STING SIZZLES AT PLYMOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL TOBAGO:
One of the World’s Best Music Festivals Tobago: The Caribbean’s
Best-Kept Secret
Must Do’s in Tobago
The Natural Choice for Eco-Tourism Dive In: Glorious Scuba and Diving Abound
visittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
clean, green and serene
visittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
CONTENTS... 14
UNDER THE SEA
37
A photographic voyage into the wonders of the deep.
20
Skyviews Tobago Map
Channel your inner sea gull or Gulf Stream and take in this bird’s-eye view of the island
. 22
Tobago Style gets Soapy
Tobago Calendar of Events
An at-a-glance guide to Tobago’s biggest sporting, music and cultural events.
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Tobago: F.Y.I & I.C.E.
For Your Information and In Case of Emergency.
30
25 Must Do’s in Tobago
Time-Out Tobago Style…
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Tobago – Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret
“A late entrant to the Caribbean tourism industry, Tobago’s untouched beauty and undiluted culture offer vacationers a taste of what the Caribbean used to be.”
36 Meisha Trim (Miss Trim) In recognition of her mother’s dedication and her appreciation for the family business, Miss Trim returns home to say, “Good Morning Store Bay”. 6
Tobago Style Magazine
An almost undiscovered country; a fashionista’s solo trip Tobago Style…
40
Where to Stay Guide
Tobago Accommodation Guide.
Tobago is about sun, sea and soap! Lather up and enjoy a cornucopia for your skin.
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Weekend Adventurer 72 Hours in Tobago
42
Recipe Page
Crab & Dumplings: the quintessential Tobago delicacy. Try to master it in your kitchen.
44
La TaRtaruga: Little Italy on Little Tobago
Enjoy the hospitality, food and wine list of Gabrielle de Gaetano and experience first-hand what Wine Spectator Magazine has been raving about for the past few years.
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Eco-Tourism: Tobago is an Eco-wonderland!
Named the world’s leading Eco-Tourism Destination by World Traveller Awards. “This visitor-friendly destination is clean, green and serene.”
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TOBAGO Cycling Classic
A silver lining for Tobago’s tourism thrust.
53 Tobago Scuba & Diving “Imagine finding a place that the world has truly forgotten: a place with excellent food, where the locals are friendly, where we don’t trip over tourists every time we walk down the beach and more spectacular diving spots than you could ever hope to hit on a two-week stay.
&217(176 57
Kevin Ayoung-Julien
Designer and director of KAJ Designs.
58 Angostura Sailing Week Often voted the Caribbean’s Friendliest Regatta – it’s not just for the nautically savvy. This mini Olympics (due to the diverse countries and cultures in representation) celebrates camaraderie and excellent sportsmanship along with more than just sailing.
98 7REDJR )DFWRLGV The Cliff Notes for your next island vacation. Read our guide and live the report.
On spot 62 Tobago in Images 85 Tobago Jazz Festival 92 Natural Beauty – Fashion Editorial
60 3URÀ OH 0L[LQJ %XVLQHVV with Pleasure. Chris James is Bonkers and seeing stars at Toucan Inn. Look out for his next ventures coming soon: Indigo Bay and Culloden Reef‌
62 72%$*2 ,1 ,0$*(6 A photo-essay by Link Roberts.
73 6KH /DQGHG DW %XFRR A Fashion Odyssey Photographer Dagmara visits Buccoo, “a quaint fishing village and takes us on a fashion odyssey from Old World to the new and you thought a land so untouched was a thing of the past‌â€?
87 3/<0287+ -D]] )HVWLYDO 72%$*2 Forbes magazine calls it the third biggest event on the Planet! Star Studded cast + Unique Scenery = Unbelievable Experiences. The festival has eclipsed the more established music festivals throughout the Caribbean as the MUST do in April.
92 1DWXUDO %HDXW\ by Collin Williams Bling and the Beach - All that glitters is bronze, copper and glamour.
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(VFDSH WUDYHO OHLVXUH
20 Sky views Tobago Map 28 25 Must Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Tobago 46 Eco-Tourism 53 Scuba and Diving
2FHDQ OLYLQJ IRRG GULQNV SODFHV
41 Where to Eat - Tobago Restaurant Guide 43 Recipe Page - Crab & Dumplings 50 Where to Stay Guide
On the regular 6 Contents page 12 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note 10 Masthead 18 Contributors
Editor in Chief Douglas K. Gordon
Assistant to the Editor Dominique Jackman
Project Coordinator - THA Avion Hercules
Editorial (Text & Photos) Dagmara, Colin Williams, Link Roberts, Oswin Browne, Vanessa Chris, Heather Levin, Allison Kilkenny, Hanna Lindon, Dominique Jackman, John Arnold, Avion Hercules, Nikisha Jackson, Retna, Jeff Charles
Art, Design & Layout Art Director: Antony Hepworth
Copy Editor Debe Allen Editorial Intern Juvie Jean-Baptiste
Distribution & Circulation Distribution & Circulation Inquries: avion@visittobago.gov.tt
Letters to the editor E-mail: avion@visittobago.gov.tt Fax: 868-639-5432
Special Thanks to Hon. Neil Wilson THA Secretary of Tourism
Visit us online: www.visittobago.gov.tt
Published by Blue Wolf Media Inc. VP Finance & Operations - Stewart Jones Tobago Style Magazine is published on behalf of the Tobago House of Assembly - Department of Tourism. No part of Tobago Style Magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Tobago House of Assembly. For additional reprint information, please contact us at: contact@visittobago.gov.tt or fax us at 868-639 -5432
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Tobago Style Magazine
DELTA VACATIONS ANNOUNCES TOBAGO!
Delta Vacations will now sell vacation packages to Tobago from New York starting December 20, 2008! •
•
•
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS: Roundtrip hotel transfers • Roundtrip airfare Hotel accommodations • Hotel tax
1.800.654.6559 www.deltavacations.com
Starting December 20th, Delta Air Lines will launch a NEW connecting flight from New York to Atlanta, then NON-STOP to Tobago!
Delta Vacations, operated by Travel Impressions, a subsidiary of American Express. New service to Tobago is valid for travel December 20, 2008 - April 30, 2009. Flights to Tobago will begin December 20th, 2008 for bookings through April 30, 2009. Delta Air Lines flies to Tobago from New York's LaGuardia Airport connecting to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with non-stop service to Tobago. Blackout, weekend, holiday peak season surcharges apply. Promotion is accurate at time of printing and is subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. Valid for new bookings only. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, NEVADA #2004-0029, Washington UBI #602 425 801. DV8241-08_ND_12.18.08
Welcome to Tobago Style! In this publication, we seek to share some of the inner workings of one of the Caribbean’s truly undiscovered treasures. This charming island off the coast of its larger sister isle of Trinidad is blessed with a rich array of flora and fauna, breathtaking beaches, a diverse and eclectic range of food and world-class scuba and diving. Over the past few years the island has become better known as it has played host to world-class events from celebrity golf tournaments to the Angostura Sailing Week to its highly acclaimed Jazz Festival. The island which boasts excellent infrastructure and an international airport is a favourite for repeat visitors and, with an expanding international profile, is likely to see its tourism increase in the years to come. What we have attempted to do is give a cross-section of the island in a very simplified manner through words and pictures which, as alluring and engaging as we hope they are, cannot begin to reveal the essence of a place where time seems to slow down and the so-called all-important demands of life seem to fade amongst the clear, sea-tinged air, the lush rainforests and waterfalls and the charm of the friendly people. Tobago offers an opportunity to access and enjoy a pure and simplified, but not devoid of our beloved creature comforts, vacation experience in a picturesque environment. It is obviously difficult to capture its essence, but we do hope that over the pages of this publication you are able to either learn a little about this beautiful island that encourages you to visit for yourself or you are able to relive experiences past, rich with your own personal memories. In either way, a two-dimensional format hardly does justice to an island that has come to affectionately be refered to as “the capital of paradise”. The best way to verify our representations? Why, hop on down, of course! You will be grateful! Warm Regards,
Douglas
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Photography: Ethan Gordon
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Link Roberts
Colin Williams & daughter, Jade
Oswin M Browne Born in the early sixties, Oswin’s career began in a small photographic lab in New York, assisting ,processing and printing for photographers. He then became the main Printer at LTI Photo Lab for many of the world’s most famous fashion photographers, including Stephen Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Richard Avedon, Nick Knight and Mario Testino whose work have graced such magazines as Vogue, Harpers’ Bazaar, Elle and Vanity Fair. Since that time, Ozzie worked with many of the top model agencies in New York while gaining his BA in Photography. Oswin’s intimate knowledge for photography has resulted in him being in demand as a printer and photographer. Now residing in Tobago, his work can be seen gracing the walls of the International Airport and other Government buildings, advertising brochures and other media. His photographic career has given him the passion and knowledge to appreciate the importance of photography to world history.
LINK ROBERTS New York City emerging travel and documentary photographer, Link Roberts is seldom able to stay put for very long, restlessly voyaging around the globe. His work has been featured in various magazines, travel guides, books and ads worldwide as well as in several exhibitions in Los Angeles. Thriving on socio-cultural diversity and tourism revolving around the equator, he finds himself on the perpetual trail of tomorrow’s hot spot.
COLIN WILLIAMS Colin Williams is a photographer whose striking fashion imagery immediately tells a story. He finds beauty in the simple and the
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Tobago Style Magazine
Dagmara
unexpected. His work moves much like a script, infused with drama, which makes his recent transition from photographer to filmmaker a natural one. His photographic skills came at an impromptu time. While working as a model, a photographer just couldn’t get his lighting right. After a few questions and an honest critique, Colin would move from model to photographer, pursing the interest that would become his life’s passion. Soon he found himself studying under the direction of Albert Watson while juggling the high profile world of the catwalk in Japan, where he landed exceptional campaigns for Suzuki, Nikon and Fila. His face could be seen across the country gracing the pages of popular magazines and trade papers. Later, he found his way back to the states and a job as a photojournalist for the New York Times. His keen eye, intuition and knack for being at the right place at the right time captured a robbery in New York’s popular China Town. This gig lead to stints at Trace magazine and many others, where he had the privilege of working with Tyra Banks, Grace Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Jesse Jackson and Lil Kim (to name a few). Whether Colin is shooting a rap artist, politician or supermodel, his expertise and creativity allow him to adapt to any situation. Most recently, he has shot for Essence Magazine, Adidas, Nike, American Express, Breast Cancer Society and Ocean Style Magazine. Equipped with a Trinbagonian accent and camera bag, he stays focused and continues to capture images in the dual worlds of high fashion and everyday lifestyle. Just step into his world of themed events classically entitled “The Last Soul Boy” and you’ll feel like a superstar. Colin is more than a photographer. He sets a stage…it’s up to you to play your role.
Oswin Browne
DAGMARA For more than ten years, DAGMARA’s images have filled the pages of fine magazines internationally, appeared in successful advertising campaigns, been exhibited in top art galleries, auctioned and richly awarded. Her extraordinary imagination and brilliant insight into her subjects’ characters has made her a premier photographer. She began snapping as a young woman in her native Poland, made a stop in Paris, set up a shop in NYC and now, has the privilege to travel the world and to exotic locations shooting all the while. Opportunities became more abundant as fashion, advertising and editorial clients saw her talent to bring out the side of her subjects that others could not. Distant and fussy subjects warmed to her, rigid ones relaxed, unique looking ones became swans and the images were always intimate, captivating and sometimes from another world entirely. Her work spans from edgy, spontaneous images to perfectly lit beauty shots to warm, loving lifestyle images. It’s her joie de vivre and love for music and cinema that keep her passionate and inspired. She’s graced the pages of Ocean Style; Italian, German, and French Elle; Spanish, British and German Glamour; American and Spanish Cosmopolitan, British and Italian Marie Claire; Italian Vanity Fair; Oyster, Spoon and Soma. Her advertising clients include Puma, Liz Claiborne, Armani Exchange, Alberta Feretti and others. The group of celebrities she’s photographed includes: Marvin Gaye, Corinne Bailey Rae, Vivica A. Fox, Joss Stone, Macy Gray and others.
TOBAGO
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Tobago Style Magazine
Goat’s Milk and Oatmeal Soap Certain foods are as good for you externally as they are for you internally. Goat’s milk is very gentle on the skin and delivers calcium, making your skin smoother and healthier. Goat’s milk has a pH much closer to your skin’s own pH and is rich in Vitamins A and B.
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on,
Event dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm dates and event information prior to attending.
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
New Year’s Day (Public Holiday)
1st January 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in the month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Tobago Carnival Regatta
10th – 11th Feb 2009
Pigeon Point
Tobago Calypso Monarch
18th February ,2009
Golden Star
Tourism Office 639-2125/4636 762-4740
Windward Calypso an Afro Queen Show
21st February, 2009
Roxborough Complex
639 4441
Tobago Carnival - J’ouvert/ Ole Mas, Parade of Jnr./Senior Bands
23rd & 24th Feb 2009
Market Square Scarborough
627-1422 Trinidad 660-7225 Tobago
FEBRUARY 2009
Costumes /Calypso and Steel band Competitions
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
NCBA Tobago Festival 639-4441 Every Tuesday in the month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Tobago Game Fishing Tournament Consisting of local and International Competitors
19th – 22nd March 2009
Charlotteville
639-7108 Captain Frothy www.TGFT.com
Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day (Public Holiday)
30th March 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt
Argyle Waterfall Cool Down 2009 Cost $20.00, Time-10:00am and Tourist the opportunity to discover, explore one of Tobago’s best waterfalls
30th March 2009
Argyle Water Fall Cameron Canal Road
660-4154 Ms. Andrea Bonas argylewaterfall@yahoo.com
Sonfest 2009 Gospel Programme
to be announced
to be announced
639-1241 Philmore Johnson
Every Tuesday in The month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/681-8865
MARCH 2009
7pm until Cultural Explosion
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Tobago Style Magazine
APRIL 2009 EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Good Friday
10th April 2009
Nationwide
Tourism Office 639-2125/4636 www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
TGTA Intrenational Game Fishing Tournament
21st-24th April 2009
TBD
www.ttgfa.com 632-6608
Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago One weekend packed with Live music by International Superstars, island fever Unforgettable performances And some of the tastiest Food in the world!
24th- 26th April 2009
Plymouth
Tourism Office 639-2125/4636 www.tobagojazzfest.com E-mail: jqarnold2000@yahoo.com
Jazz on the beach
25th April 2009
Mt.Irvine Bay Hotel
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in the Month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Rainbow Warriors Triathlon
23rd May 2009
Grafton Beach
633-8386/632 900
Culinary Festival 2009 A festival showcasing The culinary skills of local chefs, cooks and caterers. Demonstrations and live entertainment.
24th May 2009
Pigeon Point
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@www.v isittobago.gov.tt
Scarborough Market Square
622-9862 Phillip Promotions www.caribbeancycling.com
MAY 2009
Corpus Christi (Public Holiday)
The Becon Cycling Series (Tobago Leg)
29th May 2009
Dwight Yorke Classic Golf
29th May- 1st June 2009
Arrival Day (Public Holiday)
30th May 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@www.v isittobago.gov.tt
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Zenith Relays 2009 Track and Field Events
14th June 2009
Dwight Yorke Stadium, Fort Granby
799-7112 Mr. Gerard Franklyn
Labour Day (Public Holiday)
19th June 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Signal Hill Alumni Classic Concert
21st June 2009
VHL
678-3363 John Arnold
639-2125/ 4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt
JUNE 2009
Tobago Style Magazine
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Charlottesville Fisherman Festival, event hosted By the village council and the village Fishermen’s association.
26th- 28th June 2009
Charlottesville
660-5521 Mr. Nicholson
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in the month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Tobago Heritage Festival A heritage celebration of Tobago’s heritage with a variety of cultural displays
Mid July-1st Aug
Different Villages
Tobago Heritage Office 639-4441
Great Fete Weekend
29th July- 02nd Aug
Pigeon Point
www.sandbox.com
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in the month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Emancipation day (Public Holiday)
1st August 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt
The Carib Great Race Power Boat Racing, Beach Parties and Other activities
22nd August 2009
Store Bay
620-9066 Mr. Garth Marshall Power Boating Association www.ttpba.com
Independence Day Parade- Military Parade in the morning Followed by fireworks In the evening (Public Holiday)
31st August 2009
Scarborough
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Tobago International Muhtadi Drumming Festival Fort Granby
8th-9th August 2009
Dwight Yorke Stadium, Fort Granby
639-2125-4636 Stadium Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in the month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Republic Day (Public Holiday)
24th September 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt oontact@visittobago.gov.tt
Eid-Ul-Fitr- Muslim Festival (Public Holiday)
to be announced
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Presidents award
6th- 7th October 2009
to be announced
All Sport Promotion
JULY 2009
AUGUST 2009
SEPTEMBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009
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Tobago Style Magazine
Golf Championship World Food Day
628-3760 639-4356 Mr.Brathwaite
16th October 2009
to be announced
Blue Food Festival An annual event Of entertainment And cooking skill With the use of local Resources.
18th October 2009
Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Anse Fourmi
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Diwalhi - Hindu Festival (Public Holiday)
to be announced
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 6818865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
National Tourism Week celebrated nation Wide. Involves activities By the Tourism Department And industry stakeholders
22tndNov- 25th Nov 2009
to be announced
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Season of Joy- Christmas Caravan, to different Villages throughout Tobago.
to be announced
Island wide
639-6897 Department of Culture
Scarborough Cup Golf Tournament
TBD
Tobago Plantations
Hairoon Joseph 663-6010
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in the month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 681-8865
EVENT
DATE
VENUE
CONTACT
Assembly Day Celebrations- The Tobago Assembly celebrates and awards Tobagonians on their achievements, along with exhibitions and a sports day with recreational activities.
1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4th Dec 2009
Shaw Park Complex
639-6897 Department of Culture
Christmas Day (Public Holiday)
25th Dec 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt contact@visittobago.gov.tt
Boxing Day (Public Holiday)
26th Dec 2009
Nationwide
639-2125/4636 Tourism Office www.v isittobago.gov.tt Contact@visittobago.gov.tt
PINK All- inclusive pajama Party 8:00pm- until
26th Dec 2009
to be announced
Shane Ewing- 683-8105 Brian Brooms- 683-0684
Tobago Flying Colours Kite Flying Festival
26th Dec 2009
Plymouth Recreational Grounds
639-5428 Valerie Critten- Stewart
Cultural Explosion Itsy Bitsy Folk Theatre
Every Tuesday in month
2-4 Robert Trace Mt. Pleasant
Annette Alfred 639-9006/ 681 8865
NOVEMBER 2009
DECEMBER 2009
Tobago Style Magazine
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EMERGENCIES Police 999 or 639 1200 Fire 990 or 639 2108 Ambulance 990 or 639 2222 Hospital 639 2551-6 Coast Guard 639 1461
Airports & Airlines Piarco International Airport 669-8047 Tel1 669-8049 Tel2 669-4101 Tel3 669-4103 Tel4 669-2319 Fax Crown Point International Airport 639-8547 Tel.1 639-8389 Tel.2 American Airlines/ American Eagle www.aa.com 868- 669 4661 Air Canada www.aircanada.com 868-669 4065 Caribbean Airlines www.caribbean-airlines.com 868-625- 7200 Continental www.continental.com 800-525-0280 Delta Airlines www.delta.com 800-221-1212 Surinam www.slm.nl/?NL/1 868-669 4770 Sky Service (Charter) www.skyserviceairlines.com British Airways www.britishairways.com 844-494-0-787 LIAT www.liatairline.com 868-625-9451
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Tobago Style Magazine
Virgin Atlantic www.v irgin-atlantic.com Monarch www.monarch.co.uk
Government All representations are located in Port of Spain in Trinidad Immigration Division Milford Rd, Scarborough, Tobago Tel: 868-639-2681 Crown Point 868-639-0006 Customs & Excise Division Scarborough, Tobago 868-639-2415 Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago 868-639-2416/2417 The High Commission For Canada Maple House, 3-3a Sweet Briar Road, St Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 868-622 6232 chcpspan@opus.co.tt. British High Commission 19 St Clair Avenue, St Clair PO Box 778, Port of Spain, Trinidad 868- 622 8960/2748 csbhc@opus.co.tt. Embassy of the United States of America 15 Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain, Trinidad 868- 622 6371-6 usispos@trinidad.net Australian High Commission 18 Herbert Street, St Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad 868 628 0695 German Embassy P.O. Box 828, Port of Spain, Trinidad 868 -628 1630/1631/1632
Embassy of France in Trinidad and Tobago TATIL building, 11 Maraval Road, PO Box 1242, Port of Spain, Trinidad 868- 622-7446/7 Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands P.O. Box 870, 69-71 Edward Street Port of Spain, Trinidad 868-625-1210 / 1722 / 2532 info@holland.tt Car Rentals Budget Rent A Car Trinidad & Tobago 1 868 639 8456 - Tobago 11 868 669 1635- Trinidad 1 868 669 3831 budgetcarrental@tstt.net.tt Sheppy’s Auto Rental Ltd 1 868 639 1543 csheppy@tstt.net.tt
BankING ScotiaBank Trinidad and Tobago Ltd Lowlands Tel: 868-635-1256 RBTT Limited Scarborough, Tobago Tel: 639-2404 First Citizens Bank Canaan 631-1114 639-0161 Scarborough 639-3111/3361 639-5857 www.firstcitizenstt.com Republic Bank Limited Main Street Scarborough, Tobago Tel: 868-639-2561
TOURIST INFO Thrifty Car Rental 1 868 639 8507 Tobago 1 868 669 0602 Trinidad eontab@tstt.net.tt www.thrifty.com Tobago United Auto Rentals 1 868 639 9973 whatty@tobagoautorentals.com www.tobagoautorentals.com Fun Bikers - Motor Bike Rentals 1 868 631 0352 funbikers@live.com Lady In Red Car Rental & Taxi Services 1 868 631 8261 1 868 639 6380 Home
Division of Tourism and Transportation 12 Sangster’s Hill Scarborough, Tobago Tel: -868-639-INFO/2125 Fax: 868-639-5432 Email: contact@visittobago.gov.tt Tourist Information Port Complex Scarborough, Tobago Tel: 868-635-0934 Crown Point International Airport Tel: 639-0509 Overseas Representatives: North America (Toll Free) 0800-816-7541
HERTZ Toll free 800 HERT, 631-8662
UK, Holland, Scandinavia (Free Phone) 0800-804-8787
Auto Rentals Ltd 639-0644
Germany 49-06131-333-2999 www.gotrinidadandtobago.com
Sunrise Inn, Tours & Car Rental 1 868 639 0089
TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAY Consult this Oracle www.whatsonintobago.com
Tobago’s First & Only Good-time daily planner
take tobago home with you...
FUN MAP - A beautifully detailed, poster-size souvenir map - An ideal gift to frame and hang at home HOLIDAY SHORTS - Some powerful short stories in readable dialect - Just right for the beach! LULU THE LEATHERBACK TURTLE - Sonia Canal’s informative illustrations relate to the life cycles of this endangered species in an educational way. CORAL CARNIVAL - A beautifully executed children’s book by Sonia Canals based on the underwater wonderland of Buccoo Reef. BIRDS OF TOBAGO - A beautiful poster illustrating many of the wonderful birds of Tobago by Sonia Canals
Anika Repole
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MUST do in TOBAGO
HOTELS & RESORTS 1) Stonehaven Villas Black Rock, Stonehaven Bay, stonehavenvillas.com; 868-639-0361. These 14 Colonial-style villas, situated on 10 acres of dramatic hillside offer you a rare opportunity to live like a King or Queen for a week, each with their tasteful décor and beautiful gardens. 2) Kariwak Village Holistic Haven and Hotel, Crown Point, Scarborough, kariwak.com; 868-639-8442. The Kariwak, is an intimate 24-room Tobago hotel with unmistakable Caribbean ambience. It features holistic holiday activities - yoga massage, TaiChi, an award-winning tropical garden with abundant plants and bird life, in addition to the garden jacuzzi, pool, and live weekend entertainment. 3) Blue Waters Inn, Blue Waters Inn. Batteaux Bay, Speyside. bluewatersinn.com; 868-660-4341. Located on the waterfront in Speyside, this intimate eco-friendly hotel offers relaxation on its sheltered horseshoe shaped bay with golden sand beach or sea-kayaking, snorkeling or diving with one of the property’s dive instructors.
grave of Gang Gang Sarah has been rooted in Tobago’s culture for quite some time, as it was believed that she was a witch who flew to Tobago from Africa and was unable to return, because she ate too much salt. Hmm… either way, this lady is still said to haunt the site for anyone brave enough to visit. 12) Fort King George. One of Tobago’s best preserved historical sites is still gorgeous in its original, old school architecture. 13) Flagstaff Hill. Popular lovers’ location because of the breathtaking view, was actually an American lookout point during World War II. 14) Richmond Great House. Fabulous original architecture dated back to 1766 located on an old sugar plantation. 15) Louise Kimme Museum, Mt. Irvine. A museum where many of the exhibits are made from wood-carvings. 16) Tobago Museum. If you still want a taste of the rich Toboggan culture (and I guarantee there is so much more), visit the Tobago Museum to have your fill and appreciate how art truly imitates life.
ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVITIES AND NIGHTLIFE 4) Goat & Crab Racing in Buccoo Village. On Easter Tuesday every year, this event is an entertaining spectacle, guaranteeing a laugh or two, at the skill of the trained goats and crabs and their diligent trainers. 5) Angostura Tobago Sail Week, sailweek.com. Held in May each year, this is a beauty to witness, for any sailing buff! 6) Bucco Folk Theatre, Buccoo. For a taste of Tobago’s rich culture of dance and calypso. Shows held every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. 7) Sunday School, Buccoo. Nothing religious about it at all! Sunday School is in fact a loud vibrant street party and sure fun. 8) Royalton Casino, 868-631-8500. Why not have fun and make a little money in the process? Great for Black Jack and Roulette fans. 9) Golden Star, Crown Point, 868-639-0873. Great pub vibe! Very popular with the locals on weekends. Friday nights are Golden Star Red Lobster Night. Pick from the live lobster display, make your choice, and we’ll prepare it. Dinner 7:00 p.m till, after-party time till 4:00 a.m.
RELAXATION AND TOURS 17) English Man’s Bay. Crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush tropical forest, is the ideal site for snorkeling or a picnic, and chances are not many people will be around. 18) Pigeon Point Beach. Picture the perfect post-card type beach; thatch roofed huts, blue water lapping the beach shaded by coconut trees… that’s Pigeon Point. It’s a great place for the kids also. Lots to do! 19) Argyle Waterfalls. Nestled in the dazzling terrain, take a tour and dip in the refreshing falls. 20) Little Tobago Island. If you want to get away… this is the place to be. It is quiet and serene and a haven for bird watchers. 21) Caledonia Wildlife Bird Sanctuary. Take a tour and view stunning birds indigenous to the Caribbean. 22) Scarbourough Botantical Gardens. It is a treasure right in the heart of town, a breath-taking sight to behold. 23) Tobago Rain Forest. This award-winning rain forest is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. A trek through the forest is a must do experience for one and all. 24) Deep Sea Fishing Tours. For all the fishing gurus, schedule a tourwith respected fishermen for great fishing and fun. 25) Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool. One of the Caribbean’s most accessible and beautiful reefs for tours. A must see!
HISTORICAL SITES AND CULTURE 10) Mystery Tombstone of Betty Stivens. Sounds spooky but this site has baffled visitors for years. It reads, “She was a mother without knowing it and a wife without letting her husband know it, except by her kind indulgence to him”. Huh?! 11) Culloden’s Witch’s Grave. Ok this one is a little more spooky. The
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A late entrant to the Caribbean tourism industry, Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s untouched natural beauty and undiluted culture offers vacationers a taste of what the region used to be. Tobago Style Magazine
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alking along Tobago’s isolated beaches, undisturbed by looming high rise hotels and all-inclusive resorts, it’s easy to imagine why Disney chose this picturesque location as the deserted backdrop to Swiss Family Robinson. What’s more difficult to fathom is the fact that the movie was released in 1960 – around the time the Tobago tourism industry first started to develop. Almost fifty years later, a resemblance to the famous desert island still exists, a unique phenomenon in the Caribbean. While developers and major hotel chains have spent the last half century demolishing much of the Caribbean’s indigenous treasures, Tobago has worked hard to protect its roots and culture. Two-thirds of the island is home to the Western hemisphere’s old-
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est rainforest, a natural artifact the island has preserved since 1776. No major hotel chains exist on the island after the recent departure of the Hilton, and the Tobago House of Assembly is determined to ensure future hotel chains and developers respect the environmental integrity of the island. The Tobagonian people – a traditionally shy, yet polite group – have managed to successfully preserve their family recipes and customs, creating a unique culinary pallet and culture. As the island was settled by twenty-two different countries in its lifetime, Tobago traditions have a variety of influences including Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, Syrian, African, English, French and Spanish, making it a colorful one to explore.
These unique qualities have made Tobago the hidden gem of the Caribbean, a reputation the island is hoping to further develop. Unlike its neighbor, Trinidad, Tobago does not rely on commodities such as oil and gas to fuel its economy. Instead, tourism is the primary source of income for this island, making up 46% of its GDP. There is still plenty of potential yet to be tapped, however, and the island is making sure to uncover it with a delicate hand, taking great lengths to preserve the things that make this island unique while showcasing them for the world to see
â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is still plenty of potential yet to be tapped, however, and the island is making sure to uncover it with a delicate hand.â&#x20AC;?
History of Tobago tourism When air travel started to take off in the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the Caribbean Tobago Style Magazine
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Organization’s 2007 Sustainable Tourism Award. The hotel consumes less than half the electricity of a conventional hotel by utilizing solar-based systems to heat its water and a flying/double roof to create cross ventilation. It also employs water-saving toilets and uses locally and organically grown vegetables.
started to earn its reputation as the vacation destination of choice for wealthy travelers, Tobago was not on the list of hot spots. At that time, more tourist-friendly islands, such as Barbados and Jamaica, attracted international visitors with their glamorous resorts and updated airports. With a small, 3,300-foot grass runway, Tobago was virtually inaccessible to the rest of the world. Back then, Tobago tourism services primarily catered to Trinidadians who were profiting from the 1970’s oil boom and looking for a quick getaway. Domestic flights, as well as, ferry services transported these vacationers from one island to the next. While approximately 700,000 Trinidadians continue to visit Tobago annually, the tiny island was made accessible to the rest of the world in 2001 when its airport runway was completely renovated. The move was the first priority for Neil Wilson, the Secretary of Tourism for the Tobago House of Assembly. “Expanding our airlift capabilities was by far my most important achievement since I started working here,” he says. “Only after we knew we could get people here, did we focus on our product.” When Wilson stepped into his role in the tourism department, only British Airways flew directly to Tobago and it was thinking about leaving. After Wilson paved the airport runway and expanded it to 8,200 feet, it was able to house larger 747 aircraft. Not only did this appeal to British Airways, but more than five other international airlines have since signed on. Once the Tobago House of Assembly knew it could effectively fly people onto the island, it focused on its offerings. It improved the island’s beach facilities, implemented lifeguard towers, and cleaned up historical landmarks. With more people flying in, Tobago also desperately needed more hotel rooms to accommodate them, a need that is still pressing. Although the island has more than doubled its number of hotel rooms in the last ten years, there are still not enough to accommodate the increased demand. A number of four- and five-star resorts are expected to open in 2009 and 2010 to meet this demand and Wilson says a number of major hotel chains are talking about setting up shop on the island as well. But new, state-of-the-art facilities take a while to build. In the meantime, many villa owners are taking advantage of available government fiscal incentives to convert their residential homes into guesthouses, offering visitors a quaint and more personal alternative to hotels. Finding its niche With so much natural wildlife at its fingertips, Tobago has become a major player in the eco-tourism market, winning the World Travel Awards’ “World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination” title for four of the last five years. Ecologically and socially conscious travelers are attracted to Tobago’s natural beauty and cultural heritage and often take it all in through bird-watching tours in the rain forest, where they can see more than 210 species of birds; mountain biking escapades across the hilly volcanic terrain; or drift diving excursions to observe 300 species of South Atlantic coral and spectacular colored fish. The island of Tobago has accommodated this international appreciation of its natural wonders while preserving them at the same time. The government appoints rainforest guides to properly educate tourists of the various species of plants and animals. Government wardens patrol the rainforest to exercise oversight and ensure the area remains protected and free from littering, cooking, and hunting. The local hospitality industry has also adapted their businesses to fit the eco culture. Various hotels on the island have adopted the “eco resort” title, including Blue Haven, winner of the Caribbean Tourism
Preserving culture After the first British settlers set foot on Tobago in 1580, ending the peaceful inhabitance of Amerindian Indians, the island switched hands among various European countries twenty-two times. These land owners relied heavily on plantation agriculture and utilized the services of African slaves. While African cultural influences are most prominent today, they are enhanced by the unique blend of cultures that passed before, creating a number of food delicacies and traditions that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. Over the last few years, the Tobagonian people have taken great strides to increase the awareness and visibility of their vibrant heritage through various businesses and festivals. While Carnival may be the most well-known festival --- possibly because it is more associated with Trinidad than Tobago --- the Plymouth Jazz Festival is quickly climbing the ranks. Declared by Forbes magazine as the world’s best music festival, the Jazz Festival isn’t only about jazz. Since it started in 2005, world-renowned artists such as Elton John, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole, and Dianna Ross have graced its stages, boosting the annual attendance from 7,000 in its first year to 40,000 in 2008. Due to its increasing popularity, organizers are thinking about expanding the three-day April affair to a week-long event. Other events are greatly influenced by Tobago’s heritage. They include the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival, which showcases the talents of African drummers from around the world every August; as well as, the Heritage Festival, which runs for two weeks every July/August and celebrates Tobago’s traditions of dance, music, story telling, culture and food. Sunday Harvest invites individuals to drive through various Tobagonian villages and drop into various homes and streets for homemade food and delicious drinks, a tradition that speaks to the sense of generosity and community promoted by the Tobagonian people. Given the unique role that food plays in Tobagonian culture, it makes sense that the island hosts two culinary festivals: the Blue Food Festival held in October and the Tobago Culinary Festival held in May. “The food here is very good,” boasts Neil Wilson of the Tobago House of Assembly. “It’s tasty and diverse. Our festivals showcase the culinary schools of our people and feature recipes that have been passed down from our ancestors.” In addition to the various festivals, numerous Tobagonian establishments also focus on the island’s unique cultural traditions. Itsy Bitsy, for example, is a weekly folk theatre that highlights heritage folk arts every Tuesday night and features various music, jigs, and folk dancing. Similarly, Café Iguana hosts an African drumming night once a week. The road ahead As the global economy starts to slow, it would be natural for an island like Tobago, which heavily relies on the tourism industry, to start to brace itself for tough times ahead. But Wilson isn’t worried. “Our international arrivals won’t be as healthy as they were three years ago, that’s a given,” he says. “But Trinidad is a very wealthy island and those people always tend to spend a fair amount of money when they’re in Tobago. So, the shortfall we experience in international visitors we’ll make up for on the domestic side.” The enhancements Tobago has made and continues to make to its hospitality industry will also help the island stay afloat during rough times. Between 2007 and 2008, arrivals increased by 100% and it will likely attract more visitors as it becomes more established as a tourist destination. There are certain areas, such as the realm of hotel development, where Tobago is still playing catch-up in comparison to its Caribbean neighbors. But the “slow and steady” route has had its advantages for the tiny Commonwealth island. Rather than overdevelop its precious terrain, it prefers to keep its natural beauty intact and instead, gradually create a visitor-friendly destination that is “clean, green, and serene”. Tobago Style Magazine
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Miss Trim returns Home Growing up in Tobago, much of Meisha Trim’s childhood was spent among a row of weather-worn cabanas facing Store Bay beach. he cabanas, home to some of the island’s best home-cooked breakfasts and lunches, touted names that reflected those of their female owners --- Joycie’s, Alma’s, Silvia’s, Miss Esmie, Miss Jean and, of course, Miss Trim. Meisha’s mother, the original Ms. Trim, has rented the small shack for thirty years, cooking such dishes as crab and dumplings, macaroni pie with callaloo, and curry goat with vegetable rice for tourists and locals alike. Meisha attributes the stand’s success to her mother’s hard work and to the business’s reflection of true Tobagonian culture. “It was born of a passion for cooking and built itself on a home-cooked flavor, as well as, that home-grown generosity that Tobagonians are noted for,” she explains. As a young girl, Meisha grew to acknowledge that her comfortable life was thanks to her mother’s long hours, hard work, and resultant successful business. At the same time, she recognized how tedious the work was, both cooking the meals and cleaning the kitchen and dishes afterwards, and she wasn’t certain she was cut out for it. After graduating high school, Meisha decided to experience life beyond the friendly, laid-back island of Tobago. She was awarded a scholarship to attend a private Catholic college in New York City. “When I first arrived, I would say, ‘Good morning’ to people, because that’s what we did at home, but no one ever answered me,” she recalls. “I always expected the city to be bigger and busier. I didn’t expect people to
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refuse to say, ‘Good morning’”. After four years of college, one year of optional practical training, and acquiring a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts with a concentration in marketing, Meisha faced a fork in the road. “As a foreign student, you are faced with several options: return to school and pursue higher qualifications, acquire a job at a reputable firm in order to regularize your status in a foreign country, or return home and pursue a career in your qualified field,” she says. After carefully weighing her options and speaking with her mother, Meisha knew what she had to do. “My mother told me she was getting tired and there was really no one else to take over the reins of the business,” she says. “I realized that I appreciated that business so much and I couldn’t let it die.” Today, Meisha is upholding her family tradition on Store Bay beach and working in the business she once believed she never would. She rises at 6:00 a.m. daily, sets up the shop for both breakfast and lunch, and has taken over the role of reordering stock and taking care of quality control. Aside from the interesting people she meets on a daily basis, Meisha loves the notion of running her own business. “When you own your own business, you’re free to make your own decisions,” she says. “You have the freedom to be creative and do things the way you want to do them. Those are the things you cherish.”
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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Headed to Paradise. Where to Stay?! THA Approved Hotels, Guesthouses & Villas in Tobago 40
Tobago Style Magazine
Name
Telephone
Website
ARNOS VALE HOTEL
639-2881-2
reservations@arnosvalehotel.com
www.arnosvalehotel.com
BAMBOO WALK HOTEL
631-0550 357-0062
info@bamboowalk.com
www.bamboowalk.com
BLUE HAVEN HOTEL
660-7400
reservations@bluehavenhotel.com
www.bluehavenhotel.com
CHOLSON CHALETS
639-8553
cholsonchaletsltd@yahoo.com
www.cholsonchalets.com
CORAL SEA/ SEA SHELLS VACATION VILLAS
639-9600
villas@tstt.net.tt
www.seashellsvillas.com
CROWN POINT BEACH HOTEL
639-8781
crownpoint@sunsurfsand.com
www.crown point beach hotel .com
CUFFIE RIVER NATURE RETREAT
660-0505
cuffiriv@tstt.net.tt
www.cuffie-river.com
GRAFTON BEACH RESORT
639-0191
grafton@singhs.com
639-8521
goldenthistle@tstt.net.tt
www.goldenthistlehotel.com
www.hibiscusheights.com
GOLDEN THISTLE APARTMENTS
639-7060
HIBISCUS HEIGHTS
635-1481
Gillian@HibiscusHeights.com
J&G TROPICAL RESORT
759-9776
jandgtropicalvillas@gmail.com
LE GRAND COURLAN RESORT & SPA 639-9667
legrand@singhs.com
MANTA LODGE
660-5268 688-5071
mlodge@tstt.net.tt
www.mantalodge.com
MT. IRVINE BAY HOTEL
(868) 639-8871/2/3
mtirvine@tstt.net.tt
www.mtirvine.com
NICOVILLE
639-8553
cholsonchaletsltd@yahoo.com
www.cholsonchalets.com
PALM HAVEN
375-7560 639-9600
kayocallaghan@hotmail.com
www.palmhaven.com
PETIT CAREME VILLA
632-4608 639-9213
barrow@tstt.net.tt
www.petitcareme.com
PLANTATION CONDO (17B)
625-1563
rental@17b-tobago.com
www.17b-tobago.com
SOL Y MAR
639-9600 639-8842
christine@villasoftobago.com
www.tobagovilla.com
SUNSHINE HOLIDAY APARTMENT
639-7482/7495
sunapt@tstt.net.tt
www.sunshine-apartments-tobago.com
THE MERMAID HOTEL
631-5195
info@themermaidhotel.com
www.themermaidhotel.com
THE VILLAS AT STONEHAVEN
639-0361
Stonehaven@tstt.net.tt
www.stonehavenvillas.com
TOP O’ TOBAGO
639-3166 687-0121
hugh@topotobago.com
www.topotobago.com
VIOLA’S PLACE
639-9441
violas@tstt.net.tt
www.v iolasplace.com Tobago Style Magazine
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Curried crab served with dumplings
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • 42
4 2 1/2 1 1 1/2 2 1 1 1/2
large crabs tbsp. margarine cup chopped onion tsp. minced garlic tbsp. minced green seasoning tsp. fresh or ground ginger tbsp. curry powder cup coconut milk tsp. salt (to taste) cup water
Tobago Style Magazine
METHOD 1. Clean crab and cut into sections 2. Heat margarine and saute onion, garlic, green seasoning and ginger 3. Mix curry with coconut milk and add to onion and garlic ; cook for a minute 4. Add crab, salt, pepper and water; bring to the boil and cook for 5 minutes 5. Cover tightly, lower heat and cook for 25 - 3 -0 minutes; add more water if needed (adjust salt and pepper) 6. Serve with dumplings
ere, casual diners and wine connoisseurs alike can enjoy homemade pasta, fresh seafood and one of the restaurant’s 11,000 bottles of wine while taking in a spectacular view of the ocean and feeling the fresh sea breeze on their faces. Given the restaurant’s authentic Italian feel and superb atmosphere, it’s hard to believe that Gabrielle De Gaetano, its co-owner and Italian influence, became a restaurateur by accident. The boisterous and talkative Milan native originally launched a career as far from fine dining as you can get – at an Italian freight forwarding company. It wasn’t until he was sent to meet some overseas clients in New York City that he found his eventual wife and business partner, Andria, and his true calling. Although Andria was working at the United Nations at the time, the Trinidadian’s life passion had always been the culinary arts. She’d taken courses in nutrition and food preparation, and even lived in Rome for a little while to experience the city’s culinary delights. Gabrielle, on the other hand, admits that at that time he was more interested in eating at restaurants than cooking in them. Nevertheless, when Andria announced that she was going back to Tobago to start a restaurant, Gabrielle went right along with her. They opted to start an Italian eatery primarily because no other Italian high end restaurants existed on the island – which at that time was quite underdeveloped – and because Gabrielle couldn’t imagine cooking anything else. “I don’t cook what I don’t like,” he says. “If you ask me for a recipe that I don’t like, I won’t cook it for you.” After months of planning – and taking a few lessons from Gabrielle’s mother to learn the family’s secret recipes – the two launched La Tartaruga in 1991. Because they were just starting out, and there were few venues around that could comfortably hold their restaurant, the couple opted to launch it out of their own villa. “Customers would come right into our villa and sit on our sofa,” Gabrielle recalls. While the set-up was quaint, the restaurant soon outgrew its tiny venue and Andria and Gabrielle commissioned an architect to design a beautiful building off the beach to enhance their customers’ dining experience. While the venue has changed, the personal feel has remained the same. Every day, Gabrielle travels around the island on his mountain bike, picking up fresh seafood for the day’s meals. Andria works on preparing the restaurant’s delectable desserts – and supervises the kitchen and the restaurant’s eight staff members. Every year, the De Gaetanos travel to Italy – as well as other cities around the world – to test out various Italian eateries and search for ideas to ensure their restaurant is one of the best in the world. “On a typical trip, we’ll go to five, six or seven places to eat – just to get an idea of what’s out there. We look at everything – from the types of table cloths used to the presentation of the food,” Gabrielle says. “We have to constantly enrich ourselves. We don’t want to limit ourselves to traditional Italian cuisine – we want to put our own spin on it.”
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Tobago’s little Italy
Off the beach in Buccoo Village, nestled amidst a lush garden and surrounded by a 30-foot terrace, sits Tobago’s own taste of Italy – La Tartaruga Restaurant.
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s one of the Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenest and most pristine islands, Tobago has become a popular eco-tourism destination. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy its ancient rainforests, lush mangrove swamps, and white-sand beaches of unparalleled beauty. For those who have yet to catch on to the craze, eco-tourism is essentially â&#x20AC;&#x153;travel with a conscienceâ&#x20AC;?. It combines visiting areas of natural beauty with
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contributing to the welfare of the local environment or community. In this age of eco-anxiety, it has become the hottest travel industry buzz word and one of the fastest-growing trends in tourism. A combination of abundant wildlife and an unspoilt natural environment has put Tobago at the centre of the eco-tourism trend. The island has won numerous awards for its sustainable travel industry, including “The Number One Eco-Destination in the Caribbean” from the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee, and “Home to the Leading Eco-Destination in the World” from the World Travel Awards. A recent U.S. survey added to Tobago’s prestige by describing it as a “haven for wildlife” and ranking it as one of the top ten “Eco Wonderlands” in the world.
“One of the island’s most beautiful and accessible rainforests is the Forest Reserve in the Eastern Interior.” Nova Alexander, Account Manager of Trinidad and Tobago’s U.K. Tourism Office, has described the Tobago eco-tourism industry as “booming”. Each year, she points out the number of visitors coming to the island to experience its many eco sites increases, while resort owners and hoteliers are moving to take advantage of the boom. The result is that Tobago receives both an economic and an environmental boost from eco-tourism. Infrastructure is improving, resorts are expanding, and the local wildlife is benefiting. Visitors can experience some of the world’s most stunning scenery while retaining their eco-friendly credentials. Tobago offers such a vast array of entertainment and activities for eco-tourists that it’s hard to know where to begin exploring. Try setting up camp on one of the island’s stunning sandy beaches, many of which have facilities such as restrooms, parking, and changing areas. Watch the sun sink over the Caribbean waves while cooking up a local recipe over the log fire. If you’re keen to swim, then choose a camping spot where the coastline is sheltered and the waters shallow. (The
sea surrounding Tobago is deliciously warm, but can become choppy.) Fantastic bathing spots include Canoe Bay, a calm cove which draws its appeal equally from a serene aspect and a turbulent history; Englishman’s Bay, backed by lush, emerald green forest and popular among divers; and Pigeon Point, a stunning strip of white sand dotted with shady huts and blessed with a lively beach bar. For the more adventurous, many tour operators offer hiking and camping tours into the very heart of Tobago’s lush rainforest. Stay in an eco-lodge for as little as $25 per night or pitch your tent under the stars while the air around you reverberates with animal calls. Tourism to the island’s rainforests is important because it promotes the establishment of conservation areas and helps slow down the gradual erosion of the environment through building and logging. Simply through appreciating the natural splendour of Tobago’s forests, you are helping to keep them in existence. One of the island’s most beautiful and accessible rainforests is the Forest Reserve in the Eastern Interior. In addition to being the oldest protected rainforest in the Western hemisphere, it boasts a remarkable variety of rare fauna and birdlife. Tourists should look out for the hummingbird, tiny and impossibly delicate, but fascinating to watch and easy to spot because of its colourful plumage. A rarer find is the elusive oilbird, nicknamed the “bird of eternal darkness” because of its inclination to nest in cave interiors. The world’s only nocturnal fruit-eating bird, it dazzles tourists with its distinctive red eyes and shrieking cry. Bird watching is one of Tobago’s most popular eco-activities and outside the rainforests, you can still see a wide variety of birds and animals native to the island. Support wildlife conservation by visiting the Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve on the Arnos Vale road. This twelve-acre estate is home to many rare bird species. Visitors can get up close and personal by participating in the bird feeding which takes place daily. You should be able to spot blue-backed manakins, collared trogons and tanagers, as well as, Tobago’s national bird, the cocrico. More elusive, but equally Tobago Style Magazine
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entrancing are the forest bird species: fly catchers, woodcreepers, leaf tossers, woodpeckers, jacamars, and great black hawks. Another not-to-be-missed bird watching location is Little Tobago Island, a miniature landmass located just off the coast of Speyside. The islet is given over to a seabird sanctuary. Tours can be arranged through licensed local guides that allow visitors to experience the wonders of a pristine tropical eco-system. Both Little Tobago and nearby Goat Island are home to many species of rare seabird, including pelicans, frigates, boobies, and the rare red-billed tropic bird. If bird-watching doesn’t appeal to you, Tobago still has an array of natural wonders sure to marvel and amaze. The island is one of the few places in the world where leatherback turtles lay their eggs, and tourists can help preserve these endangered animals by engaging in volunteer conservation schemes. Tobago promotes a number of schemes which help raise awareness of diminishing sea turtle numbers, as well 48
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as, allowing visitors to assist in preventing the poaching of turtle eggs. These gentle reptiles certainly need all the help that they can get. The beaches where they have laid their eggs for hundreds of years are now given over to sun-worshippers and swimmers. Poachers also contribute to the turtles’ rarity, killing hundreds of the animals on Tobago’s beaches every year. Joining a volunteer project run by a conservation society, such as SOS Tobago, is a great way for tourists to observe leatherbacks while helping to save them from extinction. Volunteers will patrol beaches to deter poachers and monitor turtle numbers. You can alternate your duties with bird watching, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing on one of Tobago’s fabulous beaches. In addition to wildlife watching, hiking, and volunteering in conservation projects, eco-tourists can engage in all of the usual holiday fun. Scuba diving is a favourite eco-tourism activity and divers off the coast of Tobago will have a chance to view some of the most
spectacular marine eco-systems on earth. Around 300 species of coral and 600 species of fish thrive in the island’s waters. Many are endangered or fragile and can only be kept from extinction with the assistance of conservation societies and willing tourists. To help preserve the balance of these delicate communities, scuba divers must exercise extreme care. It’s essential to control your buoyancy and watch your fins, since the coral reefs off Tobago’s coastlines are frail and break easily. Inexperienced divers should also avoid certain sites or employ trained diving operators to guide them. If scuba diving sounds like too much hard work, then you can explore some of Tobago’s most beautiful coral reefs without donning a wetsuit. Glass-bottomed boats make tours from Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay, and Speyside regularly during the season and allow even non-swimmers to see the reef life. One of the most popular viewing areas is the protected marine park between Pigeon Point and Buccoo Point, where tourists can view the deep pink coral
reefs by boat or go scuba diving in the calm, warm waters. After a hard day of wildlife watching, hiking, and scuba diving, eco-tourists can kick back and relax in one of Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmentally friendly cabins or lodges. The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green accommodations come in all shapes and sizes --from tent-hire and eco-huts to luxurious, five-star hotels. Unlike more traditional hostelries, eco-resorts generally combine idyllic settings with sustainable infrastructure. Expect to see all sorts of innovative, environmentally-sound technology from solar panels to selfcomposting toilets. Those on a budget should take a look at Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide selection of lodges and cabins. One of the greatest benefits of staying in eco-accommodations is the frequently unique locations. Many of Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental resorts and retreats are set against mind-blowing backdrops of soaring mountains, verdant forests, or deserted white beaches. An isolated yet comfortable resort, like Cuffie River Nature Retreat, is the perfect base for rainforest tours of adventure activities. Surrounded by dripping foliage and ancient bamboo groves, it offers spectacular views to the surrounding mountains. The crystal-clear streams which encircle the area confer a sense of serenity on the visitor, while the proximity of the rainforest and the ongoing chorus of tropical bird calls enhance the relaxed atmosphere at the retreat. Some eco-resorts offer more than just sustainable accommodation. In addition to utilizing green power and employing workers from local communities,
they have chosen to take a more active role in conserving Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environment. Many eco-resorts offer their visitors a holistic experience which aims to help purify mind, body, and conscience. Kariwak Village Holistic Haven and Hotel is one of Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious retreats. Set within a two-acre tropical garden, it runs classes and groups in TaiCho, yoga, stretching, and Buddhist meditation. With the gardens to explore and a wide array of activities to engage in, guests can sample the best that Tobago has to offer without even leaving the resort. Those keen to see more of the island, however, should consider the benefits of green transport. Tobago is relatively small and heavily forested. You may find that a hired car will be a hindrance rather than a help on its winding roads. On the other hand, mountain biking is a fantastic way to explore all terrains from rocky peaks to dense jungle. From peddling amongst panoramic views to bowling through emerald rainforests, Tobago has a selection of trails to appeal to bikers of all tastes and levels. The biggest problem facing ecotourists to Tobago is the abundance of activities available. Most visitors simply wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to take advantage of all the myriad of opportunities. There is always a new beach to discover, another mountain pool to swim in, and a rarer species of bird to spot. Perhaps thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why so many people return to the island year after year. A trip to Tobago is sure to push the boundaries of experience, creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green accommodations come in all shapes and sizes --- from tent-hire and eco-huts to OX[XULRXV ÂżYH VWDU KRWHOV ´
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Author: Jeff Charles - Chairman Tobago Cycling Classic he Tobago International Cycling Classic 2008 certainly lived up to its billing and hype as the Caribbean’s own “Tour de France”. The Classic is in the spotlight once again on the international sporting arena through the accomplishment of another highly successful event in 2008. The recognition and popularity of this event is gaining momentum each year with tribute being bestowed upon the promoter by many established international cycling and sporting organizations. Who could have foreseen that Tobago, spanning a mere 116 square miles with approximately 50,000 inhabitants, living in the shadow of its big sister, Trinidad, and other more developed Caribbean neighbours, would become the region’s Mecca for a world-class cycling event? The concept started twenty-two years ago simply to give Tobago a cycling event of their own and create something different for Tobago’s sporting community to look forward to other than the more traditional sporting events like football and cricket. Cycling, like most other main stream sports’ focus, has always been in Trinidad. It was thought that
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the time had come to promote this sport in Tobago. This Classic vision has expanded to new levels over the years and in 2008, we entertained over 500 international and regional competitors, journalists, Team Sponsors, Coaches, high-ranking cycling officials, and support groups hailing from countries as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Europe and closer to our shores, The United States of America, Canada, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, all anxious to test the highly-rated battleground of Tobago roadways. This is a significant increase in international arrivals for the Classic Event from previous years. The interest and support generated for the Tobago Cycling Classic has grown beyond the boundaries of a Regional Event. Tobago’s own Emile Abraham, a seven-time winner of the Tobago Classic, created history for T&T when he won a Silver Medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil, becoming the first road cyclist in the Caribbean to do so. What made this even more significant was that Emile’s achievement was the highest award among all T&T sporting
disciplines at these Games. In our quest to stay ahead of the game and position this Event among the best international road stage races on the International Cycling Calendar, we introduced a new and dynamic Stage 5 in 2007-- The Tour of Tobago. After years of the same tested and tried course that had become the hallmark of the Cycling Classic, the organizing committee decided to change gears in midstream. With the opening of the much anticipated New Link Road from Bloody Bay to L’Anse Fourmi, it then went on to Charlotteville and Speyside, an awesome strip with a series of brutal climbs, undulating through the lush green rainforest reserve on one side and a steep decline down to the blue Caribbean Sea on the other side, described by our competitors as the “Beauty and the Beast”. In the past, local and foreign riders were intrigued by the sun, sea, and lush greenery that Tobago adds to the Event year after year, but this new piece of roadway is the “icing on the cake”. It takes Stage 5 to a whole new dimension for the Cycling Classic and has been able to Tobago Style Magazine
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stimulate much interest with the top Pro Teams from around the world. It also allows cyclists to circumnavigate the island, point-to-point, coast to coast, in a race that seriously challenges the body, but satisfies the mind. This New Cycling Course was given a 5-Star rating by all of our experienced international competitors and some openly expressed that it was indeed the best road race course they had encountered. The best of Tobago has been whispered by our international guests across borders far and wide creating much interest in all “the goodies” Tobago has to offer. It is clear to see why the Tobago International Cycling Classic has become one of the most sought-after events as both competitors and their support groups can find something that fascinates them. They have come to appreciate that with the Tobago International Cycling Classic, you get more than a premium cycle event; you get Tobago! With the launch of the inter-island ferries a few years ago, we are welcoming more Trinidadians with their families and friends coming over to be part of the Classic Experience and enjoy a total vacation at the same time.
“The success and popularity of this International Cycling Tour of Tobago continues its unmitigated growth year after year” All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. The Tobago Classic is not only about a top quality international Stage 5 Event with worldrated competitors toiling the tough Tobago terrain over four days, but there is always time for some fun and time to explore the riches of the island. For the past fifteen years with the large influx of international cycling contingents to the islands, we have teamed up with many of Tobago’s providers and special interest groups for entertainment, tours, catering, car rentals, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, bus tours, bird-watching, rain forest hikes, and many other outdoor options where there is something special for every one of our guests. Total fulfillment is enjoyed by all during their ten days with us. As Chairman and Organizer of the Tobago International Cycling Classic, we have more than a vested interest in Tobago’s well being. Tobago’s growth and development in the Tourism and Sport Tourism sector is still in its early stages with lots still to do and we are hard at work doing our part. The success and popularity of this International Cycling Tour of Tobago continues its unmitigated growth year after year and the Tobago Classic promoters have gone beyond the call of duty with its limited resources to promote and enhance the image of
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this little-known Caribbean island. But this is not only dependant on a dedicated, ambitious, and well-organized Tobago Cycling Classic management unit, or even Tobago’s brilliant sunshine, invigorated breezes, enchanting beaches, and spectacular ecology-rich environment, but more importantly for our many visitors is the comfort and security of a crime-free atmosphere. Although we are operating year after year with grossly inadequate sponsorship support and extreme budget constraints, the cycling classic continues its move forward with great determination and has enjoyed rave reviews and kudos from the Global Sporting Village in all corners of the world. We have created a mountain out of a molehill, but can do so much more with more support. We believe that the time has come for the major interest groups, Government agencies, and corporate organizations to recognize the potential and value of this Event to Tobago and should seriously consider a more lucrative partnership in the future. At the present time, the Tobago Classic is merely skimming the surface of the great potentials offered by the only internationallyrated cycling event in the region. At the recently concluded Caribbean Cycling Championships held on Monday, October 29th, in St. Vincent, the Chairman of the Tobago International Cycling Classic was presented with a Special Award by the Caribbean Cycling Association. An impressive gathering of dignitaries attended the closing ceremony including the President of the World Governing Body for Cycling (UCI), Pat McQuaid; the Vice President of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Mike Plant; the President of the Pan American Cycling Federation, Jose Manuel Pelez; and the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the honorable Ralph Gonzales. The CCA chairman, Trevor “Sailor” Bailey showered high praise on the Tobago Classic organizer for his dedicated and invaluable contribution to the growth and development of cycling in the Caribbean. In congratulating the Tobago Classic Chairman on his Award, the UCI President, Pat McQuaid, complimented the Tobago Cycling Classic Organizer on his efforts in improving the standard of Caribbean cycling to international recognition and suggested that the Tobago Cycling Classic has all the credentials to be registered as an international UCIsanctioned event and needs to pursue this in a year or two. As we embark on our third decade of the Tobago Classic Experience, we would like to move the boundaries further abroad and bring this event to an even wider audience, thereby stepping up our contribution and efforts to establish Tobago as the premier sport tourism destination it ultimately has the potential to become. Fervently optimistic and with eager anticipation, we anxiously look ahead to the 2009 Classic Event.
Photography: Ethan Gordon
0RVW RI XV GUHDP RI ÂżQGLQJ a place thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really off the EHDWHQ SDWK ZKHUH WKH GLYLQJ LV VSHFWDFXODU WKH ORFDOV IULHQGO\ DQG ZH GRQÂśW WULS RYHU WRXULVWV HYHU\ WLPH ZH ZDON GRZQ WR WKH EHDFK More often than not, however, our idyllic vacation doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite measure up to this vision of perfection. The reality is usually row
after row of concrete hotel blocks, crowded beaches, and diving that leaves us unsatisfied and wanting more. Imagine finding a place that the world has truly forgotten; a place with deserted beaches, excellent food, and more diving spots than you could ever hope to hit on a two-week stay. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, maybe it is and maybe it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Humor us for a minute, however, and look at the world map. If you locate Venezuela, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the large island of Trinidad just off the coast. And if you look just to the north of that, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll
see the small island of Tobago. This is your perfect vacation. Tobago really does feel like a world away from everything else, and as a diving locale itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secrets. The sheer number and variety of dive sites around the island is staggering and you can thank the warm, nutrient-rich waters for the amazing marine diversity. Because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so close to the equator, water temperatures in Tobago stay pretty warm, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;summertimeâ&#x20AC;? highs of 82° F and lows to 75° F in January and February. Most divers pack a 3mm neoprene suit and stay perfectly Tobago Style Magazine
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warm with that. One of the great things about Tobago is that, no matter what your skill level, there are dive sites for everyone. The currents around the island differ quite dramatically, so even the most experienced diver will find a challenge in these clear waters. You might be wondering what, exactly, makes Tobago so special? After all, from the sounds of it, we could be talking about any Caribbean island, right? Well, this tiny island is only 26 miles long, and yet it boasts 54 established dive sites, many of them with hauntingly beautiful wrecks and stunning coral reefs. The amazing diversity of coral and marine life off of Tobago’s coast is why many people
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consider it to be one of the premier diving destinations in the world. Diving Tobago Most diving in Tobago is done from a craft called a pirogue, which is perfect for the challenging currents that sweep around many parts of the island. Water visibility changes depending on the time of year. During the rainy season, which runs from July through September, the surface visibility is affected by the Orinoco River in Venezuela. During this time, visibility is usually 50-90 feet. During the winter months, visibility is much further, usually ranging from
125-150 feet. As far as dive sites go, the locations in Tobago are impressive. Whether you’re searching for marine wildlife, coral reefs, or wrecks, you’ll find it all in Tobago’s warm waters. Let’s look at a few sites you definitely won’t want to miss when you go. The M/V Maverick is a wreck sitting at 100 feet deep in Mt. Irvine Bay. The 350 foot Maverick (formerly called The Scarlet Ibis) was the first passenger ferry between Trinidad and Tobago, and she was sunk as a dive site in April, 1997. But, not before she was cleaned, inspected, and made safe for divers. Runners dart in and out of the shadows inside the car deck and schools of baitfish swirl across the upper deck. An artificial reef has taken hold of this wreck and a giant
jewfish acts as the local tour guide for this site. This is definitely a location that both beginners and experienced divers will want to experience. At the northwestern end of the island, The Sisters is a series of rock pinnacles rising up like sharp fingers from the ocean’s depths. Tobago is known for its Manta ray diving and if you’ve always dreamed of swimming alongside (or even riding) one of these graceful creatures, this is where you’ll want to be. Manta season runs from March through July, so you’ll definitely want to come during this time if you want to have this miraculous experience. You’ll also see a wide variety of lowprofile coral and sponges at this site, as well as, a stunning abundance of smaller marine wildlife. If you show up in the winter months, you’ll be treated to schools of hammerhead sharks here. London Bridge is perhaps the most wellknown and spectacular site around St. Giles Islands, off the island’s northeastern tip. Tarpon, turtles, and sharks are frequently sighted here, and if you’ve got a good eye, you might be lucky enough to see the lurking octopi in the holes of the rock face. Just around the corner from St. Giles, on the Atlantic side of the island, is Speyside, which many divers claim to be the most spectacular site on the island. Most of the dives here are drift dives along the sloping reefs around the two offshore islands, Little Tobago and Goat Island. Kelleston Drain is home to what is reputed to be the largest brain coral in the Caribbean and, according to some, in the world. Tobago’s brain coral is over 12 feet high and 16 feet across, so it’s definitely not something you want to miss when you go. Should we keep going? All right then. Another popular site is Japanese Gardens, which begins on a shallow slope covered with Vase sponges, purple Rope sponge, and green algae growth. Thousands of bicolor Damselfish flit back and forth among the spines, looking very much like butterflies in this
underwater garden paradise. Take a hard right turn between the two large rocks and let the current take you through Kamikazee Cut, which leads you into an entirely different terrain. Here, the slope is much steeper and the reef is covered with brightly-colored sponges and corals. The soft coral growth sprouting from the granular white sand seems to go on forever and you’ll have to remind yourself that eventually, you will have to go up for more air. So, if you’re not convinced by now that Tobago is truly something special, then you might want to check your pulse to make sure you’re still alive. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another island with as much marine diversity. The island’s surrounding waters support over 300 species of coral and 600 species of fish, including Glassy Sweepers, Spotted Drums, Fairy Basslets, Parrotfish, Barracuda, Triggerfish, Sergeant Majors, Nurse Sharks, Southern Stingrays, Morays, Tarpon, as well as, a large nesting population of turtles. And if you’re lucky enough to get there in time for the Manta rays, you can bank on an experience you’ll never forget. Tobago truly is a world away from the world. While all the Caribbean islands are beautiful, Tobago is something special. Coming here is like stepping back in time, to a place where calendars and Blackberries have no meaning. If you’re looking for a diving experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, then look no further than Tobago. It isn’t called “The Disneyland of Diving” for nothing.
If you’re looking for a diving experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, then look no further than Tobago. It isn’t called “The Disneyland of Diving” for nothing.
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Kevin Ayoung-Julien Designer and Director of Kaj Designs
evin Ayoung-Julien is always thinking, re-thinking and dissecting. Every initiative must be evaluated and re-evaluated as he stresses on the importance of learning and growing from every experience. He is Trinidad and Tobago’s newest and quite probably its youngest fashion genius. He is also the man behind Kaj Designs, an individual with a natural flair for design and affinity for colour and different fabric textures. His discerning eyes explore every line and cut of his pieces ultimately concerned with the visual impact of his works. His musings, “Has the essence of what I am portraying been conveyed? How can it be improved? Is it a cohesive body of work?” steadfastly push him to perfection. At the age of 28, considered a junior yet already leaving an indelible mark on the Caribbean’s fashion sphere, he is driven to create. He exists to do so. Nothing provides him greater joy. It is his passion. And his raw talent has caused members of the Caribbean’s fashion circles to stop and pay notice to his art. With no formal training, Kevin began designing in 2005 with his first collection and signature line Chachalaca, another name for Tobago’s native bird, the Cocrico. Nature’s tones, patterns and textures dominated this collection and trademark pieces were featured at the 2005 Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) in Jamaica. With its combination of feathers, coconut shell and burlap reflecting the Cocrico’s majestic appearance and muted natural colours, Chachalaca garnered Kevin the attention of international fashion critics and designers with his work featuring in fashion publications including SHE Caribbean Magazine and Barbados’s, Shabeau Magazine. Chachalaca was closely followed with Mwangaza his sophomore collection under the signature line, which graced the runway at Trinidad and Tobago’s 2006 Makin’ Style.
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Kevin’s most recent success has been with his sophomore showing at the 2007 CFW. Last June, Kevin again walked the infamous CFW runway following the showing of his newest collection Eccensual: Shake Well & Stir. The Caribbean’s lush landscape and diverse cultures served as inspiration for this Kaj offering where the rich tones, hypnotic rhythms and the deep sensuality and exoticism of the islands met the eccentricities of high fashion. Kevin once more impressed the CFW audience, basking in Eccensual’s widespread publicity which has included coverage in Britain’s daily newspaper, The Independent; the US magazine, Sister 2 Sister; New York’s West Indian newspaper, New York Carib News; Guadeloupe’s newspaper, La Gazette Des Caraïbes; Caribbean Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean Beat; Primaris Airlines’s in-flight magazine, Caribbean LIFE and; the international fashion publication, Ocean Style. As the artist works to refine his design techniques, his ingenuity and enterprising and conscientious approach to his craft and business has not gone unnoticed. In August 2007, he won the noted award for entrepreneurship at the National Youth Awards ceremony which was presented by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs. In December 2007, he was presented with the Innovation/ Invention Achiever Award by the National Youth Action Committee. While in that same month, his couture swimwear creations featured at the 2007 Miss World pageant as Grenada’s representative, Vivian Burkhardt, sought out his work to complete her wardrobe. His skill in the art of costume design was also recognised in Tobago’s 2007 Carnival competition as his creation, Island Spirit paraded by Mickael Franklyn, copped the Junior Individual Of The Year title. Kevin is now looking ahead to the future as he prepares for the debut of his newest collection, WILD THINGS. Tobago Style Magazine
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Angostura Sailing Week in Tobago or twenty-six amazing years, Tobago has hosted some of the greatest competitive sailing the world has ever seen. Beginning in 1982 at Courland Bay nearby Turtle Beach, the thrilling activities have entertained audiences and fellow sailing enthusiasts. Interest in sailing has been increasing in Trinidad and Tobago, so these events aren’t just for the nautically savvy anymore! Total novices and entire families now attend the annual Sailing Week to observe all the fun. 2008 was no exception. Beginning on Sunday, May 11th and lasting until May 16th, an international gathering of the finest sailors in the world meet in the bay to show off their skills. Contestants included citizens from an eclectic gathering of countries, such as the USA, Norway, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Canada, and the UK. Truly, this is the most international competition ever to participate in Angostura’s Sailing Week, and foreign competitors actually outnumbered local sailors this year. There are the usual jetsetters to admire, including some lovely, long-legged Swedish ladies, but all people are represented at the events, and not just the good-looking women! In a way, the Sailing Week is like a miniature Olympics with diverse cultures from a range of countries represented in beautiful Courland Bay. And just like the Olympics, there is great camaraderie and excellent sportsmanship represented in every team, and between teams, as they meet and mingle before and after the races. This sort of brotherhood and respectful spirit sets excellent examples for youth, so this is an ideal event to bring the kids to!
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What Observers Can Expect There are thirty-two yachts engaging in seriously fierce sailing lasting three to four hours, including four different categories of sailing styles: Cruiser-Racer (Spinnaker/Double Headsail,) Chart, Racing (Spinnaker and a crowd favorite,) and Cruising. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Courland Bay. The adjacent Crown Point Hotel’s grounds host the event and every year they accommodate tourists as they soak in all the great sailing. The hotel sets up a food tent for visitors that also houses Angostura Sailing Week souvenirs available for purchase so you can forever remember the wonderful time you experienced at Sailing Week. Marvel at the pristine, blue waters, the vibrant sky, and while you’re enjoying Mother Nature, feel free to partake of some Caribbean cocktails. Even Captain Jack would be impressed when witnessing all the free rum flowing at this event! Events kick off with the skippers’ briefing on Sunday, and then two races occur every day through Wednesday, which includes games and tons of wonderful food. Thursday and Friday rekindle the spirit of sailing, and following the races, individuals can play games for prizes and then cap off their evening with a lavish dinner. More Than Just Sailing While sipping on your delicious cocktail, enjoy the live entertainment provided by Angostura Sailing Week. The beach parties and beach cookouts have almost become as big of an attraction as the sailing itself. The parties start way back in February when the Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Asso-
ciation, Maritime Management, and Regatta Promoters hold the “Wet Run,” an event with drinks, music, and dancing. Let loose and dance to every tune from Abba to the Sunshine Band, not to mention reggae and pop favorites that will have you smiling as you get your groove on. Many sailing participants say they feel like a closely-knit family with their fellow sailors by the end of the events, and you too can join in the Tobago sailing family. The spirit of the people, the rich tapestry of cultures, and the fun parties are all reasons to come out and check out one of the hottest events in Tobago!
hen you’re in the midst of a laid-back, tropical vacation, it’s tempting to imagine quitting your job, escaping real life, and spending the rest of your days sunning on the beach. While many of us are guilty of these fantasies, however, only a small fraction of us ever muster the courage to actually go through with them. Chris James is among that minority. The well-known Tobago businessman decided to call this tiny island home about fifteen years ago when, after a twenty-year tenure working for British Gas in the UK, he was given the opportunity to volunteer for redundancy. Having traveled around the Caribbean before and having fallen in love with Tobago, he jumped at the opportunity to leave his job and immediately purchased a Caribbean-bound plane ticket. “When I first moved here, my plan was to open a bar, work in the evenings, and sleep on the beach all day. Now, I’m working from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, but it doesn’t feel like work”. He also adds that he is heavily involved in the Tobago business community and holds such roles as Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce, as well as, the Travel Foundation of Tobago, and is Vice President of the Hotel and Tourism Association. He’s come a long way since he started his first business venture, a bar called ‘Bonkers’, which he opened with his British Gas colleague, James Vaughan, back in 1993. “All the good names for bars had already been used,” James says. “We came up with “Bonkers” because that’s what everyone at home called us when we told them we were moving to Tobago.” The bar did well in its first few years. So well, in fact, that its owners decided to expand it by tacking on a small, ten-room ho-
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tel next door that they called the Toucan Inn. Although small, James and Vaughan have worked hard to make the hotel experience a unique one for guests with live local entertainment, a Creole-inspired local menu, and a natural architectural design that blends in with the traditional feel of the island. James feels that their more intimate setup offers visitors a unique Tobago experience that can’t be offered by large hotel chains. James and Vaughan molded the Toucan Inn to fit both their personal tastes and reflect the uniqueness of the island, and their efforts have paid off. The business has won UK-based tour company, Tropical Places, Best Small Hotel in the Caribbean award for four years in a row.
“The unique structure also includes many one-of-a-kind features, such as a pool-side wall that doubles as a movie screen.” The vote of confidence transformed James into a hotelier practically overnight. Although he didn’t have a background in the industry, he surrounded himself with a strong team and, after expanding the three-star Toucan Inn
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to include twenty rooms, he is currently introducing two new hotels to the island –-- Indigo Bay and Culloden Reef --– while working hard to protect Tobago’s “unspoiled” scenery. Indigo Bay, a four-star, seventy-nine suite hotel scheduled to open in June, 2009, is right on the beach and, while its architectural style is more modern than the Toucan Inn, it still has an old-world Caribbean feel to it. Designed to make visitors feel as if they’re standing on the deck of a ship, the unique structure also includes many one-of-a-kind features, such as a pool-side wall that doubles as a movie screen, where visitors can watch 1930s movies under the stars with the roar of the ocean in the background. Culloden Reef is a 200-bedroom responsible luxury hotel scheduled to open in January, 2010. The five-star sustainable resort sits on 148 acres and features completely indigenous building materials, as well as, its own farm and fishing farm where most of its food will come from. It will also host the first organic spa in the Southern Caribbean. “It’s for people who want seclusion and privacy. Many celebrities have already tried to buy some of the villas,” he says. “The idea is that it will be totally isolated and relaxing.”
he islands of the Caribbean are often thought to be among the most beautiful places in the world, and tucked into the southernmost nook of the chain is a special jewel, Tobago. Often overshadowed by Trinidad, Tobago is a small, secluded island. It is this trait that is the key to its allure. You will not find an array of splashy advertisements for Tobago in magazines or on billboards or television. Yet, in spite of that, the island continues to lure visitors every year, making Tobago an exotic, hidden escape for people in the know. Chief among Tobago’s charms is the fact that it is not a run-ofthe-mill Caribbean island speckled with high-rise hotels or sprawling all-inclusive resorts. Instead, Tobago is home to a unique collection of villas, small hotels, eco-resorts, bed and breakfasts and lodges. That is not to say it does not have all the offerings of a big island resort. Tobago has a great diversity in sights and activities and an ability to provide something that appeals to everyone. If all you want to do is lounge lazily on a Caribbean beach sipping rum punch, Tobago is more than up to the task. Its leeward coastline is straight out of your typical Caribbean daydream, with seemingly unending stretches of white sandy beaches and gently lapping blue waves aplenty. On the other side of the island, Tobago’s rugged Atlantic coastline offers a different type of sea-view. There you’ll find a place where the mountains meet the sea, creating dramatic and picturesque vistas. You’ll also discover one-of-a-kind swimming spots, well off the beaten track but always worth the trip. If, by chance, you grow tired of the sun, sea and sand head to Tobago’s forested interior. Home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western hemisphere, Tobago has a wealth of natural treasures that will make an avid nature enthusiast of every visitor. Its forest is home to over 210 species of some of the most beautiful birds in the world, 123 species of butterflies, as well as bats, lizards, snakes and
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alligators. If you are not an animal fan, a day’s trek into the forest is still worthwhile. There you’ll discover beautiful flowers and gorgeous waterfalls, which are popular with tourists and locals alike as swimming and picnic spots. For the historian at heart, Tobago is dotted with old forts, sugar mills and waterwheels, which are striking reminders of the island’s colonial past. Often located in lush and scenic surroundings, these ruins will teach you much about the island’s rich and colorful history. Yet, by far the most exciting and visually stunning sights in Tobago will not be found on its sandy beaches or in its tropical rainforests, but rather under the waters surrounding the island. Teeming with colorful marine-life, Tobago’s waters serve up a rich array for the underwater explorer. From spectacular coral formations to a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, manta rays, jellyfish, turtles, and yes, even sharks, there is a lot to be seen in this underwater paradise. What’s more, Tobago’s waters also have the added bonus of being relatively unexploited. It’s only in recent years that Scuba Diving has become popular in Tobago and as such the island is earning a reputation as the new, hot destination for diving buffs. Of course no profile of Tobago would be complete without briefly singing the praises of the wonderful island people, who are the glue that holds that little piece of paradise together. Arguably the friendliest and most ebullient people on the face of the earth, from the moment you step foot on the island, Tobagonians welcome you into the fold like family. And, like your favorite aunt or uncle, they want nothing more than to spoil you and see you happy and well fed. With all that it offers, it’s not hard indeed to see why the people who know the island love it so. One weekend spent on the shores of this undiscovered Caribbean gem is sure to make a believer of even the most weary world traveler. Tobago Style Magazine
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Stonehaven Bay, Black Rock, Tobago, West Indies Telephone: fax email Res: web:
868-639-9667 868-639-9292 legrand@singhs.com reservations2@singhs.com www.legrandcourlan-resort.com
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clean, green and serene
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Encompassed by tropical hills, Grafton Beach Resort, a family oriented all-inclusive resort, welcomes and charms the most discerning visitors.
Grafton Beach Resort Phone General
Stonehaven Bay, Black Rock, Tobago, West Indies
868-639-0191 email grafton@singhs.com
Fax Res:
868-639-0030 reservations1@singhs.com
She landed at Buccoo Bay:
A Fashion Odyssey
You thought a land so untouched was a thing of the past. Lucky for you this is the present and Tobagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buccoo Bay is only a plane ride away. Buccoo Bay is long white coral sand beach with pristine waters buckling against a backdrop of dense mangrove. On her visit to the quaint fishing village, photographer Dagmara cuts through the vines and takes us on a fashion odyssey from the old world to the new. Next time you find your mind wandering to a simpler place and time, draw some inspiration and explore your natural side.
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Photographer: Dagmara Styling: Carlton Jones Hair & Makeup: Sonja Special Thanks: Avion Hercules/ THA Dept of Tourism
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obago is the kind of place where jazz was meant to be enjoyed. The island’s tropical weather, serene beaches, and relaxed atmosphere form the perfect backdrop for dancing into the small hours. The idea for the festival was conceived by the Division of Tourism and Transportation under the stewardship of Neil Wilson with three key objectives: to create a signature event on the island’s entertainment calendar which would stimulate awareness of the destination, increase international and domestic visitor arrivals, and to generate business opportunities for Tobagonians. With all these natural advantages to exploit, it’s no wonder that the annual Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago was recently voted the World’s Best Music Festival by Forbes magazine. Since its inception in 2005, the festival has eclipsed its Caribbean competitors by attracting headline acts like Stevie Wonder, Sting, Sir Elton John, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, Gladys Knight, May J. Blige, Whitney Houston, and Rod Stewart. They perform to swaying crowds against the beautiful coastal setting of Plymouth, Tobago’s oldest town. The prime architect of this growing event is Anthony Maharaj, CEO of festival sponsors, CL Financial. In conjunction with the Tobago government, his company has been instrumental in making the Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago the overwhelming success that it is today. According to Maharaj, the original idea was conceived as a way of promoting the island as a tourist destination. “The Caribbean has always been a good venue for jazz festivals, and so the Tobago House of Assembly felt that one of the tourist attractions that could be created in Tobago was a musical event,” he says. “They spoke with our company, CL Financial, and the idea was taken from there.” As the Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago gears up to celebrate its fifth anniversary, it is clear that CL Financial has succeeded in its attempt to focus international attention on the island of Tobago. “The festival has created some cachet for the destination because it’s reputed to be one of the best of its kind in the world,” explains Nova Alexander, Manager of Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development in the UK and Europe. “It was brought in on the basis that it would attract some well-known names and help the tourism industry as a whole, as well as, bringing some recognition to the island for putting on premier events. The festival has certainly succeeded on all these counts.” Visitors to the three-day April event can expect a veritable treasure trove of musical and visual delights. High-energy performances by a starstudded cast are interspersed with the best
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emerging and local talent. Between acts, there are chocolate-tasting stands to visit, rum-samplings to partake in, and Caribbean delicacies to enjoy. All this, while taking in the unique beauty of Tobago’s scenery. “The island’s white sand beaches are the perfect backdrop for three days of unforgettable entertainment,” says Barrett LaRoda, CEO of festival producers, The LaRoda Group. “It is the most unbelievable experience.” Alexander agrees that the delightful setting, coupled with some of the biggest names in music today, make for a festival like no other. “I think that it has been voted as one of the biggest events in the world because of the people who are performing and because of the island itself,” he says. “The big names continue to come, and it’s great to bring those to the table. Then, Tobago itself is small enough and homey. You’re not allowed to build higher than a coconut tree, so everything is on the same level and there’s a really nice vibe.” The 2008 event was hailed by organisers and ticket-holders as the best Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago yet. A nail-biting build-up began as early as January, when a rumour began to circulate that Michael Jackson and Beyoncé would be headlining. This proved to be mere speculation, but when the list of acts was finally revealed, it was enough to satisfy even the most inveterate star-lovers. Topping the celebrity list was Columbian starlet, Shakira, famed for her gutsy tunes and contortionist dancing. Whitney Houston also made a much-awaited comeback, while Motown fans were thrilled to hear that Diana Ross would be appearing once again after a successful 2007 performance. Visitors began to flock to Tobago days before the beginning of the festival from all over the world, keen to attend the preceding musical events. “Before the main event, which was a three-day weekend at the end of April ending with a finale on Sunday, there was Pan Jazz Festival and Jazz on the Green,” explains Alexander. “Pan Jazz brings together talent from around the globe. It’s a form of fringe festival, which happens in different venues and locations across Tobago. Jazz on the Green takes place in the afternoons before the main festival and during this time, the culture side of things is married with events like fashion shows, rum and chocolate tasting.” Additionally, as part of an ongoing jazz awareness campaign, the Division of Tourism and Transportation hosts ‘“Prelude to Jazz Festival” each year on the weekends prior to the main festival. The events are held at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park on Saturday and at Charlotteville beach front on Sunday before the main event, serving to whet the appetite for the upcoming spectacular and include a sector of the public that may be unable to afford the cost of entry at the festival event. Prepped with pan jazz, rum and chocolate, the crowds gathered to see Friday night’s opening line-up. It began with a bang, as James Ingram delivered a solid performance of some of his newest hits, before surrendering the stage to Peabo Bryson and his rising rendition of “Can You Stop the Rain” and “A Whole New World”. The audience held its collective breath as Diana Ross shimmied on stage. After all, Tobago Style Magazine
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she had thrown a truly diva-esque hissy fit after being asked to cut her performance short the previous year, but the former Supreme held her own in a flamboyant red dress. “I’m soooooooo happy to be here!” she shouted, before launching into her signature opening number, “I’m Coming Out”. The huge audience clapped and cheered as the classics poured out: “Upside Down”, “Stop, In The Name Of Love”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, and finally “I Will Survive”. After a sizzling performance, Ross gracefully retired to make way for the legendary Smokey Robinson, who calmed the mood down with a set of smooth classics. Saturday night saw even larger crowds as fans of Shakira, En Vogue, and Steel Pulse waited to hear their heroes. Steel Pulse led the headliners with a note-perfect rendition of their top hits, followed by the R’n’B Group, En Vogue, who gave a soulful and sexy performance. The brightest star of the night, though, was undoubtedly Shakira. The Latin beauty got the crowd swaying in rhythm to the music and crying out for more. Her magnetic personality and voluptuous dancing even helped keep the atmosphere genial through a power outage, which
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lasted through some of her set. Media speculation reached its climax on Sunday, as the festival organisers prepared to greet Whitney Houston and Rod Stewart. Houston, in the process of re-launching her career after years of strugglingwith marital and drug issues, appeared on stage looking gorgeous in a strappy white gown. She performed classics like “It’s Not Right, But It’s OK”, “Saving All My Love”, “Your Love Is My Love”, and “I Will Always Love You”. However, most commentators felt that she lacked her old flair. In contrast, Rod Stewart gave the performance of a lifetime, prompting Maharaj to name the ageing rocker his “favourite act of 2008”. The audience sung along to old hits like “Nothing But A Heartache”, “Downtown Train”, “The First Cut Is The Deepest”, “Young Hearts”, and “Maggie May” and Stewart left them baying for more. After the lights went down, the reviewers all agreed that the Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago was going from strength to strength, much to the satisfaction of CL Financial. “I think that the 2008 festival was an improvement on the previous year,” says Maharaj. “My intention has
always been that each year we would go to the next level, and we have done that – in terms of infrastructure, facilities, artists, and the combination of acts featured.” He reveals that CL Financial is “working on a response to increase the number of hotel rooms available, as well as, the frequency of airlift and sea lift”, and hints that next year’s event may be extended to a week-long extravaganza. “This is a possibility in my mind,” he reveals. “I think the stage is set for Tobago to be able to hold a one-week event where we could integrate other activities into the festival, includingpan jazz, jazz artists out of Cuba, and artists out of Trinidad. There would be more time, so more people could be given the opportunity to perform.” Laroda also emphasises his excitement about next year’s event, saying, “The concerts just keep getting bigger and better. We are already planning for our fifth anniversary celebration, and it is going to be simply mind-blowing!” Previous festivals have seen nightly crowds of 20,000 plus, but the organisers believe that 2009 numbers could be even higher. In total, around 40,000 people attended the festival
in 2008, a number that Alexander describes as “a phenomenal head count”. “Over that week, the festival generated huge income in terms of restaurants and accommodation,” he says, advising prospective visitors to “reserve accommodation as early as a year before, as everything gets booked up a long way in advance. Some people will commute from Trinidad, but it’s hard in terms of airlift. The best thing to do is to book when you leave the festival the previous year and make sure that you secure your accommodation.” Alexander also advises prospective festival goers to book their tickets in advance. “Get tickets as soon as it’s official and they are out there on the website,” he says. “If you don’t manage to find tickets, then there are huge screens where you can see the festival performances elsewhere on the island.” The line-up for 2009’s Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago promises to be hot stuff! Expect even bigger crowds, a host of local talent, and a long list of celebrity headliners. For anybody who likes the idea of dancing to great music against the background of one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago 2009 is an event to put in the diary. Tobago Style Magazine
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NATURAL BEAUTY
Celebrated photographer Colin Williams shows when the canvas is this pristine, there is little necessary to pull out the beauty.
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Photographer: Colin Williams Styling: Andrienne Kennedy and Shuko Taniguchi Assisted by Ric Matthews Make-Up and Hair: Tishawn Williams Swimwear: Renee Iarc for Milan Jewelry: Keren Peled and Cecilia Ramos Model: Leah-Mari Guevara
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The reason for Trinidad’s rich diversity: It is an extension of the Venezuelan mainland, only seven miles from Trinidad. Essentially, Trinidad is an annex of South America and not truly part of the West Indies
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Tobago’s motto “Pulchrior evenit” (“She becomes more beautiful”) was adopted in 1816. Tobago changed hands more than any other Caribbean Island, about 30 times before finally settling into British rule in 1814.
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Tobago is little-known to be the premier spot for mountain biking. Tobago has lots of spectacular trails, many offering breathtaking ocean views. More than a few lead to isolated beaches and offer riders a welcome chance to take a cooling dip before heading onto the next trail. Steep climbs and exhilarating descents are the order of the day on more advanced trails.
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The island’s indigenous tribal people, were the Arawak and the Carib Indians.T here is a saying that the elder natives, from other islands would make their journey to Tobago to spend their last days. They believed Tobago was Paradise.
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The literacy rate is 97% (higher than the U.S) Every adult can read and write.
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The film “Swiss Family Robinson” was shot on location here - twenty-two weeks to shoot at a cost of $4.5 million, beating Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Galapagos islands for location.
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Trinidad and Tobago have entered every Caribbean Rugby Championship since inception in 1966.
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Trinidad and Tobago became an independent nation (from the United Kingdom) in 1962 and a republic in 1976
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The Buccoo Goat Race Festival has been held since 1925. The festivals are held annually at Buccoo on the Sunday after Carnival, on Easter Monday at Mount Pleasant and the premier event on Easter Tuesday, a de facto Tobago holiday at Buccoo and also during the July/August Heritage Festival.
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The dollar (currency code TTD) is the currency of Trinidad and Tobago. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively TT$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is subdivided into 100 cents.
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Harvest Festivals are traditional celebratory occasions in Tobago’s Island life centered around the four mainstream Christian Churches; Anglican (C of E), Roman Catholic, Methodist and Moravian. Harvest Time served as a way of raising funds for the Church, parishioners proudly bringing their best produce in place of monetary tithes. Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. The archipelagic state consists of the two main islands along with twenty one smaller islands. Every known species of coral, including the world’s largest brain coral, which is twelve feet high and sixteen feet across, lies at the bottom of the Tobago Ocean floor. Popular underwater tours are to the Angel Reef, Japanese Gardens, Blackjack Hole and The Sisters, all of which can be found off the coast of Tobago near Speyside. The diving in Tobago is little known by the rest of the world, but recent reviews in Sport Diver and other diving magazines seem to be raising the profile of this small Caribbean island. The Speyside area has some of the best diving in the Caribbean for the more adventurous diver, while the southwest has much more easy diving for the more casual diver. Add to this regular visits of the Manta’s, what more could you ask for?
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