Night Life

Trinidadians and Tobagonians are known for being the “party people” .They posses a unique way of being able to turn any situation into a “lime” (party.) So when the sun goes down the island transforms. 

The biggest and most popular liming spot is Ariapita Avenue better known as the “Ave”. It is only 0.25 kilometres in length but with bars, clubs and restaurants on both sides there is much to choose from and it will take you more than two nights to experience it all. Other big clubs such as Zen and Club51 are located close by. Best part of all is the continuous expansion of the Ave, where new places are always popping up that cater to the varied taste in music and atmosphere. Police regularly patrol the Ave so you can feel at ease. 

So my question to you now is if you are in Trinidad where will you be liming tonight? Name some Night Life hotspots that a tourist should visit and what are some of the things that can be done to help tourists find these places?

Steelpan

I agree Calypso will always have its place in Carnival. Another influential type of music famous at Carnival time is that of the steelpan. Steelband music is a sound that has become synonymous with tropical island vacations and Caribbean holidays. Some classify it as the National instrument of T&T. 

The steelpan was invented in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1940’s and is widely regarded as the only major musical instrument to be invented in the 20th century.

Several innovators throughout steel pan history have made significant contributions to the development of the instrument such as Winston ‘Spree’ Simon, Ellie Mannette, Anthony Williams and Bertie Marshall.

Steelpan music and techniques are now taught at several major universities internationally and it is confirmed that India has pledged to support the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) in promoting the instrument.

My question is do you think enough is being done to promote it? What can we do to promote it and how does it play a part in the Tourism Sector?

Calypso and Soca

It’s great to see how happy and passionate you all are about Carnival Monday & Tuesday, the “Fetes, J'Ouvert and the joy it brings to Tinbagonians. When we hear of Carnival, we think of the energy and vibrancy that comes along with its music. The most popular during this period is that of calypso and soca music.

 Calypso rhythms can be traced back to the time of the African slave trade where it was used as a means of communication and mockery of slave masters. The golden era of calypso was between 1914 and 1920 when the first recording was created that subsequently gave birth to the first calypso tent. One cannot simply refer to calypso without mentioning the most prominent figure in the art, that is, Lord Kitchener who dominated the industry until the 1970’s. 

Following this, outside music influences from Jamaica, the rest of the islands and America resulted in musical fusion leading to a more upbeat, less socially conscious version of the art now known as Soca. In today’s Carnival soca has been the more dominant of the two, but many still believe calypso will always have their place in the event. 

Do you think this is true? What can be done to keep the art form of calypso alive, without taking away from the newfound soca ? Do we do enough to promote our local music and use it as a stepping stone for tourism? What more can be done? 

Carnival

Thus far we have been discussing the success of the tourism sector in T&T, ways in which to improve it, and the benefits and possible negative impacts which may accompany it. These are all quite pertinent and important topics that are often overlooked. With that being said, I think it’s time to focus on the ‘positives’ and look at what unique experiences this twin island has to offer.

Let’s begin with what can be called our most colourful event. It is known as the ‘greatest show in the world’ that is Trinidad and Tobago Carnival and is also referred to as the ‘mother of all West Indian carnivals’. It is during this time we see the highest influx of visitors, the all time record experienced in 2005 at 463,000 arrivals.

The festival originated hundreds of years ago by followers of the Catholic religion in Italy, where a celebration entitled ‘Carnevale’ (meaning to put away the meat) was held right before the Lenten season (fasting period). It was brought to T&T in 1785 by the French settlers and has since been fused with the influences of other African, Spanish, Chinese, American Indian and East Indian immigrants.

Today, masqueraders proudly portray their costumes, excitedly parading for the two-day period in which they ‘party’ their stress away. The event is heavily accompanied by local entertainment and artistes. Calypso, soca and steelpan music are intensely enjoyed.

So what are your thoughts on Carnival? What are your plans for 2016, will you be a masquerader or probably just a spectator? What more do you think can be done to make the occasion a bigger, better and more successful one? 

Negative Impacts of Tourism

Indeed we have much to gain from Tourism; the benefits are overwhelming for all facets of life in T&T as suggested by your comments. Researchers however, have disputed over the negative impacts of Tourism. 

Popular disadvantages seem to surround the same three categories mentioned under tourism benefits, that is economic, social and environmental. Economic drawbacks may include a strain on a country’s resources such as water, food and energy; social issues can lead to the erosion of traditional values with the introduction of too many foreign policies and with regards to environmental, a lot may be at stake such as soil erosion, off course heightened land and sea pollution, vulnerability to deforestation and amplified pressure on endangered species.

Do you all agree or disagree? Will such negative impacts affect T&T’s tourism and to what extent? How can they be minimized so that benefits may outweigh negatives and a sustainable tourism sector can be maintained and enjoyed? 

Benefits of Tourism

With regards to tourism development in my last post, you guys made some very strong recommendations for a successful sector. I must say I totally agree that revised Government policies to address issues such as improved marketing with the aid of increased social media usage, quality tourism education and the delivery of reliable and consistent public transportation services pushed through dependable and ground breaking activists will make a positive change.

This brings me to my next point of what exactly constitutes this positive change. A thriving tourism industry is said to be beneficial to any country so what are these benefits? Do they include added job opportunities, increased foreign investment, a greater sense of national identity and the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems? In following through with your recommendations, what are the advantages to be received by individuals, families, communities, businesses, the government and Trinidad and Tobago as a whole? What economic, social and environmental benefits do you think we stand to gain? 

Tourism Development

Most of you would agree that despite the promotional tactics initiated and undergone by the TDC and its affiliates, much more can and needs to be done in relation to T&T’s Tourism industry.

I concur with the opinion that such marketing is prioritized towards more popular and money making facets of the industry such as carnival and nightlife. Unfortunately, the eco-tourism and environmental aspects seem to be overlooked somewhat, where there is a problem in the formulation and implementation of effective strategies as avidly mentioned in a previous, most fundamental comment. This person’s passionate views are admired and I’m sure is shared by other nature, wildlife, eco-tourism and environmental enthusiasts and activists.

Locals need to appreciate what their island has to offer in its entirety before we can sell it to foreigners. Every effort should be made by individuals, families, communities, businesses and the government to preserve, conserve and promote tourism in T&T. You all already made some suggestions but how can this be effectively achieved by each societal group previously mentioned, not only in terms of planning but more so in successful implementation. What are your thoughts on this?

I have posted a video below depicting the ever so lovely island of Trinidad in all its magnificent beauty. Do enjoy!!!! 

Timelapsing Through Trinidad from Kevin Huggins on Vimeo.