f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
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Stephen Broadbridge<br />
Fast Facts on <strong>Tobago</strong><br />
Location<br />
Situated 32 km (21 miles) northeast <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> like its big<br />
sister <strong>Trinidad</strong> was once part <strong>of</strong> the South American continent<br />
millions <strong>of</strong> years ago. Co-ordinates are Latitude 11°N, Longitude<br />
60°W.<br />
Climate <strong>and</strong> Geography<br />
<strong>Tobago</strong>’s climate is pleasant all year round. It is cooler <strong>and</strong> less<br />
humid than <strong>Trinidad</strong> because <strong>of</strong> the more frequent northeast<br />
winds. June to September are commonly the wettest months.<br />
<strong>Tobago</strong>’s topography is rugged, with low mountains <strong>and</strong> elevations<br />
up to a maximum <strong>of</strong> 576 m (1890 ft.). Its area is 300 square km<br />
(116 square miles).<br />
Government <strong>and</strong> Population<br />
In 1980, the <strong>Tobago</strong> House <strong>of</strong> Assembly (THA) was instituted<br />
<strong>and</strong> was made responsible for local, administrative governance<br />
within the isl<strong>and</strong>, with central governance remaining under the<br />
Republic <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong>. The population <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong> is<br />
approximately 54,000, 90 per cent <strong>of</strong> which are <strong>of</strong> African origin,<br />
with a minority East Indian presence <strong>and</strong> resident expatriates.<br />
Seaport<br />
International shipping facilities are available in <strong>Tobago</strong> at the<br />
Scarborough deep-water harbour. Traffic at this port consists<br />
mainly <strong>of</strong> cruise ships <strong>and</strong> ferry services to <strong>and</strong> from <strong>Trinidad</strong>.<br />
Locals <strong>and</strong> visitors can take the fast-ferry service between the<br />
isl<strong>and</strong>s. There are two fast ferries, The T&T Spirit <strong>and</strong> the T&T<br />
Express, <strong>and</strong> one dedicated cargo, the Warrior Spirit, which<br />
service the inter-isl<strong>and</strong> route. The fast ferries operate daily <strong>and</strong><br />
take on average <strong>of</strong> 2 hours 30 minutes to/from <strong>Tobago</strong>. The cargo<br />
vessel leaves daily at 2:00 p.m. with cargo, <strong>and</strong> takes 6 hours to/<br />
from <strong>Tobago</strong>. The fare for adults is TT$100 return or TT$50 one way.<br />
The charge for all private vehicles on the ferries is TT$250 (return)<br />
<strong>and</strong> TT$150 (one way). Call the Port Authority for more information<br />
at (868) 639–2668 or visit www.patnt.com.<br />
Health<br />
<strong>Tobago</strong>’s healthcare system <strong>and</strong> facilities are limited. Basic<br />
medical attention for minor ailments is available, but serious<br />
medical cases are referred to <strong>Trinidad</strong>. Medical services are free at<br />
the government hospital <strong>and</strong> health centres but expect to wait a<br />
long time before being attended to.<br />
Economy<br />
<strong>Tobago</strong>’s economy was initially based on agriculture but it changed<br />
focus to Tourism in recent years. <strong>Trinidad</strong> still supplies most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
consumables <strong>and</strong> manufactured products.<br />
Newspapers<br />
The three <strong>Trinidad</strong>-based daily newspapers, <strong>Trinidad</strong> Guardian,<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> Express <strong>and</strong> Newsday are available with The <strong>Tobago</strong> News<br />
available weekly.<br />
Roads<br />
<strong>Tobago</strong> is linked via a network <strong>of</strong> paved <strong>and</strong> unpaved roads, the<br />
most significant being the Claude Noel Highway.<br />
Airport<br />
Crown Point International is the airport in <strong>Tobago</strong> <strong>and</strong> is<br />
located on the southwestern tip <strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong>. Renovated in<br />
1985, it serves as the destination for several international <strong>and</strong><br />
inter-isl<strong>and</strong> flights. The airfare to <strong>Trinidad</strong> is TT$300 return or<br />
TT$150 one way.<br />
The <strong>Ins</strong> & <strong>Outs</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong><br />
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