TRINIDAD
TOBAGO
Introduction
Both islands, covering a total area of 4,944 sq. km. (1,980 sq. mls.), form the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, with a population of just under 1.4 million. Yet, each island of the twin state ... 33km (21 miles) apart ... excel in their individual uniqueness while displaying vast differences in their culture and life style.
Its geographical location ... Trinidad lies approximately 10 degrees North latitude and 60 degrees West longitude from Greenwich ... and rich cultural roots makes Trinidad unique in more ways than can be compared with other islands in the Caribbean. The principal contributor to this uniqueness, however, is its heterogeneous peoples, who represent a large variety of ethnic grouping, from several parts our planet.
Ideally situated at the south most end of the Caribbean Islands, it has become the stepping-stone to South America and a main link to the North Americas and Europe.
On February 17, 1797, Sir Ralph Abercromby, invaded and captured Trinidad for the British, who was at war with Spain at the time. Under the Spanish rule at that time, Don Jose Maria Chacon was the Governor. The British appointed Leutenant-Colonel Picton as their first Governor in Trinidad.
Tobago, by the Tobago Act of 1887 formed a union with Trinidad as from January 1, 1889. Tobago is located at approximately 11 degrees North latitude and 60 degrees West longitude.
La Ysla de la Trinidad
was the named given to this island by Christopher Columbus.
The Amerindians knew it as Iere.
Now it is simply,
Trinidad, the Land of the Humming Bird
Trinidad & Tobago
was granted Independence
on August 1, 1962
and became aRepublic
on August 1, 1976
(Republic Day was celebrated on September 24 until 1996,
when it was replaced by
Shouters Baptist Day, March 30.)
Attraction
There are several attractions for locals as well as tourist in Trinidad.
Apart from sun, sea and sand and our annual Carnival celebrations, here are
special sites for special people,
both foreign and local
| Site Known As | Contact | More |
|---|---|---|
| Botanic Gardens | Open 8.30 am. to 4 PM. | To build |
| Pitch Lake | Open | La Brea |
| Temple in the Sea | To update | To build |
| Caroni Bird Santuary | Winston Nanan 645-1305To Build | |
| Lopinot Complex | Open 6am. -6p.m. | To build |
| Shiva Lingam | Open Hindu Temple at Patiram Tr. Penal | To Build |
| Wild Fowl Trust | 662-4040 before 8a.m. or 637-5145 | To Build |
| Piparo Mud Volcano | Open at Piparo | To build |
| Devil's Woodyard | Open at Hindustan | To Build |
| Divali Nagaar | Check for what's on | To build |
| Hindu Weddings | Tourist Board/Friends | To build |
| Fort King George | Open - Tobago | Tobago |
| Tobago Heritage Festival | July - August | Tobago |
| Bucco Reef | Protected Marine Park Tobago:639-8519 | Tobago |
| Pigeon Point | Bookings: 639-8141 | Tobago |
| Emperor Valley Zoo | Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | To build |
| Aripo Caves | Tourist Board | To build |
| Gasparee Caves | Tourist Board | To build |
| Potter at Work | Tourist Board | To Build |
| Shango Dance | Tourist Board | To Build |