Trinidad and Tobago

Overview

The Caribbean is certainly one of the world's premier chill out destinations. The twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago are amongst the best that the region has to offer. The larger island, Trinidad, is more developed, populous and vibrant. The smaller Tobago is more friendly, intimate and relaxed. For ultimate relaxation, take a trip to Tobago, and do a daytrip over to Trinidad to take in the sights and sounds. The pace of life in the islands is certainly gentle. Throw away that diary and bin your watch. Restaurant service is casual, but always genial, taxis might turn up, or they might not, but then who really cares? The locals spend most of their time 'liming', or chilling out. But if you are feeling slightly more active, the waters around the islands are warm, clear and teeming with oceanic flora and fauna. A trip into the jungles and waterways of Trinidad reveals some fantastic land-based wildlife as well - the hummingbirds and scarlet ibises (the national emblem) are notable highlights. So save up for the airfare, get a rum cocktail, head to the beach, hang out there a while and don't worry too much about life.

History

Columbus landed in Trinidad in 1498 and the island was settled by the Spanish a century later. The original inhabitants-Arawak and Carib Indians-were largely wiped out by the Spanish colonizers and the survivors were gradually assimilated. Although it attracted French free Black and other non-Spanish settlers Trinidad remained under Spanish rule until the British captured it in 1797. During the colonial period Trinidad's economy relied on large sugar and cocoa plantations.

Tobago's development was similar to other plantation islands in the Lesser Antilles and quite different from Trinidad's. During the colonial period French Dutch and British forces fought over possession of Tobago and the island changed hands 22 times more often than any other West Indian island. Tobago was finally ceded to Great Britain in 1814. Trinidad and Tobago were incorporated into a single colony in 1888.

In 1958 the United Kingdom tried to establish an independent Federation of the West Indies comprising most of the former British West Indies. However disagreement over the structure of the federation and Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago's withdrawal soon led to its collapse. Trinidad and Tobago achieved full independence in 1962 and joined the British Commonwealth. It remained as a realm of Queen Elizabeth II represented by a Governor General until 1976 when it became a republic with a President as head of state.

Trinidad and Tobago's people are mainly of African or East Indian descent. Virtually all speak English. Small percentages also speak Hindi French patois and several other dialects. Trinidad has two major folk...more