A Guide to Investing in Trinidad and Tobago (2011) - Ministry of ...

Central Bank operate from the capital, which incorporates
Trinidad’s main port.
The heart of the city is the downtown area, with
Queen’s Park Savannah at the Northern edge and
the Brian Lara Promenade to the South, linked by a
series of busy commercial streets. Port of Spain is a
mixture of elements both modern and rustic. At South
Quay, the impressive and ultramodern waterfront project
tips a hat to Trinidad’s future. At the Queen’s Park
Savannah, a row of mansions called the Magnificent
Seven that lines the western side displays the country’s
strong heritage. Along the northern flank, the Botanic
Gardens and the Emperor Valley Zoo adjoin the
stately President’s House as well as
the Prime Minister’s Residence and
Diplomatic Centre.
When Port of Spain became the
capital in 1757, it was a little muddy
seaport. Now, it is one of the busiest
commercial centres in the Caribbean,
with the construction of the new waterfront
project on the Port of Spain
Harbour that includes the Hyatt Regency
Trinidad, conference facilities,
Class A office space, as well as retail
and parking space.
San Fernando, on the southeast of
Trinidad, is the second largest city
and is considered the industrial capital
of the country. San Fernando is the
commercial and government centre
in south Trinidad, approximately 50
kilometres (31miles) from Port of Spain via the Solomon
Hochoy Highway.
Trinidad’s most important industrial zone is at the port
of Point Lisas, in Central Trinidad, where the majority
of manufacturing and industrial buildings are located.
Strategically located in the “middle” of Trinidad, Point
Lisas is the hub for downstream and upstream energy
activity.
10 A Guide to Investing in Trinidad and Tobago (2011)
Scarborough is the administrative capital of Tobago
and is the main commercial and government centre.
Downtown Scarborough is within close proximity to
tourist resorts and historical sites; but above all, the
port facility is located in the heart of Scarborough.
Crown Point is a major town in Tobago, as it hosts
the Arthur NR Robinson International Airport (formerly
Crown Point International Airport) as well as many
five-star hotels, and is a main centre for tourism.
Culture
The festivals, music, customs, cuisine, religions and
races of Trinidad and Tobago reflect a rich and unique
“At the Queen’s Park Savannah, a
row of mansions called the Magnificent
Seven displays the country’s
strong heritage.”
cultural diversity. Influences originate locally with the
indigenous Caribs and Arawaks, and abroad from
Europe to Africa and Asia. The nation has a passionate
and colourful history spanning five centuries – the
result of several European interests clamouring for colonial
rights to the islands. Famous for its pre-Lenten
celebration, Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, one of the
most popular in the world, is a festival bursting with
vivid colour, exquisite costumes, calypso music and
the pulsating steelpan, which is widely claimed to be
the only acoustic musical instrument invented during
the 20th century. This festival attracts close to 40,000
visitors annually which directly contributes an estimated
TT$18 million dollars in revenue. The diverse
cultural and religious background
of the people allows for many festivities
and ceremonies throughout
the year. Other indigenous art forms
include soca (a derivative of calypso),
parang (Venezuelan-influenced
Christmas music), chutney and the
famous Limbo dance. There are
several art galleries in the Port of
Spain area that feature the works of
both local and foreign artists. Small
but vibrant theatre and dance companies
thrive in Trinidad as well. The
cultural diversity of Trinidad and Tobago
is further reflected in the variety
of local food choices that range
from Indian influenced to the local
Creole cuisine. There is also a wide
choice of international cuisine and
popular North American fast foods
throughout the island.
Language
The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English.
Facilities exist for foreign language dealings and
translations, as may be required. In 2004, the government
initiated Spanish as a First Foreign Language
Program, heralding a large increase in Spanish proficiency
in the following years.
Spanish and French are taught at many of the nation’s