History

Before the arrival of Columbus in 1498 the islands were inhabited by Amerindian tribes mainly the Caribs and the Arawaks. The indigenous people were no match for the Europeans but many aspects of Amerindian culture were preserved, and many towns, rivers and boroughs are named with Amerindian words.

Columbus landed in Trinidad in 1498, and the island was settled by the Spanish a century later the original inhabitants--Arawak and Carib Indians--were largely wiped out by the Spanish colonizers, and the survivors were gradually assimilated. Although it attracted French, free Black, and other non-Spanish settlers, Trinidad remained under Spanish rule until the British captured it in 1797. During the colonial period, Trinidad's economy relied on large sugar and cocoa plantations. Tobago's development was similar to other plantation islands in the Lesser Antilles and quite different from Trinidad's. During the colonial period, French, Dutch, and British forces fought over possession of Tobago, and the island changed hands 22 times--more often than any other West Indian island. Tobago was finally ceded to Great Britain in 1814.

With the abolition of slavery in 1834 planters found themselves without the traditional cheap labour to cultivate their agricultural plantations. This shortfall in labour was met by Indian indentured labourers who began to arrive in Trinidad in 1845. They migrated from Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab and other provinces, and were comprised of both Muslims and Hindus. From 1806 to 1866 the Chinese came as indentured labourers. In the 1850’s Portuguese indentured labourers came from the island of Madeira. Many Syrian and Lebanese also came to Trinidad, the last wave having arrived by 1934, and have sought to maintain their heritage in many respects- in terms of language, cuisine and family life; establishing themselves as entrepreneurs. Trinidad and Tobago was incorporated into a single colony in 1888.

The direction of the Trinidad and Tobago economy began to change in the 1850’s with the discovery of oil in Trinidad, and the commercialization of the petroleum industry during the early 20th century.

In 1958, the United Kingdom tried to establish an independent Federation of the West Indies comprising most of the former British West Indies. However, disagreement over the structure of the federation and Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago's withdrawal soon led to its collapse. Trinidad and Tobago achieved full independence in 1962 and joined the British Commonwealth.

Trinidad and Tobago’s citizens share a native tongue of English; however, in 2004 the government initiated the Spanish as a First Foreign Language. Small percentages also speak Hindi, French patois, and several other dialects. Learning foreign languages has become an increasingly growing yearn for many within the last few years.

Culture

Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its pre- Lenten Carnival celebration, which, by 2007, has attracted over 40,000 visitors and generated over $200 million dollars in revenue. It is also the birthplace of calypso music and the steel pan, which is widely claimed to be the only acoustic musical instrument invented during the 20th century. The diverse cultural and religious background allows for many festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. Other indigenous art forms include soca (a derivate of calypso), Parang (Venezuelan-influenced Christmas music), chutney, and pichakaree (musical forms which blend the music of the Caribbean and India) and the famous Limbo dance.
The artistic scene is vibrant. Trinidad and Tobago claims two Nobel Prize-winning authors, V. S. Naipaul and St. Lucian-born Derek Walcott. Mas' designer Peter Minshall is renowned not only for his carnival costumes, but also for his role in opening ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics, the 1994 Football World Cup, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics, for which he won an Emmy Award.

Sports are also a high priority in this country, namely cricket and football, or “soccer”. The Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors qualified for and participated in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The West Indies Cricket Team also comprises of Trinidad and Tobago nationals, who participate in the Cricket World Cup. The tropical climate encourages outdoor activities including yachting, sports-fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving and golf; and several facilities are available to accommodate these high energy past-times.

The cultural diversity is further reflected in the wide range of food choices. There is also the choice of international cuisine and popular North American fast foods.

There are several art galleries which feature the works of both local and foreign artists. A small, but vibrant theatre and dance group is emerging. The friendly attitude of the population encourages an amicable atmosphere for business discussions. Trinidadians and Tobagonians like to socialize and foreign visitors are warmly received. Simultaneously, there is a serious-minded, professional approach to international business dealings.