2. CONTENTS Welcome 5 T&T: the facts 11 Travellers tips7
Events calendar17Discover Tobago Economy44 Accommodation
24Festivals45 Arts & entertainment29Shopping 49 Beaches
32Sightseeing52 Dining36Sports 56 Eco adventure 39Weddings
59Discover TriniDaD Economy96 Accommodation 62Festivals99 Arts
& culture70Nightlife 103 Beaches 74Shopping105
Carnival76Sightseeing 110 Dining82Spas116 Eco adventure
91Sports121index125Maps128Editor: Caroline Neisha Taylor Consulting
editor: Jeremy Taylor Design: Aisha Provoteaux Sales: Denise Chin,
Samantha Rochard, Jacqueline Smith Writers: Laura Dowrich-Phillips,
Onika Henry, Christine Schofield, Caroline Neisha Taylor Editorial
assistant: Mirissa De Four Production: Joanne Mendes, Jacqueline
Smith Cover Abir colours used during Phagwa (Edison Boodoosingh)A
publication of Media & Editorial Projects Ltd. (MEP) 6 Prospect
Avenue, Maraval, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago T (868)
622-3821 F (868) 628-0639 E [email protected] W
www.discovertnt.com And connect with us online on: Facebook
www.facebook.com/discovertnt Twitter www.twitter.com/meppublishers
our Blog http://discovertnt.blogspot.comAbove A hiker stands at the
2010 Media & Editorial Projects (MEP) Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may entrance of the Aripo Caves be
reproduced in any form whatsoever without the prior written consent
of the publisher. (Brian Kinzie)1
3. WElCOmE! Congratulations on choosing to explore the unique
Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and thank you for
allowing us to guide you on your journey. It might take a lifetime
to truly experience all that the islands have to offer, but we can
at least show you where to start! abouT T&T house are all
locally based, uses significantly less energy and These two
Caribbean islands so that our success ultimately paper during
production. have retained their individualbenefits the local
community. characters, undiluted by large-We are also mindful of
our explore scale tourism. In both Trinidad carbon footprint.
Starting withThe introductory section of this and Tobago, distinct
as they are, our 2009 edition, weve focusedbook gives you an
overview of the you will find a spectacular natural our print
publication on the history and lifestyle of both islands
environment and a creative andmost important information you
together as a nation, before self-reliant people, brimming withneed
on the go, while publishing helping you to discover what humour and
candour. additional information on ourmakes each island special.
Tobago is perfect for an idyllicwebsite and saving 2.2 millionSo
whether you are from a beach getaway, an escape into pages of paper
over the last two neighbouring town or a distant nature, or
heart-pounding eco years. We have also adopted thecountry, we
welcome you. There is adventures on land or at sea. latest printing
technology, whichso much to discover! Trinidad, meanwhile, is the
economic powerhouse (based on oil and gas), with a unique culture
that spawns dynamic creative STaNdardS & FEEdbaCk industries
and world-renowned The countrys tourism authorities run an annual
inspection festivals like Carnival. programme called the Trinidad
& Tobago Tourism IndustryCertification (TTTIC). A special logo
is used to indicate approval. abouT Discover Current information
can be found at www.gotrinidadandtobago. This is the 21st edition
ofcom. Advertising in Discover is open to anybody, but that does
Discover, the trusted guide to T&T,not imply editorial
endorsement or participation in the TTTIC produced by people who
knowprogramme; use of advertisers services is at your own
discretion this country and care aboutand risk. getting it right.
Every effort has been made to ensure that information is By
trusting Discover, you cancorrect at press time. But things change
swiftly, so we can make be sure that you are investing no
guarantees about its continued accuracy. If you have any in the
islands: our contributors,suggestions or queries, we would be
delighted to hear from you. production team and printingAbove A
magnificent owl butterfly distracts predators by mimicking the head
of a lizard (Brian Kinzie) 5
4. TravEllErS TipS International travel air: scheduled flights
are operated by Aeropostal, American Airlines, British Airways,
Caribbean Airlines, Condor, Continental, Copa, Delta, LIAT,
Monarch, Suriname Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Others offer
charter flightssea: the peak cruise ship season is NovemberApril,
with visits from Fred Olsen, Holland America, Ocean Village,
Princess, Saga Travel, Seabourn, and Windstar lines enTry
requireMenTs: you need a passport valid for three months beyond
intended stay. Non-residents require documentation of return orsea:
daily inter-islandservice between Port of SpainGround transport
onward travel and a valid localand Scarborough operatedThe Public
Transportation Service address. Visas are generally not by Port
Authority of Trinidad & Corporation (PTSC: www.ptsc. required
for visits up to 30 days. Tobago (www.patnt.com), and co.tt)
operates scheduled bus For yacht arrivals, clearancewater taxi
service betweenservices (TT$212) alongside certificate from last
port ofPort of Spain and San privately operated, unscheduled call
and vessels registration Fernando operated by National maxi and
route taxis (TT$215). certificate (or authorisation
forInfrastructure DevelopmentLegal, registered taxis have licence
use) requiredCompany (www.trinywatertaxi.plates beginning with H
and arecom): unmetered; confirm fare in advanceDomestic air &
Warrior Spirit (5.5hrs): airporT Transfers:sea bridges TT$160
(cabin), TT$75 return (economy), children 3-11authorised taxis
operate outsidearrivals halls at Piarco and Crown years half price
Point airports; check approved air: daily flights between T&T
Express and T&T Spirit rates (on display at the taxi Trinidad
and Tobago (20 mins, (2.5hrs): TT$100 return, stands) TT$300 round
trip) on Caribbean children 3-11 years half price Airlines
(625-7200, www. Water Taxi (45mins): TT$15buses: operate from hubs
caribbean-airlines.com) one wayin Port of Spain, Chaguanas, Above A
Caribbean Airlines Dash-8 comes in for a sunset landing at Crown
Point, Tobago (Giancarlo Lalsingh) 7
5. Edison Boodoosingh and Kings Wharf, San Fernando Chacon
Street Maxi-Taxis: 1225 (Trinidad); and Sangsters Hill,
Curepe-Sangre Grande: lower Henryseat minibuses, similar set
Scarborough (Tobago) Street routes, departing downtown Diego
Martin/Petit Valley: Port of Spain from City Gate; car renTal:
local andAbercromby StreetSan Fernando from the Stand international
companies operate Maraval: Duke and Charlotteon Chancery Lane; and
lower nationwide:StreetsScarborough opposite the port. Budget:
669-1635, San Fernando: Broadway and Bright colour bands indicate
www.budget.com South Quay service areas: Frankies (Tobago):
631-0369, San Juan: lower Charlotte Street Black (San
FernandoPrinces www.frankietours-tobago.com St Anns/St James: Hart
StreetTown): connections to Mayaro Kalloos (Trinidad): 622-9073,
Wrightson Road/Long Circular Road: Blue (throughout Tobago)
www.kalloos.comlower Chacon Street Brown (San FernandoLa Shermans
(Tobago): 639-2292, Chaguaramas: Park and St
VincentRomaineSipariaPoint Fortin) www.shermansrental.com Streets
Green (Port of SpainCurepe Thrifty (Tobago): 639-8507,In Chaguanas
(Trinidad): ChaguanasSan Fernando): www.thrifty.com Couva (and
nearby towns): higherruns from City Gate; lower endSouthern Main
Roadof Southern Main Road (forrouTe Taxis: stop to pick Curepe:
Chaguanas Main Road San Fernando) and Eleanor up or put down as
necessary, Port of Spain: lower Southern Street (for Port of Spain)
in servicing specific routes from Main Road Chaguanas designated
taxi stands: In San Fernando (Trinidad): Red (Port of SpainArima):
In Port of Spain (Trinidad): All areas: The Stand, car
parkconnections to Blanchisseuse, Cascade: Charlotte and Prince
parallel Chancery Laneand Matelot via Sangre GrandeStreetsIn
Scarborough (Tobago): Yellow (Port of SpainDiego Chaguanas: South
Quay, opposite Carrington StreetMartinChaguaramas) 8 Discover
Trinidad & Tobago 2010 www.discovertnt.com
6. privaTe Taxis: listings available in the Yellow Pages
Emergency Numbers Ambulance (public hospitals): 811Tour operaTors:
see CrimeStoppers: 800-TIPS, advertiser
directorywww.crimestopperstt.com EMS(emergencymedicalservices):
624-4343 (north Trinidad),general inforMaTion653-4343
(south/central Trinidad), 639-4444 (Tobago) Division of Tourism
Fire:990(Tobago House of Assembly,
HyperbaricMedicalFacility:660-4369 (Roxborough,
Tobago)Scarborough): 639-2125, www. OfficeofDisasterPreparedness:
640-1285 (Trinidad),visittobago.gov.tt 660-7489 (Tobago)
Immigration Division: 625- Police: 999 (Trinidad); 639-2520/5590
(Tobago)3571 (Trinidad), 639-2681(Tobago), www.immigration.gov.tt
Ministry of Tourism (Port Ship Complex, Tobago); 669- Kidnapping
hotline: 623-6793of Spain): 624-1403, www. 5196 (Piarco Airport)
Lifeline (suicide prevention):tourism.gov.tt ttconnnect (Trinidad
& Tobago 645-2800, 645-6616 Tobago House of Assemblygovernment
online): www.gov.tt National AIDS hotline: 800-(Scarborough):
639-3421,4448, www.aidsline.ttwww.tha.gov.ttHelp neTworks National
Family Services: Tourism Development Childline: 800-4321, www.
624-8218 (Trinidad), 639-Company (Barataria,
Trinidad):ttcadv.net1512 (Tobago)675-7034, www.tdc.co.tt, www.
Domestic violence hotline: Rape Crisis Society:
622-gotrinidadandtobago.com 800-SAVE7273 (Port of Spain), 657-
Tourist Information offices: Families in Action5355 (San
Fernando)639-0509 (Crown Point hotline: 628-2333, www. Rebirth
House (substanceAirport); 635-0934
(Cruisefamiliesinaction.netabuse): 623-09529
7. prECauTiONS Like much of the world, the islands are affected
by crime, particularly Trinidad.Always: drive with extreme care and
practise defensive driving; leave valuables (jewellery, money,
passports, credit cards, etc) at home or well concealed; walk in
company; lock your vehicle; lock your room/house door; keep windows
closed at night or if you are going out; be aware of your
surroundings; raise an alarm and head to the nearest police station
if you suspect you are being followedNever: venture into deserted
or unfamiliar areas alone; wear extravagant jewellery; leave
handbags or wallets lying around; use an ABM if you sense someone
suspicious nearby (if your card gets stuck, call the bank
immediately); leave laptop computers or other valuables in your
car; leave car windows down when stopping, especially at night;
engage in any altercations with strangers SuSTaiNablE TravEl Both
climate change and globalisation can hit developing island nations
particularly hard. Heres what you can do to safeguard the islands
natural and cultural treasures:Buy local: buy local CDs, books and
DVDs from authorised retailers (not pirated copies); and purchase
locally produced food and souvenirs (not any made from endangered
species)Fly carbon neutral: most airlines allow you to offset
carbon dioxide emissions from your flightMind your gas: choose the
smallest vehicle to suit your needs when renting (or buying) a car;
drive within the speed limit; dont let your car idle; keep your
tires inflated; try to carpool; and when you can, walk or
cycleRecycle: Ace, Carib Glass, Piranha, and SWMCOL process
plastic, glass, aluminium, paper, cardboard and electronics
(e-waste); some sponsor receptacles around the islands. The
International School of Port of Spain also runs a recycling
programmeReduce: turn off electrical devices when you dont need
them; avoid plastic bags and styrofoam; buy and consume only what
you need; reuse when you can Right Palm Tanager (Atiba Williams) 10
Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2010www.discovertnt.com
8. Trinidad & Tobago: ThE FaCTS The islandsairporTs: Crown
Point International Airport, Tobago (10km/7 miles from
Scarborough); Piarco International Airport, Trinidad (27km/17 miles
from Port of Spain) capiTal: national capital, Port of Spain
(population 45,000; 270,000 metropolitan); Tobago capital,
Scarborough (pop 17,000) cliMaTe: tropical. Dry season JanuaryMay,
wet JuneDecember (islands just south of hurricane belt).
Temperature range 7295F (2235C); average 83F (29C), with 6075%
humidity HigHesT poinT: Trinidads El Cerro del Aripo
(940m/3,085ft); Tobagos Main Ridge (549m/1,860ft) locaTion: 11N,
61W. Trinidad & Tobago 33km (21 miles) apart, 10km (7 miles)
from Venezuelan coast at the nearest point size: Tobago 300km2 (116
sq miles) or 48x16km (30x10 miles). Trinidad 4,828km2 (1,864 sq
miles) or 105x80km (65x50 miles)TiMe zone: GMT -4, EST +1 11
9. Media & communications waTer: tap water safe to drink
(boil to be safer); bottled water widely available counTry pHone
coDe: +868Mail: TTPost national mail service; plus FedEx, Public
wi-fi DHL, UPS and others Piarco AirportlanDline TelepHone: Rituals
coffee shops (nationwide) Telecommunications Services of Trinidad
& Tobago Sweet Lime Restaurant (TSTT) and FLOW (Columbus
Communications). Prepaid international phone cards available
SocietyMobile TelepHone: bmobile (TSTT) and Digicel operate on GSM
networks; prepaid SIMgovernMenT: parliamentary democracy; cards
available for unlocked phones ruling party Peoples National
Movement under Prime Minister Patrick Manning; President George
press: 3 daily national newspapers (Express,Maxwell Richards;
United National Congress Guardian, Newsday), 7 weeklies (including
TobagoAlliance main opposition News), 1 tri-weekly language:
English (official) raDio: 37 FM stations; two AM stations. For
all-local fare, try Radio Trinbago 94.7FMpopulaTion: 1.3 million:
40% of Indian descent, 37.5% African, 21.7% mixed.
50,000Television: 12 local stations, five free-to-air(primarily
African descent) in Tobago (NCC-4, CCN TV6, Gayelle, CNC3 and
C-TV), seven available only via cable (ACTS, IBN, ieTV,
Parliamentreligion: Roman Catholic 26%, other Channel, Synergy,
Tobago Channel 5, Win-TV); some Christian 31.6%, Hindu 22.5%,
Muslim 5.8% only available on one island Practicalities currency:
Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TT$); US$1=TT$6.3 Driving: on the
left. Trinidad speed limits 80kph (50mph) highways and 55kph
(34mph) settled areas; 50kph (32mph) in Tobago. Seatbelts required.
Visitors can drive up to 90 days on valid foreign/international
licenceselecTriciTy: 115v/230v, 60Hz Money: ABMs (ATMs),
credit/debit cards in general use Taxes: 10% room tax + 10% service
at hotels; departure tax TT$100; VAT 15% on goods and services
(Photo by Martin Farinha) 13
10. Identity we stand, islands of the blueCaribbean Sea. This,
our nativeHeroesland, we pledge our lives to coaT of arMs: features
thee. Here every creed and race sTepHen aMes: world national birds
scarlet ibisfinds an equal place, and may top 25 golfer with three
major (Trinidad), cocrico (Tobago) God bless our Nation. (Patrick
PGA titles, including historic and hummingbird; three ships
Castagne, 1962) victory over all-star field with of Columbus and
Trinity Hills Tiger Woods at the Players three sisters peaks;
fruited naTional flag: strips Championship (2006) coconut palm
native to Tobago; of red (fire, vitality of the sun); and national
motto: together we white (water, purity and power ofaTo bolDon:
four-time aspire, together we achieve the ocean); and black (earth,
one Olympic medallist (2 silver, 2people united on islands soil)
bronze for 100m and 200m,naTional anTHeM:1996 and 2000), and 200m
Forged from the love of liberty in naTional flower: World
Championship gold the fires of hope and prayer, with chaconia (wild
poinsettia ormedallist (1997). Current boundless faith in our
destiny wepride of Trinidad & Tobago), abroadcaster for NBC in
the USA solemnly declare: side by side flaming red forest
flowergeorge bovell iii:nations first Olympic medallistin swimming,
winning Olympicbronze in the 200m individualmedley (2004)Janelle
pennycoMMissiong: MissUniverse 1977Hasely crawforD:nations first
Olympic goldmedallist, winning the mens100m dash (1976) Talk dE
TalkBacchanal: scandalous, socialcommotion, a rowdy event Fte:
party (both noun andverb) Lime: hang out with friends Maco: to be
nosy (or someonewho is nosy) Mas: Carnival, masquerade Wine: both a
noun andverb, describing sensualTrinbagonian dancing; ask fora
demonstration! Above Former Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam in
carnival array (Martin Farinha)14 Discover Trinidad & Tobago
2010 www.discovertnt.com
11. HeaTHer HeaDley: Trinidad-born Tony Award-winning and
Grammy-nominated singer and actressclr JaMes: prolific writer,
historian, cultural and political figure, and leading voice in Pan-
Africanist movementlennox kilgour: Olympic bronze medallist in
weightlifting (1952)brian lara: multiple record-holding cricketer
with two test match score records (375 runs not out in 1994 and 400
not out in 2004); highest first class score (501 not out, also in
1994); all-time leading run scorer in test cricketgiselle
laronDe-wesT: Miss World 1986 resolution for the establishment of
the International Josanne lucas: Tobago-born sprinter,Criminal
Court and the islands first female World Championship medallist
(400m hurdles in 2009) Jizelle salanDy: won her first junior WBA
and WBC World Light Middleweight titles in peTer MinsHall: mas
designer, multiple2006, adding IWBF and WIBA titles by 2007. Died
winner of Band of the Year titles, winner of T&Tstragically in
2009 first Emmy Award for costuming of the 2002 Winter Olympics
opening ceremonyleslie Tiger sTewarT: boxer lifted the 1986 WBA
Light Heavyweight belt; islands vs naipaul: Trinidadborn, knighted
(UK, second World Champion 1990) Nobel Prize winner (Literature,
2000) ricHarD THoMpson: double 2008 clauDe noel: Tobago native and
nations Olympic silver medallist (mens 100m dash and first boxing
World Champion, lifting the WBAs Worldmens 4x100m relay) and World
Championship Lightweight title in 1981 silver medallist (mens 4x100
relay)billy ocean: born Leslie Charles in kwaMe Ture: born Stokely
Carmichael Trinidad, international pop star with hits like in
Trinidad, former prime minister of the Black Caribbean Queen
(1984)Panthers, leader of the All-African Peoples Revolutionary
PartyJean pierre: scored the most goals in the 1979 World Netball
Championships to lead roDney wilkes: nations first Olympic T&T
to victory, the first country to host and win the medallist for
weightlifting (silver in 1948, bronze championships in 1952)renny
quow: Tobago-born sprinter, winning DwigHT yorke: Tobago-born
football star the islands first medal (bronze) in the mens 400m and
leading striker for UK teams like Manchester at the World
Championships (2009) United and Aston Villa. He was an integral
part of Trinidad & Tobagos unsucessful World Cupria raMnarine:
nations first female World campaign in 1989. Years later, he
captained T&T Champion (2005), and WIBA Mini Flyweight titleto
an impressive debut at the 2006 World Cup in holder (2009) Germany,
where the islands made history as the smallest country ever to
qualify arTHur nr robinson: Former President of the republic,
launched UN General Assembly Above Stephen Ames, T&Ts US PGA
Tour golf professional (Mark Meredith)15
12. T&T: NOW aNd ThEN THen1884:Hosay Riots in Trinidad;
Tobagos sugar c 15,000 islands part of South America; settled by
industry collapses -1,000 BC: Amerindians1889-98: Tobago merged
with Trinidad; Tobago 1498:Christopher Columbus lands in
TrinidadAssembly disbandedon July 31, claims island for Spanish
and1903:Water Riots in Port of Spain; Red Housenames it after
Catholic Holy Trinityburns down 1596:Tobago claimed by
British1908:commercial oil production begins in 16271650:
Courlanders settle Tobagos west coastsouthern Trinidadnear
Plymouth, and Dutch the east1914:first calypso recorded in Trinidad
1699:Trinidad Amerindians rebel against 1925:first national
elections (limited franchise)Capuchin missionaries (Arena Uprising)
1931:Piarco International Airport opens 1757:Trinidads Spanish
governor moves capital1935-41: first steelpans emerge in
Laventille,to Port of Spain from St Joseph Trinidad 17689:first
Tobago Assembly established; 1937:oilfield and labour strikes led
in southernScarborough made islands capital Trinidad by Tubal Uriah
Buzz Butler 1776:oldest forest reserve in western 1940:Crown Point
Airport opens in Tobago;hemisphere designated in Tobago national
airline British West Indies Airways 1781:French seize Tobago,
convert it to sugar(BWIA) commences operationscolony
1941:Chaguaramas peninsula 1783:Spanish governor Chacns Cedula
de1945:public emergence of steelbands; universalPoblacin entices
Catholic white and free suffrage implementedcoloured settlers to
Trinidad with land1951:repeal of ordinance prohibiting
activitiesincentives; rapid development beginsof Spiritual Shouter
Baptist faith 1790:great fire of Scarborough destroys much of
1956:self government under Eric Williamsdowntown; hurricane ravages
islandPeoples National Movement (PNM) 1797:Trinidad captured by Sir
Ralph 1958:islands join Federation of West IndiesAbercrombys
British fleet 1960:Trinidad campus of University of the West
1801:massive slave uprising in Tobago quelledIndies (UWI)
established 1806:first Chinese workers imported to Trinidad
1962:islands leave Federation, gain 1807:slave trading abolished in
British empire independence from Britain 1808:great fire of Port of
Spain destroys much1963:Hurricane Flora devastates Tobagoof the
city1970:Black Power uprising in Trinidad 1814:Tobago ceded to
British under Treaty of1974:Garfield Blackman (Ras Shorty I)
releasesParis first soca album 1816:six companies of free blacks
from the1976:new republican constitution; presidentUnited States
(mainly Baptist) settle inreplaces British monarch as head of
statesouthern Trinidad, and one in Tobago 1980:Tobago House of
Assembly restored; 1834-8:slavery abolished slaves
apprenticedislands enjoy economic prosperity(1834) then emancipated
(1838) 1983:oil prices fall, crippling local economy 1834-1917:
indentured labour imported to Trinidad 1990:unsuccessful coup
attempt by Afro-from other islands, China, Portugal, Syria,
Islamist Jamaat al MuslimeenLebanon, and India 1857:first oil well
drilled in Trinidad near PitchnowLake 2007:Caribbean Airlines
replaces BWIA as 1858-84: Trinidad governor criminalises Carnival
national carrier; record oil prices fuelactivitieseconomic boom
1881:Canboulay Riots in Trinidad2008:economic slowdown Opposite
page Design by Shurnel at T&T Fashion Week 2009 (Edison
Boodoosingh) 16 Discover Trinidad & Tobago
2010www.discovertnt.com
13. Events CalENdar17
14. January 1 (public holiday): New YearsDay Carnival season
begins Harvest Festivals (Tobago):Pembroke, Parlatuvier,
SpringGarden, Plymouth and MtPleasant Sailing season begins Tobago
Carnival Caravan February Carnival countdown begins Harvest
Festivals (Tobago):Hope, Adelphi, Buccoo,Franklyn and Bon Accord
Tobago Carnival Caravan 12: Soca Monarch finals(Trinidad) 13:
Panorama finals (Trinidad) Top Carnival Queens semi-finals: Kadaffi
Romney plays Manzandaba In Flight from Africa 14: Dimanche Gras
(Trinidad); Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears (CafMoka) Above An
Orisha elder and devotee perform a ritual in honour of Oshun at the
Ojubo OrisaChinese New Year (year of the Omolu shrine in Chaguanas
(Mariamma Kambon)Tiger) 18 Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2010
www.discovertnt.com
15. of the colonial ban on the JuneShouter Baptist faith,
afusion of African and Christian Ganga Dhaara River
Festival:traditions, with performances honours the descent ofand
religious observances Indias sacred River Ganges(Blanchisseuse,
Trinidad) Harvest Festivals (Tobago): AprilLambeau, Bloody Bay and
25 (with public holidays): Roxboroughlong Easter weekend features
Junior Tobago Heritagehot cross buns, horse racingFestivalat the
Santa Rosa track in St Peters Day FishermansArima (Trinidad), and
goatFestival (Tobago)and crab races in Tobagos Mt 3 (public
holiday): CorpusPleasant (Monday) and BuccooChristi celebrated by
Catholics(Tuesday) in honour of the sacramental Jazz Artists on the
GreensEucharist(Pigeon Point, Tobago) 412: WeBeat Festival (St Pan
Jazz in de Yard James, Trinidad) Harvest Festival (Tobago): 19
(public holiday): LabourGoodwoodDay, marked by trade union Jazz on
the Beach (Tobago)marches and gatherings in Pan in the 21st Century
Fyzabad (Trinidad) Point Fortin Borough Day(Trinidad): full week of
Jouvert,mas, pan and parties July Tobago Jazz Experience
Charlotteville Fishermans 11th Annual Trade & Fest (Tobago)
1516: Carnival Monday andInvestment Convention Harvest Festivals
(Tobago):Tuesday (Trinidad)Castara and Black Rock Carnival
cooldowns Jazz on the Hill (Trinidad) 1921: Tobago Carnival Prime
Ministers Charity GolfRegatta (Tobago) MayClassic (Tobago) Beacon
Cycling Series Soca for Summer and other Harvest Festivals
(Tobago): big concerts featuring local and MarchWhim, Delaford,
Belle Gardeninternational stars Argyle Falls cool downand Mason
Hall SouthCaribbeanOpenGolf(Tobago) La Divina Pastora (Siparia,
Tournament (Tobago) Harvest Festivals (Tobago): Trinidad) Steelpan
Music FestivalMt St George, Mason Hall, Maypole Festival (Tobago)
(Trinidad)Roxborough, Bon Accord 29: Rainbow Cup Tobago Games
Missionary Love Feast inInternational Triathlon Tobago Heritage
FestivalMoriah on Palm Sunday (Tobago) Tourism Adventure Park or
T&T 20: Jazz Artists on the Greens Taste Trinidad &
Tobago:Road Trip: displays, tours, and(St Augustine,
Trinidad)celebrates the islands culinarylive entertainment Phagwa
(Holi) dexterity 30Aug 4: 11th Great Fte Tobago International Game
Tobago Culinary FestivalWeekend (Tobago)Fishing Tournament
Rapsofest: the Power of the 47:T&TGolfOpenOral Traditions
Turtle nesting season begins Trinidad & Tobago FashionAugust 30
(public holiday): SpiritualWeek 1 (public holiday):Shouter Baptist
Liberation 30 (public holiday): Indian Emancipation DayDay
commemorates the endArrival Day Arima Borough Day: Jouvert, 19
16. steelpan, calypso and parties the goddess of love,
fertilityruns through Decembermarking the boroughs and inland
waters (Trinidad)anniversary (Trinidad) 24: Santa Rosa Festival San
Fernando Jazz Festival Best Village competition(Arima, Trinidad)
(Trinidad)begins, runs through November 31 (public holiday): Tobago
Fest: parties, street Carib Great RaceIndependence Dayparade and
Jouvert Castara Fishermans Fte Tobago International
Gospel(Tobago)Festival Harvest Festival (Tobago): September
Trinidad & Tobago FilmSpeyside Eid-ul-Fitr (public
holiday)Festival Muhtadi International InternationalOpenWater
Turtle watching season endsDrumming Festival: startedSwim 24
(public holiday): Republicin Canada by Trinidad- Horse racing
classics inDayborn Muhtadi Thomas, andArima: Royal Oak Derby,
Santahighlights different cultures Rosa Oaks and Caribbeanaround
the call of the drumsChampion Stakes (Trinidad) October(Tobago)
Panyard Sensations 14: Amerindian Heritage OsunRiverFestival:
marked Parang season: begins withDay, where descendants fromby
Orisa devotees celebrating competition at months end, around the
region gather for20 Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2010
www.discovertnt.com 20 Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2010
www.discovertnt.com
17. Opposite page Celebrating Divali in Felicity (Edison
Boodoosingh) Above Part of the annual Independence Day Parade
(Mariamma Kambon)a smoke ceremony and street Harvest Festivals
(Tobago): recreation dayprocession in Arima (Trinidad) Plymouth,
Black Rock, Les Paramin Parang Festival Blue Food Festival
(Tobago)Coteaux, Moriah, Scarborough, (Trinidad) Coast-2-Coast
AdventureMontgomery Tobago Flying Colours: annualRace (Trinidad)
Pan is Beautiful XIIkite flying festival in Plymouth European Film
Festival Scarborough Cup Golf Hosay (Trinidad)(Trinidad) Tournament
(Tobago) 25 (public holiday): Christmas Harvest Festival (Tobago):
Tobago Christmas CaravanDayPatience Hill University of the West
Indies 26 (public holiday): Boxing National Tourism
WeekInternational Half Marathon Day, marked with horse racing
Ramleela festival(Trinidad)and parties Steelpan & Jazz
Festival(Trinidad)Many dates are set just beforeDecemberthe events
are scheduled, and Assembly Day: Tobago House are always subject to
change or Novemberof Assembly celebrates cancellation. For more,
see our Divali (public holiday)and awards TobagoniansFestivals
sections under each Best Village competition achievements, along
with island, and visit us online atfinals exhibitions and a sports
and www.discovertnt.com 21
18. TObagO The Arnos Vale waterwheel in Tobago (1857) (Mark
Meredith)23
19. TObagO hOSpiTaliTy Tobago offers something for everyone.
From Where to start the busy southwest to the rainforests of the
AbrahamRealty (Scarborough): 639-3325, interior, you can find
comfortable, quality www.abrahamrealty.com lodging.
BellevisteApartments (Crown Point): 639-9351, You can choose a
luxury or budget hotel,www.belleviste.com BlueHavenHotel a beach
resort, an elegant villa, a self- (Scarborough): 660-7400, catering
apartment, a homely guesthouse,www.bluehavenhotel.com
BlueWatersInn(Speyside): or a simple cottage in a quiet
fishing660-2583, www.bluewatersinn.com village. Most choices offer
airport transfers CrownPointBeachHotel and visitor activities
including tours led by (Crown Point): 639-8781,
www.crownpointbeachhotel. experienced nature guides.com arounD
crown poinT THeMeD HoliDays price & availabiliTy Hotels and
resorts are thick onThere are lodgings geared toTobago is working
to extend its the ground in Crown Point, nearspecific interests,
whether youreaccommodation options. Two the airport, including Blue
Haven, on a diving trip (try the Bluenew large hotels are in the
works, Crown Point Hotel and Tropikist. Waters Inn in Speyside), a
golfingincluding the islands first five-star There are
self-catering apartments holiday (luxurious villas like Sans
facility at Culloden Reef. at Belleviste and Store Bay HolidaySouci
will help you rest up before Until then, make sure you book Resort,
and stunning villas like teeing off), or an escape intoahead for
traditionally popular those at Stonehaven, Seahorse Innnature (try
the Footprints Ecotimes of the year such as Easter, and Plantation
Beach Villas a little Resort).Carnival, the Jazz festival and way
up the coast.holiday weekends. 24 Discover Tobago
2010www.discovertobago.com
20. FootprintsEcoResort(Golden Lane):
660-0416,www.footprintseco-resort.com OceanPointResort (Lowlands):
639-0973,www.oceanpoint.com PlantationBeachVillas(Black Rock):
639-9377,www.plantationbeachvillas.com SeahorseInn(Black Rock):
639-0686,www.seahorseinntobago.com StoreBayHolidayResort (Crown
Point): 639-8810,www.storebayholidays.com TropikistBeachHotel(Crown
Point): 639-8512,Crown Point Beach Hotelwww.tropikist.comTel: (868)
639-8781/3 Fax: (868) 639-8731 VillaSansSouci(Lowlands):
639-3325,E-mail:
[email protected]
www.crownpointbeachhotel.com VillasatStonehaven Set on seven acres
of beautifully landscaped(Black Rock): 639-0361, grounds
overlooking Store Bay, we offerwww.stonehavenvillas.comocean view
accommodation with kitchenette.The Chart House poolside restaurant
andSundowners bar cater for your entire food planTaTion beacH
villasand beverage requirements. Recreational The Caribbean sea, a
beautiful beach, 6facilities include tennis courts, table tennis,
luxurious villas, a grove of trees. Ideal forshuffleboard and free
internet facilities for families, weddings and reunions. We assure
you our guests. From our grounds you can walk a taste of paradise.
down steps that lead to Store Bay Beach.
21. muSiCand the artsOnce, Tobago was strictly aplace to relax
and unwind. Notany more. The entertainmentlandscape has been
expanding,and Tobago is attractinginternational acts and patrons
Veteran calypsonian Winston Bailey (The Mighty Shadow) performs as
a special guest at Dimanche Gras, 2009 (Mark Lyndersay)29
22. bars & clubsFor chilling out after sunset,there are
plenty of bars, clubs,hotels and restaurants that offergood drinks,
live performances,tasty food and good company.For happy hours,
trySundowners Bar with its sunsetviews of Store Bay, or the
PavilionRestaurant and Seahorse Innwhich both offer exquisite
viewsof Stonehaven Bay.Sports bars like the snazzyfolk
perforMancenew Bar Code in ScarboroughThe Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
presents dinner theatre several (639-CODE,
www.barcodetobago.Tuesdays during the year. The dance and music
communities com) are an emerging format(particularly the drummers)
are quite vibrant on the island:in Tobago. Here you can enjoymany
groups meet regularly every week for practice, and guest an array
of signature drinks andat various events. These are also the groups
who take the stage local or international dishes,at the Tobago
Heritage Festival in July not to be missed if you while taking in a
seaside view.really want to know Tobago. You can shoot some pool 30
Discover Tobago 2010 www.discovertobago.com
23. afterwards, catch one of the cineMasaficionados descending
on the sports games on their big-screenThere is one cinema inisland
for the annual jazz festival. TV, or enjoy a live
performance.Scarborough, and a multiplex While the clubs are
reallycinema at the new Gulf City visual arTs pumping on the
weekends, some Lowlands Mall.There is a small but impressive
especially in the Crown Point areavisual arts community in present
mid-week entertainment,MusicTobago. Artists like Luise Kimme with
local bands, drummers, Tobago is staging big music (639-0257,
www.luisekimme. dance groups and theme nights.concerts these days,
oftencom) and Martin and Rachael In season, Golden Star presents
featuring Jamaican dancehall or Superville (owners of The Art
variety shows and the Scouting forreggae singers more choices
onGallery) have impressive studios Talent competition (followed by
DJthe entertainment menu. with original artwork on display music
and dancing).Not that music is confined or for sale. The Tobago
Museum Friday and Saturday are big to big events. Bars, clubs,
hotels(639-3970) at Fort King George nights at The Shade
nightclub,and restaurants feature local in Scarborough exhibits
local art. while Tobagos other club, Theperformers as regular and
rotatingOther well-known artists include Deep, is open every night.
And of headliners, with theme nights Jim Armstrong, Kevin Ayoung-
course, you cant forget Sundayreserved for hip-hop, jazz,
Latin,Julien, Edward Hernandez, David School every Sunday night at
reggae, R&B, and of courseKnott, and Earl Manswell. Buccoo
Village, where both tourists calypso, soca and steelpan music. and
locals gather along the streetsApril is jazz month, withfor much
more, visit of the village to enjoy local food, local, regional and
international us online at www. steel band music, and popular
DJs.jazz (and non-jazz) talent anddiscovertobago.comOpposite page
(top) Folk Fiesta Heritage dancer doing the bel (Oswin Browne)
Opposite page (bottom) Tambrin drums are warmed by the fire which
gives them their unique sound (Oswin Browne)31
24. Buccoo Bay (Mark Meredith) 32 Discover Tobago
2010www.discovertobago.com
25. Beauty and ThE bEaCh Tobago is truly a beach-lovers
paradise. Here are some of our favourites. 33
26. Around Crown Point food stalls, changing rooms grange beacH
(akaTHe wall): Just past the Mt pigeon poinT: Tobagoscanoe bay:
TobagosIrvine Golf Course, this is an ideal most famous beach.
Protected calmest and shallowest bathingbeach for swimming by
Buccoo Reef, the calm watersbeach, perfect for young families. make
it ideal for families. GreatRarely crowded, with excellent
sToneHaven bay: for watersports enthusiasts; facilities including
bar andmagnificent, rugged beach with some glass-bottom boat tours
beachfront cabanas. Entrance feegood facilities start from here.
Entrance feeMT irvine: a pair ofLeeward coastsTore bay:
extremelybeaches offering excellent popular (and busy) beach for
facilities, snorkelling and surfing casTara: stunning, quiet both
locals and visitors. Great for(in season). The Mt Irvine Beachand
unspoilt beach in a friendly swimming, and snorkelling underHotel
side offers refreshments andfishing village, with calm water coral
cliffs at southern end. Glass- beach amenities. Snorkelling
gear,and fine golden sand. Enjoy the bottom boat tours leave from
canoes and hobie cats can besight of fishermen bringing in their
here. Excellent craft shopping,hired onsitenets (pulling seine) or
breadbaked in old-fashioned dirt ovens.Excellent facilities
including arestaurant, stores and craft stalls.Accommodation
nearbyenglisHMans bay:quiet and secluded crescent-shaped bay,
hidden by trees. Itsdeep, clear waters offer goodswimming and
snorkelling. Craftshopping and restaurant onsiteculloDen beacH:
goodsnorkelling. Follow the signs toFootprints Eco Resortking
peTers bay: quiet,calm bay with dark sand. Goodsnorkelling and
spear fishing parlaTuvier: fishingvillage with a tranquil beach and
afew snackettesblooDy bay: secluded,breezy beach with clear
bluewaters, nothing at all like its name!Man o war bay: mainbeach
near Charlotteville, ideal forswimming. Accommodation nearbypiraTes
bay: stunningand unspoilt beach with crystal-clear water and a
fabulous view.Accessed via half-mile long dirttrack, or by sea 34
Discover Tobago 2010 www.discovertobago.com
27. Windward coastbacoleT bay: used as a location in the 1960s
Swiss Family Robinson film, this black-sand beach is popular with
surfersbellevue bay: accessed off the Belle Garden Bay Road
junction, the waters here are calm by windward-side standardskings
bay: picturesque long stretch with calm water and good facilities.
Fresh fish on sale; fisherman pull seine in the evenings speysiDe:
Tobagos dive capital. Speyside and Blue Waters beaches both offer
tranquillity and great snorkelling; bE iN ThE kNOW the offshore
reef is within swimming distance. Glass- Lifeguards are typically
on duty 9am5pm or 10am6pm bottom boat trips to Angel Reef,where
available, but not at all beaches. Red flags indicate Goat Island
and Little Tobago unsafe bathing areas start here. Watersports
facilities, accommodation and restaurants Permits are required both
for camping and for turtle-watching aboundon the nations beaches.
Contact a reputable tour guide, your hotel, or the Forestry
Division to make arrangements for much more, visit us online at
www. Tropical sun can quickly give light skins a bad burn, even
discovertobago.comthrough cloud, so use your sunscreenFrom top
Store Bay, Crown Point (Mark Meredith), Carnival visitor Tomas
Mikuzis from Miami relaxing in Tobago after enjoying his first
Carnival (Peter Sheppard) Opposite page Pigeon Point, Tobago (Peter
Sheppard)35
28. lETS EaT OuT As in every culture, food and festivity go
hand in hand in Tobago.36 Discover Tobago 2010
www.discovertobago.com
29. Many of Tobagos good restaurants take advantage of the
islands exquisite landscape. Breathtaking hillside or ocean views,
waterwheels and sugar mills can all be part of the dining
experience. Most restaurants are in the islands touristy
southwestern tip, Scarborough and the northeast. Roadside eateries
abound, serving home-style Tobagonian dishes, while trendy sports
bars offer their own cocktails of food, drink, and entertainment.No
matter where you eat, youre unlikely to go wrong if you choose
fresh seafood, Tobagos signature crab-and- dumpling, or freshly
squeezed tropical juices. And Tobagos snacks and desserts will
indulge any sweet tooth. Where to startwww.crownpointbeachhotel.
entertainment at peak times com of year. 639-0686, www.
BarCodeSportsBar&Grill CocoaHouseRestaurant
seahorseinntobago.com(Scarborough): this stylish& Bar (Golden
Lane): 660-new sports bar is located0416,
www.footprints-resort.right at the Scarborough port, comgiving you
relaxing views of SeaHorseInnRestaurantthe ships and ferries coming
& Bar (Black Rock): featuredand going. Enjoy a range ofon the
UKs Richard & Judysignature drinks and local and show (GMTV)
and the Travelinternational dishes (includingChannel, theres a
littlea local staple, fish broth); something for any paletteshoot
some pool; watch big from seafood to steaks,sports games on their
big- local creole to international sHore THingsscreen TV; or rock
to the beat and fusion. Enjoy beautiful 25 Milford Road, Lambeau.of
their live music acts. 639- oceanside breezes and views T:
635-1072CODE, www.barcodetobago. of Stonehaven beach,
whereDelightful seaside verandahcomgiant leatherbacks come dining
for brunches, lunches BlueWatersInnRestaurant ashore MarchAugust.
Sipand teas in a setting of(Speyside): 660-2583, www. delicious
cocktails at theCaribbean craft and rhythm.bluewatersinn.combar, or
dive in to a deliciousMon-Fri 10am6pm, Sat ChartHouseRestaurant
3-course meal under 8am4pm.(Crown Point): 639-8781, the stars.
Theres nightlyAbove A selection of herbs, seasonings and vegetables
used in local cooking (Giancarlo Lalsingh) Opposite page This local
creation of sliced baigan (melongene) topped with sliced onion,
fresh tomato, cheese and local herbs is a tasty appetiser (Marc
Seyon/Very Caribbean Limited verycaribbean.com)37
30. Taste of Tobagosauce with lime, cucumber,balls, sugar cake,
cashew pepper and onioncake, cassava pone, coconut Baked pig: the
whole pig is sweetbread, black cake, ice cooked in the earth, most
often Curried crab n dumpling: cream and desserts flavoured at the
Saraka (Salaka) FeastTobagos signature; delicious with fruit,
coconut and even during the Tobago Heritageand extremely
filling!Guinness how many pounds Festivalhave you gained? Oildown:
breadfruit and meat Blue food: any ground provision boiled down
with coconut milk Tom tom: cooked half-ripe or root vegetable
(dasheen, plantain pounded in a mortar, eddoes, sweet potatoes,
cassava,Pacro water: broth made withmaking a kind of pudding et
al)chiton or sea cockroach (said to have aphrodisiac properties)
Yabba: thick soup with Bush tea: brewed from herbs dumpling, fish,
pigtail, potato, and plants like graterwood, Squash: drink made
from limebreadfruit, cassava, dasheen, trumpet, bois canot,
lemonand lemon juice green banana and anything grass, lime bud and
fever grass else the chef feels moved to Sweets: toolum, guava
cheese, include. Other popular soups Conch souse: large sea snails
pawpaw balls, shaddockare sancoche, cowheel and fish boiled and
served cold in a salty candy, tamarind balls, bennebroth Below
Fried samosas stuffed with meat or vegetables have been adopted
into the local cuisine of Trinidad and are often served as
appetisers or party snacks. ( Marc Seyon/Very Caribbean Limited -
verycaribbean.com) 38 Discover Tobago
2010www.discovertobago.com
31. Bon Accord Lagoon (Oswin Browne)Small island,big
advENTurETobago has been voted the worlds top eco-tourism
destination (WorldTravel Awards, 2003). Fertile and pristine, and
blessed with continentalbiodiversity from the time when Tobago (and
Trinidad) were joined to theSouth American mainland, Tobago is home
to a wealth of ecosystems. Itbrims with activities and adventures
to satisfy the most active eco-explorer and theres plenty to
interest the more laid-back nature lover too.39
32. World-renowned biodiversity For centuries, Tobagos unique
worth has been appreciated and protected, on both land and
sea.Tobagos central mountain range (rising to 876m/1,890ft)
encompasses the oldest protected rainforest in the western
hemisphere, which became a reserve in 1776. In 1973, Buccoo Reef
was designated a nationally protected marine area.The Buccoo
Reef/Bon Accord Lagoon Complex is the islands first Ramsar Site,
recognised as a wetland of international importance. It embraces
the ancient inshore coral reef system on the leeward coast and the
Bon Accord mangrove swamps and seagrass beds, where the rarely seen
green sea turtle may be found.Here are some of our favourite eco
adventures. Eco adventures on landTrails: hiking, mountain biking
and horseback trails carry you into the heart of the island. The
most frequented hiking area is the Main Ridge forest, easily
accessibly by the Gilpin and Niplig trails. Biking enthusiasts can
opt for easy trails, like those passing through the boardwalk
around the Lowlands area, or extreme mountain trails that can be
reached only on foot all offer spectacular vistas. Guides are
recommended or requiredwaTerfalls: experienced guides can escort
you through the rainforest or to the 3-tiered Argyle Falls near
Roxborough. Visitors to Rainbow Waterfall can experience local
cultivation techniques while literally sharing in the fruits of
their labourTobago cocoa esTaTe: a working cocoa plantation and
heritage park, where visitors can participate in the fermentation
and drying processes. Once considered a dying art, these techniques
are being revitalised for the first time since Hurricane Flora
decimated Tobagos cocoa crops in 1963 grafTon caleDonia wilDlife
birD sancTuary: formerly a cocoa plantation, it is now a nature
centre complete with winding trails frequented by the king of the
woods, or mot mot. Twice daily feedings guarantee excellent bird
sightings offsHore islanDs: superlative places for bird watching.
The imposing frigate birds seen circling high above the ocean roost
on St Giles. Rare red-billed tropic birds nest DecemberJuly on
Little Tobago aDvenTure naTure reserve: a 12-acre estate in Arnos
Vale shelters many wild birds. The prolific flora attract
butterflies, and there are established organic orchards including
mango and citrusTurTle waTcHing: one of Tobagos best-known nature
activities is watching the ancient nesting ritual of the sea
turtles (MarchAugust).40 Discover Tobago 2010
www.discovertobago.com
33. Although five species of marine turtles are either native
to or migratory to Tobago, the most common are the giant
leatherback, hawksbill and green. All (and their eggs) are legally
protected. Leatherbacks come ashore primarily in Black Rock, while
the coral reefs of the northeast welcome hawksbills. Greens can be
found near seagrass beds around the islandEco adventures at sea
glass-boTToM boaT Tours: one of the most popular marine activities,
suitable for all ages and fitness levels. A tour of Buccoo Reef
includes the intriguingly named Nylon Pool, and the other-worldly
Coral Gardens replete with staghorn and star coral, sea fans and
other octocorals. Speyside visitors have a chance to see the worlds
largest brain coral Above A newly hatched turtle makes a dash
across Grafton Beach Tobago for the safety of the sea (Giancarlo
Lalsingh) Below Gilpin Trail, one of many in Tobagos Main Ridge
(Oswin Browne)41
34. snorkelling & Diving: available island-wide bE iN ThE
kNOW for every level of expertise. Drift Permitsareneededfor some
locations and activities (like snorkelling and diving in
coastalcamping and turtle-watching), but any reputable guide or
areas minimises damage totour operator will arrange these the
living reefs. In addition to an assortment of tropical fish,
Dontattempta long hike or eco adventure without a in NovemberJune
huge mantareputable, certified guide: its easy to get lost or have
an rays glide silently alongside theaccident undersea visitor
Snakebitesandscorpionstings are rare; the biggestwaTersporTs: enjoy
kite natural danger is the Portuguese Man-o-War (vinegar surfing,
kayaking, and jet skiing: is good if you get stung), and the sap
and fruit of the popular spots are Pigeon Point,manchineel tree
(most common on beaches). Seek local Mt Irvine and Charlotteville.
Foradvice on whether these are present traditional surfboarding, Mt
Irvine and Grange Bay are exceptional; Wearlongtrousersfor lengthy
bush treks and never wear and the wind is just right for
kiteopen-toed sandals. Comfortable shoes with good grip are surfing
at Little Rockly Bay. Thererecommended are chartered boats that
sail up the coast serving refreshment in a Takealittleknapsackwith
a change of clothes, socks and wonderful Caribbean atmosphere
something to eat, stored in a waterproof bag. If you carrya camera
thats not waterproof, youll want to keep it here gaMe fisHing: for
thosetoo who prefer catching fish to swimming alongside them, the
Avoidwearingblack: it attracts mosquitoes and if youre in T&T
Game Fishing Association the open, soaks up the heat has six
fishing tournaments scheduled for 2010. For two Whenturtlewatching,
do not use flash photography, touch years running, blue marlin or
otherwise disturb nesting turtles, as this can cause them over
800lbs have been caught severe distress here. Environmentally sound
techniques are employed; a PleasekeepTobagoclean:dont discard your
rubbish in catch and release programme waterways and in the
outdoors ensures that non-champion sized catches are tagged and
returnedWhatever your pleasure, you are far more likely to run
short to the sea. Tobagos peak fishingof time than of things to do
in Tobago; perhaps this is why so season runs NovemberMay many
visitors return, year after year.Opposite page A cocrico (Ortalis
ruficauda), the national bird of Tobago, Grafton Bird Sancuary,
Tobago (Giancarlo Lalsingh) 42 Discover Tobago
2010www.discovertobago.com
35. Where to start FootprintsEcoResort (Golden Lane): 660-0416,
www.footprints-resort.com FrankiesTours&Rentals (Mt Irvine):
631-0369, www.frankietours-tobago.com OceanExperience (Crown
Point): 631-8430, A world of
[email protected] has an incredible
degree of biodiversity for its small size. Its
PlantationBeachWatersports abundance of flora and fauna include:
(Bon Accord): 639-SAIL, 210 recorded bird specieswww.sailtobago.com
133 species of butterflies (including the impressive blue emperor)
25 species of snake (none of them poisonous)
ShermansAutoRentals& 17 species of bats Ground Tours 14 species
of frog (Lambeau): 639-2292, 12 species of
mammalswww.shermansrental.com 5 species of marine turtles
(including the endangered giantleatherback) for more, visit us
online 6 species of lizardat www.discovertobago. com 43
36. buSiNESS braNChES OuT Tobagos economy is almost equally
divided between the public sector and tourism, and the global
economic climate, including a new travel tax implemented in the UK,
has significantly impacted the tourism industry.The Airports
Authority tallied international visitor air arrivals to Tobago at
56,517 for 2008, down 15% from 66,266 in 2007. Tobago has also
suffered from inflationary pressures over the last few years,
particularly in the area of food prices. While the tourism industry
is expected to recover and rebound strongly after the downturn,
economic diversification is not only desirable but necessary. To
this end, the much- publicised Cove Eco-Industrial Estate and
Business Park (CEIDP), brainchild of the Tobago House of Assembly
(THA), is nearing completion. Promoting light industry, CEIDP will
accommodate knowledge-based industry including information
technology, light manufacturing, agro- processing and export as
well as selected downstream activities related to natural gas. It
will also Where to starthouse a receiving/metering facility for
natural gas from Trinidad. Cove Eco-Industrial & Business Park:
Tobago House of Assembly Investment is encouraged (Scarborough):
631-2683, www.tobagocove.com through various tax holidays, Tobago
Hotel & Tourism Association (Carnbee): 639-9543, www.incentives
and exemptions, tobagohoteltourism.comincluding those on import
duty. Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce:
Tobago Division Additional incentives apply to the (Scarborough):
639-2669, www.chamber.org.tt export-processing zone. Potential
Trinidad & Tobago Entertainment Company: 624-0514, www.
investors are invited to apply ttentonline.com for space in the
business park Trinidad & Tobago Film Company: 625-FILM (3456),
www. and can contact Vernie Shield, trinidadandtobagofilm.com
Chairman, Tobago Division of the T&T Chamber of Commerce, for
for much more, visit us online at www.information concerning
investment discovertobago.comin Tobago. 44 Discover Tobago 2010
www.discovertobago.com
37. Above Goat racing at Buccoo (Oswin Browne) Opposite page
Unit Trust building, Scarborough (Oswin
Browne)ThEFESTivESpiriTTobago stages a major festival orevent every
few months and mini-festivals every month. Its a wondertheres time
to rest. Here are some ofthe biggest.45
38. HarvesT & fisHMerMans fesTivals There are Sunday
harvest festivals in one of the islands villages every month, where
villagers share food and drink and communal celebration. Fishermans
festivals take place in the coastal villages during the year,
mainly on St Peters Day (June 29). Both events begin with church
services in the morning and end with eating, drinking, and partying
in the night! carnival Tobagonians enjoy a Carnival season that is
more laid back than the sister isles, and focuses more on the
theatrical and folk elements of Carnival. Most play traditional mud
mas (said to be therapeutic for the skin) which of course
necessitates an ocean swim afterwards. The THAs Inter-department
Queen and Calypso Show, and the Roxborough Afro-Queen and Windward
Calypso Show, are staple seasonal events. The legend of Gang Gang
Sarah Its a story that has been passed down for generations. Gang
Gang Sarah was a wise witch (or, depending on who you ask, a
soucouyant a noctural bloodsucking creature of local folklore that
can turn itself into a ball of fire) who flew from Africa to Tobago
centuries ago in search of her family. In her old age, after her
husbands death, she climbed a giant silk cotton tree (sacred in
many indigenous religions) hoping to fly back to her homeland. But
having eaten local salt she was unable to fly, and fell to her
death. The Witchs Grave marks where she fell. goaT & crab
racing At Easter time, only Friday and Monday are official
holidays, but Easter Tuesday is not really a day for work in
Tobago: everyone heads to Buccoo for the Family Day and Goat and
Crab Races. There is special training for the goat jockeys, and a
track has been constructed especially for this race; even Virgin
Atlantics Richard Branson has taken part. The Festival has been
hosted in Buccoo for nearly 80 years, and in fact is so nice its
done twice: first from Easter Sunday to the following Tuesday, and
then again for the Heritage Festival mid-year.Jazz fesTival Aprils
Tobago Jazz Experience replaced the Plymouth Jazz Festival in 2009.
While it still has international headliners as part of the show,
like its predecessor, the new focus is more on local, regional, and
world music artists. A few shows are free, and there is a Caravan
feature which takes some performances to different villages around
Tobago.Tobago culinary fesTival Produced each May by the Tourism
Department of the THA, this free international culinary event
invites you to sample dishes from around the world, and especially
those native to Tobago, all in the beautiful and relaxed
environment of Pigeon Point.46 Discover Tobago 2010
www.discovertobago.com
39. FESTival TradiTiONS Moriah Wedding: signature Tobago
Heritage Festival event, featuring groom in stovepipe hat and
tailcoat and bride with trousseau on head, processing slowly with
the distinctive three-step brush backTambrin: quintessential
Tobagonian music, driven by three shallow goatskin tambrin drums
(high pitched cutter, roller, and boom bass), fiddle, and steel
triangle. Accompanies social eventsReel, Jig and Saraka: indigenous
dances from Pembroke, with roots in West African rituals invoking
the ancestors, and accompanied by tambrin music. Libations are
offered at the beginning of reels. Saraka feast held in Pembroke
during Tobago Heritage FestivalSpeech bands: Tobago Carnival
tradition, featuring cast of costumed characters speechifying in
rhyme. Left A bel dancer performs during the visit of HRH the
Prince of Wales to Tobago (Giancarlo Lalsingh) Right Royal Sweet
Fingers, the most popular tambrin band in Tobago, warm their
tambrins over an open flame (Oswin Browne)47
40. Below The Great Race takes place at greaT feTe & carib
greaT race the end of August (Martin Farinha) Opposite page Tobagos
newThe Great Race (August) is a major event that draws Trinidadians
to Tobago Lowlands Mall in droves. First held in 1969, this 84-mile
speed-boat race from Trinidads Gulf of Paria to Crown Point in
Tobago ends in the ultimate beach party (which starts well before
the boats reach the finish line and ends in the wee hours of the
next morning). The race starts early in the morning, and the first
boats normally arrive at about 9am on the beach. Originally tied to
the Great Race festivities, Tobagos Great Fte Weekend (July/August)
is now a separate five-day beach party at Store Bay, Pigeon Point
and Mt Irvine.HeriTage fesTivalsees the dasheen plant all of The
Heritage Festival (July) isit used to prepare all kinds of the
premier cultural event on themouth-watering dishes, including
island, with a new theme every bread, cookies, lasagne, and year.
Each village produces an even ice-cream. The festival takes event
showcasing the islandsplace in the countryside amidst unique mores
and traditions in the lush green forest of the Main dance, music,
cuisine, story-Ridge, and includes a culinary telling, drama and
more. The competition, a cultural show, a festival serves not only
as an mini zoo and sometimes a queen entertainment event, but a way
show. of teaching and passing on communal values and customs. for a
full listing ofannual events andblue fooD fesTivalpublic holidays,
visit the This October event brings thecalendar section of this
whole island to Bloody Bay onbook. and for much more, the northwest
coast. A truly visit us online at www. unique culinary experience,
it discovertobago.com48 Discover Tobago 2010
www.discovertobago.com
41. a NEW lEvEl of shopping in Tobago Tobagonian ingenuity
ensures that your shopping experience here will be unique. Rustic
or elegant, utilitarian or ornamental, there is truly something for
everyones taste and shopping list (including yours!).49