A Mental Do Over!

With conflicts brewing, racism, sexism and tensions mounting people are losing their sense of humanity. This will have a catastrophic effect everywhere in the world.

There is a famous saying, “God must be a trini.” We often forget how blessed we are on the islands Trinidad and Tobago; where many races or differing religions live in relative harmony.

We may be going through serious changes financially and socially, but never forget the splendor of the islands! Rediscover the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago with this mental do over! Here are just some to be proud off:

Main Ridge Reserve, Tobago

Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago

The 14,000 acres of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago (rising to 876m/1,890ft) encompasses the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. It became a reserve in 1776, and is full of hiking trails and opportunities for eco adventure.

Grand Riviere turtle nesting site

Grand Riviere turtle nesting site in Trinidad.

Grande Rivière (in northeast Trinidad) is the second largest leatherback turtle nesting site in the world, with 18% of the total global population nesting here. During turtle nesting months (March to September, and sometimes as early as January) — Trinidad and Tobago become two of the world’s most important turtle nesting grounds, and not only for the endangered leatherbacks. Hawksbill, green turtles, and other species — all of which are legally protected on our shores — come up on north and east coast beaches to nest during nesting season.

Steelpan to the world

Exodus steel band at the 2016 Panorama finals in Trinidad.

Steel bands exist all over the globe, from the US to Japan and Australia. Local ones have performed at prestigious venues world-wide. In 2015, a steelpan concerto (the second ever composed) was premiered at the Kennedy Centre in Washington by the US National Symphony Orchestra, featuring pannist Liam Teague. And in case you need the refresher, the steel pan — forged in the Laventille hills above Port of Spain, Trinidad some 80 years ago — is the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.

The majestic La Brea pitch lake

La Brea pitch lake in south Trinidad.

The Pitch Lake at La Brea is one of only three natural asphalt lakes in the world (the other two are in Venezuela and California). The result of a fault in the sandstone 250 feet down, through which crude oil or bitumen seeps, the pitch has been exported for decades, for use on roofs and road surfaces. Though you can walk on its surface, objects have been swallowed up, sometimes reappearing years later as the pitch slowly swirls.

The hottest of hot peppers

Moruga Scorpion Pepper

The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper was ranked as the world’s hottest pepper by the Guinness Book of Records.

The Nylon Pool, Tobago

The Nylon Pool, Tobago

The Nylon Pools are sand beds in the middle of the ocean, with water as clear as nylon stockings. Only assessable on boat; its mandatory to go with a tour guide. 

The best “Bitters”

Angostura Bitters

The world-renowned Angostura Bitters, while first formulated by Dr JGB Siegert in Venezuela, it has been manufactured in and exported from Trinidad since 1875. Siegert and his family — and the family business — migrated to the island around that time. The Port of Spain company, the House of Angostura, has kept their legendary recipe a secret since 1824.

King of “King Cocoa”

Trinidad and Tobago Cocoa beans

Trinidad & Tobago’s fine flavour cocoa is some of the best in the world. It won first prize in the category of “spicy” in the prestigious Salut du Chocolat in Paris, France, in 2011. Entrepreneurs are working on creating delicious, branded chocolate from cocoa grown right here.

These are just a few facts that bring pride in the hearts of this Trinbagonian. It’s time we have a mental do over!

Share in the comments section what you're proud of from our sweet T&T!