AnguillaMorrela Kenisha Findlay

Iam Kyle Ramdeo reporting for Condé Nast Traveler from the tropical paradise of Trinidad and Tobago. These are the last in the chain of islands that curves from Florida in the U.S.A. to Venezuela in South America. They stand majestically like emeralds scattered across blue silk. The multi-cultural mix, the

range of flora and fauna, and a people so quiet spirited are what give these islands their unique beauty.

Folks, there is a little bit of everything here if you look hard enough. The scenery will enthrall and the culture will intrigue. The eco-tourist will have his cup runneth over with the rainforests, coral reefs, mountain hiking, and rare birds.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this utopia with me. I am now at the Nareva Swamp and here, I have encountered a most interesting and amazing animal. This is the sea cow, or manatee. This animal is endangered because of pressures from poaching. This unusual creature feeds mainly on the water hyacinth and other grasses. Did I whet your appetite for more?

We are now journeying to the western peninsula. The beauty is nothing short of heavenly. Bamboo Cathedral and Mr. Catherine are names that seem to crystallize this reality. Exotic birds and animals such as ocelots and howler monkeys exist among the trails of Tucker Valley. Both locals and adventurous tourists seek this sanctuary. The sounds of the howler monkeys dominate the breathable air, similar to the perennial cock on the farm early in the morning.

Whether you come to bird watch or simply to relax, the Caroni Swamp will provide you with a premier nature experience. Approximately one hundred and ninety species of birds have been recorded for the Caroni Swamp, including resident and migratory waterfowl and forest species. Herons, Egrets, Landpipers, Yellowleg Ospreys, Pelicans, Scarlet Ibis and a myriad of other birds abound in the area.

You’ll surely be stimulated by the array of dishes produced by Trinbagonians. The way we cook in Trinidad is influenced by our multi-cultural people of African, Indian, Chinese and European descent. You can savour the taste of spicy doubles (chick peas) or opt for savoury callaloo with succulent crabs. Chinese food will surely lure you back to our hospitable shores.

Tobago, on the other hand, leaves you with long lasting memories. Life there is simple and laid-back. One can enjoy goat racing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and golf. Or, you can lie on your hammock or on the simple, quiet beaches and commune with nature. A visit to Tobago certainly washes away tensions, stresses, and cares.

Trinidad and Tobago offers you a once in a lifetime experience. The blend of the old and the new converge to make these two gems, a mind-blowing experience. This is an invitation to you to explore, taste, and feel the rhythm of two pulsating islands that will certainly unleash our motto, “Truth in Travel.”

“They stand majestically like emeralds scattered across blue silk.”

Trinidad & TobagoKyle Ramdeo

“Imagine that you are a travel journalist and have been assigned to write a story about your country for Condé Nast Traveler. Remember that our motto is Truth in Travel, and we like to go beneath the surface to show people more than just the usual tourist spots.”

My CaribbeanE s s a y C o n t e s t

in cooperation with the Caribbean Tourism Organization

14th annual

AnguillaMorrela Kenisha Findlay

My name is Crivanne Adams. I was born in Paradise, where the waters are clear as crystal and the sunset gives you a sense of peace. My country, known for its breathtaking beaches, historical sites and charming, friendly people, is the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Located southeast of the Bahamas and north of Haiti, this group consists of over thirty islands and cays, six inhabited islands and four inhabited cays.

Providenciales is the most developed island. There is an international airport where many major airlines such as American, Delta and British Airways transport persons to and from my country. In Providenciales, there are luxurious hotels such as Sandals and The Palms, with first class accommodations and activities for everyone’s enjoyment. Locals and tourists in Provo come to enjoy the Submarine Excursion to view the coral reefs.

The adventurous can explore the caves of Middle Caicos or go on a nature trail on Little Water Cay to rediscover our rock iguanas. Going scuba diving, snorkeling, exploring our beautiful coral reef, or swimming among stingrays is our way of life.

In North Caicos and Middle Caicos many of the islanders have their own farms where they take pride in growing vegetables for sale to the hotels on other islands. They also weave baskets and hats from local material such as fenna grass and silver palm.

Grand Turk is famous for its historical landmarks. These include Saint Thomas Anglican Church, the oldest church in our country, Bermudian style buildings such as the museum and library and the salt ponds that remind us of the past salt industry.

The population of the Turks and Caicos Islands is over twenty-five thousand and includes people from all over the world like Americans, Canadians, Haitians, Dominicans and citizens from many Caribbean islands who are mostly expatriate workers.

Life has really changed in Turks and Caicos. I remember my grandmother saying that growing up here things were very different. She said the children in her time used to attend an all-age school and fetch water. Neighbors shared everything, even a cup of sugar. She remembers pressing clothes and cooking for people to provide for the family while grandpa was sailing. Today, we still sail along the banks of our islands in dinghies and sloops. Mothers stayed home for the children while fathers worked.

We still care about each other and have a similar way of life as my grand parents, however our islands have developed so much that we rarely do some of these things. Our lifestyle has changed and we are into television, video games and fancy clothes. Tourism now plays a major role in our economy along with off-shore finance and fishing. You can only find a few mothers at home caring for their children, as fathers and mothers both work. We remain a small group of islands where everybody knows each other and regard each other as family. We take care of one another, we share in each others joys and sorrows. We are very religious and kind hearted.

Every year, each island celebrates a festivity. These include Regatta in South Caicos, TCI Summer Jam in Grand Turk and “Festarama” in North Caicos where girls compete in beauty pageants along with float parades and entertainment by local and international artists. The B.E.T. song festival, a blend of music and poetry, has become the most popular festivity here. There is always something to do in the TCI, from dining to the music of live junkanoo bands, to discos and karaoke. The islands are alive with culture and beauty.

Life is good here. We are blessed and just enjoy sharing our country with our visitors.

“I was born in Paradise, where the waters are clear as crystal and the sunset gives you a sense of peace. ”

Turks & CaicosCrivanne Adams

“Imagine that you are a travel journalist and have been assigned to write a story about your country for Condé Nast Traveler. Remember that our motto is Truth in Travel, and we like to go beneath the surface to show people more than just the usual tourist spots.”

My CaribbeanE s s a y C o n t e s t

in cooperation with the Caribbean Tourism Organization

14th annual

AnguillaMorrela Kenisha Findlay

T he Virgin Islands, to me, is the best place in the world, especially because of all the history it has. St. Thomas is known for famous people like Blue Beard and Captain Kidd. Our harbors give us history too. Long ago we had Spanish fleets in our harbor. But now you see cruise ships dropping off tourists

to see the island. You can even come to see our oldest building in St. Thomas. Fort Christian is over one hundred years old. I can’t forget about Blue Beards Tower. It is said that Blue Beard himself built the tower for his wife. See, one island can have a lot of history.

While you are here, you can hear some of our native music, language, lands and many more. Check out our library! You can learn about our official bird, flower and the Virgin Islands March. If you are a party lover who wants to have a good time, then come to the Virgin Islands at Carnival, a celebration of our finest tradition. It may be the best time you’ll ever have in St. Thomas. And for those who are godly, and doesn’t like to party a lot, there is a variety of churches you can go to.

We have the best resorts some known world-wide, like Holiday Inn, Ritz Carlton, to name a few. Looking for a nice tan? No problem. Go to one of the best beaches on the island, Magens Bay. Try one of our many restaurants like Cuzzins, Friends, and Little Boo Peep. We also have fast food restaurants like Papa Johns, Kapoli, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino’s and KFC. We have a cinema with all up-to-date movies, a game section, a popcorn stand, and five movie booths.

So what are you waiting for? Come down to St. Thomas where it is Paradise!

“Long ago we had Spanish fleets in our harbor. But now you see cruise ships dropping off tourists to see the island.”

U.S. Virgin IslandsTequan Cruse

“Imagine that you are a travel journalist and have been assigned to write a story about your country for Condé Nast Traveler. Remember that our motto is Truth in Travel, and we like to go beneath the surface to show people more than just the usual tourist spots.”

My CaribbeanE s s a y C o n t e s t

in cooperation with the Caribbean Tourism Organization

14th annual