Sweet TnT Magazine Trinidad and Tobago Culture
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What do you think of when you hear the name Trinidad and Tobago? Stories about the islands vary among citizens, migrants and visitors as they share experiences about the people, food, music, entertainment, places, language, sports and politics. For every positive story, a bad one jumps out to rain on the parade.
But that does not stop the uplifting stories to be remembered and told by people throughout the world. Citizens enjoy numerous benefits, those who left to live abroad keep in touch with their roots, and visitors just cannot stop visiting repeatedly.
What do all these people have in common? They understand that there is something unique about Trinidad and Tobago that has given the islands the name “Sweet T&T” ages ago and that still stands in the world today.
Personal experiences in Trinidad and Tobago have been shared in numerous articles in the printed issues of Sweet TnT Magazine between 2011 and 2016. These fascinating stories are also posted on this website, and the links are shared throughout this article.
Here are 5 amazing truths about Trinidad and Tobago on which every person will agree, once you have set foot on the islands.
Hyatt Regency Trinidad
Hyatt Regency Trinidad is a luxury, high-rise hotel situated along the waterfront of Trinidad and Tobago’s capital city, Port of Spain. With smart furnishings, light and airy decor, re-designed social spaces as well as event space enhancements, our hotel offers guests an unsurpassed level of comfort, luxury and convenience that fit their changing needs. The hotel has 422 rooms including 15 suites, all of which have either a water or city view.
5 Truths about Trinidad and Tobago
1. People are happy and celebratory
There is a burst of friendliness and happiness among the people in Trinidad and Tobago no matter what the situation is like. While friendly people are an endangered species, they are found in abundance in Trinidad and Tobago.
Many visitors to the islands are amazed with the need of the locals to celebrate everything or gather in groups to share a drink, enjoy home-cooked and street foods, while they talk and laugh about nothing for long periods.
InvesTT states, “Trinidad and Tobago has been named the ‘happiest’ Caribbean country to live in according to the United Nations (UN). The country ranked 38th happiest country in the world based on the 2018 World Happiness Report released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations.”
In a BBC report in 2005 on the victory of the national football team against Bahrain to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, it states: “Instead of going to work the government called on citizens to go to the airport to welcome the triumphant team home. There was dancing in the streets… In the capital Port of Spain, people waved national flags and danced alongside steelband and percussion sections.”
Nothing stops the happiness in Trinidad and Tobago as you will always see smiles, laughter and celebrations flowing throughout the islands during natural disasters, economic downfalls, social ills, health concerns, competitive losses and political grievances.
Read articles about happy and celebratory people:
American visitor loves T&T
Winta from Africa just loving Trinidad
Travel blogger loves Trinidad and Tobago
South Trinidad always my home
Trinbago woman: My speech, food go with me
Trini Woman – hypnotised by her love
San Fernando city: A patriot pays tribute
To China and back home to Trinidad
Naturalist Beach Resort
The Naturalist Beach Resort provides a charm that brings people together and has a great number of returning guests listed as “VIP’s” The perfect type of settings to sooth you and allows you to totally unwind Simple recipe , forget you are a tourist, communicate and everything will fall into place as most of our guests do fit into our family like atmosphere and community spirit
2. Talent is abundant
The overflow of talent in Trinidad and Tobago is viewed everywhere that you turn on the islands. In almost every household, you will find persons with amazing voices, dance moves, humorous jokes, skillful hands, creative ideas and persistent personalities to be the best. Some of these talents are displayed at exhibitions, concerts, nightclubs, festivals, markets, beaches, roadsides and on social media.
There are many well-known calypsonians, comedians, dance performers, actors, costume designers, artists and authors. At the same time, there are numerous local talents across the islands whose works should also be enjoyed internationally. Some of them have been featured in Sweet TnT Magazine in the past.
Read articles about local talent:
Crafts
Creatives expressed their passion and inspiration behind their craftsmanship, and shared photos of their works.
Warren Le Platte – Board game: Play mas with Santimanitay
Joyce James-Pitman – Crochet art relaxes me
Shanique Moona – Lip gloss by Nique’s Necessities a hit in T&T
Denise Scott – Scottygirl Jewelry making thoughtful handmade gifts
Cherise Castle-Blugh – My handmade is heart-made
Makh Ticklal – Makh’s Pottery Shop makes ‘anything you want’
Neil Audain – Neil the genuine leather craftsman
‘One Love Rasta’ on the Avenue
Entertainment
Entertainers shared their stories from behind the stage and gave readers insights about their desires to perform.
Juliet Robin – A musician’s story
Enrico Hyasent, Aaron Charles, Kotis Esdelle and Kirt Esdelle – Electric Breakers dancing against crime
Keith Wason – Funny music: ‘Defprince!’ brings laughter to everyone
Candice, Diana, Spud, Eleanor and Vanessa Moore – Moore’s Music band brings good family vibes
Beauty culture
Beauty culture in Trinidad and Tobago is loaded with talented citizens and some told fascinating stories about their lives as nail techs, barbers, make-up artists and fashion designers.
Sommer Bugros – Nail tech Sommer makes people happy
Kelly Baptiste – Nail art is my therapy – Kelly Baptiste
Faisal Mohammed – Master of Fades, El Socorro one stop beauty shop
Quintin Feveck – Quintin aka Barber-Q guided by faith
Patrina Baptise – Look great with Makeup by Brianna Taylor
Kavita Marajh – Kavita: I’m in love with doing make-up
Nicketa Gomes – Miss Fancy Fashion House clothing made in T&T
Diane Wiltshire – Fashion: ‘Dressed Up’ online store brings vintage dresses
UpMarket offers food, clothing, jewelry and smiles
Artists and photographers
Artists and photographers shared their works and inspirations, and spoke about the enjoyment they feel when capturing memorable moments.
Cliff A Birjou – Birjou pushes the boundaries of art
Perusia Granger – Perusia’s passion for art started early
Richard Rampersad – I breathe life into an image
Magnolia Howell – Free thinker: Athlete now artist on a new track
Kyle Preudhomme – Production services: ‘We deliver high-quality media products’
Chad Wilson – Photography is an art – Chad Wilson
Authors, writers and poets
Authors, writers and poets talked about their literary works and shared some insights about their passion for writing.
Sandra Shah – Ah Trinbago Ting: Word search book for the family
Megan Subero – Coloring book: Lil Trinbagonian for culture, fun
Maya Thomas – NGC Sanfest 2016 – Maya wins poetry trophy
Beverley Ann Scott – The Stolen Cascadura a unique story in Trinidad
Stacey Alfonso-Mills – If I can, You Can Too a lovable children’s book
Donna Mae Greaves – Writing books a sweet challenge
Joel Frederick – Emotions expressed: A poet’s ‘masterpieces of metaphors’
Tricia S David – First book ‘Tuning with God’ begins Tricia’s mission
Ann Marie Amante – Ann Marie Amante: Reach your full potential
Natalie Orr – Wedding planning: DIY guide for couples
Natasha Carlow – Rainbow babies after a difficult journey
George Lynch – Lynch changes world helping African youth
Emiliya Ahmadova – Azerbaijani author’s ‘Caribbean Tears’ a must-read
Cuffie River Nature Retreat and Eco-Lodge
Cuffie River Nature Retreat, a romantic and secluded tropical rainforest and exotic birding resort located at the edge of Tobago’s main ridge – the oldest protected tropical rainforest in the western hemisphere. Enjoy exotic birding and tropical rainforest tours, romantic and secluded weddings, honeymoon and anniversary experiences, comfortable accommodation, wonderful cooking and personalized service. Our romantic and secluded resort offers opportunities for adventure vacations, unique and romantic wedding and honeymoon experiences, rainforest adventure tours and exotic birding in a tropical rainforest setting.
3. Food is desirable worldwide
Recipes made by cooks from Trinidad and Tobago are well known for having exceptional flavours using specific local ingredients with which citizens are very familiar. While many of these foods are created in other countries, Trinbagonians make those same recipes taste extra special by combining spices, green seasonings, peppers and other secret ingredients while using particular preparation styles that result in tantalising delicacies.
According to ChefPencil, Trinidad and Tobago is “famous for its rich melting-pot of cuisine, influenced by a multitude of cultures”. Some of the foods they list as most popular in the islands are Doubles, Aloo Pie, Saheena, Pholourie, Chow, Bake and Shark, Gyro, Souse, Barbecued Pigtail, Black Pudding, Curried Crab and Dumpling, Pelau, Oil Down, Pastelles, Roti, Coo Coo, Callaloo, Saltfish Buljol, Dhal, Cowheel Soup, Fish Broth, Corn Soup, Pone, Kurma and Soursop Ice Cream. TasteAtlas adds Coconut Bake and Curry Duck. On the list by Islands there are Pineapple Chow, Curry Goat with Buss-Up-Shut, Curry Mango, Baighan Chokha and Macaroni Pie.
Several local cooks have shared their stories behind their creations in past articles in Sweet TnT Magazine. They have also submitted photos of their foods for readers to enjoy.
Read articles about local chefs and foods:
Sham Mahabir
Trini dishes showcased at restaurants in London
Rachelle RV Thompson
Creole food for those who love old-fashioned cooking
Annisa Phillip
Proud to make fudge and toolum
Candice Hughes-Bengochea
Lavaughn Bonaparte
Hot chow flavoured pepper sauce
Shenée Winchester and Shanice Charles
Cereal made from dasheen and cassava a Tobago treat
Marissa Armoogam
Local food a delectable belly full
Souse! It’s not just a pork thing anymore
Natural teas and spices for rich Caribbean flavour
Chow time! What fruits are you having?
Fish broth a remedy for almost anything
Felix Padilla
Trini cooking: Culture preserved with a healthy twist
Candida Khan
Pastelle making a process for the whole family
Radha Ramoutar
Scrumptious fruit cake for my customers
Sylvester and Nicole Ryan
Restaurant quality dishes delivered to your home or office
Odetta Marina Ingram
Cooking and baking everything for everyone
Cassilda Spencer
Home-cooked food loaded with taste and love
Priyanka Singh and Celine Lopez
‘Ninja Chefs’ serves quality food and drinks for everyone
Kelly Athanas
‘Restaurant experience at home’ with Chef & Cheflys
Wendy Alexander
Tamarind balls, sauce and stew
Gail David
Katrina Khan
Sushi rolls made by my creative sister
Kervel Emmanuel
Chef Kel: Hospitality is our foundation
Kerry Mc Donald
Nadia Ali
Nuts – spicy, sweet, salty and savoury
Felesha Parboo
My first try at making hops bread
Kielon Hilaire
Aunty Sharon’s food is true Trini flavour
Cuisine In Ah Pot: Promoting healthy eating habits
World class hospitality graduates at TTHTI
Doubles man, one with slight pepper!
Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes
Coco Reef Resort & Spa
Exquisite architecture and well manicured grounds warmly welcome you to the enchanting paradise that is Coco Reef Resort. Tranquil turquoise waters caress the white sands of our private beach with magnificent snorkeling just outside the breakwater. Enjoy kayaking, pedalos, diving, tennis, gym, in-house shopping, massages, manicures, pedicures and much more.
4. Places to visit are breathtaking
Trinidad and Tobago is a haven for both citizens and travellers for the magnificent places to see and activities to enjoy. The islands are loaded with numerous monuments to view, mountains to hike, waterfalls and pools to relax, beaches to go swimming, boating and snorkelling, small islands to cruise around, waterparks, malls, restaurants and nightclubs to have some fun.
According to Planetware, the best places to visit and most rewarding things to do in Trinidad and Tobago are Maracas Bay, Englishman’s Bay, Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge, Pigeon Point, Port of Spain (Queen’s Park Savannah, Red House Parliament, Royal Botanical Gardens, National Museum and Art Gallery), Caroni Bird Sanctuary, Little Tobago Island, Mount St Benedict Monastery, Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust, Main Ridge Forest Reserve, and Fort King George and the Tobago Museum.
Several citizens have shared their experiences at places in Trinidad and Tobago with readers of Sweet TnT Magazine in past articles. They have also submitted photos that they took of these places.
Read articles about places in Trinidad and Tobago:
Let’s go to Mayaro where there’s no city vibes
Strolling down Princes Town
Moruga: A little village right off the shoreline
Chacachacare – come to my island!
Las Cuevas Beach for a cool dip
Scenic Port of Spain on Lady Chancellor Hill
Picturesque Vessigny beach
Serene Knolly’s Tunnel in Tabaquite
Temple in the sea in Waterloo
Chaguaramas Boardwalk time
Relaxing at Scarborough Botanical Gardens
Toco waters call for a family outing
Manzanilla a natural beauty!
A view of Fort James in Tobago
A relaxing afternoon at Plymouth
Beautiful Tobago a mystery explored
The thrill of Toco Beach with friends
Fort George a place for sightseeing
Rural vibe in Guaya, end point of Trinidad
Maracas Beach for families, friends and vendors
Beautiful unspoilt Columbus Bay
Chip chip – Manzanilla jewels and delicacy
Road trip to the Toco Lighthouse
Our scenic North Coast drive
Lady Chancellor Hill – original outdoor gym
Down memory lane to Granville Beach
Piparo – a picturesque rural village
Adventure at Buccoo village and Pigeon Point
Getaway to Tobago after hectic year
Our journey to Biche to attend Stoveman’s funeral
Natural cathedral in Chaguaramas
San Fernando city: A patriot pays tribute
Paria Waterfall journey a true workout for hikers
Salybia a peaceful place for family vacation
Family trip to serene Tyrico Beach
Beautiful Tobago a mystery explored
Our family trip down Manzan!
First visit to Salt Pond – Down the Islands
Icacos at the end of Trinidad
Sweet sweet sister isle Tobago
Liming in Gasparee Caves ‘Down De Islands’
Matura Basin – go swimming in mermaid pools
Cool and scenic Caura River
Bocas Islands cruise best water fun
Salybia a peaceful place for family vacation
Camping for Easter by Orosco River
Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort
The, 4 Star, Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is located on Tobago Plantations Estate, a 750 acre gated community, and offers 178 Deluxe OceanFront Rooms and 22 One and Two Bedroom Suites. All accommodations are Ocean Front with private balconies. This beachfront resort offers an 18-hole PGA Golf Course, its own Dive Center, Spa, and the largest amount of banquet & meeting space on Tobago. Complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the resort.
5. Entrepreneurship is widespread
Innovation and entrepreneurship are prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago as numerous citizens turn to monetising their talents, ideas and skills instead of depending on established companies to employ them. Big and small businesses emerge continuously all around the islands with support from both local and foreign customers.
Creatives sell their works through retailers, social media, friends, family members, at markets, beaches and exhibitions. There are many skilled labourers who do impressive work with a small crew in a very short space of time in almost any field. Then, there are the talented singers, musicians, poets, authors, cooks, graphic artists and fashion designers who flood the market with quality products and services from which consumers in Trinidad and Tobago can choose.
Support is offered to local entrepreneurs by the Government, institutions, and social groups around Trinidad and Tobago. Persons wishing to start businesses receive funding, guidance and a place to conduct business through these programmes.
Read articles about small businesses:
NEDCO – Entrepreneurial Funding and Training
Micro-Enterprise and Training Grant
FFTS Growing Businesses
Businesstt (Trinidad and Tobago buying, selling or providing a service)
My Business In Trinidad & Tobago
HFC MarketspaceOnline
Cricut, crafting & creatives in Trinidad
Trade fair for creatives in Trinidad & Tobago
Daycares and Preschools in Trinidad
Trini Videographers, Photographers & Creatives
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Galaxy S21 5G
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| Dimensions (Inches) | 2.80×5.97×0.31 in | 2.97×6.35×0.30 in | 2.97×6.50×0.35 in |
| Dimensions (Millimeters) | 71.2×151.7×7.9 mm | 75.6×161.5×7.8 mm | 75.6×165.1×8.9 mm |
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| Mobile software | Android 11 | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Camera | 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) | 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) | 108-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (telephoto) |
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| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB, 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB, 16GB |
| Expandable storage | No | No | No |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
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