Trinidad Sweet: The People, Their Culture, Their Island

"Trinidad Sweet- The People, Their Culture, Their Island" is a comprehensive account of what the island of Trinidad, the major component of the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is really like. It is not a run-of-the mill tourist guide, but a serious attempt to get at the soul of this unique land, famous for its Carnival, its Calypso, and its pre-eminence in steelband music of which it is the originator. The many facets of the multi-cultural society are described frankly, explaining the origins of the many ethnic groups which make up the population. The festivals other than Carnival are detailed, as well as its varied cuisine, its artists, including the 2001 Nobel laureate for literature, Vidya Naipaul, its uniquely prolific birdlife, and its sporting scene, including famed cricketer Brian Lara. A review of its history from its earliest days when Sir Walter Raleigh set up base camp for his search for El Dorado close to the world famous Pitch Lake unknown! to the smattering of Spanish colonists living in the north of the island; to the recent political history (up to 1997) gives a thorough thumbnail survey of the country's background.

The second half of the book gives an intimate description of all the areas of the island. Port of Spain, the capital receives most coverage, but every part is covered from the weekend resort islands off the Western peninsular to the oil camps at the South East promontery where Columbus first saw the Trinity Hills from which the island takes its name. (end)