f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

Fast Facts on Trinidad
Location
Trinidad is situated in the Caribbean 11
km (7 miles) northeast of the coast of
Venezuela. Geographic coordinates are
Latitude 10.5°N, Longitude 61.5°W.
Climate and Geography
Trinidad’s climate is pleasant, with
daytime temperatures averaging 31°C
(87°F), moderated by northeast trade
winds, while nights are a cool 21°C (69°F).
Trinidad is just on the outer edge of the
path of hurricanes and tropical storms.
The highest point, El Cerro del Aripo,
situated in the northern range, is 940
m (3,080 ft) above sea level. Trinidad is
4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles) in area.
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. Executive power is vested
in the Prime Minister and Government
following democratic elections every 5
years.
Legal System
The legal system is based on the
common law of England and Wales and
on statutes made in the Trinidad and
Tobago Parliament. 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 sitting in Trinidad, is the
final appellate court for certain CARICOM
jurisdictions, the Privy Council remains
the highest court of appeal for T&T.
Population and Labour Force
Estimated population is 1.3 million. 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 level education
is compulsory and Secondary education
is now available to all children leaving
primary school. Tertiary education
providers include the University of the
West Indies (UWI), University of Trinidad
& Tobago (UTT), and other institutions. It
is free of charge.
Health
Medical services are free at the government
institutions and clinics, but a fee is charged
at all others. 24-hr emergency services are
available at several medical facilities. For
more information visit www.health.gov.tt
Economy
There are proven substantial reserves of
petroleum and gas, and heavy industries
such as iron and steel, methanol and
nitrogenous fertilisers are well developed.
In the period 2004-7, real GDP growth
averaged 7.1% per annum, with services
accounting for 51% of GDP and the
petroleum sector 40.1% of GDP.
Electricity
Trinidad and Tobago has a reliable supply
of electricity, with rates among the lowest
in the Caribbean. The domestic and
commercial 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 island-wide.
Roads
Driving is on the left-hand side.
Newspapers
There are 3 daily newspapers in Trinidad:
Trinidad Guardian, Trinidad Express and
Newsday and several weekly publications.
The news distribution service, Newspaper
Direct, offers print-on-demand, same-day
international newspapers. Tel: 674-2131
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) is the main provider
of landline and mobile services. Digicel,
a rapidly growing telecommunications
provider in the Caribbean now offers
mobile phone services in both islands.
Flow offers cable television and internet
services. Broadband Internet is widely
available.
Departure Tax
A departure tax of TT$ 100 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, while work permits
can be obtained from 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 in Trinidad with
approximately 30 FM stations and 2 AM
stations.
Safety in Trinidad and Tobago
Drugs: Visitors need to be aware that
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, the severity and degree of
discomfort depends on individual
sensitivity and allergic reactions. For
safety, consult a doctor.
Manchineel Apples (Hippomane
mancinella): Often found near to or
on coastal beaches, avoid any sort of
contact with manchineel trees or fruit.
The fruit, called manchineel apples, are
very fragrant but also very poisonous
and sap from the tree and fruit, will
severely blister the skin.
Portuguese Man-O-War (Physalia
physalis): These are not true “jellyfish”.
Their small, translucent air bladders
with a purple to light-blue tint, usually
float in the water or get washed up on
shore. Once the tentacles make contact
with the skin, they produce a very bad
sting. Rubbing or rinsing with water will
worsen the situation. Flush or soak the
area continuously with vinegar, for about
30 minutes, apply a 1% Hydrocortisone
cream and seek medical attention.
Mosquito and Sandfly Bites: The
most effective repellent is DEET
(diethyltoluamide) in a concentration
of at least 20%. Newer alternatives
recommended by the CDC (Centers for
Disease Control) include Picaridin and Oil
of Lemon Eucalyptus. Citronella is highly
ineffective. To relieve itching, various
creams are available in pharmacies.
Sea Urchins Spine Punctures: An
echinoderm with long black spines. If the
spines are protruding from your skin then
you can try to carefully remove them, but
if they are beneath the skin DO NOT try
to dig them out. Leave them in your skin,
soak the affected area in warm water
at about 45°C for 30 minutes and seek
medical attention.
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The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago