Life on my Island

I live on an island called Trinidad which is in the Caribbean. It is the larger island of our twin island republic - Trinidad and Tobago. I case you still have no clue where we are, get a world map, look just off the tip of Venezuela..and bingo..you have found us. We are actually only about 7 nautical miles from Venezuela. On a clear day I could see the mountains of Venezuela from the porch of the house I grew up in.

I was born in Trinidad and feel very blessed to be a Trinidadian. My mum is a second generation Trinidadian, my father was from Guyana. My mum's mother was born in Barbados and my mother's Grandfather was an Anglican Reverend who came to Trinidad from England to run the Anglican church in Toco. My Dad's father was born in Guyana and his mother was born in Suriname and grew up speaking dutch. As you can see, I come from a real melting pot of cultures! And that is what Trinidad is like - it is a place of great diversity. A little island populated by people who came from all over the world and found a home here. We have many races and creeds all living together in harmony. We celebrate each others' festivals, respect each others' religions and take pride in the fact that this land has birthed many creative and talented people. Where else in the world can you find Africans lighting deyas for Divali, or Hindus putting up Christmas trees and celebrating Christmas, or Syrians out in the streets to see the wonderful Hosay processions the Muslims have,or Chinese people enjoying a good curry with their Indian friends?

We have carnival, calypso, steel band, the most amazing and delicious array of food you will probably ever find, lovely beaches, bustling cities, quiet country areas and music that moves your feet and stirs the soul. We have warmth - and not just from the sun. Visit our country and you are sure to make a friend within moments of landing who is only too eager to introduce you to "Richard's shark and bake" at Maracas or a good old fashioned Trini Lime at their home. "Liming" is Trini slang for hanging out with your friends and having a good time. Something we do well! A Trini can make any event an occasion to remember.

Trini's love to laugh. And we love to poke fun at each other. From very young you learn how to be on the giving and receiving end of a joke and take it all in stride. A walk down a street on any given day (as long as you can catch our sing song accent and learn a couple local words) can literally have you doubled over in stitches laughing at the 'ole talk'.

Trinidad is a land of beaches, mountains, forests, temples, mosques and churches, rivers and birds, culture and art and rhythm and song. The photos I have posted are only a fragment of the many wonderful experiences you can have here. We are truly blessed as a people to have such a treasure trove of culture and beauty.

But every paradise must have its snake. In recent times I have shed tears for my beautiful country. For the few people who are growing up without morals or care. For the rise in crime and for a Government that seems to be turning a blind eye on its people. No longer is our paradise as safe as it was..but this seems to be the trend world wide. People are forgetting what it is like to be a good neighbour, to be a friend, to treasure what we have as a people. But still, I would tell you to come see for yourself that there are still many wonderful people left here who are willing to share this beautiful place with you. Our magic island.