games, where T&T won multiple medals. And he is far from winding down at the grand old age of 29: at the time of going to press, Bovell had won seven golds and six silvers in 2012’s Swimming World Cup, with three meets left. Truly amazing.

In the pre-Olympic film Red, White & Black, which focused on T&T’s London-bound athletes, viewers were given a rare glimpse of the inhumane schedule that Bovell puts himself through on a daily basis to bring those medals home. It goes beyond drive, patriotism and competitiveness; he was born to do this and he will continue in his endeavour for that second Olympic medal. That he has also found time to attain his degree in Building Science offers further reasons for him to be saluted as a national hero and an inspiration to T&T’s youth. See you in Rio, George!

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TRINIDAD’S TRAILS

by Sheldon Waithe Mountain Biking, Chaguaramas Photo: Courtenay Rooks

I

t’s the definitive battle of man versus nature—or should that be man immersed within nature? A vehicle, solely reliant on human power, taking on the forest’s trails, gradients and elements: it’s difficult to imagine being any closer to old Mother Nature. As mountain biking continues its phenomenal growth worldwide, Trinidadians have made the most of the natural environment on their doorstep, taking to the trails in droves. If the mountain biking gods were able to construct paths perfectly suited to this eco-based sport, it would probably resemble those that exist within the rainforests on the island.

Lush flora dictates the direction to be taken; large trees as old as time itself provide cover, while fallen bamboo leaves carpet the ground, adding a sense of the unknown. The Trinidad climate perfectly complements the sport, with heavy rains rendering the earth slippery for man and machine, or blazing sun baking the ground hard for maximum traction. It all adds up to an otherworldly feeling, which is apt because it truly is stepping into an existence away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living.

Foremost amongst the biking areas are the trails on the island’s north-western peninsula. The trails are all part of the Chaguaramas National Park, a rainforest comprising a mixture of agricultural vegetation, secondary forests and former tonka bean estates.

Man’s presence is evidenced by former World War II bunkers and tracking stations. The park also houses rivers and waterfalls, a real boon for those bikers that need to cool off after the effort of tackling the tracks. Access is simple: you park at one of the many facilities provided (including the golf course clubhouse) and ride along to the trail of your choice, which is marked by a barrier restricting vehicle access but ready to welcome the cyclist into its unique world. The choices cover all abilities and preferences, from the hard cardio-vascular workout of a climb through the never-ending arches of bamboo up to the tracking station, to the gentle ride to the Cuesa river through a nutmeg plantation and past one of the area’s natural showers. As you stumble upon forks on the trails, there is little chance of becoming lost, only

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the burgeoning excitement of what the left or right choice will bring. Variation exists, too, with the timing of your ride; an early morning ride means hearing the roar of the Howler monkeys (though glimpses are very rare!), a late afternoon ride provides the splash of colour as the Amazon parrots come home to roost after a busy day.

A bit further south, nearer the sea, are paths reflective of the past military presence as the tracks are littered with World War II structures embedded in the hillside. It’s a jaunt for the very fit, though, as the final destination at the top, Mount St. Catherine, at 539 metres, is the Park’s highest peak. However, the ride up through the habitats of some of the best bird life the country has to offer, as well as the views of the Tucker Valley, Gulf of Paria, and the five offshore islands make it well worth the effort. Plus there is the unbridled joy of descending the hill afterwards.

One look at Trinidad’s Northern range mountains leaves one in little doubt that there are some fantastic old hunting tracks that now act as biking and hiking trails. The Lalaja waterfall ride is escapism at its very best, though it is a very challenging route, crossing streams and incorporating very sharp descents. The Madamas Road is anything but a “road”; located near the Brasso Seco village, the ride is a single track that cuts through several streams and enters the rainforest on its way to spoiling the rider with the choice of two waterfalls. The Paria Trace and Sans Souci trails offer similar rides, with the mixture of flat sections and gentle gradients.

The local explosion of the sport means that there are a number of experienced mountain bikers to guide the inexperienced or elite level rider through these rides. Corkies Cycle Centre (www. corkiescycling.com) and Mike Bikes (info@caribbeancycling.net) can provide details on guides, group rides and repairs.

Paria Springs (rooks@pariasprings.com).

For the competitive thrill, there are also a number of race events, primarily held on the Chaguaramas routes. The ultimate trails await; start pedalling.

TRINIDAD = TARPON

By Capt. Jonathan de la Rosa

S

cenario…It’s six in the morning, you boarded your charter boat at five-thirty, and already exhaustion has set in. Not from a lack of sleep, but from the twohundred-pound behemoth that ignited your adrenaline for the past thirty minutes. You sit for a while to catch your breath, if even for a minute, because the lines are already back in the water, and at any moment, one of the many heavy rollers boat-side is about to have you “hooked” — yet again. No need for coffee; you’re in Trinidad, and you’re fishing for Monster Tarpon.

Talk to a group of enthused sport fishermen, and six out of ten will tell you that trolling the depths in search of big Marlin is the Holy Grail of sport fishing. A Marlin popping up in your spread is without a doubt the most exhilarating experience known to amateurs and professionals alike. The other four, however, will tell you that there is no species of fish in this world that compares to the strength, resilience and acrobatics of the “Silver King”. Second to Marlin, Tarpon is the most sought-after species by travelling anglers and sport-fishermen in search of big game.

In 2010, Sport Fishing Magazine hailed Trinidad as the 3rd best place to fish for Tarpon in the world. An immense achievement when you think that this has been determined with very little marketing; just purely from the mouths and testimonials of the anglers that have been privileged to travel the world fishing for Tarpon. Ask each one to compare, and Trinidad will always come out on top. Trinidad also offers something unique to the rest of the Tarpon “hot spots” – incredible scenery and convenience. Amidst all the excitement of hooking into one of these “almost” prehistoric creatures is the incredible backdrop of the Northern Range.

The vivid Caribbean sunsets and vertical walls of lush

Photo: Larry Dahlberg

volcanic rock can seem surreal at times. As if you’re floating on an artist’s canvas, while catching the fish of your dreams.

With direct flights from nearly every major airport, this Tarpon haven is also a breeze when it comes to logistics. Literally, within an hour and a half of landing in Piarco International Airport, you can be on your charter boat, with your Englishspeaking crew, hooked into a world record Tarpon.

This fishery really started to take shape as an angling hot spot when Dan Jacobs of Sport Fishing Magazine came and fished here some 16 years ago. Dan was in complete awe as he hooked into “Trini” Tarpon, drift after drift. So much so, three years later in 2000, Trinidad graced the pages of said publication as a world class destination for Tarpon. Since then, countless articles and television shows have been documented highlighting this island’s fishing talents. Dan has, from day one, believed Trinidad to be the next frontier for traveling anglers in search of Tarpon.

Trinidad currently has two Tarpon tournaments, both of which are held in the peak of the Tarpon season: in and around the month of August. The Trinidad Tarpon Thunder and the Trini Tarpon Tournament are two of the most highly anticipated events on the annual sport fishing calendar. For more information on these tournaments contact www.ttgfa. com or www.trinitarpontournament.yolasite.com Planning a trip?

Although Tarpon can be caught in Trinidad year round, we suggest getting out between the months of June and October.

This period represents the peak fishing for the year, and boasts the major migration of fish. For more information on booking your Monster Tarpon adventure, contact: Island Yacht Charters Limited www.islandyachtcharters.net 868-684-7171.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Special Events

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Happy Birthday Trinidad and Tobago!

In 2012, Trinidad and Tobago celebrated a milestone in our country’s history: our Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence. 50 years as a young—and still developing— nation.

To celebrate this hallmark occasion, Trinidad and Tobago put on several special events throughout the islands, showcasing the multicultural diversity that is a major part of our uniqueness. Celebrations ran the gamut of the event management spectrum and included community caravans and concerts, gala awards ceremonies that acknowledged the contributions of nationals to the growth and development of the country, a re-enactment of the historic flag-raising ceremony, and a performance by the Kennedy Centre National Symphony Orchestra, among many others This special occasion gave the impetus to many event producers to ensure that the existing events in the annual calendar were also celebrated with more pomp and ceremony, in keeping with this special occasion.

Carnival 2K12 got the festivities going early in the year, and was followed by Emancipation Day, Eid, Independence Day, the Blue Food Festival in Tobago, and Tobago Jazz, all celebrated with greater enthusiasm as the event industry displayed its own growth and development over the past 50 years.

What was clear during these celebrations was that Trinidad and Tobago’s event industry has grown over the years into a significant contributor to the islands’ economy and is reflected in the emergence of companies that specialise in event management and vendors that supply a range of goods and services to the industry, comparable with those available anywhere in the world. This demand has been fuelled by the needs of corporate clients that have raised the bar by demanding that event professionals operate with attention to ROI, risk management, marketing and proper resource management, in line with industry best practices and international standards.

This has been backed up by Government’s commitment to the establishment of a secondary economy for the country that moves it away from its dependence on oil and gas to other industries. These include the tourism sector, the fashion industry, entertainment, and the film industry, all of which are part of the broad spectrum that makes up the event industry. The focus of the Tourism Development Company on the meetings industry is reflected in the establishment of the Conventions Visitors Bureau, along with incentives for further development in Tobago that would encourage hoteliers and investors to identify opportunities in the sister isle for the development of infrastructure and the environment that would attract visitors.

This development, together with the intrinsic talent that is part of the creativity and energy of Trinidad and Tobago, has the potential to create an event industry that is unparelled in the region.

T&T’s 2012 “Birthday Party” brought together event planners, artists, entertainers, artisans and event industry suppliers to ensure that the celebrations reflected the true spirit of Trinidad and Tobago and the passion, pride and patriotism of our people, creating the potential for a powerhouse industry in the future.

Special Events

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Food and Trinidad are a match made in heaven! Our diverse ethnic origins have created a true melting pot of flavours that make Trinidadian cuisine the awardwinning best in the Caribbean.

Your culinary adventure could begin with the Trini version of India – our unique blend of curries and spices in doubles, roti and phoulourie… Then on to China for dim sum or the locally created “Char Sui Kai Fan”.

We can visit the Middle East for the gyros or kibbi, with tantalizing garlic sauce blends, or on to Europe for fine Italian and Mediterranean cuisine samplings.

Or the newest Trini crave, a visit to one of the many sushi bars which add a local twist to the traditional fare. The true Trini cuisine blends the delights from around the world to create truly distinct flavours in our pelau or Sunday staple – stewed chicken, macaroni pie and callaloo.

Our restaurants range from the traditional outdoor food stand on the beach serving “bake and shark”, to family-style restaurants and fine dining restaurants.

Most restaurants open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with Sunday brunches. They are all in a range of price points which make eating out in Trinidad very affordable.

It’s possible to spend a week in Trinidad and never have to eat in the same place twice! We dare you to try it!

By The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA)

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RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Tiki Village

KAVA

TGI Fridays

Kapok Hotel, 8th Floor 16-18 Cotton Hill, St. Clair, Maraval Reservations recommended: (868) 622-KPOK (5765) stay@kapokhotel.com www.kapokhotel.com Find us on Facebook

Kapok Hotel, Lobby Level 16-18 Cotton Hill, St. Clair, Trinidad Reservations recommended: (868) 622-KAVA (5282) kava@kapokhotel.com www.kapokhotel.com Find us on Facebook

bpTT Building, POS Tel: (868) 624-TGIF (8443)

Tiki Village is a unique Asian-Polynesian Restaurant offering a stunning view of the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of–Spain, and the Gulf of Paria. Explore our famous Dim Sum menu on Sundays and taste our delicately hand-crafted Asian delights. Or join us for our sumptuous a-la-carte lunches and dinners. Honey-toned wooden pillars and copper masks, locally crafted by our artisans, create a warm ambiance and an elegant background.

Perfect for a romantic evening, business meeting or a family outing.

KAVA’s eclectic menu features Artisan brick oven pizzas, salads, gourmet burgers, pastas, steaks and more. It displays a wide selection of wines, and offers a variety of internationally renowned beers.

Its convenient location, along with the crisp and inviting décor, makes it an excellent meeting spot! Enjoy your choice of indoor café styled seating or relax on our outdoor terrace, both providing the perfect setting for casual dining.

Whether it’s for a quick bite for lunch, graband-go or a leisurely espresso with tempting desserts, KAVA is the obvious choice.

Sample Menu Our Special Polynesian Delight A combination of five delectable hors d’oeuvres.

A Tiki favourite — Perfect for sharing!

Black Pepper Beef Filet of beef sautéed with fresh crushed black pepper, chives, onion and garlic, served in a sizzling platter.

Sesame Fish Sliced filet of fish, seasoned and coated with sesame seeds and then lightly pan fried.

TIKI Hot Shrimp Shrimp seasoned with garlic, chives and minced ginger, deep fried, then finished with a delicious chili sauce.

Sample Menu KAVA Pizza Our own signature pizza!

Tomato sauce, mozzarella, goat cheese, caramelized onions, with toasted walnuts or capers.

Atlantic Salmon Teriyaki and mango glazed Atlantic salmon, pan seared with pommes anna and julienne vegetables.

Prosciutto Salad Prosciutto with mixed greens, olives, goat cheese, with a balsamic dressing & pepperoncini salsa.

Kava’s Bushwhacker Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, Coconut Rum, Coconut Cream, Amaretto, Grand Marnier and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway • Available for functions

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Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway • Available for functions

Price Plaza, Chaguanas Tel: (868) 673-TGIF (8443) Gulf City, San Fernando Tel: (868) 653-TGIF (8443) In 1965, Friday’s® became the quintessential American bar and grill while creating a cultural beacon for fun and raising the expectation for socialisation. Over the years, T.G.I. Friday’s has developed a rich food and beverage heritage which includes popularising Happy Hour and creating the Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. The heart of each T.G.I. Friday’s is the bar, a stage where that “Friday Feeling” begins and infectious energy is created by the world’s greatest bartenders serving up innovative drinks. Whether for lunch, dinner or late night dining, we always provide an environment that frees our guests to let go of restraints and be themselves, so they leave our restaurants feeling far better than they did when they first walked through our doors.

Sample Menu Appetizers – Buffalo Wings, Chicken Quesadillas Grill – Jack Daniel’s® Ribs, Jack Daniel’s® Chicken, Jack Daniel’s® Steak Mains – Sizzling Chicken And Shrimp, Championship Bbq Pork Chop Salads – Chicken Caesar Salad, Cajun-Fried Chicken Salad Pasta – Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta, Blackened Chicken Alfredo Burgers – Mushroom-Onion-Swiss Burger, Bbq Burger Dessert – Mocha Mud Pie, Oreo® Madness

Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway Available

Restaurants

Waterfront Restaurant Hyatt Regency Trinidad 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad, WI Tel: (868) 821-6550 trinidad.hyatt.com facebook.com/hyattregencytrinidad Waterfront Restaurant invites you to enjoy local and international cuisine with contemporary flair. Featuring fresh seafood, mouth-watering steaks and a bounty of delicious tropical fare, Waterfront promises to take you on an amazing culinary excursion. Savor authentic flavours, magnificent presentations and gorgeous tropical décor as you dine indoors or outdoors, with amazing views of the Gulf of Paria. For a truly special dining experience, have a seat at our Chef’s Table and take in a front-row view of the action in our open kitchen.

Sample Menu LUNCH Waterfront “Signature” Salad Bar Thoughtfully sourced local vegetables.

“Sustainable” Jerk Red Snapper Stewed red beans / sautéed mushrooms.

DINNER Marinated Tuna - Coconut and chili marinated / tomato choka / molasses dressing.

Herb Crusted Lamb Rack - Stuffed sweet onion / potatoes & wild mushrooms / carrot purée / wine reduction.

DESSERT Banoffi Galette – Caramelized banana / condensed custard / dulce de leche ice-cream.

Texas de Brazil

Burger King

Level 2 Fiesta Plaza Movie Towne Invaders Bay, Audrey Jeffers Highway Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-0022

Restaurant Holdings Limited Restaurant Support Centre Unit 5, Lot 2c, Chootoo Road, El Socorro Tel: (868) 674-2729 Fax: (868) 675-2104 E-mail: rsc@bkpopeye.com

Texas de Brazil is an authentic BrazillianAmerican churrascaria (steak house) offering you an interactive dining experience unlike anything else in Trinidad and Tobago!

Treat yourself to our 50 to 60 seasonal salad area and traditional side items. When you are ready for meat, turn your card to green and prepare to be swarmed by a troop of carvers generously serving various cuts of meat until you can say, “No mas!” An extensive wine list, freshly made signature cocktails, and many decadent desserts are available to complete your dining experience.

Hours of Operation: Lunch from Thur. - Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Dinner nightly from 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Sample Menu

Smoked Salmon Lobster Bisque Sushi Sweet & Sour Fish

Various Cuts Of Beef, Lamb, Pork, Chicken And Brazilian Sausage: Brazilian Picanha Rack Of Lamb Chicken Wrapped in Bacon Filet Mignon Parmesan-Crusted Pork Hearty Flank Steak Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon

BREAKFAST: Croissantwich with Ham or Bacon Pancakes French Toast Eggs Bacon Hash Browns LUNCH: Whopper Stacker Veggie Burger BK Fish Original Chicken Sandwich Salads

Brazilian Cocktail: Caipiriniha Our signature cocktail with fresh fruit and sugar muddled and served shaken.

24 hour Grab and Go Deli/ Patisserie – Cinnamon

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Sample Menu

Fixed pricing (All you can eat) Seasonal Salad Area includes: Aged French Cheeses Marinated Portobello Brazilian Pasta Salad Brazilian Black Beans with Pork

Burger King – ‘Home of the Whopper’ – is known for its flame-broiled beef burgers.

Celebrate fast food diversity with Burger King as it boasts of variety to satisfy your palette from fish to steak, chicken and ham products.

We are conveniently located at St. James, Movietowne Invaders Bay, Maraval, West Mall, Grand Bazaar, San Juan, Trincity Mall, Curepe, Chaguanas, Price Plaza, Gulf City, High Street, San Fernando and Princes Town.

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Available for Functions

• Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Restaurants

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Restaurants

The Verandah

Hollywood Grill

10 Rust Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-6287 E-mail: verandah.food@gmail.com

Store A #11-12 Price Plaza, Endeavour, Next to MovieTowne, Chaguanas Tel: (868) 665-4965 Curbside Pick-up: 671-2EAT (2328)

Set in an old fashioned St. Clair residence, the Verandah offers dining either indoors (air conditioned), on our breezy verandah or in a picturesque courtyard. The menu changes daily, offering a blend of international dishes with a very strong Caribbean influence, often described as “freestyle Caribbean Cuisine”.

The Verandah is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and for dinner on Thursday and Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. We offer afternoon tea every second Wednesday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We also cater for private parties, functions and office meetings.

Sample Menu Callaloo soup with Coo Coo $32 Fillet of Mahi Mahi poached in a rich tomato creole sauce, topped with sweet peppers, onions and capers. $98

Hollywood Grill invites you to try our wide variety of mouth-watering selections to tease your taste buds. Featuring hearty, scene-stealing dishes inspired by Hollywood blockbusters – our succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs always capture the spotlight. Our Vegas lounge-style bar serves up epic cocktails which are equally impressive. So visit us the next time you’re in Price Plaza – we’re right next to MovieTowne in Chaguanas… you’re sure to find Hollywood Grill a Hit! *We offer Curbside Pick-up ToGo!

Sample Menu Premieres: Crab Wontons The Main Event: BBQ Pork Ribs Dessert: Five High Chocolate Cake

Ruby Tuesday MovieTowne Complex, Port-of-Spain Tel: (868) 624-6566 Fax: (868) 624-0001 Grand Bazaar, Churchill Roosevelt Hwy Tel: (868) 663-6566 Fax: (868) 663-7875 Price Plaza, Chaguanas Tel: (868) 665-5369 Fax: (868) 665-3742 E-mail: dachin@rubytuesdaytrinidad.com Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

From our bountiful Fresh Garden bar and forktender ribs to the best premium handcrafted burgers, Ruby Tuesday makes every effort to ensure you get the best casual dining experience. You can expect the same friendly atmosphere and great service at any of our three locations: MovieTowne, Port of Spain; the City of Grand Bazaar and Price Plaza in Chaguanas.

Ruby Tuesday – More Choices, More Taste, More Fun!

Fruity bread pudding with rum custard sauce. $40

Sample Menu

Or

Lobster Tails Broiled to perfection and served with fresh steamed broccoli and rice pilaf.

A watermelon, tomato and black olive salad with toasted almonds and feta cheese, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. $34 Coconut crusted shrimp with our house mango chutney. $135

Chicken Fresco A grilled chicken breast topped with seasonal vine-ripened tomatoes, lemon-butter sauce and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. Served with fresh steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes.

Creamy homemade barbadine ice cream $25 Call us for our full menu.

Lunch • Dinner • Afternoon Tea

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Premium Handcrafted Cocktails Mango Mojito & Strawberry Margarita

Lunch • Dinner

Lunch • Dinner

Restaurants

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Restaurants

Adam’s Bagels & Specialty Breads 15A Saddle Rd., Maraval, Port-of-Spain Tel: (868) 622-2435 E-mail: adam@adamsbagels.com Adam’s is a family-owned and-operated Bakery, Restaurant and Gourmet Shop located in the heart of Maraval.

Believing in fresh ingredients, quality products and friendly personalized customer service, we have developed many longlasting relationships with our customers over the past 20 years.

Adam’s offers bagels, breads, pies, breakfast, lunch and tea daily, in a bistro-style restaurant.

The Adam’s experience is like no other. The next time you are in the area, be sure to visit our restaurant.

Sample Menu The Shankleesh Cowboy Shankleesh Cheese, Scrambled Eggs, Tomatoes, Onions, Kalamata Olives and Pita Bread.

Thai Chicken Wrap Sauteed Chicken in Oriental Dressing, Tortilla Wrapped with Lettuce, Julienne Carrots, Crunchy Noodles.

Wednesdays and Saturdays Fried Bake and Black Pudding or Buljol and Saltfish Accra Fridays Tomato, Melongene, Pumpkin, Bhagi Chokas with Whole Wheat Sada Roti We also offer Breakfast sandwiches and omlettes, an assortment of hot and cold drinks, a tempting selection of pastries made in-house, and a kids’ menu.

Breakfast • Lunch

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J-ZZ’S International Steak House Corner Gibbs Street and Southern Main Road, Couva.

Reservations: (868) 636-5997(JZZS)/ 302-1000 www.J-zzs.com Enjoy Sizzling Steaks @ our International Family Lounge or Lime & Dine at our World Class Bars. Located in the industrial town of Couva, one minute drive from Point Lisas, in central Trinidad. With the widest range of cocktails you could ever imagine, J-ZZ’S has 3 bars, with a separate smoke-deck bar, plus a conference room with its own bar and full business and training facilities. J-ZZ’S has got over 20 screens for your comfort and caters for private parties and functions as well.

Entire ground floor furnished with open WIFI facility.

Subway Head Office Tel: (868) 662-5716, 645-8158, 663-9567, 662-6848, 662-0092 Fax: 662-3250 Branches: Diego Martin; two locations in St. James; five locations in Port of Spain; Barataria; MovieTowne; Woodbrook; Maraval; Curepe; UWI Campus; Valpark Shopping Plaza; Valsayn; Arima; Trincity Mall; Price Plaza; Gulf City Mall & Car Park; Couva, Southern Main Road; San Fernando; Point Lisas; Three locations in Tobago; Debe; Pointe a Pierre; Princes Town; Sangre Grande; Point Fortin; La Romaine; Tunapuna; Glencoe; Montrose; Mount Hope; Piarco International Airport; Mayaro; Siparia; Penal.

Sample Menu Appetizers/ Starters Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Back, Chicken Quesadilla, Bacon Cheddar Fries, Jalapeño Poppers Onion Rings, Mozarella Sticks, J-ZZ’S Golden or Sauteed Calamari Rings.

Seafood - King Crab Legs / Snow Crab Catch of the Day, Pink Salmon Lobster Thermidor (Grilled/Broiled), Surf ’n Turf.

Steaks Fillet Mignon, Rib Eye, New York Strip, T-Bone Porterhouse, Beef Short Rib, Beef & Pork Ribs.

Baby Back Ribs, Lamb, Pork Sides - Loaded Baked Potato, Vegetable Rice, Fresh Vegetables, Steak Fries, Mashed Potatoes.

Special Catering and Local Cuisine

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Sample Menu Breads: Italian white, wheat, parmesan, roasted garlic and honey oat.

Popular Sandwiches: Chicken Teriyaki, Meat Balls, Tuna.

Each sandwich consist of bread, meat, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers and pickles, plus other optional condiments like pineapple chunks, jalapeños, garlic sauce, olive oil and many more.

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Restaurants

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Restaurants

Lime Inn Acajou Hotel, Grande Riviere, Trinidad Tel: (868) 670-3771 Fax: (868) 670-4566 E-mail: info@acajoutrinidad.com www.acajoutrinidad.com Reflecting our own mix of Sweden and Trinidad, our menu is a lovingly created marriage between local and continental influences.

Come and relax in a setting that will completely take your breath away.

Sample Menu Creamy Crab Soup Gaspacho with parmesan cheese & “gambas marrakech” Cucumber Soup with chili-glazed scallops Acajou chicken salad Tuna Fish Salad with walnuts, Gorgonzola & roasted beetroot ........

Pesto Linguine & Grilled Eggplant topped with parmesan cheese.

Caribbean Rub Chicken with pineapple and papaya salsa (picture).

Grilled Red Snapper with lemon grass, grapefruit salsa, pack choi & basmati rice.

Coconut milk & lime-poached King Fish Fillet with pack choi and basmati rice.

Duck Breast with anjomole, pumpkin creme & roast root vegetables.

BBQ Pork Loin with roast vegetables, long beans & cauliflower creme. .........

Nut and Chocolate Tart with grapefruit sorbet.

Grilled Pineapple with Rum Sabayon & Coconut Ice Cream Sorbet - assorted seasonal flavors.

Nichossa Restaurant

Jenny’s on the Boulevard

Rainbow Plaza, Gulf View Link Road Gulf View, San Fernando Tel: (868) 652-8912 E-mail: nichossa@live.com

6 Cipriani Boulevard, POS Tel: (868) 625-1807 Fax: (868) 625-6012 E-mail: info@jennysontheblvd.com www.jennysontheblvd.com

This cafe-styled restaurant and specialty bakery offers diners a classy, casual atmosphere.

Nichossa opens Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering American-styled breakfasts and a wide selection for lunch and beyond!

Our baked goods include local favourites like currants rolls, coconut drops and beef pies, to decadent international desserts like caramel flan and tiramisu.

Sample Menu Breakfast: Omelettes, French toast and a variety of breakfast sandwiches.

Salads: Including “Trini” Shark Salad, Caesar Salads (plain or with shrimp, chicken or tuna).

Cafe Meals: Blackened Salmon, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Roast Beef with gravy, Pumpkin and Callaloo Soup.

Sample Menu

Our Taste of Italy: Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo & Cannelloni.

CHINESE

Sandwiches: Freshly made hoagie bread with choices including BBQ Chicken, Roast Beef, Ham & Cheese, ‘Meat Mouth’ and Tuna.

BURGERS

Burgers: Salmon, Beef and Veggie.

STEAKHOUSE SEAFOODS NEW ITALIAN MENU

Bakery & Desserts: Pies, Puffs, Cakes, Cheesecakes, Black Forest Cake, Red Velvet Cake.

Beverages: Fresh Juices, Specialty Coffees, Variety of Teas & Smoothies.

Available for Functions • Lunch • Dinner

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Jenny’s on the Boulevard is situated in downtown Port of Spain in an elaborate blue, old-fashioned, colonial-style home built in 1883 by a Scottish architect named George Brown. The interior is exquisitely decorated in a Victorian-style theme, comprising original artwork, portraits of Trinidad and Tobago national heroes, and stately Lords and Ladies of that era, along with memorabilia from local and foreign places. The menu consists of very affordable Chinese, American, and our new Italian cuisine. Downstairs in the bar area known as “The Cellar”, the atmosphere is more casual and conducive to the after-work gathering. The decor in this area follows the general pattern, but also consists of several stuffed animal heads—including a somewhat menacing-looking, full-sized grizzly bear.

We can boast of the best food and great ambience with secured parking. Try us today!

The food is complemented by our exciting premium drinks and cocktails, which our welltrained bartender mixes to your taste!

More info? Make a reservation or call 625-1807 today to RSVP!

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Catering for meetings and functions available

Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway

Restaurants

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Restaurants

Joseph’s Restaurant – A world apart

Mélange Restaurant

3A Rookery Nook, Maraval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

E-mail: info@josephstnt.com or reservations@josephstnt.com www.josephstnt.com Facebook: Joseph’s Restaurant Lunch: Mon.- Fri. from 11:30 a.m.

Dinner: Mon.- Sat. 6:00 p.m. - 10:30p.m.

40 Ariapita Avenue and Cornelio Street Woodbrook Tel/Fax: (868) 628-8687 E-mail: info@melangetrinidad.com

Lebanese-born Joseph Habr, owner and chef of Joseph’s Restaurant, has over 35 years of experience. Joseph has created a unique haven away from the bustle of the city. Nestled in the verdant Rookery Nook, Maraval, Joseph’s Restaurant is truly a world apart. Diners can choose from the main dining area, cooled by fans and the gentle breezes, or the more elegant air-conditioned rooms or the newly added patio area on the outskirts of the building. Joseph’s proudly serves Lebanese cuisine, but its menu also boasts dishes from the Mediterranean peninsula, which are easily complemented by wine from the wide selection found in the wine cellar. Joseph’s Restaurant caters for all occasions, on location or at a venue of your choice.

Sample Menu MIDDLE EASTERN PLATTER Hummus, Taboulie, Shankleesh Salad, Mahamara & Fried Kibbi.

MUSHROOM CAPS With a cheese filling, baked ,then topped with delightful garlic.

Mélange is an elegant 60-seater restaurant where guests enjoy a selection of international favourites fused with Caribbean bursts of flavours. The spirit of the restaurant is reflected in presentations that are unmatched, service that is friendly and indulgent, and a contemporary ambience that is both relaxed and romantic. A casual dining menu is also available. Renowned for seafood, roast rack of lamb and the best-tasting steaks on the island.

Open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted. Call for reservations.

Sample Menu Passion fruit-glazed TT$165.00 Atlantic pink salmon Poached Pink Salmon Fillet complemented by Dijonnaise Sauce.

Baby Back Ribs TT$175.00 “Fall off the bone” baby back ribs finished with barbeque guava glaze.

Chargrilled Ribeye Steak TT$255.00 Eight-ounce Ribeye chargrilled to your specifications and complemented by red onion confit.

Linguini Diablo TT$155.00 Grilled marinated chicken breast served on a bed of linguine tossed in mild marinara sauce with fresh basil and portobello mushrooms.

JOSEPH’S SIGNATURE LAMB Boneless lamb loin rolled in a mixture of nuts, then gently roasted. Served in a port wine reduction with Arabic rice on the side.

Available for Functions • Lunch • Dinner

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Available for Functions • Takeaway • Lunch • Dinner

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

buzo Osteria Italiana

6A Warner Street, Newtown, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 223-2896 buzo.trinidad@gmail.com A great meal is a kind of journey that returns you to sources of pleasure you may have forgotten and takes you to places you haven’t been before.

Sample Menu Appetizer -Tomino della Valtellina al prosciutto di Parma grigliato con riduzione balsamica Modenese Grilled Tomino cheese wrapped in Parma prosciutto, arugula and balsamic glaze. $79 Frittura di Funghi con maionese al tartufo e aglio in fiore - Portobello mushroom tempura, truffle and roasted garlic mayo. $69 Pasta Panzerotti ai funghi porcini con salsa prezzemolata - Panzerotti filled with porcini mushroom in a roasted garlic and parsley sauce. $98 Main course Filetto di pesce spada alla griglia con fonduta di granchio e mascarpone Grilled swordfish fillet with a crab and mascarpone cheese fondue. $160 Filetto di maiale ai ferri con crema di mele e zucchero di canna Pork loin, sugar cane & apple glaze. $175 Sides Cipolline caramellate al balsamico modenese - Caramelized cipollini onion. $50 Broccoletti e patate Saltati in padella - Sautéed Brussels sprouts and potato with lemon oil and black peppercorns. $58 Dessert -Tortino caldo al cioccolato $65 Flourless chocolate soufflé, vanilla bean gelato & raspberry reduction.

Lunch • Dinner

Restaurants

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Restaurants

Soong’s Great Wall

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant

Emiliana Osteria Italiana

Reservations: (868) 652-Wall (9255) / 657-5050 / 652-2583 97 Circular Rd., San Fernando Fax: (868) 653-3834 Email: soongsgreatwall@gmail.com

38 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook Tel: (868) 628-5551 / 628-7854 Fax: (868) 622-9562 E-mail: angelos@flowtrinidad.com

3 Longden Street, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 223-7233 Email: osteriaemiliana@yahoo.com Web: osteriaemiliana.com Parking: Street/ Valet/ Secured

The Great Wall of China is the world’s longest wall built entirely by hand, making it a remarkable engineering feat. Today, Soong’s Great Wall prides itself on that same personal attention that builds longlasting relationships making us a worldclass restaurant. Relax and be pampered by our highly trained staff personally instructed in the art of making you feel welcome.

Our famous Wednesday Night Buffet offers succulent lobster among many other delectable dishes. Don’t miss our Sunday Lunch Buffet.

Welcome the experience - we know you’ll be back again and again!

Sample Menu Phoenix Basket A combination of assorted seafood, meats and mixed vegetables presented in an edible basket.

Sizzling Tenderloin Beef Beef tenderloin slices stir-fried in black bean sauce and served on a sizzling hot platter.

Sesame Shrimp Golden battered shrimp smothered in a delectable cream sauce and sprinkled with lightly toasted sesame seeds.

Lobster Cantonese Chunks of the finest lobster delicately cooked with a cream & butter sauce.

Dasheen Pork Slices of pork & dasheen layered and steamed in a special sauce.

Calabrian-born Chef Angelo Cofone brings to Trinidad the authentic southern flavors of Italy. With over twenty years of experience working both in Italy and London, he has brought his magical culture to this island, putting Trinidad a cut above the rest. Diners are mesmerised by his mouth-watering cuisine and the charm and warmth that he generates. Together with his highly trained staff, wife and two of his three sons, they have produced a restaurant that is the finest in dining. Reservations necessary.

Open Monday to Friday.

Lunch from 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m.

Dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturdays—Dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sample Menu PASTA Linguine Frutti di Mare – Linguine pasta tossed with lobster, clams, squid, shrimp and mussles in a sauce made of plum tomatoes, garlic & basil.

SEAFOOD Salmone alla Messinese - Atlantic pink salmon resting on a layer of sautéed spinach dressed with a sauce made of cream, capers & truffle oil.

STEAK Filetto alla Toscana – Prime fillet steak in a cream brandy sauce with mushrooms, tomatoes and tarragon.

CHICKEN Pollo Fontina – Breast of chicken filled with baby spinach, Fontina cheese and pine nuts, resting on a Tuscan style tomato sauce with Chianti wine.

Private upper level for special functions & seminars

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Lunch • Dinner

Serving: Mon. to Fri: Lunch 11:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Mon. to Sat.: Dinner 6:00p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Cooking for Trinidad & Tobago for over 30 years, Chef Giuliano Fuochi adds his latest offering to Trinidad’s flavorful culinary tapestry with Emiliana Osteria Italiana.

Our cuisine is a reflection of our Northern Italian heritage and sharing our passion for food is what we do best.

Authentic Italian tradition, paired with innovative flair, will amp up your everyday dining pleasure.

Come, taste the difference! Buon Appetito!

Sample Menu Average price lunch Two courses TT$140.00 / US $23.00 Three courses TT195.00 / US $32.00 Average price Dinner Two courses TT$180.00 / US $30.00 Three courses TT245.00 / US $40.00 Starters: Insalata Di Gamberetti – Steamed local prawns with green salad, served with boiled egg slices adourned with aurora sauce.

Vitello Tonnato – Thin slices of cooked veal served with a blend of homemade mayonnaise and tuna fish sauce, garnished with capers and lemon.

Main Courses: Lasagna Bolognese – Italian timeless classic of pasta, béchamel meat sauce with parmagiano crumbles backed to perfection.

Gamberoni Aglio E Pepe – Prawns with garlic, tomatoes and green Madegascar.

Lunch • Dinner

Restaurants

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Restaurants

Cold Stone Creamery

HAKKA Restaurant & Bar

Movie Towne, Invaders Bay: (868) 624-1513 The Falls at West Mall: (868) 637-2653 Trincity Mall: (868) 640-5138 Movie Towne, Price Plaza, Chaguanas: (868) 671-1513 www.coldstonecreamery.co.tt coldstone@coldstonecreamery.co.tt

4 Taylor Street, Woodbrook, P.O.S Tel: (868) 622-0004 E-mail: info@hakkarestaurant.com www.hakkarestaurant.com Facebook: Hakka-Restaurant-Bar

If it has anything to do with ice cream, it has everything to do with Cold Stone Creamery. From unique ice cream creations to smoothies, cakes and shakes- nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone..

Every ice cream we serve is a “Creation” – because each one is a work of art. From Cookie Doughn’t You Want Some to Chocolate Devotion, we’re confident that we’ve made a Creation that will hit your sweet spot. We’re so proud of our redefinition of ice cream that we’re almost inclined to do away with the words “ice cream” altogether. Why not just call it Cold Stone? Quite simply, making the best ice cream for the world to enjoy is our passion, and delivering happiness is our expertise.

Sample Menu Pick Your Passion COLD STONE SIGNATURE CREATIONS COLD STONE SHAKES & SMOOTHIES COLD STONE SIGNATURE CAKES Our classic and most popular ice-cream cakes, all of which possess that unmistakeable mark of distinction, quality and taste.

We have a cake for every occasion!

See our full menu online or in store.

Hakka cuisine is an elegant fusion of Chinese recipes with distinct Indian spices and flavours. Over 100 years ago, the original recipes traveled from Mei Zhou, China to India with the Hakka Chinese people, who eventually settled in Calcutta. Over several generations, the marriage of oriental techniques and Indian ingredients evolved into a gastronomic explosion for the taste buds. Our chefs have traveled from the top Hakka restaurants in Calcutta to meticulously prepare dishes that define the sights, tastes and aromas of the HAKKA experience.

Dining: 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Mon. - Thur.

11:00 a.m. - 12 midnight Fri. and Sat. 12 noon - 10:00 p.m. Sunday Takeaway: 11a.m - 7:30 p.m. Mon. - Sat.

Sample Menu APPETIZER Chicken Lollipop Drumettes marinated with garlic, wild coriander and our special Calcutta red chili paste, then fried to perfection and served with a spicy tomato and wild coriander sauce.

MAIN COURSE - Konjee Crispy Chicken Moist slices of chicken breast crispy fried, heated with our special Calcutta red chili paste and tossed with onions and scallions in a sweet and spicy Konjee sauce.

DESSERT - Caramel Cheesecake Flan A heavenly marriage of cheesecake and crème caramel; sweet, creamy, decadent.

Lunch • Dinner • Parking Available

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

LeVeLs 1 Taylor Street Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain Tel: (868) 622-5350 E-mail: reservations@levelsultrabar.com Aptly named for the vastly differing atmospheres between floors, LeVeLs is a dynamic bar and lounge with an alluring array of wines by the glass to accompany its eclectic sushi menu of flambéed, crunchy, sweet and classic rolls.

Enjoy alfresco dining on the stylish wooden deck or the semi-private patio or unwind indoors with the lively ambiance of the Pub or even the Sushi Bar. More formal dining is available on the 2nd floor Lounge LeVeL, or rather, relax and chill on one of the many leather armchairs and plush sofas scattered throughout.

For intimate or private evenings, the luxurious Ultra LeVeL on the 3rd floor is available.

LeVeLs…More than just a night out!

Sample Menu Guava Bar-beQue Ribs Tender Pork Ribs basted with a Rum & Guava Flavoured Bar-be-Que Sauce.

Ceviche Medley of Shrimp, Scallops, Octopus in our Ceviche salsa, topped with Sweet Potato Tempura.

SUSHI Godzilla Roll Fried Shrimp, Cream Cheese, Cucumber, Crab, Crunchy Flakes, Eel Sauce, Wasabi Sauce.

Loco Roll Salmon, Cream Cheese Wrapped in Hamachi, topped with a Mushroom Sauce.

Takeaway Available • Bar • Dinner

Restaurants

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Restaurants

Bella on the Avenue Corner Ariapita Avenue and Belle-Smythe Street Woodbrook Tel: (868) 622-6233 Email: bellaexperience@gmail.com Lunch: Monday to Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday – 6:00 p.m. onwards Located on Ariapita Avenue, the hub of Port of Spain’s restaurant district, Bella invites you to dine in casual sophistication and sample from their menu of original Caribbean flavours, fused with the most tantalizing flavours of international cuisine.

Savour their starters and main courses or simply enjoy the evening sipping cocktails and mouth-watering tapas.

Sample Menu Shrimp Cakes - highly seasoned, juicy and succulent on the inside, served with home-made tartar sauce.

Cornmeal Kibbies - stuffed with beef and goat cheese, served with roasted bell pepper aioli.

Shrimp Cocktail - a classic, served with Bella’s special five finger cocktail sauce.

Bella Wings - with Bella’s succulent range of sauces: tamarind, buffalo or guava sauce.

Shrimp Phulourie - whole jumbo shrimp in a phulourie batter.

Rack of Lamb Pork Ribs with Orange Asian Sauce Steaks Atlantic Salmon

Available for Functions • Lunch • Dinner

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Zanzibar Shop # 54 Fiesta Plaza, Invaders Bay, MovieTowne Tel: (868) 627-0752 Fax: (868) 627-0713 Zanzibar by the Sea Peake Yacht Services, Western Main Road, Chaguaramas Tel: (868) 634-3346 Head Office Tel: (868) 628-5970 Welcome to Zanzibar and Zanzibar by the Sea—a truly different kind of dining and entertainment experience. Located at Fiesta Plaza, Invader’s Bay in the MovieTowne Complex and now at Peake Marina in Chaguaramas, Zanzibar offers memorable dining and “liming” in a unique environment; an inimitable blend of Trinidadian and international styles. Experience fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Join us for lunch and dinner Monday to Sunday and choose from our broad menu featuring international dishes prepared by our celebrated chefs.

From 10:30p.m., witness the incredible transformation from fine restaurant to trendy, sophisticated night-bar each night. So put Zanzibar on your “to do” list during your visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

Sample Menu Pasta Al Salmone Affumicato Smoked Atlantic salmon mixed with penne pasta cooked in a creamy vodka sauce with green peas and capers.

Zanzibar Movietowne: Lunch • Dinner Zanzibar By The Sea: Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

More Vino | More Sushi Port of Spain: 23 O’ Connor St., Woodbrook Tel: (868) 622-VINO (8466) Fax: (868) 622-2710 San Fernando: 33 Scott St., San Fernando Tel: (868) 223-VINO (8466) Email: sales@morevino.com www.morevino.com Facebook (facebook.com/morevino) Twitter (twitter.com/morevinosushi) More Vino was established in 2005 as a premium wine retailer and quickly became the ultimate “liming” spot for sipping on fine wine. Fast forward to 2011 and you have Trinidad’s premier wine bistro, More Vino, coupled with the country’s most authentic sushi bar, More Sushi, for an eclectic fusion of Japanese and European cuisine with a friendly, local vibe. Choose from a wide variety of international wines, gourmet food, premium spirits, beers, cigars and hookahs and enjoy the unique ambience that is More Vino | More Sushi. Whether you’re in North or South Trinidad, drop by for lunch, dinner or just a drink and see for yourself why everyone keeps coming back for… More!

Sample Menu APPETIZER More Vino Famous Crab Dip - Seasoned crab salad topped with grilled Parmesean and served with Tsum Tsum crackers.

CHEF SPECIAL Chicken Pad Thai - chicken, rice noodles, mixed vegetables, peanuts.

More Sushi Signature Roll JuJu - salmon, tuna, torched scallop, unagi sauce, curry mayo.

Open from Mon. to Sat. at 11 a.m.

Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway

Restaurants

House of Jaipur

Indian Lifestyle Boutique and Tearoom 14 O’Connor Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad Reservations: (868) 624-7465 Email: hojp@tstt.net.tt www.houseofjaipur.com Welcome to the destination where culture echoes, tradition speaks, and beauty enthralls. House of Jaipur invites you to enjoy the vivid kaleidoscope of the orient and immerse yourself in the timeless mystery and beauty of India. Have a cup of chai in our quaint Indian tearoom and indulge in some of our delicious Indian appetisers and chutneys made daily by our in-house chef. We invite you to be inspired. We invite you to cross the threshold of the Indian house and discover in it an extraordinary variety of style and décor.

Log onto our website at www.houseofjaipur. com and discover the variety of teas we offer and our delightful selection of Indian savories and sweets.

Sample Menu KAMA SUTRA CHAI In the spirit of sensuousness and ancient Indian traditions, this recipe is based on a ancient blend of spices as old as the Kama Sutra Text.

SABZI MASALA CUTLETS Spicy cutlets made with fresh vegetables, almonds and Indian cottage cheese pan fried into a crispy patty.

NAN KHATAI Spiced shortbread cookies flavoured with cardamom.

Opening hours Boutique – Mon. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tearoom – Tue. to Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Takeaway Available

El Pecos Grill

Irie Bites

84a Ariapita Avenue, Cor. De Verteuil Street, Woodbrook Tel: (868) 622-9713

71A Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook Tel/Fax: (868) 622-7364

Royal Palm Plaza, 7 Saddle Road, Maraval Tel: (868) 628-7186 Diego Martin Main Road Tel: (868) 63-PECOS Lower 6th Avenue, Barataria Tel: (868) 674-0533 El Pecos offers you the best in fast casual dining, with a solid reputation for consistently good food and value for money. At any location you can expect the same mouthwatering, hearty, home-style cooking that has become the El Pecos trademark. Indulge yourself in our delicious selection of meats, all fire grilled or slow cooked to perfection and served with a variety of superb sides.

Simply serve yourself, weigh and pay for your food by the pound. Complete your meal with one of our sweet tantalising treats! So come in and let us take your taste buds on a sumptuous adventure!

Sample Menu (TT$35.00 per lb.)

Meats: Rotisserie Chicken, Bbq Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Fried Chicken, Stewed Chicken, Curry Chicken, Stewed Beef, Roast Beef, Bbq Pork Ribs, Grilled Fish, Stewed Fish, Fried Fish, Bbq Lamb, Grilled Lamb, Jerk Pork, Bbq Pork, Bbq Pigtail.

Sides: Festive Rice, White Rice, Bhagi Rice, Pelau Rice, Macaroni Pie, Parsley Potato, Buttered Cassava, Provisions, Breadfruit/ Plantain, Corn, Peas/Beans, Chunky Vegetables, Melongene Ratoullie, Steak Fries, Seasoned Fries, Sweet Potato Wedges, Beef Pastelles, Dumplings, Green Fig Salad, Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad, Green Salad, Cole Slaw.

Saturday Specials Oxtail & Beef Soup, Pig Foot Souse

Try our 100% fire grilled beef burgers

Serve yourself • Pay by the pound The flavour keeps getting better

153 Western Main Road, St. James Tel/Fax: (868) 622-6725 iriebitesjerk.com Unique and flavourful, Irie Bites combines the earthy taste of good old Jamaica with the excitement of Trini cuisine. Our signature brand Irie Bites provides mouth-watering authentic Jamaican jerk and smoked BBQ meats. For those on the go or busy at the office, there’s no need to sacrifice quality and value. Simply call, place your order and collect. Let our red, green, yellow and black sign lead you to a true taste of Jamaica. Irie Bites – savour the experience!

Sample Menu Meats with two sides Pork – Smoked BBQ/Jerk Pork Ribs – Smoked BBQ Chicken – Smoked BBQ /Jerk Fish – Grilled/Jerk Lamb – BBQ/Jerk Side Bites Jamaican rice & peas Bhagi Rice Stewed lentils Mixed Vegetables Green salad Macaroni Pie Sauteed cassava/plantain And many more!

Daily Lunch Specials Monday – Stewed fried fish and two sides.

Tuesday – Chicken pelau, cole slaw, fresh salad.

Wednesday – Jamaican curry goat, white rice, green fig, green salad.

Thursday – Stewed oxtails, red beans, white rice, green salad.

Friday – Stewed pork, calaloo, provisions Saturday – Ackee and salt fish, provisions OR Beef and oxtail soup.

Takeaway Available • Open on Sundays 10.00am-3.00pm

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Restaurants

Chaud Restaurant 2 Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-0375, 624-2885 Fax: (868) 625-4056 E-mail: reservation@chaudkm.com www.chaudkm.com

Chaud Café & Wine Bar One Woodbrook Place Damien Street, Woodbrook Tel: (868) 628-9845 Email: chaudcafe@gmail.com

Chaud is the result of a vision held by Khalid Mohammed since he was a young chef. His distinctive cuisine, intense focus and passion for food have made his dream a reality.

Chaud’s elegant and intimate dining room boasts views of the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Our private dining room, the Savannah Room, accommodates up to thirty guests for seated breakfast, lunch or dinner parties and fifty guests for standing cocktail receptions.

We are open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. and for dinner Monday to Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:30p.m.

Step out of the hustle of Port of Spain and – with a sigh of relief – step into the warm glow of Chaud Café & Wine Bar. Good laughs, exotic world music, cooling breezes on the deck.

Delicately prepared gourmet food.

Based on the tradition of Spanish tapas and Lebanese mezze, we offer small to mediumsized plates. This is gourmet eating at its friendliest. Dine in or take-away a sandwich or salad at lunch, or enjoy an evening out with family and friends. Kick back with a bottle of wine, order several small plates and pass them around the table. Enjoy the small pleasures of life.

This is not fine dining. This is not a bar.

This is Chaud Café.

Sample Menu

Sample Menu

DINNER: MAIN COURSES Chilean seabass, oyster mushroomarugula salad, cauliflower ‘risotto’, vegetable tourné, pumpkin velouté

LUNCH Parma ham, brie & green apple tartine Garlic-studded roasted lamb leg flatbread Mediterranean chicken salad

Lavender-honey glazed duck breast, bbq pulled duck crêpe, bok choy, teapoached shitakes, carrot-ginger purée, dried cherry gastrique Char broiled 12oz. dry aged, new york strip steak, smoked fleur de sel, shallot sauce, cheddar-thyme popovers, watercress, onion rings

SMALL PLATES/DINNER Char-grilled NY strip steak Seared diver scallops in saffron broth Littleneck clams & chorizo Warm mushroom salad on toast Reservations not required

Lunch • Dinner • Private Functions

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Chaud Creole 6 Nook Avenue, St. Ann’s Tel: (868) 621-2002 E-mail: reservation@chaudcreole.com www.chaudcreole.com Welcome to Chaud Creole, the epitome of fusion between contemporary dining and traditional Trinidad and Tobago cuisines.

Owner Chef Khalid Mohammed is the epicurean master behind the original Chaud restaurant at 2 Queen’s Park West. At Chaud Creole, located at 6 Nook Avenue, St. Ann’s, he reintroduces T&T locals and visitors to the flavours, fresh ingredients and sustainable cooking practices behind earthy Caribbean gastronomy at Chaud Creole. You’ll sit in airconditioned comfort, surrounded by Caribbean décor and art, to sample delicious rustic stews, curries and casseroles developed, reinvented and plated with modern flair.

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday; Sunday brunch.

Private dining room available.

Sample Menu Guava BBQ Kingfish Banana leaf-wrapped grouper; mêlée herbs; citrus salad Fried Tobago flying fish; green seasoning aioli; tomato relish Jerk pork spare ribs Portuguese garlic pork tenderloin; pineapple salsa Geera-crusted rack of lamb; roasted garlic jus Double cut oxtail “pepperpot” Coffee-cocoa-chilli rubbed filet mignon steak; tamarind steak sauce

Dinner • Sunday Brunch • Private dining room available

Restaurants

Asian Cuisine Catering Services #13 Queen’s Park East Port-of-Spain Tel: (868) 625-0647, 625-9715 Email: purchasing@asiancuisinett.com, accounts@asiancuisinett.com Asian Cuisine Catering Services, in association with Apsara Tamnak-Thai Restaurant, offers you the opportunity to make your event a memorable experience. We custom design menus to suit your budget. We also offer a wide range of finger foods – well over 200 items. Our versatile team of chefs can prepare authentic Indian, Thai, Chinese and Creole, including dishes from various countries. Our in-house facility can cater for approximately 250 seated on our rooftop, but can cater for any amount at your venue.

Sample Menu Beef Angus Striploin beef marinated in red wine simmered with black peppercorns & beef demi glass, with lemongrass potato cakes.

Fish Braised Fish fillet in coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves with smoked eggplant and tomato ginger chutney.

Chicken Chicken stuffed with fresh crabmeat, bell peppers, fresh herbs, simmered in a champagne seafood reduction.

Lamb Asian spice-rubbed rack of lamb, wrapped in basil leaves.

Scallops Saffron seared king scallops served on a bed of condensed callaloo topped with fresh blue crab meat.

Pork Masala Medallion of pork tenderloin slowly roasted to perfection with tamarind and geera sauce.

Finger Foods We provide a variety of over 200 finger food items.

Catering for all occasions

Apsara

Tamnak Thai

Level 1, # 13 Queen’s Park Savannah East, Port-of-Spain Tel: (868) 623–7659, 627-7364, 625-6061, 621-0459 Fax: 625-6061 E-mail: reservations.apsara@mail.tt

Level 2, #13 Queen’s Park Savannah East, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 625–0647, 625-9715, 625-6061, 621-0459 Fax: 625-6061 E-mail: reservations.tamnakthai@mail.tt

Apsara is the only authentic Indian restaurant in Trinidad and Tobago. Chefs Ramsingh and Sahab work tirelessly to ensure that diners experience the very best cuisine their homeland has to offer, from tantalising tandooris to world-famous Lamb Rogan Josh.

Specialising in mainly northern Indian cuisine, Apsara has an extensive menu suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The wine list offers an extensive and interesting selection. Open for lunch and dinner Mondays to Saturdays. Also open for lunch on Sundays.

Reservations are recommended. All major credit cards are accepted. Free valet parking.

We cater in-house functions as well as offsite. Private rooms are available for 10 to 30 people.

Tamnak Thai is set in a lush tropical garden, and offers the best cuisine that the Royal Kingdom of Thailand has to offer. Situated around the historical and prestigious Queen’s Park Savannah, it is guaranteed to give patrons a memorable dining experience.

Chefs Charoon and Prakasit preside over the kitchen, preparing dishes like the popular Tom Yum Gung (hot & sour shrimp soup), Gaeng Kaew-wan Gai (green curry chicken) and Chef’s special Pad Thai. An attractively priced luncheon special is available daily, with an interesting and extensive variety of wines. Open for lunch and dinner Mondays to Fridays; open on Saturdays and Sundays for dinner only from 6 p.m. We offer private rooms for hosting groups of 30, 60 or 250 people; we also cater external functions.

Sample Menu APPETIZER Chicken Satay Strips of grilled marinated chicken served with a cucumber & peanut sauce.

Sample Menu APPETIZER Machi Tikka Fresh boneless fish cubed & marinated in lime juice, yogurt & Indian spices, roasted in the tandoor.

MAIN COURSE Tom Yam Kung - Spicy & sour prawn soup: Thai’s famous spicy soup, prepared in a shrimp bouillon. Refined and powerful.

Neur Kra-Ta-Ron - Sautéed beef on hot plate, with mushroom, spring onion, red & green peppers, carrots & onions.

MAIN COURSE Tandoori Zinga Jumbo shrimp marinated in yogurt, fresh lime juice & Indian spices. Lightly cooked in the Tandoor.

PANEER TIKKA MASALA (Vegetarian Dish) Paneer tikka cooked with fresh green chillies, ginger, garlic and tomatoes. Hot & satisfying!

DESSERT RASMALAI Homemade Paneer (cottage cheese) served in sweetened milk, garnished with pistachios

Elegantly Casual • Sunday Brunch • Bar • Air Conditioned • Takeaway available

DESSERT Mango Passion Fruit Cheesecake Layers of creamy smooth passion fruit and mango-infused buttermilk cheesecake, topped with tart passion fruit curd, finished with a shimmering glaze of passion fruit and mango.

Elegantly Casual• Sunday Brunch • Bar • Air Conditioned • Takeaway available

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Restaurants

Chadon Beni

Kaizan Sushi

Oasis Food Court Grand Bazaar Mall Tel: (868) 662-0161 Email: tastyleancuisine@yahoo.com

Shop #7, Fiesta Plaza, Invaders Bay, MovieTowne Tel: (868) 623-5437, 623-5370

Chadon Beni is a local Trinidadian Indianstyle roti shop. We use mild curries along with the chadon beni (the French Creole term for a commonly used Trini herb which means ‘blessed herb’). It’s also known as bandhania, ‘dhania’ being the Hindi/Urdu term for the coriander seed. Our special blend of herbs and spices create that exotic local savory cuisine, and our menu is full of healthy selections.

At Chadon Beni we pride ourselves on the freshness and quality of our ingredients. The curry we use is created in our kitchen, ground according to our exclusive recipes. Our meats are free of hormones and steroids, and we use no MSG or artificial salts. We don’t compromise on quality.

Experience that fusion of flavors at Chadon Beni restaurant, Grand Bazaar mall.

Sample Menu Curry chicken, Curry boneless chicken, Curry goat, Curry duck, Curry shrimp Vegetables or sides: spinach, melongene (eggplant), ochroes, bodi, pumpkin, soya, channa and potato, plantain, tomatoes.

You can purchase combos: rice and dhal or roti, a meat and two sides.

Welcome to Kaizan Sushi, a truly different kind of dining and entertainment experience.

Located at Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne Complex, Kaizan Sushi offers memorable dining in a unique setting. So put Kaizan Sushi on your todo list during your visit to Trinidad & Tobago.

Call our head office at 628-5970.

Sample Menu KAIZAN SUSHI Tom Yum Talay This spicy seafood soup, aside from being one of the most popular soups in Thailand, offers many health benefits due to its combination of herbs and spices.

Azuki Aisu Kurimu The best selling ice cream in Japan and very popular in Hawaii, the Philippines, and throughout the Pacific Islands.

Enjoy the natural flavor and texture of Azuki Beans. Did you know that Japanese ice cream is known as “aisu kurimu”? It is pronounced with a Japanese accent, “eye-sue-coo-reem-mu”. Trust us, it’s really good.

Hard Rock Restaurant & Bar St. Helena Village, Piarco Tel: (868) 669-0047; 669-7016 The Hard Rock Restaurant and Bar attracts a mature crowd who come regularly to enjoy lunch and dinner and the rustic, homely, English-pub atmosphere. There is also a large car park for your convenience opposite the restaurant.

Having served from a President to government ministers, police officers to business owners, the Hard Rock is a cozy hideout where many people from every part of the country can have a great meal while networking and exchanging ideas over drinks.

At Hard Rock, quality, price and consistency are backed up with great service and quality food.

Sample Menu Appetisers Shrimp Cocktail Crab Backs Chicken Tenders Mini Beef Burgers Main Course Grilled King Fish & Shrimp Combo Ribs, Steak & Shrimp Trio Pork Chops Pepper Chicken with vegetables or House Potatoes Western Wing Round-up Atlantic Salmon fillet, grilled, broiled or pan-fried Several salads to choose from Dessert Black Forest Cake Cheesecake

Breakfast • Lunch

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Lunch • Dinner

Lunch • Dinner

W

Photo: Marissa Moses

Slight pepper…

By Marissa Moses

est Indian food dishes are not only unique because of the use of fresh, mouthwatering tropical produce and local meats, but also for their distinctive taste, which lingers on the lips, inviting smiles of wonder and curious questions about the mysterious ‘secret sauce’. At the heart of every one of these creations are our flavor-enhancing seasonings; onions, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper to name a few. However, in the Caribbean, it is the fresh hot pepper fruits that give our cuisine that unmistakable tang. Indeed, if the crushed condiment is by some catastrophic accident missing from the pot, most authentic Trinidad cooks would declare the meal to be completely ruined!

Hot pepper is grown throughout the country in agricultural plots where it thrives in fertile, moist soils and long hours of sunlight.

As you drive along the farmlands of Aranguez in the north, the green, cool valleys of San Fernando to the south, or the long rolling plains of the Caroni in between, your eye cannot help but be drawn to the thick clusters of pepper fruits hanging from green leafy branches, like brightly jeweled Christmas ornaments.

In exchange for a little cozy chat, most farmers are quite willing to hand over samples of their produce; the quality of which is a source of great pride to even the quietest bosom.

Hot pepper, also called Capsicum chinense, is indigenous to the Caribbean region and South America, and is not to be mistaken for their chile pepper cousins of southern North America and Mexico.

Grown in the islands for centuries by early Amerindians, our regional pepper varieties, such as Scotch Bonnet, Congo, Seven Pot, Scorpion, Pimento, Tiger Teeth, Bonda Majaque and Bazouka, belong to a different class or species from the mainstream

peppers such as chile, sweet pepper, jalapeño, banana pepper, serrano and cayenne, commonly consumed around the world. In contrast to other species, Caribbean varieties have a unique range of shapes, tastes and pungency, which are intimately known to pepper enthusiasts and chefs specializing in spicy cuisine.

Recently, peppers from Trinidad have been thrust into the international spotlight as several of the varieties have been named as some of the hottest peppers in the world, overtaking the Bhut Jolokia discovered in Assam, India. Measured using the Scoville heat unit, local peppers “Trinidad Scorpion Butch T” and “Trinidad Moruga Scorpion”, have for the first time surpassed the elusive two-million Scoville unit barrier. Just to give you an idea of scale, my drooling eager readers, Tabasco peppers have a heat index of between 100,000-250,000 Scoville heat units and the two-million heat unit is equivalent to what is aerosolized for pepper sprays!

The burning question now (no pun intended) is how you can also become a connoisseur of Trinidad peppers.

Most first-timers choose to sprinkle a few drops on their meat from the wide array of bottled pepper sauces available. Other more adventurous souls select a few spoonfuls of “Mother-in-law” (so named because of the tempestuous and often fiery nature of such individuals), which consists of a special, chunky concoction of peppers, limes, carrots, garlic, salt and chadon beni. Veteran eaters, however, much prefer to eat with fork in one hand and fresh hot pepper in the next.

But if given a choice by gracious restaurateurs and food providers around the country, responding with the phrase, “slight pepper”, is a colloquial way of expressing your desire for just a taste.

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Fast Facts

Fast Facts on Trinidad & Tobago

Tertiary education must be paid for, but the government GATE programme offers financial support to students (http://www. moe.gov.tt/gate.html).

Location Trinidad lies in the Caribbean 11 km (7 miles) northeast of Venezuela on Latitude 10.5°N, Longitude 61.5°W, while Tobago lies 32 kilometres (21 miles) northeast of Trinidad at Latitude 11°N, Longitude 60°W.

Health Medical services are free at government institutions and clinics, but a fee is charged at all others. 24-hr emergency services are available at several medical facilities. In Tobago, basic A & E and minor ailments can be handled by the Scarborough Hospital or any of the numerous small health clinics. There is an ambulance service and government helicopter for emergency evacuations to Trinidad. Visit www.health.gov.tt.

Climate and Geography Mean temperatures: 31°C (87°F) to a low of around 21°C (70°F) Trinidad is outside of the hurricane belt, while Tobago is on its very edge. Trinidad is 4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles) with its highest point, El Cerro del Aripo in the northern range, at 940 m (3,080 ft) above sea level. Tobago, by contrast, is only 300 sq km (116 square miles) with a high point of 576 metres (1890 feet) in the north-east forest reserve. Unlike Trinidad, Tobago is largely surrounded by protective reefs.

The Government Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from Great Britain on August 31, 1962. It became a Republic on August 1, 1976. The Head of State is the President, with Executive power vested in the Prime Minister. Democratic elections are held every 5 years. Although part of the twin-island republic of T&T, Tobago is largely governed by its own House of Assembly (THA).

Legal System The legal system is generally based on the common law of England and Wales and the judicial system is composed of the Magistrates’ Court, and the Supreme Court (the High Court and the Court of Appeal). Although the Caribbean Court of Justice is the final appellate court for certain CARICOM jurisdictions, the Privy Council remains the highest court of appeal.

Population Estimated population is 1.3 million, with 55,000 residing in Tobago.

The ethnic mix consists of 40.3% of East Indian descent, 39.5% African, Mixed 18.4%, European 0.6%, Chinese and other 1.2%.

Education The educational system is modelled after the British system and produces one of the highest standards of education in the Caribbean. Primary school is compulsory and secondary education is available to all children leaving primary school. Private primary and secondary schools also exist, including two that are accredited to the Canadian system of education and one to the American system.

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Economy Trinidad and Tobago is the most diversified and industrialised economy in the English-speaking Caribbean, and is highly rated by international investors.

More than one-third of the GDP comes from the energy sector, while in Tobago tourism is the main revenue generator.

Electricity Trinidad and Tobago has a reliable supply of electricity, with rates among the lowest in the Caribbean. Supply voltage is 110/220 volts, 60 cycles.

Water The water service is reliable in most hotels and guesthouses. The water is chlorinated and safe to drink. Bottled water is available country-wide.

Roads Driving is on the left-hand side.

Newspapers There are 3 daily national newspapers: Trinidad Guardian, Trinidad Express and Newsday, and several weekly publications. Tobago has its own weekly newspaper, the Tobago News.

Telecommunications T&T has a modern telecommunications infrastructure, with the latest in digital technology and fibre optics systems. Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) provides landline, broadband Internet and mobile services; Digicel offers mobile and landline services, and Flow landline, cable television and broadband Internet services.

Departure Tax A departure tax of TT$ 200 is included in the cost of airline tickets. It is also payable for departure by sea.

Immigration, Work Permits & Visas Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago must possess valid passports and return or ongoing tickets for successful entry. Work permits are required for business stays beyond 30 days. Visa extensions can be obtained from the Immigration Office on 67 Frederick Street, and work permits from

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

the Ministry of National Security, 18 Knox Street, Port of Spain.

TV and Radio There are 8 local television stations. Cable and DirecTV® are widely available. Radio is very popular.

Safety in Trinidad and Tobago Drugs: There are severe penalties, including long jail terms for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs like cannabis (marijuana, weed or ganja) or cocaine.

Centipede and Scorpion stings: While not lethal, you should consult a doctor in case of allergic reaction.

Manchineel Apples (Hippomane mancinella): Found near to or on beaches.

Avoid any contact with the fruit or the tree, both of which are highly toxic and corrosive.

Portuguese Man-O-War (Physalia physalis): Small, translucent air bladders with a purple to light-blue tint, usually float in the water or get washed up on shore.

The tentacles inflict a very painful sting.

Immediately apply vinegar for about 30 minutes and seek medical attention.

Mosquito and Sandfly Bites: Many repellents are available, including oil of lemon, eucalyptus and citronella.

Antihistimine creams will relieve itching.

Sea Urchin Spines: If the spines are protruding from your skin, then you can try to remove them, otherwise leave them in your skin, soak the affected area in warm water and seek medical attention.

Seaport in Scarborough Cruise ship facilities; inter-island ferries running twice per day (cargo and passenger) at TT$100 return or $50 one way (per person) with tickets sold at the port and outlets around the islands. Call the Port Authority for more information: (868) 639-2668 or 624-2426.

For Water Taxi service between Port of Spain and San Fernando.

Airports Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, facilitates international flights from a range of airlines daily. ANR Robinson International Airport, Tobago, is served by domestic carrier Caribbean Airlines with frequent scheduled flights at a return fare of TT$300 ($150 one way), with reduced rates ($200 and $30) for children 2-11 and infants respectively. Flights run between 6.30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Regular charter and scheduled flights come in weekly from UK, Germany and New York, and many airlines fly to Trinidad and can easily connect via Caribbean Airlines to Tobago.

3D Map: E. Matthews - Digital Art Ltd

Cocoa Dancing

Heritage Festival

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F FESTIVALS

Bele Dancer Photos: Edison Boodoosingh

Pulling Seine

Ole Time Wedding Photos: Edison Boodoosingh

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HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Festivals

T

he biggest and most feted of Tobago’s events is the Tobago Heritage Festival. The annual two-week whirl of cultural and historical presentations usually takes place between July and early August. “Heritage” as many locals call it, celebrates the traditional customs of a largely African-influenced Tobago. It commemorates the dances, music, religion and rituals and food that Tobagonians claim as their birthright. In 2012, the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Heritage Festival took place between July 17 and August 2.

Events take place throughout the island, touching several villages with its celebratory spirit, including Belle Garden, Roxborough, Charlotteville and Les Coteaux. Each village hosts a signature event.

Ole Time Wedding

Among the most popular are the Ole Time Wedding, which usually takes place in the village of Moriah. The wedding reenactment is a cultural microcosm of an earlier time when the dress, attitudes and morals of the Europeans were blended into the day-to-day life of Tobagonians. The associated rituals celebrate values like purity and fidelity, and practices to promote the fertility of both bride and groom. Women wear colourful floor-length gowns, and the men sport formal scissor-tailed suits, reminiscent of England’s Regency period.

The bride, resplendent in white, walks with her groom at the head of the procession to the reception site, in an elaborate heel-and-toe step. There, guests are treated to a proper feast and dance the jig and reel long into the night.

The Sea Festival

Other festival hotspots to hit are the Sea Festival in Black Rock, Wake and Bongo in Whim and Charlotteville, Roxborough’s Ms. Heritage Personality, and the Junior Heritage Festival and the ongoing Food Fair. The Sea Festival commemorates the emancipation of the slaves and their subsequent initiatives to find another source of income from fishing. It also celebrates the way in which former slaves developed a strong community spirit in order to survive. During the festival, participants recreate an era when entire fishing villages would turn out to “knit” (mend) or “shoot” (throw out) the seine or net. In doing so, participants learned the old ways of preserving fish, and are taught communal morals when everyone gets some of the fish that’s caught.

Ms. Heritage Personality

Ms. Heritage Personality is not a beauty competition, but rather a contest to see which participant can most aptly demonstrate aspects of Tobago’s traditional customs. Typically, teenaged or young adult contestants are given a theme upon which they build a presentation, complete with props and costumes.

The 2012 winner among a field of 10 young ladies, Kalifa Hislop, represented Carnbee/Mount Pleasant, where she was born. Hislop has been dancing for most of her life, formerly with the Tobago Academy of Performing Arts and now with a group called Urban Rituals.

She also sings calypso, tells stories and acts, and so has always been around culture. She has been a dancer at many Heritage events in the past, but with 2012 being the 25th year of the festival, she wanted to do things differently.

The highlight of her performance was her monologue and dance, in which she protested how the young people are being lured away by foreign cultural influences and are losing their grasp of their own heritage.

Photo: Inken Janning

Festivals

Goat Racing

Throughout her reign, Ms. Heritage Personality represents her village at events related to the festival, and other national events.

In 2013 she will be flying the T&T flag high at the Miss Carival pageant in St. Vincent.

Hislop’s beloved Carnbee/Mount Pleasant is perhaps best known for Easter Monday goat racing and track events, including a morning marathon.

The Wake and Bongo

The Wake and Bongo honours the mystical side of Tobagonian culture, filled with rituals reminiscent of both Christian and African religious elements. This ritual is also native to Trinidad, although each island celebrates it differently. In Tobago, a wake is a night ceremony held when someone has died. Relatives and friends of the deceased stay “awake” all night to honour the dead. Christian hymns are sung, and feasting (a significant African-derived custom) is an important element. The bongo drumming comes after the burial, and is more African in tone. For example, participants believe that life and death are very closely knitted and the bongo is a way to ease the deceased’s rite of passage to the other side. It is also intended to liven up the “dead house” by encouraging grieving relatives to find joy in life again.

Salacious songs and dances that cause laughter and stimulate sexual arousal characterise the bongo—the purpose is to usher in new life by exciting participants to intercourse, which should lead to birth.

Other Festivals Sleepy Tobago may be more of a destination for R&R than its more fast-paced sister, Trinidad, but there are a few annual Tobago events that will entertain and fascinate you as much as Trinidad’s festivals. Tobago is where the vibe slips down a notch, into an easy-going but no less colourful mode where there’s lots to click away at with your camera, and even more new tastes, sights and sounds for you to experience. And best of all, you don’t need to dress up to enjoy them.

Goat and Crab Races

At Easter you can catch the hugely popular Goat and Crab Races, held in the villages of Buccoo and Mt. Pleasant. Yes, that’s right—goat and crab racing. Skeptical? Don’t be. These unique

sports are addictive. Stand on the sidelines and pretty soon you’ll find yourself cheering as your favourite ruminant or crustacean races along the grassy track. As with horse racing, there are goat owners, goat jockeys, crab owners and crab jockeys. Fortunately, the jockeys don’t ride the goats and crabs: they run alongside them. Most times, there are no set lanes to run in, so goats, crabs and jockeys jostle each other to keep their lead. May the best animal win!

Tobago Fest

Tobago Fest is a mid-September, mini-Carnival masquerade, where you can enjoy many elements of what you may have missed in Trinidad earlier in the year. Bands from both islands crowd the streets for “Night Mas”, calypso shows and the sweet sound of steel pan. Tobago has its own version of “Ole Mas” (traditional Mas characters) including speech bands, who wander from house to house with gossip, songs and jokes, often done in embellished European accents.

The Tobago Blue Food Festival

The Tobago Blue Food Festival is a unique Tobago culinary attraction. If your taste buds are keen for a little tickling, this is one not to miss. This all-day festival is held around October every year, and in 2012 fell on October 14. Here in T&T, “blue food” means any starchy, edible root crop, included cassava, yam and the distinctly non-root favourite, plantain. But the term was specifically derived from use of the tuber of the taro plant, or dasheen as it’s locally called. When boiled, this wholesome source of complex carbohydrates can develop a blue tinge, depending on the variety. The Blue Food Festival is an opportunity for local chefs and cooks to earn honours, awe and envy with their innovative preparation of the dasheen with stewed meats, in desserts or by itself. Prizes are awarded for most original dish, most innovative dish and to the participant with the most dishes, among other categories. It’s also livened up by fun activities for children and adults, and performances by live local entertainers. The event is traditionally held at the Bloody Bay Recreational Grounds and hosted by the village councils of L’Anse Fourmi, Bloody Bay and Parlatuvier, along with the Department of Tourism in the Tobago House of Assembly. This year the event was executed on a larger scale in honour of the nation’s 50th anniversary. More cooks, bigger entertainers and a vibrant red, white and black décor set the scene for a spectacular event that included the first ever intervillage crayfish cooking competition.

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TOBAGO’S HISTORY

By Geoffrey MacLean

Tobago Plantation Watercolour Pigott Early 19th Century Photo Courtesy Geoffrey MacLean

T

obago was the most fought over island in the Caribbean because of its strategic location and fertile soil, changing hands between the Dutch, English, French and Courlanders more than thirty times. This history is reflected in the number of forts and batteries that are dotted all over the island.

Christopher Columbus arrived in Tobago in 1498. From the late 17th Century, under a relatively stable period of British rule, an estate culture thrived, with sugar, cotton and indigo factories. By the late 18th Century, Tobago was exporting rum, cotton, indigo and sugar. The attempts by the French and English to take control destroyed the economy, but by the early 19th Century, Tobago once more became relatively stable and sugar production became its main source of income. A severe hurricane in 1847 marked the end of the sugar industry. In 1889, Tobago was made a ward of Trinidad.

One of the oldest forts is Fort James, which overlooks Great Courland Bay near Plymouth, originally called “Jekabforts” or Fort Jacob, after its Courland or Latvian founder. The original fortifications date back to the 1650s. The remaining structure was built by the British in the early 1800s.

Fort Bennet, just beyond Turtle Bay across the bay at Black Rock, was a small two-cannon Battery, one of the many small fortifications, such as Fort Monick, Fort Irvine, Fort Schmoll, Fort Cashmir and French Fort, which no longer exist.

Fort Granby was built in the 1760s to protect Tobago’s first shortlived capital, George Town, but was abandoned in the 1790s with the construction of Fort King George. Fort George was one of the last old colonial forts to be built. Originally called Fort Castries, it was started by the French to protect Port Louis, then renamed Scarborough when the French took Tobago from the British in

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1781. Six years later, the British retook the island, renaming it Fort King George. Fort King George now houses a small but important museum which includes an excellent collection of Carib artifacts.

Above Charlotteville is Cambleton Battery, which is well maintained and a popular tourist attraction.

Generally, Tobago’s traditional architecture is closer to that of the northern Caribbean islands, with clipped eaves, closed gables and thick stone walls, possibly because of the island’s susceptibility to hurricanes. The effect is a more disciplined Georgian than Trinidad’s decorative Victorian style. The development of a “Caribbean Colonial” style is more recent. Scarborough is a town with a great deal of charm. The Warehouse District of lower Scarborough and the Administrative District has been listed as an Historic District.

Few original estate houses remain, many damaged by hurricanes over the years and replaced. Richmond Great House, however, originally built in 1760, has been carefully restored. There are several ruins of estate buildings and industrial equipment demonstrating several phases of agricultural technology, including mills with vertical crushers, stone windmill towers, waterwheels with horizontal crushers and more complicated mechanisms powered by steam. The tall chimney of the steam mill is often seen today standing side by side with ruins of an earlier technology.

Many boiler house ruins also survive with the traditional kettles, called “coppers”.

By the time of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence in 1962, and despite another devastating hurricane, Flora, in 1963, Tobago’s economy became well established, with a thriving tourist trade.

Tobago’s beaches and coves, coral reefs, lush tropical forests and excellent anchorages for yachts, provide an ideal and diverse destination for visitors.

Back From The Brink

By Kay Baldeosingh-Arjune

Airport upgrade and expansion, new four-star room stock, hotel awards, new marketing plans and government guarantees to refurbish hotels and give breathing room for struggling operators to regroup – all promise to help Tobago and the tourism industry bounce back from the brink.

Noting that the industry saw an average hotel occupancy ranging around 30% in August 2012 while the newly opened Magdalena Grand Beach Resort saw an occupancy rate of 55%, a determined Tourism Minister said in October 2012, “I have been mandated to turn our tourism industry around and this we are doing by working tirelessly and with total dedication and passion.”

Referring to a number of awards Tobago won in 2012, including Island of the Year, Caribbean’s Leading Hotel, and Best Boutique Hotel of the Year, Minister Cadiz said in a press release, “My aim as Minister of Tourism is to record 500,000 visitors in 2013 and these awards clearly positively propel the country’s image globally as a tourism destination.” He is also working on attracting new airlines to Tobago as well as bringing back key airlines that had stopped flying to the island.

In his contribution to the Budget Debate in October 2012, Minister Cadiz also promised, “We will be getting the Tobago terminal upgraded into a position where we would be very proud of our ANR Robinson International Airport.”

The front burner projects that will lead the way, according to Airports Authority Chairman Gerald Hadeed, are roof repairs, expansion of the check-in area, increased space for international arrivals and departures, and a new VIP lounge.

AATT told I&O it expected to begin work on these projects before the end of 2012 and have them completed in 6-8 months. The Authority will be planning these projects carefully to minimise any negative impact on the continuing operations of the airport, it added.

The Chairman also told I&O he hoped building would begin on a new international visitors’ wing by the third quarter of 2013.

This project would be completed two years from the start of construction, and would see a modern, efficient, aesthetically pleasing facility that meets the needs of international passengers as well as international standards, he said.

Complementing those plans, a US $100 million government loan guarantee programme will target new investment in hotels of over 50 rooms in Tobago and, to a lesser extent, in Trinidad. Three investors are already working on accessing the guarantee, eTecK Chairman Brian Frontin told I&O in October 2012. The programme will also offer guarantees on loans for the refurbishment and repair of hotels. Explaining that up to 70% of a project’s cost could qualify for the government guarantee, Frontin noted that the government guarantee provided banks with a “huge level of comfort” and was a material demonstration of government’s commitment to tourism.

A second $250 million loan guarantee programme will target hotels with 50 rooms and under, as well as other tourism operators whose facilities need upgrade and repair. Both programmes will

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

be managed by the Export - Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

Under the debt restructuring component, banks will not be allowed to call a loan before a 2-year period, explained EXIM CEO Brian Awang.

This will provide a two-year breathing period for operators to rebuild their business and position themselves to benefit from the new winter season in 2013, when it is also expected that a new marketing campaign will start generating benefits, Frontin said.

To further assist with business recovery, Frontin said the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Commerce, the Business Development Company and the Ministry of Tobago began a Business Skills Training programme in September to help hoteliers and tourism operators hone skills such as financial planning, capacity building, and replanning business when conditions change.

As a result of the guarantee programmes, Awang said that in 2013: “You can expect to see significant improvement in hotel plant in Tobago,” enabling Tobago to attract significantly more visitors.

This has already begun with the 200-room Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, whose opening in December 2011 was critical to airlines and tour operators continuing to come to Tobago, Frontin said.

Tobago Wins Island of the Year 2012 Island of the Year, Best Luxury Resort and Caribbean’s Leading Hotel are just some of the titles Tobago has won in 2012. The World Travel Awards, voted by travel agents worldwide was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

The 2012 World Travel Award Winners for the Caribbean (www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2012-6) are: Caribbean’s Leading Hotel - Coco Reef Resort Caribbean’s Leading Airline - Caribbean Airlines Caribbean World Travel and Living Magazine announced the winners of its Travel & Living Awards for 2012 in October. Now in its 18th year, the awards recognise and reward excellence in travel, tourism and real estate across the Caribbean. The votes of the editors of the magazine and readers’ feedback form the basis of these awards. The entire list of winners can be viewed at: www.caribbeantraveltrade.com/assets/CW-Awards-spread.pdf Travel & Living 2012 Award Winners: Island of the Year

- Tobago Best Boutique Hotel of the Year - Blue Haven Hotel Best Luxury Resort of the Year - Coco Reef Best Boutique Hotel of the Year - Blue Haven Hotel Best Ground Tour Operator of the Year - Good Time Travel

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Touring Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

Backbay Photo: Christopher Anderson

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T sights

beaches

TOURING

Fort King George Photo: Peter Sheppard

SIGHTS

Sights

Atlantic Coast Sights Petit Trou lagoon, located within Tobago Plantations Beach and Golf Resort, is a wetland with a boardwalk that winds through the mangrove – a lovely scenic walk with good bird watching throughout the area.

Scarborough, Tobago’s capital since 1769, is home to the Tobago Museum, housed at the “Officers’ Mess”, Fort King George. Open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (868) 639-3970.

Fort King George, established in 1777 and abandoned in 1854, also has the remains of a powder magazine, an old hospital, a cell block and a water tank. There are magnificent samaan trees and palms alongside the old colonial building that is now the hospital.

The Old Court House, dating from 1852 and located in James Square, is used by the Tobago House of Assembly. There is also an old court house in Studley Park.

The Botanic Gardens is accessed from the highway, just east of the main traffic lights.

Fort Granby is on the beach shortly after the Studley Park quarry.

Goodwood Genesis Nature Park & Art Gallery is on the main road. Entrance fee: TT$60 or US$10.

Tel: (868) 660-4668.

Glass bottomed boat tour Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

The Goldsborough side road leads to Rainbow Falls, a visit to which should only be attempted with a local guide.

The Richmond 18th Century Great House is open to the public, with a small entrance fee, and refreshments are available.

The Kendal Great House, used by the THA, is visible on the hillside just before Roxborough.

Argyle Waterfall is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall, where visitors must use local guides for the twenty-minute walk and a swim. Turn left as you cross the bridge west of Roxborough.

Entrance fee: TT$50.

The Cocoa Factory in a nearby cacao plantation is just past the entrance to Argyle Falls.

Roxborough, capital of the north-east, has examples of colonial architecture in the Court and VAT buildings on the waterfront.

Here begins the forest road that crosses the Main Ridge hills, with a lookout mid-way. Louis d’Or old French Barracks is on the left side of main road, followed by the government plant nursery.

Continuing along this scenic coastal road, you can spot the King’s Bay Great House, with its cocoa sheds, a waterfall and a beach facility.

Speyside Lookout has a wonderful view across Tyrell’s Bay to Goat Island and Little Tobago. Little Tobago is an uninhabited bird sanctuary, thanks to Sir William Ingram’s efforts to preserve the habitat of numerous species of exotic birds. Goat Island, also a bird sanctuary, was once visited by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, an ornithologist who wrote a book on T&T birds.

Ft King George Photo: Peter Sheppard

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The Speyside Waterwheel and Sugar Factory ruins are beside the bridge on the road to Blue Waters Inn. The Flagstaff Hill Lookout used by the forces during WW2 is as far east as you can go!

Sights

Caribbean Coast Sights Charlotteville is a quaint seaside town, with cocoa sheds and Fort Cambleton overlooking Man O’ War Bay. There is a nice walk to Pirates’ Bay. This area is ideal for diving and snorkelling. Between Charlotteville and Bloody Bay is a scenic coastal drive.

Bloody Bay is where the Gilpin Trail leads up into the Forest Reserve, protected since 1765. It crosses the island to Roxborough.

There are four waterfalls along the way, including Parlatuvier, a small waterfall, and Castara, another small one that only really flows in the rainy season.

Continuing along the Caribbean coast is Mt. Dillon Lookout, just after Norman Parkinson’s old house. Look out for the giant silk cotton trees with their buttress roots and thorny bark.

Les Coteaux Highland Waterfall (off the beaten track) can be found after coming down the big hill into Les Coteaux. Turn left, pass a lovely old church on the left and follow the paved road, turning left again after the bridge. Park near the bridge and follow the track to the falls on foot.

Franklyn/Arnos Vale Waterwheel is the site of a sugar factory built by Courlanders in 1670. The ruins include the British sugar mill that closed in 1865. The Bar and Restaurant are open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tel: (868) 660-0815 Arnos Vale Hotel is great for bird feeding, snorkeling and looking at Amerindian artifacts.

Between Plymouth and Mount Irvine are a series of small forts preserved in little landscaped areas: Fort James, Fort Bennett, Fort Milford and Rocky Point.

Pigeon Point

The Courlander Monument by Janis Mintiks, 1978, was erected in memory of Latvian settlers. Courland Sugar Mill and Factory ruins are located in a residential development. En route you will pass Black Rock, which has an interesting old church with a wood-shingled facade.

Adventure Farm is a privately owned nature reserve with a variety of birds, including thousands of humming birds, as well as fruit trees, lots of butterflies and iguanas.

The owners serve local fruit juices, coffee and tea. Entrance fee is US$4 or TT$25.

Open Monday to Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Lovely hiking trails.

Grafton Bird Sanctuary was established in 1963 after Hurricane Flora, when the owner started feeding birds who had lost their habitats.

The Castle Museum on Kimme Drive, Mt. Irvine, houses Luise Kimme’s sculptures.

Buccoo Marine Park, including Buccoo Marsh for bird watching, Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool, has been a protected marine park since 1973. Bon Accord lagoon, Wetlands and No Man’s Land are areas of the park accessible by boat only.

The Pigeon Point Heritage Park is a stateowned park with white sand and turquoise sea.

Sherman’s Auto Rentals Lambeau Village, Tobago, W.I. Phone: (868) 639-2292 Fax: (868) 639-3084 U.S. direct line: 1 (469) 532-2544 U.K. direct line: (011) 44 (865)-594706 E-mail: shermans@tstt.net.tt www.shermansrentals.com

This vibrant, service-oriented company is operated by a staff that is dedicated to the tourism industry of Tobago. We boast over twenty years in the Automobile Business and today we offer Car Rental Services on the beautiful island of Tobago. Our clients are offered top-of-the-line luxury cars or jeeps.

Meeting and greeting on arrival!

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Meet a Tobagonian

Meet Tobagonian-Born Chief Justice

Ivor Archie

By Nasser Khan

B

ecoming the youngest Chief Justice in Trinidad and Tobago’s history at the ripe young age of 47 in 2008 probably wasn’t on the cards for The Honourable the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago Mr. Justice Ivor Archie some years earlier, when he served as an engineer in the Middle East. But as fate would have it, the Scarborough, Tobago-born young man’s studies in Mechanical Engineering were just a stepping stone to his true career path, which would be based on his later law studies at the University of South Hampton in the United Kingdom.

Tobago, more specifically Rockley Vale, opposite capital city Scarborough’s Botanical Gardens, is where young Archie spent much of his early life, attending primary school at Scarborough Anglican Boys’ School, graduating to the secondary level at Bishop’s High School, also in Scarborough, before heading off to St. Mary’s College in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Following his law studies, he was admitted to the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago, and began his legal career in private practice and then in service to the Governments of Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos

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Islands and the Cayman Islands as State Counsel and Senior Crown Counsel. He also served as Solicitor General of the Cayman Islands, and acted as their Attorney General on a number of occasions. He became a Judge of the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal on April 2, 2004.

Outside of his professional life, Justice Archie is a Minister/Elder at his local church assembly, and a founding member of Tobago United Sports Foundation (formerly Tobago United Football Club), a non-profit entity with a mission to develop leadership and life skills among the youth in Tobago. The Honourable the Chief Justice has interests which range from theology to cricket to music, and is, in fact, a member of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s best known and celebrated choirs, the Lydians. He is married and is the father of two children.

The Chief Justice’s theme for nation building centres around an excerpt from his speeches: “The country that you live in is determined by your perspective, the breadth of your vision and by the audacity of your hope.”

Rainbow and Twin River Falls...

Tobago’s other waterfalls The Lure: Tobago’s best kept secret.

Maybe that is what prompted the elders of the Catholic Church in the early 19th Century to so name this plot of paradise. The estate lies in a large valley on Tobago’s East coast, midway between the northern-most point, Charlotteville, and the furthest tip of the south at Crown Point. This idyllic estate consists of 150 acres of tropical rainforest, located at the foothills of the main ridge of the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. It is watered by two rivers and is home to the majestic Rainbow and Twin River waterfalls.

You can find them nestled in the Lure Estate, tucked away between the villages of Goodwood and Pembroke, 1.5 miles from the main entrance at the corner of the Pembroke Heritage Park along Cow Farm Road. As one enters this dirt road, through organic farms, majestic immortelles and one-of-a-kind flora and fauna, you come face-to-face with nature in all its splendour. Halfway down the road, you arrive at the access point, the Rainbow Nature Resort, where information and tour guides are readily available.

A mere 20 minutes’ walk under bamboo canopy forest, in and out of shallow river pools, in an area frequented by 63 species of birds, you discover the mystical Rainbow falls. The spectacular 100-meterhigh waterfall was named by Mr. Hughford McKenna in 1974, as an actual rainbow appears between the months of November and March. The falls cascades gently down the cliff face into a pool, which ranges between 8 and 10 feet in the rainy season and 5 and 7 feet in the dry. It is simply a beautiful, peaceful and tranquil place to unwind, have a swim or just to get away from the normal hustle and bustle of the world.

Aside from the wonders of the Rainbow falls, at the end of the initial dirt road, lies the bed of the Goldsborough River. Along the bed, about an hourlong trek through a river pools—sometimes inhabited by caiman and speckled with beautifully coloured green moss—is a grand pool at the bottom of the layering Twin River falls. It gets its name from the literal joining of the two rivers you see along the scenic walk.

The pool at the Twin River falls is just about 12 feet deep, and the layering effect that the falls forms makes it easy for hiking purposes.

The Lure Estate in Tobago gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy God’s treasures. A day here can never be a day wasted, as there are several wonders to experience.

Come and join us as at the Rainbow Nature Resort! We do daily tours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We conduct guided and unguided tours to the Rainbow falls.

Guided tours cost $50 per person and unguided cost $30 per person. Tours to the Twin River falls are only done on a guided basis at $80 per person. Children under 12 are free for all tours.

Photo: Kevin Kenny

BEACHES

Beaches Pigeon Point

Pigeon Point Heritage Park is Tobago’s premiere beach location with its iconic jetty and thatched hut, and our only beach with the soft white sand and amazing turquoise waters of the Buccoo Reef. Located on the quieter Caribbean Sea side of the island, this is a perfect beach for families, but also for wind-surfing and kite-boarding within the protected waters of the reef. Looking west, it is also fabulous for sunset photography through the coconut trees. Reef, dive and fishing tours leave from the jetty. The entry fee is TT$18, which allows access to food, drink, toilet facilities and a selection of thatched huts for shelter.

Parlatuvier

This is a quiet fishing village right after Englishman’s Bay, with a picturesque, quaint feel and lovely blue-green water. There is safe bathing and sound anchorage for fishing boats with a sizeable jetty for landing the catches. There is a small bar and restaurant that serves lunches, but the village is not really suited for tourism.

Castara

The first fishing village after Moriah, Castara developed around tourism. It is quite vibrant, and offers many options for a guesthouse on or near the beach type of holiday with safe swimming. The smaller, Little Bay offers some more privacy.

There are a few shops, bars and restaurants, and at night there is a little more activity than is typically found in Tobago’s villages. Just half an hour’s drive from Scarborough.

Photo: Patricia Lewis

Store Bay

One of Tobago’s most popular beaches, Store Bay is located right by the airport between Crown Point and Coco Reef hotels.

This beach hosts many local events. It is very accessible even on foot, offers great swimming year-round and features craft vendors, shops, toilets, parking and a line-up of local cooks whose names are synonymous with good Tobago food. Think crab and dumpling, conch and stew pork. Everyone pays a visit to Store Bay, from residents taking their early morning sea bath to visitors who like to soak up the local vibe.

Englishman’s Bay

This is a lovely, natural beach about one hour’s drive from Crown Point. Winner of a Best Beach environmental award, it is surely the beach that any visitor would like to discover or any “yachty” would love to anchor off. Certainly, the snorkeling is great. The beach has a gentle slope and is treelined at the high water mark with a stream at the far (western) end. There is a small restaurant that serves tasty local food, a handful of craft vendors and parking. Toilet facilities are limited.

Grafton Beach

Photo: Kevin Kenny

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It is popularly called Grafton Beach, after one of the hotels located there, but its real name is Stonehaven Bay, just west of Black Rock. At low tide, you can scramble over the stones that give the bay its name, or swim in the more gentle surf at the Black Rock end, sheltered by the promontory on which Fort Bennett is built. This has some of the best snorkelling in Tobago. There is shade under the sea grape trees if you like a natural ambiance, or try Grafton Hotel’s Buccaneers Beach Bar mid-way down the beach with its umbrella-shaded tables on a deck above the sand.

Pigeon Point Photo: Inken Janning

Photo: Patricia Lewis

Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

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Tobago offers a versatile mix of retail therapy, from exclusive clothing boutiques to local craft and paintings. In the last year, two new shopping outlets have opened up on the island. Shoppes @ Westcity in Canaan has around fifteen shops, including shoe and clothing stores like Radical Designs, and others offering toys and soft furnishings.

Shirvan Plaza at the corner of Shirvan Road and the Claude Noel Highway is the perfect place to buy some of the latest designs in Caribbean and international fashion.

The Koral Beach Boutique specialises in the latest beachwear by Caribbean and Latin American designers. And if all this shopping makes you hungry, try some Creole cuisine at Krackers.

Shoppes @ Westcity satisfies every shopper’s palate and pocket with its wide ranging choice, including appliances, clothing and Penny Savers Supermarket.

The Art Gallery offers original paintings by owner Martin Superville and other local artists such as Jason Nedd, as well as limited edition prints, ceramics, photography, framing and signs. For gifts for family and friends, head to Tobago Charms, based at the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort at Lowlands, which stocks locally made craft, swimsuits and other goodies for you to take home. Store Bay and Pigeon Point are also great places to pick up souvenirs, many of them crafted out of wood, leather, calabash and bamboo, or buy Planet Ceramic’s locally made ceramics at Pigeon Point. In Crown Point there are also other shopping opportunities at d’Art Yard, the Mangrove Shop, and Things Naturally, with its selection of locally made clothing, herbal products, jewellery, ceramics and wood carvings. Shore Things Cafe and Crafts in Lambeau also stocks locally made gifts and has a cafe on site, specialising in local food and juices.

For visitors in self-catering accommodation, there are supermarkets in Canaan (Pennysavers and Viewport), Carnbee (Pennysavers), Bethany (Gourmet Foods/ Morshead) and Scarborough (Pennysavers and Viewport). For alcohol, try Vintage Imports next to Pennysavers in Carnbee.

Tobago specialities to sample include locally made goat’s cheese, homemade ice cream, and fresh fish and lobster, available from vendors around the island. Blue crab can also be bought at the side of the road – maybe you can try making Tobago’s signature dish, crab and dumplings? For a real sweet treat, head to the airport in Crown Point for sugar cake (grated coconut and sugar) and the famous Tobago bene balls, which are hard, crunchy balls made of molasses and sesame seeds.

By Katy Young

S

SHOPPING

Shopping

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Photo: Patricia Lewis

Photo: Patricia Lewis

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If you are having a really great holiday here in Tobago, planning your return trip next year perhaps, then you might just like to consider the option of actually owning your own holiday home on the island. Why not?

The holiday villa stock is quite substantial, ranging in price from around US$300,000 to $2m, with a scattering in excess of that. The most popular locations are on the Caribbean coast at Grafton, at Mount Irvine around the golf course, or on the Atlantic coast at Tobago Plantations resort in Lowlands and in the Bacolet area, east of the capital Scarborough.

While you have the leisure to drive around and look at what is on offer, find yourself a couple of professional real estate brokers from the Yellow Pages and give them your approximate budget for the investment. They will put together a shortlist that suits your pocket and with at least a day’s notice they should be able to make appointments for you to view. In high season, this gets a little more difficult, since the properties are often rented out.

If you’re a foreign national, your investment is regulated by the Foreign Investment Act of 1990, which allows you to buy up to one acre for residential use in a number of specified locations zoned for foreign investment. The actual purchase procedure involves making an offer, which must be accepted in writing; then you sign a Sale Agreement and make a 10% deposit into an escrow account, with completion usually 90 days later. During the 90 days your local attorney will search the title for you and then draw up the deed of conveyance — or assignment in the case of leasehold land. It is quite common to own property on a leasehold basis since so many of the villas are located in gated communities with common services and areas that have to be maintained for the benefit of all owners, and by selling on a lease basis, the developer or landlord retains title to the whole and has responsibility for ensuring that protective covenants are observed. Typically, owners will form an association to manage any joint responsibilities, such as those that go with condo ownership, for example.

All non-nationals buying in T&T must show proof of funds entering the local banks, as the Act stipulates purchase in a major internationally-traded currency, and in addition there is an application to be made for a licence to own land in Tobago, which is part of the government’s regulatory system for monitoring foreign investment. Whether local or foreign, all parties to a transaction must provide due diligence, which is proof of identity and source of funds, in compliance with internationally accepted anti-money laundering legislation to which T&T is party. It is simpler than it sounds, and all registered real estate brokers will be knowledgeable on the subject and able to help you get through the process.

P PROPERTY

Property Peter Sheppard

Photo: Kevin Kenny

Property

Photo: Patricia Lewis

Tobago has, of course, been affected by the global changes reported in investment and travel patterns over the past few years, and in certain sectors of the property market, local investors have had to take up the slack. Agents have observed an increase in sales for permanent residency or retirement purposes, rather than investment for tourism income, and in this, Tobago is fortunate having a sister isle ‌ Trinidad .. one might say a captive market, which can be developed on both the investment and the tourism fronts. To develop those markets fully, however, there must be a level of foreign investment to stimulate the villa market in particular.

This is the perfect situation for the visitor who wants his or her own place in the sun. The market can provide a good choice of holiday villas, the land licence system is in place and working within its time limitations, property prices are lower than they have been in over five years, and investors should have no trouble finding an attractive deal. Tobago has everything to pitch for and it’s a perfect situation for you as a buyer. What are you waiting for!

By Dawn Glaisher

SeaJade Investments Real Estate Brokers / Property Consultants PO Box 1107, Bon Accord, Tobago, WI Tel: (868) 639-6636 E-mail: seajade@tstt.net.tt / dglaisher@gmail.com www.seajadeinvestments.com With the invaluable professional experience gained over 18 years in the Tobago real estate sector, SeaJade is highly qualified to meet all your property investment needs. We are members of AREA, the national association of professional brokers, and we are FIU registered in compliance with anti-money laundering legislation. We are also specialists in the area of investment by foreign nationals, and we will take you right through the process of buying, from property selection to land licence application to completion of purchase and registration of title. Email or call for an appointment to discuss your interest in owning a holiday property in Tobago.

We are exclusively Tobago!

Rain Property Management & Real Estate Ltd. Lot 1 Bon Accord Estate, LP#2 Pigeon Point Road, Tobago Tel/Fax: (868) 631-0766 Mobile: (868) 796-0820 or 497-2955 E-mail: rainsoriah@tstt.net.tt Rain Property Management offers a highly personalised service, which includes property management, vacation villa rentals, longand short-term house rentals, and property sales. We go the extra mile, tailoring our searches to find you land or property to suit your individual needs. We provide a friendly and efficient service, no matter what your budget. Our knowledge of the local market enables us to advise you at a professional level, yet with the warmth and friendliness of our island people. Give us a call our friendly staff awaits as we look forward to doing business with you.

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Property

Baie de Sucre The most exciting development in the Eastern Caribbean last year was the launch of the brand new Baie de Sucre Beach Resort on the island of Bequia, in the heart of the Grenadines. Bequia is the perfect Caribbean island; it is blessed with all the natural beauty of a peaceful tropical paradise, while still offering a superior quality lifestyle, and that rare harmony between tranquility and luxury is the raison d’être of Baie de Sucre.

Baie de Sucre is poised to become one of the most exclusive and sumptuous boutique beach resorts in the entire Caribbean, offering the ultimate in 5-star accommodation and hospitality services.

Comprising 39 one- and two-bedroom beach cottages, 6 beach villas and a select number of four- or five-bedroom ridge and ridge top villas, Baie de Sucre is big enough to offer a broad range of superb facilities, but intimate enough to retain a sense of belonging.

In addition to a stunning beach with glorious conditions for swimming, a unique restaurant and bar, a well-appointed spa, a tennis centre and a kids’ club, the resort has its own marina with excellent facilities for yachting, fishing and water-sports. The Grenadines is one the best places in the world to enjoy sailing, and Baie de Sucre is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding waters or enjoying day-trips to nearby islands, such as Mustique, the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Palm Island, Union Island and Petit St. Vincent. Or even Canouan to play golf!

The hillside positioning of the resort has facilitated an interesting variety of home locations: from glorious beachfront bliss all the way up to breathtaking ridge-top views across the Grenadines. The villas feature fabulous infinity-edged pools, expansive verandahs, lots of

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open space and all the elegance of stylish indoor-outdoor living.

The first of the magnificent ridge top villas has already been completed and is available for viewing. This superb home really has to be experienced to be appreciated. In keeping with the extraordinary beauty of the elevated vantage point, these villas have been designed and equipped to match the best in the world.

To better accommodate the particular needs of a discerning clientele, bespoke design-and-build packages are available for properties ranging in price from US$5 - $20 million.

From the perspective of a more modest financial commitment, it is worth noting that the beach cottages represent an attractive, tax-compliant investment opportunity. With prices starting at US$400,000 and the average daily room rate expected to be around US$500, the forecast income promises to be healthy.

The purchase process for Baie de Sucre has been made as simple and cost-effective as possible and the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines has provided a number of attractive concessions and incentives to help reduce purchasing costs.

The developers of Baie de Sucre are well known and respected in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and beyond. Locally based Kelly Glass operates several very successful businesses in the region, specialising in construction and telecommunications; while Jonathon Milne is an award-winning international developer based in the United Kingdom. Together they make a very solid team and both men are fully committed to the long-term success of Baie de Sucre.

Please contact Baie de Sucre to arrange a private viewing.

Property Caribbean Estates, Lands & Villas Cor. Milford & Golden Grove Roads, Canaan, Tobago Tel.: (868) 639-LAND / 639-5263 / 639-9663 Fax: (868) 639-2258 Mobile: (868) 678-4107 Email: natalie@realestatetobago.com Website: www.realestatetobago.com VILLA FOR RENT – “Atlantique” is a beautiful, ocean-front 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bathroom villa in the Tobago Plantations gated development.

This villa is the ideal holiday getaway with fabulous views, luxurious furnishings and expansive terraces. Three of the bedrooms are on the ground floor, while the master bedroom is upstairs and commands wonderful views out to the Atlantic Ocean. This villa has its own small calm beach, and a large swimming pool complete with spa for those romantic or relaxing evenings.

VILLA FOR SALE – Sitting on the Mt. Irvine Golf Course on over half an acre of landscaped gardens capturing a lovely view of the Caribbean Sea, is this well-appointed 5 bedroom, 7 and a half bathroom villa.

All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have bathrooms en suite.

Three of the five bedrooms are on the upper floor and open onto an extensive verandah. On the ground floor are the other two bedrooms, the living / dining area, a TV room with full bathroom, a powder room, laundry room and a well-equipped kitchen that boasts granite countertops and Cyprus wood cabinetry. A 40’ x 20’ swimming pool, a large gazebo and a 2-car garage complete this villa.

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Tobago Fashion Week Photo: Inken Janning

Arturo Tappin Photo: Lily N. Reisling

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E events

weddings sports

ENTERTAINMENT

Surfing in Tobago Photo: Kevin Kenny

Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne

Maracas The Band

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ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment

Local music gets equal play in Tobago Jazz Experience 2012

By Lily N. Reisling

With the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence only months away, the 2012 Tobago Jazz Experience was as much a celebration of T&T’s vibrant local music as it was of international genres. The nine-day festival offered its patrons a strong taste of local music, blended with R&B, reggae, soul and, of course, jazz.

Held from April 21 to 29, the festival continued the trend of casual open-air events dotted all around the island.

The festival started with Jazz in the East at the Speyside Recreational Grounds, then moved to Signal Hill for Hillside Jazz. Both these events saw acts like soca songstress Nadia Batson and Fire Fusion, who stayed true to their name by blending jazz with soul music and soca.

Next, the pace came down a bit with jazz workshops at the Speyside High School and Signal Hill Comprehensive, where musician Theron Shaw and music teacher Sebastian Loeber took the time to nurture budding musical talent.

Patrons looking to unwind loved the unplugged, mellow vibe at Milford Road Esplanade’s Jazz on the Waterfront. Then the weekend rolled around, and with it, multiple Grammy Awardnominee Janelle Monáe and Brit Awards’ Critics’ Choice Winner Emeli Sandé. The duo dominated World Music Night with their international hits. Pan lovers wait each year for steel pan virtuosos at Pazzazz, held on the Saturday, and big names like Angie Stone and David Rudder crowned off the experience at the Beach Jazz Fiesta on Sunday.

2012 Beach Jazz Satisfies All Comers Regulars at the annual Tobago Jazz Experience know that the last day of the festival almost always has the biggest appeal, but organisers outdid themselves this year with an explosive show for the 2012 edition’s Beach Jazz Fiesta, held at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park on April 29, and the earlier, more casual free event, Jazz on the Beach, held at the Mount Irvine Beach Facility.

Jazz on The Beach attendees settled in droves, clad in bikinis or swim trunks and armed with beach chairs, coolers and sunscreen. Food was on sale, from barbequed pigtails to corn soup to snow cones.

Performers were also casually dressed, but their performances were anything but. Local breakout artists Mayaro the Band warmed up the crowd with three skilled vocalists and stunning covers like John Legend’s Save A Little, Etta James’ At Last and a mirror perfect version of Hotel California, sung by band leader Joel Ali aka Coconut Man. Women in the audience responded with whoops and cheers as Khiry Flemming crooned smooth R&B hits and rough and ready reggae.

Valarie Hilaire’s vocal range is impressive, as was her jawdropping cover of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep and sensuous, free-spirited dancing throughout the band’s performance.

Next, Chantal Esdelle and her band Moyenne took the musical offerings to a different place with zouk and bossa novaflavoured calypso. Dressed in little more than a loose cotton shirt made by local design house The Cloth and sneakers, Esdelle’s raspy voice and skilled keyboarding evoked echoes of Nina Simone. But her choice of music, both covers and her original work, paid homage to local musical genius the late Andre Tanker. Unlike the drum-dominated original recording

version, Esdelle’s performance of Tanker’s Back Home used a range of instruments, from steel pan to bonga drums, that lent the piece a lightness that was well suited to the open-air event, but did not disguise the homesick longings in the melody and lyrics.

The mellow vibe at Mount Irvine notwithstanding, Ins & Outs had to leave without hearing the debut of Bajan band The Golden Apple Project or the heights of Etienne Charles & Kaiso in order to hurry down to the Beach Jazz Fiesta, scheduled to begin at 4 pm.

Although the elegantly dressed crowd at Pigeon Point Heritage Park had to use umbrellas to ward off intermittent showers, nothing could dampen their enthusiasm for the night’s performances.

Vaughnette Bigford’s red maxi dress danced with the flashing green stage lights as she sang a mesmerising jazz remake of soca artiste KMC’s Set My Soul On Fire. Her powerful alto really set the crowd on fire, and whetted their musical appetites for more.

Argentine Cecelia Maria Mendez Elizalde entertained with a flirtatious stage persona and classic bossa nova in Portugese, Spanish and English. But Barbadian Arturo Tappin was easily the crowd’s favourite performer: the saxophonist, clad in denim, never stopped moving. He twirled and jumped around the stage while playing international hits like NeYo’s Ms. Independent and Maroon 5’s Moves Like Jagger, as well as Caribbean hits like Benjai’s 2012 Carnival offering Bacchanalist. During one song, Tappin ran off the stage to showboat with the excited crowd, many of whom promptly whipped out smart phones to record the spontaneous descent. Next up was calypso great David Rudder. Patrons flooded to the stage front, hands upraised, and the atmosphere took on an almost spiritual tone as the chantuelle sang hit after hit, all of them cultural anthems like the amusingly ironic Madness, Oil and Music, the patriotic Trini to De Bone and Dus’ In Deh Face.

Photos: Lily N. Reisling

Entertainment

Vaughnette Bigford

During his performance of the mystic High Mass, Rudder ad libbed: “You see how the rain stop as soon as I come on the stage?” His adoring followers roared in approval.

If the night had ended with Rudder’s lengthy set, patrons would have gotten their TT$300’s worth. But after his departure, the headline act, Angie Stone, came out onto the stage with fresh energy and soulful renditions of her hits. And the Pigeon Point crowd sang along, word-perfect, as Stone’s crooning alto took the concert beyond midnight.

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Local Designers Show Off Their Dan Dan At

TOBAGO FASHION WEEKEND When former Miss Universe contestant Anya Ayoung Chee won the internationally televised Project Runway competition with her clothing line named Tobago Love, it was already five months after the first-ever staging of Tobago Fashion Weekend in May 2011.

Serendipity had further underscored the viability of this fledgling event. The Tobago-based producers, Designers United Stores, fought against many odds, including naysayers who felt that the island really had no place—or say, for that matter—in the world of fashion. Both Miss Ayoung Chee’s explanation of the inspiration she derived from Tobago’s rich topography and the seaside locale of TFW dispelled this notion.

It is May 2012, and the creatives of bustling about for the much-anticipated second iteration of TFW, called Dan Dan Fiesta. Dan Dan, by the way, is a a Trinbago term for any article of clothing that just screams “Look at me! I’m fabulous!”

Thirty local, regional and international designers, eighty models, twenty-two media houses, including Black Enterprise Magazine, Vibe Magazine, and BET Centric, as well as boxing celebrity Sugar Shane Mosley, all converged on Pigeon Point Heritage Park for three evenings of high fashion with sand between the toes!

The local powerhouse designs of Meiling, Heather Jones, The Cloth, and Shaun Griffith Perez did not disappoint.

UK designer Romero Bryan endeared himself to the TFW patrons with his eclectic pieces and his Swarovski crystalencrusted gown, which adorned internationally acclaimed Alek Wek earlier this year. TFW also welcomed home son of the soil, Francis Hendy, who now operates out of New York. Hendy is known for his well-tailored pieces, with a juxtaposition of vibrant Caribbean-inspired colours and prints. Jay Z, P Diddy and Machel Montano have all worn his pieces, a testimony to his mastery.

Our Caribbean neighbours, Pink Lemonade and Andrew Harris (both of Barbados), Marcia Dos Santos (Guyana) were at home on the TFW stage and received many accolades.

The Tobago Fashion Week runway saw newcomers like Hak Gwai, whose sophomore collection, though quite different from 2011, showed her versatility and natural style. Students from the University of Trinidad and Tobago fashion program showed a collection, and the talent demonstrated by these young people is proof that the future of our fashion is in good hands. There are many success stories that emanate from the Tobago Fashion Weekend Program, but we are especially heartened by the increase in showings by the Tobagonian designers. This year saw four new faces: Yesa Designs, Ink Ideas, Indegeniality Designs and Ri Designs.

These new and upcoming designers joined their now seasoned counterparts, Krystal’s Fashions and Nia Nay. Tobago Fashion Weekend has made its mark on the fashion scene, and has promised continued growth in a very viable industry. It has opened up many possibilities, especially in the areas of event tourism, trade and commerce, designer and model development. Tobago Fashion Weekend 2013 is already on the cards!

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By Designers United Stores

Photo: Inken Janning

Entertainment

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WEDDINGS Photo: Inken Janning

Romantic Weddings The only thing that can top a romantic getaway to Tobago is getting married there! There is no better setting for you, your family and guests, than a romantic, tropical island with verdant forests and pristine blue seas. Imagine the song of the Tobago breeze whispering in your ear as you exchange I do’s before family and friends on a dreamy beach, a sunlit patio or resplendent ballroom. You can even say “I do” while sailing into the sunset on a yacht!

Many hotels and guesthouses in Trinidad and Tobago offer a special wedding service, and you can request religious and non-religious ceremonies. Whether you would like a relaxed and festive reception under blue skies, top-class hotel accommodation, or a formal event, the choice is up to you.

All you need to do is contact one of the hotels that specialise in wedding services.

Everything can be handled by the staff, so ask for information on the various special entertainment programmes, wedding services and gourmet meals. Whatever you desire can be arranged, whether it is a live steelband at the event, a village or church or beach wedding. They’re well versed in the art of making your every wedding desire come true.

And be sure to follow it up with a dream honeymoon enjoying all that Tobago has to offer!

Requirements Bride and groom have to be non-residents to be eligible for the “Special Licence”.

Stamp of entry into the country must be dated at least three days before the wedding day, counting from the day after arrival. Both parties must go in person to the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) office, Sangster Hill, Scarborough, Tobago to apply for the Special Licence, then wait at least 24 hours before having the wedding ceremony. Identification in the form of a passport is to be presented and, in the case of a divorced applicant, evidence of a Decree Absolute. If one party is a widow or widower, death certificate must be submitted. If documents are not in English, translation from Niherst, Caribbean School of Languages or an Embassy is needed.

A fee of TT$300 is charged for the marriage licence. For more information: Call the BIR office at 639-2410.

SPORTS

Sports

Photo: Kevin Kenny

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Kitesurfing in paradise

by Sheldon Waithe

Let’s take the idyllic Caribbean mixture of sun, sand, sea and, to cool things down, a little breeze. Now, imagine increasing that gentle breeze to a steady wind, attaching a kite to a board to harness the awesome power of that wind and then taking off at breathtaking speeds along the waves, and you have now become part of one of the most exciting (and fastest growing) sports in T&T. Trinidad & Tobago is tailor-made for kitesurfing (or kite boarding), with the north-east trade winds buffeting the coastlines of both islands all year round, only changing direction based on the season (east to north-east in winter through spring and east to south east during summer and fall). The experts will tell you that any location with consistent onshore winds between 10 to 35 knots is ideal for this extreme sport.

T&T satisfies this criterion, falling into the 15 to 20 knots category as a yearly average. The surfing conditions in Tobago can only be described as breathtaking, with crystal clear waters below matched by cloudless skies above, all complemented by beautiful beaches and encircled by one of nature’s protectors, the reef.

Chief amongst these are Pigeon Point and No Man’s Land directly opposite, by far the most popular kitesurfing locations in the nation. Approaching the “point” of the beach, with its panoramic views and strong winds, you are left with little doubt as to why it is regarded as one of the best places on the planet to kitesurf.

Add to this all the amenities such as bars, food stalls, shops and crucially, a kite-surfing school and equipment rentals and you have everything you need to make the ocean your playground. This is the reason that the T&T National Championships are held here, along with the Tobago Carnival Regatta, aptly referred to as the “Festival of Wind”.

Incorporating all things derived from the sail, the Carnival Regatta proved a huge success in its inaugural year at Pigeon Point, allowing kitesurfers and windsurfers to thrill the crowds with their speed and airborne tricks. There are few more beautiful sights than the kaleidoscope of colourful kites skimming along the Point. It is man and nature combined at its very best.

Less than a mile away are the Mount Irvine Bay and Tobago Plantations beaches, the former an age-old favourite with surfers for its unique fast-moving waves. All of these beaches reflect the unspoilt beauty of Tobago and also provide surfers with facilities to take a break in the shade and have a cold beer or some lunch, before taking on the wind again.

Along the island’s south coast, Lambeau provides a long sandy beach with medium-sized waves and the added originality that at high tide kites have to be launched from the car park.

Lambeau is generally regarded as a beach more suited to advanced kitesurfers.

For beginners, December to May are the best months to learn the peculiarities of combining kite flying and surfing, as the low tide means smoother conditions, rendering the sea to into an almost lagoon-type state. However, regardless of the time of year, there are several instructors in Tobago available to take budding kite surfers through the introduction stages on land, where you learn how to fly trainer kites (perhaps taking you back to your youth), how to launch the kite boards and, of course, all of the safety tips. As you enter the calm Tobago

Photo: Kevin Kenny

Sports

Kite Surfing at Pigeon Point

water, the size of the kite increases to accommodate your new skills, while the instructors follow on a jet ski or small boat. With the first two stages covered, the final step involves tutorials on turning, the piloting of the kite and getting up the speed. The Tobago Kitesurfing Organization can provide lessons, instructors as well as repairs to any damaged kitesurfing apparatus. The majority of the schools have joined the International Kitesurfing Organization, ensuring the highest standard in teaching and safety.

For the advanced level boarders, there is also the mobile camp facility, where transport to various locations and refreshments are provided on a daily basis. With new kitesurfing locations being discovered each year in Tobago’s many coves, nooks and crannies, who knows which beach will turn up next to challenge the surfers and get the adrenalin pumping? One thing is certain: any beach on the island that offers the unique and enthralling challenge that is kitesurfing will also provide the paradisiacal setting that is Tobago. Kitesurfing in paradise? Yes, please!

Island Girl Sail Charters E-mail: mystic@tstt.net.tt Tel: (868) 620-SAIL (7245) www.sailtobago.com Come aboard Island Girl for an unforgettable cruise along the coast of Tobago, filled with snorkeling and sun tanning at secluded beaches, an open bar, snacks and our sumptuous buffet lunch.

Or‌sail into the sunset and rock to a sweet selection of Caribbean music on our idyllic sunset cruise, all the while served by our courteous and professional crew.

This will be the most memorable day of your holiday. We also do private cruises.

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TOBAGO CYCLING CLASSIC

By Gordon Samuel

A silver lining for Tobago’s Sport Tourism thrust…

Photo courtesy Ronnie Chung

I

n a year when Trinidad & Tobago celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the stocks of Trinbago sports continue to climb. From October 2 to 7, 2012, the region’s premier cycling event, the annual Tobago International Cycling Classic, rode off another highly successful tournament. Some 120 riders, representing teams from 20 countries, led contingents of handlers, fans and relations numbering in the hundreds as they converged on the Caribbean resort destination of Tobago for one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events in the Western Hemisphere.

Twenty-six years after the race began as an amateur exercise for local sporting enthusiasts, the now pro-am tourney was bolstered this year by the distinguished presence of Pat McQuaid, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for the sport of cycling. On his first visit to Trinidad and Tobago, McQuaid was hosted for 3 days by the Event Organizers.

His visit came one year after his organization conferred the prestigious UCI ranking upon the Tour of Tobago road cycle race. The award, coming on the eve of the tournament’s 25th Anniversary (in 2011) makes this the only UCI-sponsored event in the entire English-speaking Caribbean.

With global recognition, the Tobago International Cycling Classic became part of an illustrious group to be catalogued in the UCI international cycling calendar. Since 2011, it has fashioned an association with leading sports television network ESPN, resulting in a post-event production by ESPN being broadcast to some 50 million viewers across several countries. Five days of racing in brilliant sunshine was again captured by an even larger ESPN crew, fuelling expectations that this year’s range of coverage will greatly exceed last year’s. Some forecast that the 1-hour program featuring the 2012 event will reach a viewership in the vicinity of 100 million.

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This new association with the world’s governing body for cycling and ESPN will generate worldwide attention for the Tobago International Cycling Classic as this event continues to be a prime catalyst in positioning Tobago within the lucrative sport tourism market, creating enormous opportunities for sponsors and other stakeholders to showcase their products, brands and services to an extensive international, regional & local gathering, with many benefits on offer for Tobago and Tobago providers.

A race started more than a quarter of a century ago, the Cycling Classic visitors continue to be an extremely potent conduit for promoting this cycling event through many international media.

All who have witnessed thus far the unique marriage between Tobago and the Cycling Classic have come to appreciate the breathtaking views, scintillating ecology and the friendliness of its people, all of which combine to produce a remarkable experience encouraging a high percentage of returning riders.

Hardly surprising, since the route takes riders along quaint country roads, lined by curious and excited local and foreign onlookers, through villages, up and down Tobago’s challenging hilly terrain, and alongside Tobago’s legendary beaches. It’s a wonder these riders, pumping away under the brilliant Caribbean sunshine, don’t give into the temptation to abandon their quest—if only for a little while—and plunge into their cooling depths.

With some exciting innovations planned for the 2013 event, the Cycling Classic is well poised to become one of the biggest sporting attractions in the region. The Tobago International Cycling Classic continues to position Tobago as the foremost Caribbean sport tourism destination, and the island is becoming better known not only for this signature event, but also for its remarkable beauty and unique charm.

Cycling Classic website www.trinbagowheelers.com.

T&T’S GREAT(EST) RACE

By Sheldon Waithe Photo: Ronald Daniel

Photo: Kevin Kenny

T

he Carib Great Race is Trinidad & Tobago’s ultimate test of man and machine versus the elements, as powerboats test the rough waters off Trinidad’s north coast on their way to the finish in Scarborough, Tobago. Every August the anticipation builds through the month as updates about the state of the competitor’s boats filter through while crews seek every advantage in the search for more speed. And that is the essence of the Great Race; speed. Who can negotiate the 115-mile route fastest; a journey that begins outside the Hyatt Regency Waterfront in Port of Spain, past Trinidad’s traditional boating centre in Chaguaramas, around the northern tip to blast along the 52-mile width of the island, then across to the waiting arms of Tobago’s south-western coastline. There’s none of the placid waters traditionally associated with powerboat racing here. Add the possibility of inclement weather and an arduous trip becomes one of the most challenging powerboat races in the world. As such, speed alone is no guarantee of victory in this very dangerous sport; durability, skill and experience are major factors along with a smattering of good luck.

The race is a T&T institution, which will celebrate its 45th Anniversary in 2013; that’s a lot of mileage, plenty of knots under the belt and many broken boats and shattered dreams of victory.

The names of both pilots and boats over those years are the stuff of local legend: Brian Bowen, Jeffrey Meyer, Carlos Sabga and perhaps the most famous of them all, Ken Charles. The boats these men have driven took on mythical status, much like thoroughbred race horses whose names are forever associated with winning pedigree. Trinbagonians of a certain age can tell you all about Checkmate and Checkmate Too, the various incarnations of Mr. Solo and Bassman. The current crop of boats have similarly imaginative monikers, with the likes of Gulf Dragon, Overdose, Rabble Rouser and Show Me Your Motion taking up the mantle and creating new legacies.

There are boats of all shapes and sizes competing in seven different classes dependent upon speed, from 130 mph down to the 60 mph category. As part of the build up, the boats are paraded (on land) a week before the event itself, starting in the west of Trinidad and going through the centre of Port of Spain and back to the west via vibrant St. James. It gives the public the opportunity to get up close and personal with all of the boats, to marvel at the sheer size of the 130 mph monsters or wonder how some of the smaller craft can survive the passage. Panels are opened, engines are scrutinised, pilots and their crew gain new support as the fans choose their favourites.

This being T&T, the entire parade exercise is a big lime, accompanied by music and fanfare, and it really is a precursor to the celebration proper at the finish line in Tobago the following weekend. For as long as there has been a Great Race, there has been a Great Race weekend: people flocking to Tobago for a full weekend of celebration, beach parties at day and night, as they await the early morning arrival of the boats. It is Tobago at its festive best and for the boat crews, it is a welcome release after surviving the crossing. Can 2012’s winner Fire One retain the title?

August awaits....

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DIVING

Diving

© Photo: Sylvia Krueger - Oceans Discovery OCEANSDISCOVERY.COM

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Scuba Diving Tobago’s Reefs

By Derek Chung

At eleven degrees north of the equator, Tobago lies just north of the sister isle of Trinidad, both being the southernmost islands of the Caribbean. Unlike its more industrialized sibling, Tobago retains many of its attractive qualities from the 90s (albeit with some modernization), and that includes the way that diving is conducted on the island. You’ll not find “cattle boat diving” here, as dive operators utilize smaller, more maneuverable boats catering to groups of 6-10 divers. These smaller groups translate into a more personal underwater experience with your dive guide, a definite plus! As close to Venezuela as we are, Tobago is influenced by the outflow from the Orinoco Delta, resulting in somewhat lower visibility than our northerly neighbors. Now that’s not to say that it’s poor, as visibility averages 50-60 ft with highs of 120 ft; however, local conditions contrive to create a colorful, healthy and vibrant marine ecosystem which other Caribbean islands would be hard pressed to compete with. For simplicity, diving on Tobago can be divided into two geographic locations: Speyside to the north and Crown Point to the south, with both locations having a selection of dive sites that would be suitable for novice to experienced divers. In fact, tuition forms a large part of diving activities, with dive centers offering a wide range of PADI programs catering for ages six to as young as seventy. If you haven’t tried diving before, be sure to make inquiries while on the island; you can be having an exciting time underwater in as little as an afternoon! For the certified diver it may also be the opportune time to broaden your knowledge with an advanced course or a specialty course such as the Drift or the Nitrox Diver.

Speyside has a well-earned reputation for quality diving and is often referred to as being home to the Caribbean’s largest brain coral which, incidentally, is to be found on “Keleston’s Drain” where divers can also find barracudas, hawkbill turtles and ever-present clouds of brown chromis and creole wrasse.

Tarpon are regularly sighted within the bowl at the “Bookends”, where you’d be well advised to keep an eye open for a manta ray along the ridge, and “Japanese Gardens”with its sponge growth can’t be beat for a carnival of colors. “Black Jack Hole”, the “Cathedral” and “Angel Reef” are just a few more sites teeming with life that can be found around Little Tobago and Goat Island. Given sufficient participation, Speyside-based dive centers will run trips out to “London Bridge” at St. Giles and as far around as the “Sisters”, where the sighting of a hammerhead shark is a possibility.

Crown Point is definitely not to be underrated; gentle drift dives along “Flying Reef”, “Majestan Reef” and “Cove Ledge” provide frequent encounters with hawksbill and green turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays, lobsters and green moray eels. For the more experienced diver, barracuda, huge nurse sharks, turtles, eagle rays and dense schools of grunts are to be found at “Diver’s Thirst” and “Diver’s Dream”, while cobia patrol the depths of the deliberately sunken wreck of the “Maverick”, one of Tobago’s signature dive sites. For wreck diving and history aficionados there’s also the SS Kioto, a British merchant ship which was torpedoed in 1942 by a U-514. For smaller, more unusual creatures such as batfish, octopi and seahorses, “Mt. Irvine Wall” is the spot. Dive centers based here also dive as far up the Caribbean coastline as the “Sisters” and conduct overland trips to Speyside upon request. Now that you’ve had a brief glimpse of diving in Tobago, it’s time for you to experience our underwater world first hand. See you on the dive boat! www.underseatobago.com

Diving

© Photo: Sylvia Krueger - Oceans Discovery OCEANSDISCOVERY.COM

Undersea Tobago C/o Coco Reef Resort and Spa, Store Bay Tel: (868) 631-2626 M: (868) 680-4209 Email: undersea@tstt.net.tt www.underseatobago.com Undersea Tobago was formed in 1997 and soon thereafter introduced PADI scuba experiences for kids aged six and over, and the use of Nitrox to Tobago. Our PADI instructors boast 10,000+ dives and their knowledge ensures a rewarding underwater experience. Explore Tobago’s reefs and wrecks with us, where personal attention meets adventure. Located at the Coco Reef Resort.

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Even though Tobago is not a mass-market leisure destination, we offer a fine range of hotels and accommodation options to suit most tastes and budgets. Several large luxury hotels of 200 rooms or less are supported by boutique resorts, luxury villa resorts, smaller hotels, guesthouses, inns, B&Bs, and eco lodges and private villas for rent. Whilst most properties are concentrated in the popular tourist belt, encompassing the southwestern Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, many others are spread throughout the island, usually adjacent to or near one of our world-class beaches or other attractions and sites of natural beauty and interest.

Whilst many hotels offer “All Inclusive” packages or meal plans, room-only or self-catering options are popular, given the island’s excellent road network, infrastructure and an abundance of affordable restaurants, supermarkets and local produce vendors.

Photo: Kevin Kenny

In 2012, the Government announced a major fiscal initiative via Government-backed loan guarantees to support the refinancing and refurbishment of the island’s existing accommodation sector.

Additionally, Government loan guarantees are also available to encourage new investors to develop additional hotel and accommodation options in Tobago. As a result, in the future Tobago will be able to offer even more options and better quality and value for money when it comes to choosing where to stay on the island.

Most hotels and properties are full during peak tourist periods, so it’s best to book early.

Generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better the rate you will be quoted. Expect to be asked for a deposit to secure your booking, and make sure to check the fine print as to cancelation options and tariffs. Also, make sure that the quoted rate includes all resort and local taxes. Travel insurance is always recommended to cope with the unexpected.

Tobago has many wonderful places to stay, but to get a real taste of our island hospitality, put down the book and rum punch and get out and see the rest of the island. Don’t be a tourist; be a traveler. With so many unique and wonderful options to choose from and see, one visit will never be enough.

By Nick Hardwicke, President of Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association

Photo: Peter Sheppard

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A

ACCOMMODATION

Photo: Peter Sheppard

Accommodation

Blue Waters Inn Batteaux Bay, Speyside Tobago, West Indies Tel: (868) 660-4341, (868) 660-2583 Fax: (868) 660-5195 E-mail: bwi@bluewatersinn.com Website: www.bluewatersinn.com The Blue Waters Inn is the best kept secret in Tobago. You are surrounded by the lush beauty of nature in a glittering bay just minutes from some of the most incredible dive spots in the Caribbean. This boutique, beachfront hotel recently underwent a complex renovation; all rooms were upgraded to a new level of understated luxury, along with a stunning infinity pool and more. We also have opened a brand new on-site PADI 5 Star dive center, Blue Waters Dive’n. A whole new look, with the same inherent magic.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago Tel: (868) 660-8500 Fax: (868) 660-8503 E-mail: info@magdalenagrand.com www.magdalenagrand.com The Magdalena Grand in Tobago has everything you want. This oceanfront resort is new and gives you a choice of swimming pools, patios, beach, spa, tennis, 5-star PADI dive center, and championship golf. There are six different choices of bars and restaurants and the dining experience couldn’t be better. The resort’s 200 rooms, including 22 suites, have incredible views, and families love our kids’ club and playground, which entertains our smallest guests. Enjoy all the wonderful amenities of Magdalena Grand and escape from the everyday. Magdalena Grand Beach Resort has it all. Discover the “True Caribbean”.

Sandy Point Beach Club 68-70 Store Bay Local Road, Crown Point, Tobago Resort Tel: (868) 639-0820/0877 Fax: (868) 631-8231 Resort E-mail: resort@sandypointbeachclub.com Reservations E-mail: reservations@sandypointbeachclub.com www.sandypointbeachclub.com The poetry and romance of the Caribbean reveal themselves in glorious abundance at Sandy Point Beach Club, the only Timeshare Resort in Trinidad & Tobago…a vantage from which to witness the eternal courtship between sun and sea. Forty-six well-appointed apartments, ranging in size from studios to four-bedroom units, are each designed and equipped to ensure an enjoyable, relaxing stay in Tobago, whether you plan to scuba dive, golf, explore Tobago’s rainforest reserve or just kick back and relax in the sun or in the quiet sanctuary of your holiday habitat.

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Accommodation

The Villas at Stonehaven Black Rock, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-0361 Fax: (868) 639-0102 E-mail: stonehav@tstt.net.tt www.stonehavenvillas.com The Villas at Stonehaven are situated on a hillside overlooking a spectacular view of the Caribbean sea. The resort consists of fourteen luxurious villas with spacious living areas, fifty-foot covered verandahs, private infinity edge pools, fully equipped granite kitchens and three air-conditioned bedrooms with en suite facilities. On the well-manicured grounds of the resort, you will find the beautiful Pavilion Clubhouse. The Clubhouse consists of a comfortable bar, lounge, and restaurant accented with a half-moon infinity pool, offering a welcoming atmosphere for relaxing and meeting fellow guests. The Pavilion is also a spectacular location for your next wedding or function.

Mount Irvine Bay Hotel & Golf Club P.O. Box 222, Scarborough, Tobago Reservations: (868) 639-9674/5 • Fax: (868) 639-8800 E-mail: mtirvine@tstt.net.tt www.mtirvine.com The Mount Irvine Bay Hotel & Golf Club Resort offers peace and tranquility to both the discerning traveler and the avid golfer. Set amidst an old sugarcane and coconut plantation overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this 105-room resort has its own recently renovated beach restaurant and bar, Olympic-sized swimming pool with swim-up bar, an 18-hole international golf course, several bars, restaurants and a business office with Internet services. Wireless Internet access is also available in the hotel lobby and conference rooms. We offer a choice of air-conditioned superior rooms, suites or spacious garden cottages. Our expansive conference facility is ideally suited for conferences or business meetings and can also be sub-divided for smaller groups. SPECIAL OFFER PACKAGES AVAILABLE.

Plantation Beach Villas Stonehaven Bay Road, Black Rock, Tobago.

Tel: (868) 639-9377 Fax: (868) 639-0455 E-mail: plantationbeach@tstt.net.tt Web site: www.plantationbeachvillas.com

Located on Tobago’s Caribbean coast, we are nestled in a grove of lush tropical trees, perched on a gently sloping hillside, leading down to the golden sands of the palm-fringed Grafton beach.

The six luxurious Villas were designed in the charming colonial style of turn-of-the-century West Indies, with traditional gingerbread wooden fretwork adorning its windows and door openings, the Villas are spacious two-storey homes with three en suite bedrooms.

With the emphasis on elegant comfort and the serenity of nature, we are the perfect place for guests who are looking for relaxation and to enjoy the beauty of Tobago.

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Accommodation

Rovanel’s Resort Store Bay Local Road Bon Accord, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-9666, 639-0652 Fax: (868) 639-7908 Email: rovanels@tstt.net.tt www.rovanelsresorttobago.com Beautifully landscaped and situated in a tranquil part of Tobago, at Rovanel’s you come face-to-face with the picturesque Caribbean!

Surrounded by towering coconut palms, the resort has an endless variety of tropical foliage and a wide array of local and exotic animals.

Guests are treated to quality service and given unwavering attention and genuine friendliness from our staff. In planning the vacation of a lifetime, Rovanel’s is where you begin.

Crown Point Beach Hotel Tel: (868) 639-8781/3 Fax: (868) 639-8731 E-mail: reservations@crownpointbeachhotel.com www.crownpointbeachhotel.com Set on seven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Store Bay, one of Tobago’s finest beaches. Within walking distance of the airport and the well-known Pigeon Point beach.

Accommodation comprises studio, cabana and one-bedroom apartments. All rooms have ocean view, kitchenette, bathroom, hair dryer, cable television and telephone.

The Chart House poolside restaurant and Sundowners bar, cater for your entire food and beverage requirements.

Recreational facilities include swimming pool, tennis courts, table tennis and shuffleboard, and there are free Internet facilities for our guests.

From our grounds you can walk down steps that lead to Store Bay beach.

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Accommodation

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Accommodation

Tropikist Beach Hotel & Resort Ltd. Administration Office Suite 102, 21B Gaston Street, Montrose, Chaguanas, Trinidad Tel: (868) 671-9143, 671-0631 Fax: (868) 665-9236

CROWN POINT, TOBAGO, W.I. Tel: (868) 639-8512-3 E-mail: tropikistbeachhotel @mail.tt Website: www.tropikist.com

Our Resort is harmoniously designed to bring comfort and nature together. The grounds of this 54-room hotel sit on the coastline of Tobago ensuring a breath-taking ocean view from any location within the Resort.

This Three-star Resort was founded in 1977 and is nestled on five acres of well-landscaped property. Facilities include two restaurants, two pools and a Jacuzzi. Tropikist is a preferred holiday destination. It is walking distance from surrounding beaches, restaurants, and shops, and five minutes from the Airport. All rooms are comfortably equipped with airconditioning, cable TV, mini refrigerators, telephones, shower and baths, balcony or patio. Welcome to this tropical wonder.

Johnston Apartments Store Bay, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-8915, 631-5160/2 (TOBAGO) Tel: (868) 627-1927 (POS) Fax: (868) 631-5112 E-mail: johnapt@tstt.net.tt www.johnstonapartments.com The Johnston Apartments in Tobago are magnificently located on Store Bay Beach, moments away from Crown Point International airport, nightclubs, shopping and the island’s best food. This vacation destination is ideal in every way. You can relax and unwind in our spacious one-bedroom apartments overlooking the sea. Each room is fully air-conditioned and self-contained, complete with a modern kitchen. Cleaning services are provided daily. Whilst staying at Johnston Apartments, you have the use of Crown Point Beach Hotel’s pool, restaurant, tennis court and conference facilities. The natural and man-made wonders will make your stay unforgettable.

Surf Side Hotel Tel: Weekdays: (868) 639-9702 Nights and weekends: Tel/Fax: (868) 639-0614 E-mail: surfside@mail.tt Web site: www.surfsidetobago.com Why more people settle for Surf Side: The nearby beaches, Store Bay and Pigeon Point, the surrounding restaurants and groceries, comfortable rooms, spacious kitchens, private baths, pools, cable TV, lavish porches, homely atmosphere, security, best location in Crown Point. Poolside villas. Dive shop in hotel. Similar accommodation at our associate company, PAR-MAY-LA’S INN, 53 Picton St., Newtown, Port of Spain. Tel: (868) 628-2008 Fax: (868) 628-4707.

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Accommodation

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago •

193

Dining in Tobago is an extension of our culture of hospitality, where tradition dictates that we “meet, greet, and then eat”. Not surprisingly, then, we are blessed with a plethora of established restaurants and eateries that offer everything from excellent local fare, up to internationally renowned establishments offering the best of local ingredients, cooked to the highest international standards and at highly competitive prices.

Our pristine environment and year-round tropical climate continues to bless us with a natural bounty of organic produce, seasonal exotic fruits, wild caught seafood and other delicacies. All of which our local cooks and internationally trained chefs delight in cooking and presenting in a variety of unique restaurant settings. Quirky roadside cafés, gourmet pizzerias, elegant beachside restaurants, airconditioned fine dining, rocking rum shops, blue food, slow food, ethnic Chinese, Japanese, Cuban and Italian, many with a Creole twist. All these and more can be found in Tobago.

During the peak tourist periods, many restaurants are full to capacity, so when dining out it is always best to make a reservation in advance. Elegantly casual attire is generally acceptable, whereas beachwear, unless on the beach, is not. Be prepared to ask for your bill as we consider it impolite to rush people out the door. VAT or Value Added Tax at 15% is added to most restaurant bills; sometimes also a service charge of 10%. When no service charge is added, it is polite to reward good service with a 10% gratuity. Major international credit cards are widely accepted, as are US$, Euros and British pounds, although exchange rates may vary. Bon Appetit!

By Nick Hardwicke, President of Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association

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R

RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

The Pavilion Restaurant The Villas at Stonehaven, Black Rock, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-0361 Fax: (868) 639-0102 E-mail: stonehav@tstt.net.tt www.stonehavenvillas.com With one of the best views on the island, combined with excellent lunch and dinner options, the Pavilion Restaurant is a great place to spend an evening away from home. Our lunch menu features salads and sandwiches for all tastes. Our dinner menu includes a sumptuous herb-crusted lamb and fresh lobster sautéed in garlic butter. We also provide vegetarian and kids’ options.

Drinks are half-price during our happy hour from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Reservations necessary. Elegantly casual.

Lunch from noon to 3:00 p.m. Dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Visa or MasterCard accepted.

Sample Menu Seafood Crepe Fresh cuts of lobster, shrimp, and fish cooked in a delicate cream sauce and wrapped in a delicate crepe.

Grilled Lamb Rack of Lamb grilled to your liking with braised onions and garlic, sherry, thyme, herbed mashed potatoes with a rich jus.

Honey and Lime Beef Kebab Served with butternut squash, dill weed and chili flakes.

Stonehaven Roti Our daily curry wrapped in dhalpuri skin served with mango chutney and kuchela.

Passion Fruit Cheesecake A rich cheese cake drizzled with passion fruit syrup.

Café Coco

Kariwak Village

First Left off Pigeon Point Road, Crown Point, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-0996 Fax: (868) 639-8574 Reservations: (868) 639-0996 E-mail: cocoreef-tobago@trinidad.net

Store Bay Local Road, Crown Point Tel: (868) 639-8442

Café Coco is the most spectacular restaurant and bar in the region, with seating for 200.

It features waterfalls, fountains, marble bathrooms and hand-painted tiles, all synchronized to create an exotic atmosphere of charm and beauty amidst impeccable landscaping. This unique place brings to Tobago delicious dining in an intimate setting. Our chefs, from their open kitchen, offer a wide range of reasonably priced dishes, carefully selected to excite every palate. We offer a perfect venue for weddings, graduations, birthday parties and other group functions.

Sample Menu Chef De Cuisine Maurice Estwick “What The Chef Eats” Stew Beef Cubano Served with Rice, Vegetables and Fresh Salad Grilled Or Blackened Fish Jamaican Style Served with Parmesan Mash, Vegetables and Fresh Salad Bbq Rotisserie Chicken Served with a Black Bean Stew Chinese Style Pork Chop with Stir-Fried Noodles Tempura Shrimp with Rice and Garlic Sauce Char Grilled Lamb Served with Basmati Rice, Eggplant Choka and a Curry Sauce Grilled Lobster Served with Rice, Vegetables and Fresh Salad

Available for Weddings, Functions

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Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Lunch • Dinner

Opened in 1982, Kariwak is a cosy green oasis of a hotel with an absolutely fantastic restaurant known for its creative use of herbs straight from the garden. Everything is freshly prepared on-site, from the legendary Kariwak rum punch with fresh lime and passion fruit to the homemade rosemary focaccia served on week-ends.

Breakfast is a delight of local fruit, homemade yogurt and muesli along with traditional favourites. Kariwak’s popular lunch and dinner menus are set daily based on what is freshly available. Generously-sized salads and sandwiches served throughout the day… buffet dinner and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sample Menu DINNER Pumpkin soup with fresh dill.

Fresh garden greens with roasted sunflower seeds.

Mahi mahi in a coconut herb sauce OR Baked chicken with cumin & coriander with savory basmati rice, ginger mixed vegetables and grilled eggplant.

Kariwak lime pie with homemade peppermint ice cream.

Coffee, tea or Kariwak Spice Tea with bay leaf, cinnamon and ginger.

Dinner: $175 to $190 TT Lunch: $75 to $100 TT

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Bar

Restaurants

Pembois Restaurant

Kali’na Restaurant

Salaka Grill

Ocean front and pool side restaurant

All Day Dining Main Restaurant

Caribbean Fusion

Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago Tel: (868) 660-8500 Fax: (868) 660-8503 E-mail: info@magdalenagrand.com www.magdalenagrand.com

Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago Tel: (868) 660-8500 Fax: (868) 660-8503 E-mail: info@magdalenagrand.com www.magdalenagrand.com

Breakfast served from: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM Lunch served from: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Dinner served from: 6:30 PM – 10:00PM Children until four years eat for free, children until twelve years at half price.

Pembois offers indoor and outdoor seating on the pool terrace for a full buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch, and dinner buffet. The restaurant features great meals and stunning buffets and all-you-can-eat, so bring your appetite!

Each night you find different specialties, many of which are traditional Caribbean.

Every Wednesday we feature the GRAND TOBAGO BUFFET – a feast of authentic local dishes, along with native entertainment.

Quotes from tripadvisor: “The buffet is great; I particularly enjoyed having breakfast by the pool side.”

“The buffet restaurant menu was varied with a different theme every night (the roast beef is fantastic!) and the different chefs get to show off their skills (great omelets in the morning)!”

“The main comment of myself and everyone I talked to was that the standard of catering is exceptionally high. Both breakfast and dinner buffets offered superb quality, variety and was always fresh and tasty.” “….awwwwwesome, we dined at Pembois buffet restaurant.....OMG it was great.......We definitely would be going back there for some cozy time...... awwwwwwwesome!!!”

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Upscale Dining from: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM Wednesdays closed, Reservations required.

Discover the unique Caribbean Fusion cuisine in an upscale and romantic environment in one of the top restaurants in Tobago. ...traditional Caribbean or Creole recipes prepared in a modern European way as well as dishes from all over the world, refined with typical Caribbean ingredients….

Sample Menu Starters Gravlax with a Caribbean twist Thin slices of home–made marinated Atlantic salmon, combined with the flavours of our unique pumpkin & pineapple chutney, served with pumpernickel bread.

Crispy Raviolis, filled with Tobago Lobster Deep-fried delights with Italian origin, brought to perfection with Tobago lobster, a seasoned Asian jus and thin strips of baby bok choy.

Entrées Braised Lamb Shank “Mint & Orange” Tower of slices of our famous braised lamb shanks, flavoured with fresh mint and oranges, delicate pickled onions and succulent mashed potatoes with truffle, served with assorted vegetables.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast

Sorrel glazed, juicy breast of chicken, wrapped in bacon, served with short-grain risotto rice with dice of pumpkin and sautéed Shitake mushrooms.

Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago Tel: (868) 660-8500 Fax: (868) 660-8503 E-mail: info@magdalenagrand.com www.magdalenagrand.com Beverage Service from: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Food Service from: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Dinner Service from: 6.30 PM – 10.30 PM Salaka offers everyone’s favorites on the pool beverage menu and even some unique beverages of our own. All day pool beverages are served along with an a la carte sandwich menu. Enjoy great sandwiches, wraps, and snacks in our poolside restaurant overlooking the Atlantic waves, completely unique among other restaurants in Tobago.

In the evening Salaka turns into a romantic seafood grill – No menus but the Chef’s daily recommendation from the chalkboard….

Sample Menu Snacks and sandwiches Italian Pasta Salad Herbed roasted chicken, mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers, spinach & honey balsamic dressing.

Caprese Focaccia Buffalo mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, arugula and pesto on a toasted herbed focaccia.

Island Shrimp Cocktail Tobago cocktail sauce, pineapple lime salsa, crispy lettuce.

West Indies Wrap Spiced chicken breast, tomato, crispy lettuce, scallions, cilantro & mango chutney.

Desserts Tobago Rum Cream & Chocolate Chip Parfait with raspberry sauce.

Dinner

Lunch • Dinner

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Restaurants

Café Havana 72 Bacolet Street, Scarborough, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-2357 / (868) 639-3551 E-mail: dine@cafehavana.org www.cafehavana.org Café Havana is one of Tobago’s newest restaurant and cocktail bars, characterising the Caribbean experience with relaxing outdoor dining and a cosy lounge bar for guests to spend an evening out sipping cocktails. The restaurant has a faithful group of regular diners, as Chef Cesario prepares all the food with great care to ensure consistently delicious meals. The menu is a fusion of mouth-watering dishes, like curried jumbo shrimps and Churrasco steak, with local flavours that transcend many cultures.

This picturesque location also offers a romantic setting for weddings. Café Havana can organise all the details for the dream ceremony and reception from a wedding official and flowers to a wedding cake.

Sample Menu CARIBBEAN FISH US$7.00 TT$44.00 CHOWDER A local favourite served with black rum and pepper sauce.

SEAFOOD SALAD US$20.00 TT$123 Grilled shrimp and the day’s fish catch with cucumber, tomato, onions and crisp fried plantains tossed with a creamy vinaigrette.

JERK CHICKEN US$25.00 TT$159.00 Breast of chicken stuffed with button mushrooms, baked in delicious jerk seasonings, served with cassava au gratin.

CUBAN-INSPIRED US$37.00 TT$232.00 TENDERLOIN 10 oz tenderloin seasoned and grilled to perfection with a spicy Cuban bean salad.

El Pescador SeaFood Restaurant Miller’s Guesthouse #14 Miller Street, Buccoo Point, Tobago Head Chef: Leonardo Larios Tel: (868) 631-1266 www.leos-pescador.com Free Wi-Fi access Call for reservations Tobago’s No. 1 Beachfront Restaurant, with excellent food and a fantastic view. Sit back, relax, converse and watch the sun rise and set over Buccoo Bay. Our professional staff will cater for your every need.

Try one of our refreshing cocktails on the sun terrace. Sample the delicious fresh sea food in our open air restaurant, and enjoy the catch of the day from the local fisherman at the jetty in front of the restaurant.

Sample Menu TT$ STARTER Shrimp Taragon TT$50 Jumbo shrimps in a glass with salsa and home made sauce.

MAIN COURSE El Mexicano Fish TT$125 Fish fillet baked in a jalapeño and white wine reduction.

Sunday School Steak 165 TT$ 8 oz Ohama Steak Grill to your choice with homemade Steak Sauce or Chili Tamarinds.

Nylon Pool Delight TT$250 A seafood platter with shrimp, squid, scallop clams and fish.

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner EVERY DAY

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• Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

The Seahorse Inn Restaurant & Bar Grafton Beach Road Black Rock, Tobago Tel: (868) 639 0686 E-mail: seahorseinntobago@gmail.com www.seahorseinntobago.com Intimate al fresco dining under the stars, a gentle breeze, the soothing, eternal sound of the surf. Fabulous food before you, leatherback turtles nesting on the beach.

It’s no wonder the Seahorse Inn is Tobago’s premier beachside fine dining restaurant.

We were acclaimed best value small inn & restaurant in leading UK publications the Daily and Financial Times, Evening Standard, Express, plus Options and Wedding & Home magazines. Open for dinner 6:00 p.m. daily

Sample Menu Creole Crab Cakes Seafood sauce, red pepper coulee.

Bruschetta Trio Tomato, fennel, feta.

Smoked Salmon, horseradish cream, capers.

Chicken liver pate, candied orange peel.

Roasted Sweet Pepper with Herbed Goat Cheese - Herb scented olive oil, cracked spices, Balsamic syrup.

Lobster Thermidor - Classic sauce of cheese, white wine, cream and snipped chives.

Blackened fillet of Grouper - Wilted greens, mashed potato, warm lemon herb vinaigrette, chili oil.

Tournedos Seahorse - 10oz Tenderloin steak, roast garlic mashed potatoes, seared fois gras.

Roast shallots. Red wine sauce.

Slow Braised Pork Belly Crackling, spicy shrimp & madeira sauce

We Cater for Weddings & Functions, on or off premises

Restaurants

The Pasta Gallery Pigeon Point Road, Crown Point Tel: (868) 727-8200 (PASTA-00) www.facebook.com/thepastagallery www.pasgal.mobi Introducing Tobago’s newest concept in Italian dining–The Pasta Gallery. Superbly located on the way to Pigeon Point, the venue features a unique fusion of restaurant and art gallery. Start with a refreshing salad or crispy bruschetta then savour “sugo” simmered to perfection over a hearty serving of pasta.

While enjoying the “trattoria” experience, don’t forget to take in the local art that surrounds you.

Come and relax in The Pasta Gallery’s cool yet cozy atmosphere and relish the simple art of good food.

Sample Menu Baked Meat Lasagne A hearty choice, baked lasagne with Bolognese sauce, cheese, and béchamel.

Spaghetti Bolognese Meat Sauce Speciality of Bologna, Spaghetti covered in a lean minced beef, red wine and tomato-based sauce.

Chicken Alfredo Chicken served over fettuccine in a cream-based sauce with parmesan cheese.

Marinara Chicken or vegetables, sautéed in olive oil, garlic and parsley with tomato sauce served over fettuccine.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara Bacon and eggs mixed with parmesan served over spaghetti.

Ciao Café Italian Food & Wine Bar Burnett Street, Scarborough, Tobago Reservations: (868) 635-2323, 639-3001 A TASTE OF ITALY IN THE HEART OF TOBAGO This Italian gelateria & bar is the place to savour beastly cold beers, exotic cocktails or the best espresso on the island. Try our freshly made Panini sandwiches and scrumptious desserts. We invite you to enjoy our 20-plus flavours of the highest quality gelato, artisanmade in-house daily. Watch the hustle of Scarborough from our cool verandah while devouring mouthwatering authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and salads at Ciao Pizza. Visit our Italian wine shop and deli.

We accept local and international credit cards, Euro and US currency.

Ciao Café: open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; on Friday to Saturday up to 12 midnight and on Sundays and public holidays from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Ciao Pizza: open Monday to Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for lunch; from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner; and on Sundays and public holidays for dinner only. Closed on Tuesdays.

Sample Menu Traditional Italian Antipasti A variety of Pastas and Sauces Authentic Italian Pizza Catch of d Day Homemade Tiramisu

Linguine al Pesto Basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic and nuts.

Shrimp Fettuccine Sautéed shrimp served over fettuccine with tomato sauce.

Dessert Tiramisu, Cheesecake, Gelato.

Dine in • Takeaway • Bar

Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway

Caffe Mia, Italian Bistro #4 Hibiscus Drive, Hampden Lowlands, Tobago Tel: (868) 683-6909 Email: caffemia_tobago@hotmail.com Caffe Mia offers you an exciting take on Italian cooking. From its freshly prepared bruschetta to its home-made desserts, the Italian tradition runs deep in Caffe Mia’s veins.

Choose from our menu, or from one of our delicious daily specials; we’ll let you decide.

Drop in for a cappuccino and stay for tea, or just sip cocktails on the patio. Whatever your taste, our large selection of Italian wines, imported beers and sumptuous cocktails guarantees you will have a great time.

With its Roman ambience and Caribbean warmth, Caffe Mia’s edge has always been its service, so treat yourself to one of Tobago’s most enjoyable dining experiences, and leave a happier human being.

“Ci vediamo a caffe mia’’.

Opening Hours Weds + Thurs 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Fri + Sat 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sun 1:00 p.m.

– 10:00 p.m.

Sample Menu Vitello Milanese Pan-fried breaded veal served with spaghetti cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Fettuccini con Asparagi e Gamberoni Fettuccini tossed in a sauce of asparagus, shrimp, white wine and cream.

Pollo alla crema e funghi Breast of chicken cooked in cream and mushroom served with sautéed potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Simple Italian - Sunday Roasts Afternoon Teas

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Hotels & Guest Houses in Trinidad

Hotels & Guest Houses in Trinidad HOTEL Location

TELEPHONE International Access Code (868)

E-MAIL

WEBSITE

info@acajoutrinidad.com

www.acajoutrinidad.com

ACAJOU HOTEL

Grand Rivière

AIRPORT SUITES HOTEL

Piarco 669-0362 airportsuites@hotmail.com www.airportsuitestt.com

ALICIA’S PALACE

St. Ann’s

621-1017

info@aliciaspalace.com

www.aliciaspalace.com

ALICIA’S GUEST HOUSE

St. Ann’s

623-2802

info@aliciashouse.com

www.aliciashouse.com

AMBASSADOR HOTEL

St. James

628-9000

ambassador@wow.net

www.ambassadortt.com

ANISE RESORT AND SPA

Sans Souci

670-4436

info@aniseresort.com

www.aniseresortandspa.com

670-3771

ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE & LODGE

Arima

667-4655

asawright@tstt.net.tt

www.asawright.org

CAPITAL PLAZA HOTEL TRINIDAD

Port of Spain

625-3366

reservations@cplazahotel.com

www.cplazatrinidad.com

CARA SUITES HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE

Claxton Bay

659-2271

carasuitespap@carahotels.com

www.carahotels.com

CARLTON SAVANNAH LIMITED

St. Ann’s

621-5000

info@thecarltonsavannah.com

www.thecarltonsavannah.com

CARNETTA’S INN

Maraval

628-2732 622-5165

hylite.carnettas@gmail.com

www.carnettasinn.com

COBLENTZ INN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Cascade

621-0541-4

coblentzinn@tstt.net.tt

www.coblentzinn.com

CORAL COVE MARINA HOTEL

Chaguaramas

634-2040 634-2244

coralcove@fiberline.tt

www.coralcovemarina.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT Port of Spain 627-5555

nicol.khelawan@courtyard.com

CREWSINN HOTEL LIMITED

Chaguaramas 634-4384

inquiries@crewsinn.com

www.crewsinn.com

CULTURECROSSROADS INN

St. James

622-8788

culturecrossroadstt@gmail.com

www.culturecrossroadstt.com

FORTY WINKS INN

Newtown

622-0484 628-0316

pam@fortywinkstt.com

www.fortywinkstt.com

HACIENDA JACANA

Trinidad 498-7597

HILTON TRINIDAD AND CONFERENCE CENTRE Belmont

624-3211

www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/poscy-courtyard-port-of-spain/

haciendajacana@gmail.com www.haciendajacana.com reservations.trinidad@hilton.com www.hiltontrinidadhotel.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES Trincity 669-6209

holidayinnexpress2@tstt.net.tt www.hiexpress.com/trincitytt

HOTEL NORMANDIE

St. Ann’s

624-1181

sales@normandiett.com

HYATT REGENCY

Port of Spain

623-2222

INNA CITI PLACE

Woodbrook 622-0415

innacitiplace@yahoo.com

www.inna-citi-place.com

KAPOK HOTEL

St. Clair

stay@kapokhotel.com

www.kapokhotel.com

622-5765

www.normandiett.com www.trinidad.hyatt.com

L’ORCHIDÉE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

St. Ann’s

621-0618 621-0063

reservations@trinidadhosthomes.com www.trinidadhosthomes.com

LE GRANDE ALMANDIER

Grande Rivière

670-2294 670-1013

info@legrandealmandier.com

www.legrandealmandier.com

LE SPORTEL INN

Tunapuna 299-0646

info@coetnt.com

www.coetnt.com

MONIQUE’S

Maraval

info@moniquestrinidad.com

www.moniquestrinidad.com

628-2351 628-3334

MT PLAISIR ESTATE HOTEL

Grande Rivière

670-1868

maktoub@mac.com

www.mtplaisir.com

PAR MAY LA’S INN

Port of Spain

628-4707

reservation@parmaylas.com

www.trinidad.net/parmaylas

PARIA SUITES

La Romain

697-2742 697-1442/3 info@pariasuites.com

www.pariasuites.com

PAX GUESTHOUSE

Tunapuna

662-4084

www.paxguesthouse.com

REGENT STAR HOTEL

Piarco 669-STAR

info@regentstarhotel.com www.regentstarhotel.com

ROCKCITY GUESTHOUSE

Las Lomas

669 9027

info@rockcitytt.com

www.rockcitytt.com

SALYBIA NATURE RESORT AND SPA

Mathura

668-5959 691-3211

info@salybiaresort.com

www.salybiaresort.com

SMALL TOURISM ACCOMMODATION OWNERS OF T & T (STAOTT)

Port of Spain

682 9589

staott3@gmail.com

www.trinistay.com

SUNDECK SUITES LIMITED

Port of Spain

pax-g-h@trinidad.net

622-9560/1

reservations@sundecktrinidad.com

www.sundecktrinidad.com

THE CASCADIA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE St. Ann’s

623-3511

marketing@cascadiahotel.com

www.cascadiahotel.com

THE CHACONIA HOTEL

www.chaconiahotel.com

628-0941 622-2346

bookme@chaconiahotel.com

THE CHANCELLOR HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE St. Ann’s

623-0883

info@thechancellorhotel.com

www.thechancellorhotel.com

THE ROYAL HOTEL (1978) LIMITED

San Fernando

652-4881

info@royalhoteltt.com

www.royalhoteltt.com

TRADEWINDS HOTEL

San Fernando

652-9463

delia@tradewindshotel.net

www.tradewindshotel.com

TRINIDAD MARACAS BAY HOTEL

Maracas

669-1643 669-1914

maracasbay@tstt.net.tt

www.maracasbay.com

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Maraval

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Hotels & Guest Houses in Tobago

Hotels & Guest Houses in Tobago HOTEL Location

TELEPHONE International Access Code (868)

E-MAIL

WEBSITE

ADE’S DOMICIL

Scarborough

639-4306, 686-5831

ades@tstt.net.tt

www.adesdomicil.de

ARNOS VALE VACATION APARTMENTS

Plymouth

639-2839, 797-2940

adventur@tstt.net.tt

www.adventure-ecovillas.com

BACOLET BEACH CLUB

Bacolet 639-2357

BLUE WATERS INN

Speyside 660-2583

bwi@bluewatersinn.com

www.bluewatersinn.com

CASTARA BAY ECO VILLA

Castara

fsebro@hotmail.com

www.abrahamrealty.com/v66-

639-4176, 717-7228

info@bacoletbeachclub.com www.bacoletbeachclub.com

castarabay-ecovilla.htm

CHOLSON CHALETS

www.cholsonchalets.com

Charlotteville 639-8553

cholsonchaletsltd@yahoo.com

COCO REEF RESORT & SPA

Crown Point

639-8571

cocoreef-tobago@trinidad.net

www.cocoreef.com

CROWN POINT BEACH HOTEL

Crown Point

639-8781-3

reservations@crownpoint

www.crownpointbeachhotel.com

beachhotel.com

CUFFIE RIVER NATURE RETREAT

Runnemede 660-0505

cuffiriv@tstt.net.tt

www.cuffie-river.com

GOLDEN THISTLE HOTEL

Crown Point

639-8521, 639-7060

goldenthistle@tstt.net.tt

www.goldenthistlehotel.com

GREEN HAVEN COTTAGE

Les Coteaux

660-0394, 356-8398

greenhavencottage@yahoo.com

www.mytobago.info/apartments/ greenhaven-cottage.htm

HALF MOON BLUE

Bacolet 639-3551

info@bacoletbeachclub.com www.halfmoonblue.com

HAWSBILL HOUSE

Black Rock

liz@tobagobeachvillas.com

718-4306

www.tobagobeachvillas.com/

J&G TROPICAL APARTMENTS

Bon Accord

759-9776

JOHNSTON APARTMENTS

Store Bay

639-8915, 631-5160-2 johnapt@tstt.net.tt

JONESY’S COUNTRY HAVEN

Pembroke

660-4933, 377-4401

hawksbill.htm

persischarles@tstt.net.tt www.johnstonapartments.com

paradisevilla@tstt.net.tt

www.tobagobedandbreakfast

association.com/paradise_villa.htm

KARIWAK VILLAGE

Crown Point

639-8442

kariwak@tstt.net.tt

www.kariwak.com

KING SOLOMON’S MINE

Plymouth

639-2545, 769-4282

kingsolomon@tstt.net.tt

www.tobagobedandbreakfast

association.com/king_solomons_mine.htm

MAGDALENA GRAND BEACH RESORT

Lowlands 660-8500

info@magdalenagrand.com

www.magdalenagrand.com

MT. IRVINE BAY HOTEL & GOLF CLUB

Mt. Irvine

639-8871-3

mtirvine@tstt.net.tt

www.mtirvine.com

NATIVE ABODE BED & BREAKFAST

Bon Accord

631-1285, 298-4881

stay@nativabode.com

www.nativeabode.com

NICOVILLE

Charlottville 639-8553

cholsonchaletsltd@yahoo.com www.cholsonchalets.com

PAPA JOE’S PLACE

Canaan

632-4608, 639-9213

papajoes@tstt.net.tt

www.papajoesplace.com

PETIT CAREME VILLA

Mt. Irvine

632-4608/639-9213

merilee@petitcareme.com

www.petitcareme.com

PLANTATION BEACH VILLAS

Black Rock

639-9377

plantationbeach@tstt.net.tt

www.plantationbeachvillas.com

ROVANEL’S RESORT

Bon Accord

639-9666

rovanels@tstt.net.tt

www.rovanelsresorttobago.com

SANDY POINT BEACH CLUB

Crown Point

639-0820/0877

reservations@sandypoint

www.sandypointbeachclub.com

beachclub.com

SANDY’S BED & BREAKFAST

Scarborough 639-2737

daisysflowers@hotmail.com

SEAHORSE INN

Black Rock

639 0686

seahorseinntobago@gmail.com

www.seahorseinntobago.com

SUNSHINE HOLIDAY APARTMENT LIMITED

Bon Accord

639-7482/639-7495

sunapt@tstt.net.tt

www.sunshine-apartments-

www.tobagobluecrab.com

tobago.com

SURF SIDE HOTEL

Crown Point

THE VILLAS AT STONEHAVEN

639-0614

reservation@surfsidetobago.com

www.surfsidetobago.com

Black Rock

639-0361

stonehav@tstt.net.tt

www.stonehavenvillas.com

TOBAGO PLANTATIONS BEACH AND GOLF RESORT Lowlands

631-1054

rentals@tobagoplantations.com

www.tobagoplantations.com

TOP RANKING HILLVIEW GUESTHOUSE

Speyside 660-4904

toprank00@yahoo.com

www.toprankingtobago.com

TOUCAN INN & BONKERS

Crown Point

639-7173/0332/8993

bonkers@trinidad.net

www.toucan-inn.com

TROPIKIST BEACH HOTEL & RESORT

Crown Point

639-8512-3

tropikistbeachhotel@mail.tt

www.tropikist.com

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

• 201

Index A/B Acajou Hotel Adam’s Bagels Airport Suites Hotel Angelo’s Italian Restaurant Another Idea Limited Apsara Art Gallery Asian Cuisine Catering Services Baie de Sucre Bambu Gift Shop Bella on the Avenue Blue Waters Inn Burger King BUZO Osteria Italiana

96 & 128 126 102 132 & 133 117 139 55 139 168 43 136 186 & 187 122 & 123 130

Island Experiences 68 Island Girl Sail Charters 179 Island Investments 167 J-ZZ’s International Steak House 126 & 127 Jade Monkey 175 Jenny’s on the Boulevard 128 & 129 Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence 101 Johnston Apartments 192 Joseph’s Restaurant 130

K-S

Kaizan Sushi 140 Kali’na Restaurant 197 Kapok Hotel 97, 120 Kariwak Village 196 Kariwak Village Hotel 190 & 196 KAVA 120 C/D L’Orchidée Boutique Hotel 103 117 Café Coco 196 La Tropicale Flower Shop 96 Café Havana 198 Le Grande Almandier 101 Café Le Bistro 135 Le Sportel Inn, Centre of Excellence 134 Caffe Mia, Italian Bistro 199 LeVels Ultrabar & Lounge 128 Cara Suites Hotel & Conference Centre 94 & 95 Lime Inn Inside Front Cover, 186 Caribbean Discovery Tours Ltd 68 Magdalena Grand Caribbean Estates, Lands & Villas 169 Beach Resort 2 & 145 Carlton Savannah Ltd 98 & 99 Massy, Neil 54 Carnetta’s Inn 98 Matthews, Judith 55 Chadon Beni 140 Medulla Art Gallery 130 Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) 77 Mélange Restaurant 21 Chaud Restaurant 138 Mi Casa Fine Home Furnishings 136 Chaud Café and Wine Bar 138 More Sushi 136 Chaud Creole 138 More Vino 188 Ciao Café Italian Food & Wine Bar 199 Mount Irvine Bay Hotel & Golf Club 46, 107 & 173 Classic Tours 68 MovieTowne Entertainment & Coco Reef Resort 191 & 196 Shopping Centre 94 Cold Stone Creamery 134 & 135 Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel 68 Courtyard by Marriott 92 Nanan’s Bird Sanctuary Tours 54 Crown Point Beach Hotel Limited 190 & 193 Nedd, Jason 128 Culture Crossroads Inn 101 Nichossa Restaurant 17 Digicel IMAX Theatre 109 Nigel R. Khan Bookseller Cover & 2 Dr João Havelange Centre of Excellence 101 O’Connor, Lisa Maria O’Reilly’s Catering 117 E/F/G On Location Art Galleries 55 46 El Pecos Grill 137 Optometrists Today 193 El Pescador Seafood Restaurant 198 Papa Joe’s Place 102 & 103 Emiliana Osteria Italiana 132 & 133 Par-May-La’s Inn 68 Event Connexions 68 Paria Springs Excellent City Centre 21 Paria Suites Hotel and Conference Centre 100 & 101 199 Excellent Stores 48 Pasta Gallery 196 Export Centres Company Limited 49 Pavilion Restaurant 197 Face and Body Clinic Limited 63 Pembois Restaurant Fashion Optics Limited t/a Ray Cool 48 Peppercorns 44 49 Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic 63 Petit Gourmet 188 Gail’s Exclusive Tour Services Ltd 68 Plantation Beach Villas Guzman, Jacqueline 54 Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) 79 R. I. K. Services Ltd 48 H/I/J Rain Property Management & Real Estate Ltd 166 49 Hacienda Jacana 103 Rainy Days 48 HAKKA Restaurant & Bar 134 & 135 Ray Cool 88 & 89 Hard Rock Restaurant & Bar 140 RBC Royal Bank 100, 101 Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre 94 & 95 Regent Star Hotel 86 & 87 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 98 & 99 Republic Bank Limited 55 Hollywood Grill 124 & 125 Richards, Dillon A. 56 Hong Wing & Sons Ltd 23 Roberts, Tomley Rossco’s Gourmet Burgers/ Lounge & Bar 129 House of Jaipur (Indian Lifestyle Boutique 190 & 191 and Tearoom) 137 Rovanel’s Resort 96 & 97 Hyatt Regency Trinidad 62, 92, 93 & 122 Royal Hotel (1978) Limited 124 & 125 Hyperbaric Treatment Center 62 Ruby Tuesday 197 In Joy Tours 68 Salaka Grill 186 Inna Citi Place 100 Sandy Point Beach Club 25 Irie Bites 137 Scotiabank of Trinidad and Tobago

202 •

Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago

Seahorse Inn Restaurant & Bar 198 SeaJade Investments, Real Estate Brokers & Property Consultants 166 Shade Night Club 175 Sheppard, Peter 54 Sherman’s Auto Rentals 155 Shirvan Plaza 163 Shoppes @ Westcity 162 Signature Selection 17 Small Tourism Accommodation Owners of Trinidad and Tobago (STAOTT) 102 Soong’s Great Wall 132 & 133 Sounds of Shoes & Sandals 44 Spa Esencia 62 Space La Nouba 108 Stechers Ltd. 3 Stumblin on the Avenue 108 Subway 126 & 127 Sugar Mill Suites 169 Sundeck Suites 102 & 103 Sunset Palm Casino 175 SuperPharm Limited 47 Superville, Martin 55 Surf Side Hotel 102, 103 & 192

T-Z T.G.I.Friday’s 120 & 121 Tamnak Thai 139 Texas de Brazil 122 & 123 The Art Gallery 55 The Carlton Savannah Ltd 98 & 99 The Courtyard by Marriott 92 The Face and Body Clinic Limited 63 The Pasta Gallery 199 The Pavilion Restaurant 196 The Regent Star Hotel 100 The Royal Hotel (1978) Limited 96 & 97 The Seahorse Inn Restaurant & Bar 198 The Shade Night Club 175 The Sugar Mill Suites 169 The Travel Centre 68 The Verandah 124 The Villas at Stonehaven 188, 189 & 196 Things Natural 162 Tiki Village 120 Tobago Charms 162 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) 144 Tobago Plantations Ltd 169 Toppers Sports Bar & Grill 108 & 131 Tourism Development Authority (TDC) 39, 84 & 85 Town Restaurant & Bar 131 Tradewinds Hotel 92, Outside Back Cover Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau 84 & 85 Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (TTITOA) 68 Trinidad and Tobago Sightseeing Tours 68 Tropikist Beach Hotel & Resort Ltd. 192 & 193 UC Baby 62 Undersea Tobago 183 Value Optical 45 Verandah 124 Villas at Stonehaven 188, 189 & 196 Vintage Imports 21 Waterfront Restaurant 122 Westshore Medical Private Hospital 62 Xceptional Events Limited Travel Centre 117 Yes Tourism 68 Zanzibar 136 & Inside Back Cover Zanzibar by the Sea 136 & Inside Back Cover Zippers 43