Amina Hussain discovers carnivals, and other delights, on offer in this twin island country of the eastern Caribbean

Only 11 km off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands in the Caribbean, although there is surprisingly little South American influence. Trinidad is the largest, but least touristy, island of the eastern Caribbean. The beaches are not the sort to draw holidaymakers, unlike those on Trinidad's sister island Tobago. None the less, Trinidad can guarantee universal interest when it annually hosts the mother of all carnivals starting on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. Its capital, Port of Spain, turns into one huge street party that attracts thousands of revellers from around the world.

With just 4% of the country's population, Tobago stands in sharp contrast to Trinidad. Its beaches are more beautiful, the waters are reef protected, and there are pleasant oceanside hotels where the "lime" (local parlance for leisure) is always on.

Both islands have a remarkably high diversity of plants and animals for an area their size. Bird watching serves to the eye a palette of impressive, brightly plumed species-some of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Caroni Conservatory are a must for bird fanciers.
 

History

Known to Amerindians as Lere, "Land of the Hummingbirds," Trinidad was sighted by Columbus, who christened it La Isla de la Trinidad, for the Holy Trinity. In 1592 the Spanish established their first settlement, just east of the present day capital. Subsequent settlers imported slaves from Africa and established sugar and cotton plantations. The British seized control in 1797 and later abolished slavery outright. Tobago was also sighted by Columbus and later claimed by the Spanish. During the 17th century, Tobago changed hands many times. In an attempt to quell fighting it was declared neutral territory, which encouraged pirates to use it as a base from which to raid ships in the eastern Caribbean. In 1763 the British established a colonial administration on Tobago. Within 20 years, 10 000 African slaves were brought to the island, and plantations of sugar, cotton, and indigo were developed. In 1889 the British made Tobago a ward of neighbouring Trinidad.

People and language

Besides the majority African and East Indian communities, the notable minorities are of European, Chinese, Syrian, and Lebanese descent. Most other islanders are of mixed ancestry, but all live in harmony. The official national language is English, but Hindi, Spanish, and Creole are also spoken. The latter is the preferred language for daily communication on the street. Calypso music has roots in Trinidad, stemming back to the days when slaves would sing in patois, mocking their colonial masters.

Health

Taxpayers fund the government run national health system, which supports primary care in the community and secondary and tertiary care in hospitals. Private hospitals do exist, but they lack the variety of cases that medical students may prefer to see. The oldest and most established hospital in Trinidad is the general hospital at 169 Charlotte Street in Port of Spain (Tel: 623 2951). Another hospital in the capital is St Clair Medical Centre at 18 Elizabeth Street (Tel: +1 868 628 1451). There are smaller hospitals in San Fernando and Mt Hope. In Tobago, the general hospital is at Fort King George in Scarborough (Tel: +1 639 2551).

Useful information

All visitors must have a valid passport. Visas are not needed by citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or most European countries for stays of less than three months. British Airways and British West Indies Airlines both have flights to Trinidad from London, and Caledonian Airways flies to Tobago. There are tourist offices at the airports in Trinidad and Tobago, on Phillips Street in Port of Spain, and in Scarborough on Tobago. The airport offices tend to be the best stocked and most helpful. You can request information before you leave, by contacting Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company, 10-14 Phillips Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Or call toll free on 0800 960 057 from the United Kingdom; otherwise Tel: +1 623 1932 on arrival (Fax: +1 623 6022; email: tourism-info@tidco.co.tt).