f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

Stephen Broadbridge
Fast Facts on Tobago
Location
Situated 32 km (21 miles) northeast of Trinidad and like its big
sister Trinidad was once part of the South American continent
millions of years ago. Co-ordinates are Latitude 11°N, Longitude
60°W.
Climate and Geography
Tobago’s climate is pleasant all year round. It is cooler and less
humid than Trinidad because of the more frequent northeast
winds. June to September are commonly the wettest months.
Tobago’s topography is rugged, with low mountains and elevations
up to a maximum of 576 m (1890 ft.). Its area is 300 square km
(116 square miles).
Government and Population
In 1980, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was instituted
and was made responsible for local, administrative governance
within the island, with central governance remaining under the
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The population of the island is
approximately 54,000, 90 per cent of which are of African origin,
with a minority East Indian presence and resident expatriates.
Seaport
International shipping facilities are available in Tobago at the
Scarborough deep-water harbour. Traffic at this port consists
mainly of cruise ships and ferry services to and from Trinidad.
Locals and visitors can take the fast-ferry service between the
islands. There are two fast ferries, The T&T Spirit and the T&T
Express, and one dedicated cargo, the Warrior Spirit, which
service the inter-island route. The fast ferries operate daily and
take on average of 2 hours 30 minutes to/from Tobago. The cargo
vessel leaves daily at 2:00 p.m. with cargo, and takes 6 hours to/
from Tobago. The fare for adults is TT$100 return or TT$50 one way.
The charge for all private vehicles on the ferries is TT$250 (return)
and TT$150 (one way). Call the Port Authority for more information
at (868) 639–2668 or visit www.patnt.com.
Health
Tobago’s healthcare system and facilities are limited. Basic
medical attention for minor ailments is available, but serious
medical cases are referred to Trinidad. Medical services are free at
the government hospital and health centres but expect to wait a
long time before being attended to.
Economy
Tobago’s economy was initially based on agriculture but it changed
focus to Tourism in recent years. Trinidad still supplies most of the
consumables and manufactured products.
Newspapers
The three Trinidad-based daily newspapers, Trinidad Guardian,
Trinidad Express and Newsday are available with The Tobago News
available weekly.
Roads
Tobago is linked via a network of paved and unpaved roads, the
most significant being the Claude Noel Highway.
Airport
Crown Point International is the airport in Tobago and is
located on the southwestern tip of the island. Renovated in
1985, it serves as the destination for several international and
inter-island flights. The airfare to Trinidad is TT$300 return or
TT$150 one way.
The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago
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