Exit "Sail Week", enter "Carnival Regatta"

One of the challenges of producing an annual print guide to T&T is that things change rapidly. One of the things we featured in our annual calendar for 2009 was the Angostura Tobago Sail Week competition which typically happens each May, toward the end of the sailing season.

This year there have been four major changes to the popular international event (click here to read our write-up of last year's event). Firstly, the dates have changed and it was moved up to February (this year it took place the week before T&T's Carnival. Secondly, the venue was shifted from Crown Point to Pigeon Point, with a regatta village open to the public. Thirdly, the competition introduced new courses and categories. And finally, it's been re-christened the Tobago Carnival Regatta, with a change in main sponsors from Angostura to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Tourism Development Company (TDC).

But according to the T&T Sailing Association's Jerome McQuilkin, as reported in the Trinidad Express, "the format is perfect, the venue is second to none, and the event proved to be a great successs."

The number of vessels participating was down slightly over last year, but with the new time slot, it was in line with what organisers anticipated, and they expect to see an increase from next year.

Community-Based Tourism in Tobago

The Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute will be conducting a workshop entitled: COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM IN TOBAGO: VISIONING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING

This is a special, regionally piloted, four day seminar designed to strengthen community and grass root group initiatives as they prepare themselves to take advantage of opportunities in the tourism sector.

The institute is inviting community group leaders, community liaison officers, project officers of NGOs and government officers connected to tourism development at the community level to take advantage of this opportunity.

The workshop starts on February 26th and runs until March 1st, 2009 and includes a study tour of villages in Tobago.

No oil for us: Bonaire looks toward sustainable energy

Image by Nick Atkins Photography via Flickr

Bonaire is making strides as it looks to be the first Caribbean island powered 100% by sustainable energy.

Back in 2007, the government began a project to reduce its reliance on foreign fossil fuels by developing a 11MW wind farm, 14MW biodiesel plant, and a 3MW backup battery, all spearheaded by Ecopower Bonaire BV. The first phase is due for completion at the end of this year.

A pilot 330KW wind turbine, whose current energy production exceeds any initial expectations, has already been installed, and 12 additional 990KW wind turbines are being installed on the north coast of the island, where wind and surf conditions are most ideal.

Developers are projecting that by the end of the year, these wind turbines should produce 44% of the island’s energy. The remaining 56% will be produced by the planned 14MW biodiesel generators, converting fuel derived from algae, which will enable the island to shift to 100% sustainable energy supply within five years. All electricity generated will be delivered to WEB (Water and Energy Bonaire). After completion of the entire project, Ecopower Bonaire BV will remain owner of the wind-biodiesel system.

All this takes shape before a backdrop of the island celebrating the 40th anniversary of the island's Washington-Slagbaai National Park and the 30th anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park, and the island's commitment to conservation.

Belize leads the pack

Image via Wikipedia

It's not just an idea any more, but a necessity. In the face of a global economic slowdown, erratic fuel prices, corporate collapses, and environmental degradation the world over (I hate to sound like the Book of Revelations, but you know...), competing for tourist dollars while growing a sustainable and healthy tourism industry is an urgent need for Caribbean nations.

Belize seems to have gotten the idea, and is putting its money where its mouth is. In recent weeks, the government has pledged over $13million to promote responsible tourism, with a focus on its most popular tourism destinations: San Ignacio in the Cayo District, Placencia in the Stann Creek District, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, and Belize City.

In the words of Belize's Director of Tourism for the Belize Tourism Board: "our focus is to help build Belize as an emerging destination in a responsible way, thereby setting the tone for future developments and advances throughout the country. The initiatives presented in Belize’s new plan will promote sustainability and foster mutually beneficial relationships between residents and investors."

In Belize City, infrastructural developments will include a pedestrian link from the cruise ship port to the city’s downtown area, allowing locals to benefit from cruise tourism; as well as re-surfacing of the street, installation of wider sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. In Placencia, a natural disaster management plan will be put into place, along with the construction of an extended pier, allowing visiting yachts and boats to dock and access the area. In San Pedro, an outlet mall will be built on the western side of the town, which will create new jobs and local opportunities for growth. And, in San Ignacio, the sustainable tourism projects will focus on improving accessibility to, and preservation of, key archeological sites. In addition, a town cultural center will be developed to help tourists access all the services San Ignacio has to offer.

Complementing the new initiative in May will be the third annual World Conference on Responsible Tourism by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

Fisheries

Earlier this year, the Belize government also passed legislation protecting bonefish, permit and tarpon – and consequently the coral ecosystems they inhabit – from any fishing which does not involve catch and release. This is intended to consolidate Belize's appeal as a fly-fishing destination, by protecting its marine resources from depletion.

Initiatives like this one are part of Belize's longstanding commitment to preserving its national environment. Over 40% of the country's natural resources have been dedicated to preservation efforts, from the creation of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – the first jaguar sanctuary in the world – to the dedication of Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Travellers' Choice

Belize's legislative and conservation efforts have not been in vain. According to a recent TripAdvisor poll, Belize's hotels and resorts are also considered among the best in the world. Nine villas were recognised in the site's 2009 Travelers' Choice Awards: Mopan River Resort; Hamanasi Resort; Chabil Mar Villas; Mata Chica Beach Resort; Thatch Caye Resort; Victoria House; White Sands Cove Resort; Cotton Tree Lodge; and The Villas at Banyan Bay.

Tips for using the Water Taxi service

The new coastal water taxi service in Trinidad has not come without controversy: a late launch, breakdowns, protests from fishermen and terrestrial taxi drivers... Despite large pullouts and advertisements in the local newspapers, the service has left many scratching their heads and trying to figure out when, if and how to use it.

Blogger Keith in Trinidad has put together his own list of tips for using the service that our readers might well find useful. We've posted some excerpts here:

• The ferry service only runs on weekdays and at scheduled times. Departure is always on time.
  
• The service costs TT$15 one-way, and you can purchase tickets at either jetty for any scheduled sailing in the current week
• For TT$3 more, you can purchase a PTSC bus transfer service in either an easterly or westerly direction from the port through Port of Spain as an attachment to your ticket
  
• Tickets are sold for a specific sailing in one direction, and are both non-refundable and non-transferable
  
• You can park for free in secure facilities at the Cruise Ship Complex and at the San Fernando jetty while you travel on the ferry
• The sailing schedule is set weekly, is published in the daily papers, and is displayed on whiteboards near the ticket booths at both ports. As far as I know, there is no number to call to get the schedule, nor is there a website where you can check the schedule
  
• If a cruise ship is scheduled to be in the Cruise Ship Complex on a particular day, this is catered for in the week's sailing schedule and will be reflected by fewer sailings on the day or days that the cruise ship is in port. From what I gather and understand, the water-taxi service is running from temporary quarters in both San Fernando and Port of Spain, although the San Fernando jetty might better be described as semi-permanent. The boats are renting time at a berth at the Cruise Ship Complex in Port of Spain until their permanent jetty is constructed closer to the Breakfast Shed at the end of Independence Square. Make sure to review the schedule for that week on the Monday.
• Sailing may also be impacted unscheduled issues. If one or more of the four boats break down for whatever reason, then the week's schedule will of course be impacted. Incidents here seem to have disappeared with increased vigilance on the part of the ferry crews and greater attention to maintenance.
• There is security on each boat in the form of an Amalgamated Security Company officer. All passengers are scanned and their bags checked before boarding. Access to both jetties in Port of Spain and San Fernando is security-restricted.
  
• From what I've heard, the service started with about 15 of the current San Fernando-based regulars on its first day or two. Now, boats are running with just a handful of seats unoccupied. There may come a time where you won't be able to buy a ticket for a day's sailing on the same day.
• Yes, the trip really does take about an hour from cast off to docking

Eastern Caribbean to represent at T&T's Soca Monarch 2009

The Caribbean will be well represented on Friday February 20 for the finals of the International Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Monarch competitions.

About eight singers from islands such as St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and St Vincent have made it to the finals carded to take place on Fantastic Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Many of them are titleholders in their native islands which gained them automatic entry into the finals. Claudette "CP" Peters has been Antigua's Party Monarch for the last four years; Luni Spark and Electrify became the first duo to win Grenada's Soca Monarch competition in 2007 and repeated that feat in 2008; Ricky T has won St Lucia's Road March title for the past three years; Skinny Fabulous, whose song Head Bad has been mashing up T&T airwaves, is St Vincent's 2008 Soca Monarch; while Khiomal is a former Calypso and Tune of the Crop winner in Barbados.

Also in the lineup is Tizzy from Antigua and Zoelah from St Vincent.

The Caribbean crew will be up against soca heavyweights such as Faye-An Lyons, who is widely favoured to win both the Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch titles, her husband Bunji Garlin, the reigning soca monarch, former Groovy and Power Soca Monarch Shurwayne Winchester and former winner Iwer George.

Below is the full list of competitors who will be vying for the TT$1m first prize.

Soca Monarch

• Defending champion Bunji Garlin
• Iwer George
• Faye Ann Lyons Alvarez
• Blaxxx
• Berbis
• Patrice Roberts
• Shurwayne Winchester
• Claudette Peters
• Skinny Fabulous
• Ricky P
• Khiomal
• Luni Spark and Electrify

Groovy category

• Defending champion Shurwayne Winchester
• Faye Ann Lyons
• Biggie Irie
• Nadia Batson
• Hunter
• Patch and Mastermind
• Zoelah
• Tizzy and Richard Trumpet
• Kerwin Dubois
• Benjai
• Zan

THTI Valentine's Night Dinner

On Saturday 14th February, Love is in the air as the Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute invites you to its Valentine's Night Dinner. 

"Love at the Top" at Top O the Mill Restaurant and Bar in Mt. St. George will also feature entertainment and dancing.

Dinner starts at 7:00pm.

Release 2 Tobago

Vogue Promotions, a group of young up coming promoters, has carded an event for the Carnival season in Tobago, calling it ‘Release 2 Tobago’. This affair is scheduled to launch with a party at the Deep nightclub, Crown Point on Saturday February 21st and then move to CIAO Café’s parking lot Scarborough, from Carnival Sunday 22nd February to Tuesday 24th February 2009.

A registered company since 22nd June 2006, it has been the dream of founder and CEO Kevon McKenna to have VP etched into the entertainment industry. From then until now, VP. was able to host 5 events: Scream, Light It Up, Liquid 1 & 2 and Vogue Turns II. Scream took place at the Deep Night Club located behind the Crown Point Airport to a sold out audience of about 500.

Release to Tobago will feature a minimum of 10 DJ’s, cultural groups, mas bands and some of Tobago’s finest soca artists. After partying until dawn on Saturday at the Deep nightclub, the celebration moves on Sunday night into J'Ouvert morning at CIAO Café’s parking lot, which will be transformed into a soca water and foam theme park. On Carnival Monday night, the stage will be graced with top performers such as Fire Fusion, Princess Adana, Fashion Police, Rhythmic Vibrations and many more. And on Tuesday, the party continues and closes off the festivities.

Partnering with the National Aids Coordination Committee (NACC) to promote sexual awareness, it has been the main social responsibility focus that Vogue Promotions has adopted for this Carnival season. This event has attracted different crews throughout Tobago such as: Beach Bums, Mayhem, Party Animals, Vogue’s very own crew and many others. Specific colour identify each crew.

THA's Carnival Personality and Calypso Competition

(At Right - Tobago's Carnival Calendar. Click to download)

An annual event, the THA's Interdepartment Show is a platform that brings together approximately 70% of the entire Tobago House of Assembly work force. In the early stages, it was as a small Culture Department project, primarily to create an arena for individuals within various D=departments in the THA to have friendly and healthy competitions in a Ms. Personality and Calypso competition. This concept quickly grew from a handful of departments in the THA to all the various divisions and other government agencies throughout the island.

The show is about 10 years old, and every year the participation has been increasing. Thus far, personalities and calypsonians from the Office of the Chief Secretary, Settlement and Labor, Education, Youth and Sports, Airport Authority, Port Authority, Infrastructure and Public Utility, Community Development, Agriculture Marine Affairs & Environment, Health and Social Services, Fire Services, Finance and Enterprise, T&TEC, Police Services and Tourism have indicated their intention to participate.

Considered one of the signature events on the Carnival calendar, the Interdepartment Show brings all of Tobago’s work force together in the spirit of island unity and creates support for our local carnival season industry.

A few of the Ms. Personality Contestants below from left to right:

• Port Authority
  
• Education
  
• Office of the Chief Secretary
  
• Agriculture Department

Gearing up for JOY + FIRE

It's that time again, when lovers of Trini music – particularly rapso – and those looking for something a little different from the fetes and monarch competitions that abound this time of year flock to 3canal's hit carnival presentation.

This year, the show takes the name of the band's brand spanking new album, JOY+FIRE, and plays at Queen's Hall with previews from the 12th to the 21st of February.

And after a month of being on the road and hopelessly poor at blogging, I've finally posted excerpts from Discover T&T's interview with Wendell and Roger from the end of December, as they talk about the album, the show and the jouvay (a 10-minute version is also available on YouTube, as Discover and MEP test the podcasting/multimedia waters!):

Showtimes & Tickets:

• Previews: Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th February. Tickets $120, open plan
• Gala Opening: Monday 16th February, part proceeds to K.I.N.D (Kids In Need of Direction). Tickets $300 open plan and $350 reserved
• The Run: Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st February. Tickets $250 open plan and $300 reserved
• Tickets available at the Queen's Hall Box Office (868-624-1284, 12–6pm daily) and online at CaribbeanBoxOffice.net
  

More on 3canal:

• Georgia Popplewell of Caribbean Free Radio's weekly cut + clear Carnival podcasts
• 3canal's YouTube video channel (including videos for their two new releases, Islands and Boom Up History)
• 3canal cover story in Caribbean Beat
• Discover T&T interview with 3canal on the direction of Trinbago music

$600M Wastewater Plant to Affect Future Viability of Buccoo Reef

Newly elected representative for Canaan/Bon Accord Tobago Rolly Quaccoo was among the very attentive audience at one of WASA's series of public consultations held on Tuesday 27th January at the Canaan/Bon Accord Community Centre. Other THA members included the Chief Administrator of THA, Mr. Keens-Dumas, and newly elected Secretary for Infrastructure and Public Utilities Godwin Adams. The meeting discussed the soon to be constructed TT$600 million integrated wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system.

The state-of-the-art facility has been on the back burner since 1994 and the delay in construction has not only cost the country an extra TT$400 million, but significant destruction to the Buccoo Reef Marine system could have been avoided had the original proposal been implemented over ten years ago.

(My feeling, though, is that had hoteliers been better corporate citizens, and had WASA been a better "public servant", there was no way all that filth would have been allowed to run into the oceans for so many years and sabotage the very environment that feeds Tobago ... but I digress)

The aim is to connect 100% of the residents and businesses in the southwest Tobago area (which includes the areas from Crown Point to Scarborough, Bacolet, and Plymouth) and treat all waste water before it is disposed of, off the coast of the island.

The long term construction and connection activities are expected to be done with the use of new technology to reduce environmental impact (e.g. "trench-less drilling") and there will be monitoring and evaluation throughout the process, in order to ensure as little a possible is done to disturb the environment. The strategic plan includes the establishment of a Community Liaison for lodging of complaints and resurfacing of areas immediately after pipe-laying, and re-use of final effluent for fire-fighting, irrigation/agricultural and industrial purposes.

Well, big talk...but we shall see.

Crown Point J’Ouvert Launch 2009

The Crown Point Carnival Committee is inviting members of the public to its J’Ouvert 2009 Launch. Specially invited guests include Tracy Davidson Celestine, Secretary for Community Development and Culture; Secretary for Tourism and Transportation Oswald Williams; and Chairman of the Tobago Festivals Committee Garnet Peters.

The festivities take place on the corner of Milford Rd and Pigeon Point Junction (in front of Golden Star Entertainment Complex) on Saturday 7th February, 7–11pm.

This event will showcase eight participating bands in Crown Point's J'Ouvert for 2009 and will feature costume exhibits, and facilitate registration for would-be masqueraders.

Entertainment for the evening will come from a number of local entertainers, and will be offered up alongside local foods, drinks and sponsor giveaways.