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News
1 December 2005
After over 10 years of a stable currency exchange rate to the US Dollar (floating exchange rate), the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar depreciated from TT$ 6.2999 to TT$ 6.3299, the highest rate change in a decade. The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago increased the Repo Rate just a few days ago to 6%. The banks report states that food prices have increased by 22% over the past 12 months. In our opinion the new exchange rate will mean a further increase of food prices and other goods as T&T is a consumer nation with a very high percentage of imports. Inflation here we come!
16 November 2005
The government of Trinidad and Tobago declared Thursday 17th or November 2005 as a public holiday, encouraging all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the welcoming celebrations of the returning victorious T&T football team. Trinidad and Tobago will be the smallest country ever participating in a FIFA World Cup. A motorcade from Piarco Airport to Port of Spain will create Carnival like celebrations in Trinidad.
16 November 2005
The Trinidad and Tobago football team is writing history. After the Soca Warriors only achieved a 1:1 against Bahrain on Saturdays match at the Hasely-Crawford Stadium in Trinidad, today they defeated the Bahrain team in Bahrain 1:0. The mood in the stadium got a bit hostile at the end as the Bahrain team feverishly tried to get the equaliser, which would be the pass to the Worldcup 2006. Trinidad and Tobago will now participate at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany (more).
27 October 2005
Tobago Express, provider of the the airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago received approval for a rate increase. Effectively from 1-Nov-2005 the subsidised return fare will be TT$ 300.00, a 50 percent increase to the current fare.
15 September 2005
It happens in Trinidad ... After the new to come Cable Network Channel 3 (CNC3) broadcasted for a number of weeks a test signal on CCTT cable channel 3 and just a few hours before the official first broadcast at 7pm, the newly formed Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) put a halt to it. The new station located in the Guardian building in St. Vincent Street (4th Floor), operated by ANSA McAl's Trinidad Publishing and Broadcasting Company, is apparently breaking the law by broadcasting nationwide using cable only as a medium. Presumably using the Internet as the broadcast medium and reaching the world instead of the around 100,000 cable subscribers would not have conflicted with the law.
14 September 2005
Trinidad and Tobago is well on its way as a developing country. Unfortunately it seems to be mainly in the crime developing area of expertise. After the now daily killings (over 250 for the year), very frequent kidnappings, we now also experience frequent bombings in Port of Spain. Despite the rising crime, food, real-estate etc. prices  are at an all time high. Just gas prices are more comparable with prices 40 years ago in the US.
31 August 2005
Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating the 43rd Independence Day. As a former British Colony, T&T gained independence on 31 August 1962 and became a Republic in 1976.
10 August 2005
Tobago Gourmet Jazz Festival 2005 - August 12-14 is scheduled for the Tobago Gourmet Jazz Festival. International stars like Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Shaggy, Babyface, Angie Stone, India Arie, Lalah Hathoway, The O' Jays, Doug E Fresh, the Tobago All Star Jazz Band and others are scheduled to be present at Fort James in Plymouth, Tobago. An event in the nice atmosphere of the still unspoiled Caribbean Island of Tobago. (www.tobagojazzfest.com)
3 August 2005
The Federal Aviation Administration upgraded the safety category for Trinidad and Tobago to the highest rating of 1. After 4 years in the downgraded category 2, T&T has again joined world class standards for aviation safety. (FAA Press Release)
1 August 2005
Emancipation Day celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago focus on the African roots of over 40% of T&T's population. A public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.
30 July 2005
The 37th Carib Great RaceThe 37th Carib Great Race, a 86 miles powerboat race between Trinidad and Tobago started early Saturday morning and after 1 hour 49 min .... the 'Soul Rebel' reached Tobago in first position, with Matrix II in second and Dingolay in third. The first two boats are production class boats. Castrol Extreme reached after 1h and 15 min in 4th position. Last years winner 'Mr. Solo Too', came in fifth due to a one hour late start for this class, with a time of 58 min and 2 seconds, breaking last years time by 19 minutes and again fastest boat in this race.
21 July 2005
Local telecommunications provider TSTT is troubled again. Since 1am TSTT's high speed Internet access is non-functioning. Residential and business customers are unable to connect to the Internet using the ADSL service. Customers have to switch back to the slow dialup service. For most business customers not a possible option. (refer to TSTTproblems.com) (update: after over 11 hours downtime TSTT was able to fix the problem)
21 July 2005
Despite a rainy 'Rainy Season', the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) of Trinidad and Tobago is unable to supply water to many households in T&T. For the first time in many years we are experiencing dry pipes during the evening hours. Beside the 'normal' low water pressure in the morning and evening hours experienced in the last few years, we a re now left without any water at all. Households without water tanks are left in the open with dried up pipes, despite monthly payments to WASA..(refer to vision 2020)
15 July 2005
TSTT's GSM cellular network collapsed for the second day today. Cellular subscribers were unable to use their phones for most of Thursday evening and Friday. This is the second 'cell-crash' within four weeks. Despite that TSTT's network is a mini-network compared to other GSM networks worldwide, the reliability and availability has never reached world standard.
13 July 2005
The tropical storm depression Emily is threatening the Caribbean. Moving closer to Trinidad and Tobago now, Tobago is placed under a Hurricane Warning, Trinidad is under Hurricane watch. Business owners have been advised to close after 12:30pm.
Tobagos' Crown Point Airport has apparently closed, whilst Trinidad's Piarco airport remains open.(1:20pm).
Emily got downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning (5pm). The Piarco International Airport will be closed until 11pm. Crown Point will re-open at 8am on Thursday.
11 July 2005
Madness strikes Trinidad. A bomb explosion in Frederick Street, downtown Port of Spain, injured 14 people. Authority remain clueless who did this malicious attack to the people of Trinidad.
3 July 2005
Kidnapped brothers Richard and Ron Nath have been freed this afternoon by the police and defense force. Two of the kidnappers are identified as police officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Where has T&T reached? More and more people are leaving Trinidad due to the crime situation.
1 July 2005
Trinidad's criminal infestation continues rising! Kidnappers, apparently wearing Muslim garbs have kidnapped brothers Richard and Ron Nath on Monday on the way back from their furniture store in Sangre Grande. Kidnapping and other criminal activities in Trinidad is putting Trinidad under siege. With another record high for kidnappings in 2005, authorities seem to be powerless. Despite several government driven anti-crime activities, crime is affecting more and more people in T&T. Investors have so far ignored the crime trend in Trinidad as real-estate prices are far beyond a price level that a 'normal' person can afford to pay and government incentives to invest in Trinidad are still attractive.
A private anti-crime initiative is making rounds at www.trinidadmurders.org. Sign the petition at : trinidadmurders.org
23 June 2005
Good News for all mobile phone users in Trinidad and Tobago. Today, the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago announced that the online bidding process for a spectrum license was won by Irish Digicel and local company Laqtel. Digicel is also in the process of acquiring the Caribbean operations of Cingular Wireless, the recent AT&T/Cingular merger. While Digicel has a strong Caribbean base and is already leader in several Caribbean countries, Laqtel is a local newcomer. Recent advertisements in the local newspapers were advertising for CDMA, as the next generation cellular standard. Maybe Laqtel is going to use CDMA?
1 June 2005
Trinidad and Tobago's GSM cell phone users got stranded today when TSTT's GSM cell network crashed after a software upgrade. For most of the day GSM cellular phones could not be used for any calls. More at TSTTproblems.com
1 June 2005
UNC party leader and former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday spent his first night in prison after refusing to take bail for corruption charges in the Piarco Airport project.
30 May 2005
Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating 'Indian Arrival Day', a public Holiday in T&T. 160 Years since the arrival of the ship 'Fatel Razack' from India, bringing the first Indian indentured labourers to T&T.
27 May 2005
We Beat, The Street Festival  in St. James, Trinidad has opened on Friday 27th and will entertain with a cultural variety of Music, Food, Party time, Kaiso, Steelbands and more until Saturday 4th June 2005.
21 May 2005
Taste T&T the Trinidad and Tobago Culinary Experience 
The Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) and the Ministry of Tourism are hosting a Culinary Festival on May 21st & 22nd 2005 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 6.00p.m. to midnight. The culinary experience features an eclectic mix of the multi ethnic cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago as well as local entertainers and musicians.
Under the guidance of Chef Debra Sardinha-Metivier, our country’s top chefs will showcase their culinary masterpieces on the two nights of the festival. Caribbean and Latin American fusion, French, East Indian, Arabic, Italian and Asian flavors will all be presented to festival patrons by the chefs at this year’s festival – Khalid Mohammed, Moses Ruben, Paul Mowser, Sharaz Mohammed, Angelo Cofone, Dwane Henderson, Gerard Mouille, Joe Brown, Mona Hadeed, Joseph Habr and Yan Wen Yu.
Menu items include a Pepperpot of Beef Short Ribs nestled between soft Coo-Coo, Pitch Lake Pork dish made of Geera Tarred Pork Loin with a Pineapple Chutney sauce, Smoked Salmon & Green Asparagus Bavarios or a Spicy Tamarind and Guava Chicken with Sherman Bread and Cucumber Raito Gujarati Chicken Tandoori with a coriander yogurt sauce served on Naan Bread.
- Entrance is Free -
$150.00 tickets entitle patrons to sample 6 gourmet dishes. In addition, traditional food delights will also be on sale, including dishes prepared by cooks from Tobago.
20 May 2005
The new fast ferry between Trinidad and Tobago, "The Lynx", has reached the port of Port of Spain coming from New Zealand. After a few days of familiarisation, the ferry will begin serving customers from Tuesday next week, covering immediately the peek weekend for Corpus Christi on Thursday 26th and Indian Arrival day on Monday 30th May. The Australian company Austal, main competitor of INCAT, started advertising their 'Trimaran' in the local newspapers as they started bidding for the new vessel for the inter-island ferry service. The Trimaran is the companies latest flagship and the largest aluminum vessel in the world. With a length of 127m and the capacity to carry 1,350 passengers, over 340 cars and a substantial number of trucks and a travel time of about 2 1/2 hours between the islands, the US$30 Million Dollar ferry might be the future way to go. Austal's first trimaran, the "Benchijigua Express", started serving in the Canary Islands on 2 May 2005 (interview with John Rothwell, Austal Chairman). 
5 May 2005
After just four months in service, the new inter-island fast ferry 'The Cat' will stop serving travelers between Trinidad and Tobago after May 13th. The Cat made traveling by ferry attractive again. With a travel time of just about 2 1/2 hours (and not 11 hours or so) and very low fares, it was a serious alternative to the air-bridge. The Cat will return to Nova Scotia, just in time for the summer season to serve between Nova Scotia and Maine. As a full replacement in speed and capacity, a new fast ferry 'The Lynx', operating in New Zealand, will continue this excellent service. The Lynx another 'wave-piercer', just like The Cat ('North America's fastest car ferry') were manufactured at INCAT in Australia. The Lynx is five years older (1997) than the younger sister The Cat (2002)
Due to the more attractive ferry service, the purchase and handling of tickets was troubled due to insufficient ticket sales infrastructure. The Port Authority is addressing this problem and they announced a web enabled ticketing system by July 2005.
The MV Sonia will also continue serving the inter-island route until further notice.
22 April 2005
Tobago Express is back in operation, with the first flight departed on Friday afternoon. Investigations into Monday's crash landing continue. The failing part of the landing gear of the Dash-8 airplane, manufactured by Bombardier in Canada, is now in Canada for further investigation.
18 April 2005
Tobago Express, serving the local air bridge between Trinidad and Tobago, had to make an emergency landing after approaching Crown Point International Airport in Tobago. After several attempts to get the front landing gear out, the landing approach was discontinued and the flight returned to Piarco Trinidad to make an emergency landing. Nobody was injured after the very successful emergency landing. Passengers reported that they just heard a 'scraping noise' when the nose touched the ground. The Tobago Express fleet is currently grounded.
16 April 2005
After years of talks and preparation the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was finally inaugurated in Port of Spain - Trinidad, in a festive ceremony. The CCJ will be the highest appellate court for the region, taking over partly the role of the Privy Council in London. CCJ President Michael de la Bastide opened the ceremony with a speech introducing each Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice. The ceremony was followed by a lavish evening at the President's residence, with fireworks heard and seen everywhere in the vicinity of Port of Spain. The CCJ is located in the Unit Trust building at Independence Square, Port of Spain.
9 April 2005
A fire in the downtown area of the capitol Port of Spain destroyed several businesses, leaving employees without a job and business owners will millions of losses. The fire department experienced water supply problems while fighting the fire.
8 April 2005
Cricket: During the first day of the second test match between the West Indies and South Africa, former captain Brian Lara made the West Indies proud with an excellent performance at the Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain.
4 April 2005
The 5th Caribbean Investment Forum will be held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre on April 4th and 5th.Co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Euromoney/LatinFinance Caribbean Investment Forum is the leading investment and financial conference for the Caribbean.
1 April 2005
TSTT, the sole telecommunications provider for Trinidad and Tobago has introduced a new service plan called 'SmartChoice'. Residential and single line business customers can now benefit from reduced rates for local and international calls. In addition customers with High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) or ADSL will get up to 20% discount. This is a major step forward in the pricing of telecommunication services in T&T. Presumable it is not an April fool's Day hoax. See details at www.tstt.co.tt
22 March 2005
Chamber of Commerce & Industry AGM 2005The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce held it's Annual General Meeting at the Hilton. Mr. Christian Mouttet was re-elected as Chamber president (he is also chairman of TSTT) for the 2005 period. The Honourable Orville London, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assemblies gave the feature address, of course with a strong focus on Tobago and its increasing business opportunities.
21 March 2005
Environment: Despite the complete phase-out of leaded gasoline in April 2004, local car dealers (Nissan) are still selling brand-new cars (Almera) without catalytic converters. The converter is reducing the toxic car gases from the engine to reduce air pollution for a better environment. Catalytic converters require unleaded gas. While many countries around the world require the converter to be installed, there seem to be no such regulation present in Trinidad & Tobago yet. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) states in a Media Release from 2004: "While catalytic converters are recommended when using unleaded gasoline, a Standard developed for T&T by TTBS in 2001, involves two processes:
- A reduction process that reduces oxides of nitrogen that are harmful to the environment, to elemental nitrogen. 
- An oxidation process that oxidizes unburnt hydrocarbons including aromatics, to carbon dioxide.
Catalytic Converters (CC) are normally used to meet exhaust emission standards, which have been developed for T&T, and which are currently being incorporated into domestic legislation."
9 March 2005
Hooters is coming to town ... another American franchise will soon open in Port of Spain. Hooters, a well known US restaurant chain continues expanding worldwide. Hooters got to fame with the now famous Hooters girls, well 'dimensioned' waitresses serving American food. Started 1983 in Clearwater, Florida, Hooters is now at over 375 locations. Hooters Trinidad is now hiring. 
7 March 2005
Residents and businesses in the western peninsula of Trinidad suffered a major power outage today. From around 2:30pm until after 10pm there was no power west of the Westmall including the Diego Martin valley. A fire in a T&TEC transformer station opposite of the Westmall, apparently caused by lack of maintenance, left residents with cold dinners, melted frozen goods and the knowledge that the T&TEC trouble line staff is in urgent need of customer relationship training.
11 February 2005
Carnival 2005 Results: Trini Revellers did it again. Elected as Band of the year, Trini Revellers with 'Conquest of the Indies' made it a second consecutive year winning this competition. Masquerade with 'Lion Kingdom in Soca Safari won second and Legacy third.Road March winner is Sherwayne Winchester. Winner of the International Soca Monarch 2005 is again Bunji Garlin.
3 February 2005
Gorgeous weather is awaiting everybody in Trinidad and Tobago. Perfect conditions for Carnival 2005, which is in full motion and will continue so until Carnival Tuesday at midnight. Visitors from around the world have again come to this annual Mekka of enjoyment. Celebrations on Monday and Tuesday will display the zenith of this spectacle.
19 January 2005
Unusual weather conditions with daily rain and barely any sun are affecting Carnival festivities in Trinidad. Despite the current bad weather and a very short 2005 Carnival season, more foreign visitors and masqueraders are expected than last year. Hotels and guest houses are fully booked for some time now and the search for accommodation is a task for last minute visitors. 
18 January 2005
Government elections for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on Monday resulted in a landslide victory for the PNM (People's National Movement). 11 out of 12 seats are going to the PNM with Orville London and one seat for the DAC (Democratic Action Congress) party under Hochoy Charles.
14 January 2005
The era of state owned radio and TV came to an end with the closure of the Nation Broadcasting Network NBN. TTT, the local TV station (not well known for transmission quality) transmitted for the last time at midnight. The antiquated technology can now rest in piece. Most NBN staff members accepted early retirement packages (VSEP) and some will continue working with the Nation Carnival Commission and Ministry of Culture. The formation of a new state owned company "Caribbean New Media Group" will take at least 6 months before going live on air.
Carnival visitors will now get into the right mood watching "The Information Channel" (TIC) as videos from past Carnival times are played all day long.
13 January 2005
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times caused some stir in the Government ranks of T&T. The article published on January 2nd focused on the crime scene of Trinidad. Government officials requested an apology from the newspaper. Read for yourself: "Kidnappings Send a Chill Through Sunny Trinidad"
11 January 2005
TSTT's Internet service stopped working this morning at 2am. The main Internet service provider in Trinidad and Tobago wasn't available for 3 hours until 5am after a power failure in the Nelson exchange was repaired. Other independent ISP's did not experience this problem. For details refer to TSTTproblems.com
9 January 2005
The new fast ferry 'The Cat' did the maiden voyage from Trinidad to Tobago in just under 2 1/2 hours. The ferry is the second addition of the inter island link within just two weeks. Up to 800 passengers and 250 cars can be transported in this record time. Take some 'gravol' to prevent possible sea sickness. The Cat is usually in operation between Nova Scotia, Canada and Maine, USA between May and October.
With now three active ferries, transportation bottlenecks should be something from the past. The new MV Sonia departs from Trinidad at 9am, The Cat at 4pm and the MV Beauport (Mo-Fr cargo only) at 11pm. From Tobago the MV Sonia  leaves at 11pm, The Cat at 7am and the MV Beauport at 11am.
3 January 2005
The new year immediately started with the annual Carnival frenzy. Since this year's Carnival season is quite short. Carnival Monday is on February 7th and therefore the party activities have to be squeezed into the next 4+ weeks. Radiostations have switched from Christmas Parang to Carnival Soca and new songs are released frequently. If you don't have your Carnival costume booked ...you better hurry up as several sections are already completely sold.
29 December 2004
Just in time to local THA elections, the ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago got upgraded today. With the maiden voyage of the new ferry MV Sonia taking just 5 hours. Apparently the operation of the ferry will cost the T&T tax payer US$ 24,000 plus fuel a day. The MV Sonia (initially named Adamantios Korais) was ordered by TTT Lines and operated between Naples, Italy and Olbia, Sardinia a popular summer holiday destination in the Mediterranean. After four year building time at the Greek shipyard Atsalakis, the new ferry went into operation just a few month ago in 2004. Another 'fast ferry' might get in operation as early as next month, cutting travel time under three hours. Hopefully the passengers and the maintenance staff will keep the ferries in good shape to keep the trip enjoyable for all.
2 December 2004
At 11:16 a.m. an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale scared many people in Trinidad. Buildings were shaking and people feared for more. But no damage was recorded. This was one of the strongest earthquakes since 1997. Piarco Airport was closed for 15 minutes to check the runway for possible damages.
14 November 2004
The Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid-al-Fitr, the end of the Ramadan time of daylight hour fasting.
11 November 2004
Divali, the Hindu festival of Lights, a public holiday, is celebrated around Trinidad and Tobago. The celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness and the thousands of deyas (oil lights) around the country makes it a spectacle of lights. Families and friends are getting together for the annual Divali event.
4 November 2004
First ever Spam conviction in the USA! There is light at the horizon. Millions of people around the world are bothered by the daily flood of junk mails. As it is annoying for people using the Internet, it is very much affecting businesses. They either have to invest in proper junk mail protection (like we offer) or every co-worker has to fish around in their daily mail flood to get their emails.
Jeremy Jaynes has been convicted and will be sentenced in the state of Virginia, for 9 years in jail after sending millions of unsolicited emails with fraudulent content and untraceable routing. We have not yet recognized any difference and are still catching thousands of junk mails every day. The main problem might not be the junk mailer alone, but the person who is actually conducting business with such a person! 
14 October 2004
The 8th European Film Festival has opened at Movietowne, Invaders Bay, Port of Spain. From today until 2 November movies from France, Germany, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Switzerland will be shown at Movietowne. Entrance per movie just TT$ 10.00.
8 October 2004
The government of Trinidad and Tobago presented the new budget for the year 2005. It seems the budget fits again into the trend fighting poverty with the distribution of food hampers. No clear signs or concepts to actively eliminating existing problems within the nation. Vision 2020 might remain part of the distant future. This oil and gas rich country has the opportunity to drastically alleviate poverty, illiteracy and related problems, leading the nation into the developed nation state of mind.
7 October 2004
Caribbean and European business partner met at Profit Caribbean from 5-7 of October to explore further co-operation for tourism related projects with the support of the European Union. Over 100 out of 200 Caribbean businesses were selected to participate at this conference at the Ritz Carlton,  Montego Bay, Jamaica. Ultra Consulting Network Ltd., the architect and company behind the network of TrinidadShopping.com, was one of the selected companies and participated at this event.
1 October 2004
TrinidadShopping.com, the network of over 50 websites within Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries, is celebrating the 3rd anniversary since it first went online. Growing every day, in use by many thousands of people from around the world, connecting local businesses with visitors from over 100+ countries every month. Providing business services, web sites, email, online shops and many other products and services (overview).
27 September 2004
Power problems in Trinidad. The month of September brought not only Ivan the Terrible, but also many power outages in Trinidad. T&TEC, the local power distribution company seems to have problems with the reliable distribution these days. After quite some time of getting a reliable power supply, nowadays a heavy shower and some lightening causes major power outages with a duration from 15 minutes up to several hours. A major loss for the country's economy as most offices rely on air-conditioning, computer networks and more and more Internet access.
24 September 2004
Trinidad & Tobago is celebrating the 28th anniversary of the declaration of Trinidad and Tobago as a Republic.
18 September 2004
The remnants of Hurricane Ivan are still creating damage in the US. Ivan caused several tornados in several US states. The death toll is close to 90 people within the Caribbean and the US. Grenada needs assistance to rebuilt the country and the economy. Several plans were laid out during a Caribbean summit in Port of Spain. Immediate help is required to fulfill the basic needs like water, food and shelter to the people of Grenada.
16 September 2004
Hurricane Ivan has reached the US gulf coast. Devastation continues after over two million people were evacuated from their homes. Ivan is now a Category 3 hurricane, targeting now Alabama, while at the same time the tropical storm Jeanne reached hurricane strength and is passing Puerto Rico.
15 September 2004
Grenada, the isle of spice, received the most damaging hit from hurricane Ivan within the Caribbean. While other affected Caribbean countries continue to function, Grenada is currently 'out-of-order'. Several international help organisations and a larger help team from T&T will have to do a live-support job for the people of Grenada. Agriculture, a major income stream for Grenada, has been wiped out, tourism is currently not an option. Nutmeg, a major income source for Grenada, takes between 7-9 years from planting to the first harvest and 20 years to reach their full potential. Grenada needs help! 
12 September 2004
The day after ... Jamaica started cleaning up the damages of hurricane Ivan. Reportedly 17 people lost their lives during the long hours under the power of Ivan. Flooding is a major problem after substantial rainfall brought devastation to the country. Jamaican's took the warning seriously and therefore major loss of life was prevented.
After Ivan moved back to category 4 (just 1 mph under the category 5 limit), it passed the Cayman Islands. The Grand Cayman, the main island of the Cayman Islands was the major target for Ivan, but again it seems that the eye of Ivan moved in a distance of about 50km south  of Grand Cayman, preventing the experience of the 'reversed' winds on the other side of the eye.
11 September 2004
3:30 pm: As Ivan 'spared' Jamaica, the hurricane gained again strength and is again a category 5, the most ferocious type of hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. The eye of the hurricane suddenly took a 'left' in the early morning hours, just before reaching land and continued 'wobbling' in some distance from the south coast of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands are preparing for Ivan for Sunday.
3:45 am: Even as Hurricane Ivan is pounding Jamaica, it seems that the major disaster might just stay away from directly hitting Jamaica. The eye of the hurricane is slowly moving in a distance of about 100km along the south coast of Jamaica and has already past St. Elizabeth's Parish moving towards the west side of the island. The local (T&T) TV station Gayelle TV had up to the minute reports from around the region up till 3 am this morning. With callers from Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago and a direct link to the National Hurricane Center in Florida. A Caribbean network of people that works! Great work!
10 September 2004
Update 11:30 pm: Latest reports revealed that Ivan got stronger and is now close to a category 5 hurricane. Jamaica is already for several hours under the severe storm. Satellite images revealed that the eye of the hurricane will not pass through Kingston and will rather move along the south coast. Power has be shut down islands wide to prevent damage from electrical lines. The government declared a state of emergency. Cellular networks seems still to work. Larger hotels and community buildings have been converted to small fortresses. Ivan will move for several more hours over Jamaica on the way to the Caymans and Cuba.-
10 am: Ivan has slowed down and is moving with about 20km/h towards Jamaica. Due to the decreased maximum sustained winds of around 230km/h, the extremely dangerous hurricane Ivan is now a category 4 hurricane. Ivan can be expected in Jamaica on Friday night or early Saturday morning.
9 September 2004
Hurricane Ivan is getting stronger and has now reached category 5 with winds of over 200km/h. The hurricane is heading now direction Jamaica. Jamaica is feverishly preparing for the hurricane, which should arrive by Friday afternoon (newspapers: Gleaner / Observer).
The Cayman Islands seem to be also in Ivan's path and preparations are in progress (news).

Contact for donations for Grenada: (868) 624-1084. 627-7212 (Thin Redline Ltd) and NEMA at (868) 634-4505

8 September 2004
Ivan passed and Trinidad and Tobago survived. Tobago experienced severe storms and one person died due to a fallen tree and millions of TT$ in damages. Communication lines are interrupted. Emergency response teams are working to resolve problems immediately. Trinidad was again lucky as this dangerous hurricane appeared to be not more than a normal storm during the rainy season. Several areas in Trinidad were flooded after the second wave went over Trinidad.
Grenada was directly hit by Ivan and great devastation was the result. At least 17 people lost their lives, power and communication lines are broken and close to 90% of the houses are destroyed. Emergency help is coming from many other countries including T&T. Information is coming in slowly. A talk forum is available at www.spiseisle.com
7 September 2004
7:30 am: Hurricane Ivan is moving further south than expected. This takes Barbados off the Hurricane Warning and Trinidad on since 5:45am. All schools and banks are closed in Trinidad & Tobago. People are advised not to go to work today and stay indoors. Local TV stations are tracking the hurricane. Hurricane warnings are quite an unfamiliar terrain for most people in T&T. So far we just had a bit of rain, but nothing yet like a hurricane of category 3. This might be the calm before the storm. It is expected that the centre of the Hurricane ('the eye') will arrive around 12 noon north of Tobago. NOAA Update
Both international airports (www.piarcoairport.com) and (www.crownpointairport.com) have been closed until Wednesday morning 6:00 am.
Update 4:00 pm: The worst is over for Tobago as the hurricane is moving towards Grenada. Very strong winds are currently going through Trinidad. Tobago is still under Hurricane Warning, Trinidad now under Tropical Storm Warning.
Update 5:00 pm: The Hurricane Warning for Tobago has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. Damages in Tobago are currently assessed.
8:00 pm: As Hurricane Ivan passed Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada and the Grenadines, the hurricane regains dangerous intensity four, moving rapidly westward across the southeastern Caribbean.
6 September 2004
Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries are getting ready for the arrival of Hurricane 'Ivan'. Trinidad, blessed with being a hurricane free area of the Caribbean and often used as a hideout for 'yachties' during the hurricane season, received a tropical storm warning for the morning of 7th September. Ivan is supposed to pass Barbados by 8am tomorrow morning. Trinidad & Tobago might feel the outskirts of this hurricane.
Update 9 pm: The tropical storm warning for Tobago has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning. Trinidad however remains on a tropical storm warning. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) can be contacted at: Tel. 640-1285/8905, Fax. 640-8988. The NEMA emergency response centre will remain activated tonight.
28 August 2004
For our German visitors: Herzlich Willkommen bei TrinidadShopping.com. Mit ueber 50 Websites in der Karibik sind wir wahrscheinlich das groesste Informationsnetzwerk hier. Wir wuerden uns ueber Ihr 'Feedback', Verbesserungsvorschlaege etc. freuen. Viele Gruesse aus Trinidad.
21 August 2004
The 36th Carib Great Race just finished in Tobago and again Mr. Solo Too reached in first position after the race of 86 Miles and 1h 17m. Again in 2nd place 'Rage', 3rd 'Toyota White Heat'', 4th 'Mobil Heat Wave'. The Party in Tobago is on!
19 August 2004
Bronze Medal for Trinidad's George Bovell in the Men's 200m Individual Medley in Athens.
On winning the bronze medal: "I feel very proud for myself and for my country." Trinidad is now ranked 16 with Great Britain and Argentina in the swimming category.
13 August 2004
The 28th Olympic Games have been opened in Athens. 108 years after the games started in Athens, the games came back with a great and spectacular opening ceremony. The Trinidad & Tobago delegation of 26 athletes is competing in various disciplines. The games, which will be watched by over a billion people around the globe, will end with the closing ceremony on 29th August.
12 August 2004
Monorail transport system for Trinidad. Within this month a National Transportation Study (NHS) will be started. The study will take around 18 months to complete and apparently the government will decide in 2005 if Trinidad is getting a light monorail transport system, covering the east-west corridor, the main artery of traffic and daily traffic congestion. The lowered prices of cars within the last few years brought also a flood of more cars into the country, but the planned extension of the road network was never completed. Road expansion was so far limited to patch work with no visible concept for a system build for the future.
5 August 2004
The T&T Chamber of Commerce invited members of the business community to another breakfast session titled: 'TSTT in a Liberalized Telecoms Environment. The top TSTT management team, Mr. Samuel Martin - CEO, Mr. Bernard Mitchell - VP Service Delivery, Mr. Trevor Deane - VP Infrastructure Development, Mr. Cleveland Thomas - Product and Service Pricing Manager and Mr. Michael Wayne - Ag. Executive President Mobile Services, presented TSTT and future directions to the interested business audience. Questions about the GSM coverage were raised, customer service related issues and other items were addressed. TSTT seems to be quite aware that the competition is at the doorsteps of T&T after the end of the monopoly had ended. Competitors are awaiting their licenses to start conducting business in T&T. A new area of telecommunication in Trinidad and Tobago has begun.
1 August 2004
The Trinidad and Tobago air bridge, a point of concern and frustration for many travelers between the two sister islands, got support in form of a leased DC-9 jet. Over 100 additional seats per flight are now available in addition to the existing service by Tobago Express and BWIA West Indies Airways (Bwee). Another plain will arrive mid August.
28 July 2004
BWIA West Indies Airways is again a government airline. After financial injections to support the airline's operation and missing share holders financial support, the majority share holder of "Bwee" is again the government of Trinidad & Tobago, holding now around 75% of the airlines shares.
27 July 2004
27th July 1990, the attempted coup in Trinidad, which destroyed several lives and many businesses in the Port of Spain area has not been forgotten. For five days the Muslimeen were keeping Trinidad under attack. A general amnesty was negotiated at the end and the hostages were released. Leaders of the coup, Muslim extremists, are still leaders of today's Trinidad and Tobago and are still having trouble with the law.
24 July 2004
We are sorry, but we cannot anymore provide a contact link to Courts Trinidad as contact requests were so far always deleted by Courts and email requests were not answered. Please contact Courts directly. Thank you! TrinidadShopping.com
22 July 2004
The Ministry of Tourism and the Tobago House of Assembly invited to a Leadership forum at the Hilton Tobago. The two day Tourism Marketing Forum was well attended from the Trinidad and Tobago business community and politicians. Local and foreign presenters made this forum interesting and enjoyable. TDC (formerly TIDCO) presented a three year plan on tourism, which sparked a controversial discussion amongst some of the participants. This meeting brought Trinidad and Tobago closer to present itself to the world as one nation. 
8 July 2004
Goodbye TIDCO, Welcome TDC! Trinidad and Tobago got rid of the Tourism and Industrial Development Company, also known as TIDCO and formed the Tourism Development Corporation (or Company). The trade and investment unit has been split from TIDCO, going back to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and TDC will now exclusively focus on Tourism. TIDCO was plagued for years by continued restructurings and wasn't able to deliver the expected results.
7 July 2004
At the Annual General Meeting of the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association held on Wednesday July 7th, 2004, Ernest Littles, Group CEO of the Crewsinn Hotel and Yachting Centre, was elected President of the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association. Mr. Littles has been involved in the hospitality industry for over thirty years and was General Manager, Marketing/Business for the New York airports (JFK, La Guardia and Newark), General Manager, Business Development/Marketing at the World Trade Center, and owners’ representative for Vista Hotel and Windows of the World Restaurant.
29 June 2004
Starting today TSTT cut rates on international calls in half. Residential, Business, Mobile and Companion calling card users will now pay just 50% of the previous rates. The rate cut will not effect inter Caribbean calls, which are now reduced by 40% after the first 40 minutes. The previous 10-10-335 discount number will no longer be available. TSTT is taken active steps to face the soon to be in town competition.
24 June 2004
Many attendees followed the invitation of the Ministry of Public Administration & Information for the 2-day workshop "fastforward to SME Competitiveness in Trinidad and Tobago". Presenters from India, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago had interesting show cases from successful Internet entities on their programme. With a very interested audience, this workshop was very vibrant and successful.
21 June 2004
The Ministry of Public Administration & Information is inviting businesses (SME's) to attend a joint workshop with the Commonwealth Secretariat & the Business Development Company Ltd. The two day workshop on Wednesday and Thursday this week is titled: "fastforward to SME Competitiveness in Trinidad and Tobago".
15 June 2004
The new email worm Erkez.B (or Zafi.B) is spreading fast in Trinidad and Tobago. Make sure that your antivirus software was updated after 11th of June. Our virus filter for our customers caught already a few thousand of these new mass emailing worms since Monday.
2 June 2004
The government of Trinidad and Tobago passed the Metric Bill. Following in the footsteps of most other industrialised countries, the metric system or International System of Units (systeme internationale d'unites or SI) will standardise the use of the kilometer, meter, centimeter, millimeter, micrometer, square meter, cubic meter, liter and so on instead of the English units. Most countries around the world have already adopted the Metric System with the exception of the US and a few other countries.
1 June 2004
Congratulations to Miss Trinidad and Tobago Danielle Jones, a Top Five Finalist in tonight's Miss Universe pageant in Quito, Ecuador. Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins was crowned Miss Universe in the two hour pageant. Congratulation to Ms. Hawkins! Australia is currently relocating it's embassy to Port of Spain to further nurture the relations between T&T and Australia and recognising T&T as the fastest growing industrial nation of the Caribbean.
30 May 2004
Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating the 159th Indian Arrival Day. A long weekend in T&T since the public holiday falls on a Sunday and Monday is therefore a day off as well.
20 May 2004
After four busy days, the Trade and Investment Convention 2004 (TIC 2004) at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre closed this afternoon.
20 May 2004
The Information Technology Professional Society (ITPS) invited members and the public to a breakfast session at the Chamber of Commerce. ITPS and the Ministry of Public Administration and Information presented "The Implications of the Telecommunications Act". Guest speakers: Christopher Hamel-Smith (M..Hamel-Smith, Legal Implications), Chris Seecharan (Ministry of Public Administration and Information, forming the Telecommunications Authority), Sinead O'Marcaigh, Digicel, Regional Director), Brian Jahra (Director Association of Independent Internet Service Providers). The session theme found a large interested group and it was well attended.
20 May 2004
"Online Paradise" is the headline for today's article in the Business Guardian about TrinidadShopping.com. Want to know more about our business? Either buy the Guardian, read the Guardian online or contact us.
17 May 2004
The annual Trade and Investment Convention 2004 (TIC 2004), the largest trade show in the area, has opened today. Over 150 exhibitors from various countries around the world are attracting business visitors, buyers from the region and other countries,
17 May 2004
TSTT announced the launch of "TSTT Lingo Info Text", the SMS (Short Message System) based cellular service will be commercially launched on 24-May-2004. The content messaging service will provide news, sports updates, Lotto, stock, movie schedules etc. Prices ranges between 20 and 80cents (TT) per message.
17 May 2004
The world is observing the World Telecommunications Day 2004. The event is organised by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). The ITU is helping the world to communicate since 1865. More emphasis on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is of uttermost importance to all countries in the world. For the global leaders to remain leaders and for developing nations, to become or being able to compete with the global leaders.
27 April 2004
Rain has come to Trinidad. It seems that this years Rainy Season got an early start. For the past 10 days Trinidad received some hefty showers, even spoiling last weekends Cricket matches between England and the West Indies. But as usual, there is still plenty of sun and temperatures are as usual around 30 degrees (C) or 84F.
12 April 2004
World Record! Congratulations to Brian Lara, Captain of the West Indies Cricket Team, for scoring for the first time 400 runs in a test match. Today he regained in Antigua his world record (375) from ten years ago, after losing it for just 6 months to Matthew Hayden (380) from Australia.
5 April 2004
The past weekend was filled with Easter Bonnet Parades around the countries. Many children, parents and visitors came to attend this Easter Bonnet spectacle. Stunning costumes resulted this year again in happy winners of the various sponsored prizes. 
1 April 2004
Trinidad & Tobago made another step towards 'Vision 2020". From today leaded gasoline will no longer be sold at the nations gas stations. Unleaded gas only with 92 Ron (Super) and 95 Ron (Premium) is now a fact.
20 March 2004
Second day of Cricket Test Match at the Queens Park Oval. Thousands of Cricket Fans from around the world are streaming into the Oval (QPCC). Fans and celebrities like Sir Mick Jagger won't miss a day. So far the West Indies do not look so good against the leading English Team.
17 March 2004
 
The Downtown Owners and Merchants' Association (D.O.M.A.) invited to their first quarterly Breakfast Meeting at the Crowne Plaza. His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago was the key speaker for this early morning session. He pledged for the University of Trinidad and Tobago, presenting very strong economic indicators, demanding higher investments into tertiary education. Gregory Aboud, D.O.M.A. President gave a provocative and interesting introductory address.
16 March 2004
The ITB, the International Travel Bourse (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) in Berlin closed today after 5 days of hectic activities around travel and tourism in general. Trinidad and Tobago was presented by representatives from TIDCO, the Tobago House of assembly, and a number of local hotels and tour operators. Over 141,000 visitors and 6, 700 Journalists from 84 countries walked through the exhibition halls in Berlin. New announcements at the ITB included a new BWIA Saturday non-stop flight from London Heathrow to Trinidad & Tobago. Lauda Air signed an airlift agreement with Tobago. Starting from October 2004 the new route will be between Vienna and Tobago.
16 March 2004
Trinidad in Cricket Fever .... The '2nd Cable & Wireless Test' from Friday 19th until 23rd of March at the Queens Park Oval attracts cricketers, visitors from around the world, which are welcomed by the local tourism industry (more). After a low in Jamaica, better results from the West Indies team will be expected at the Oval.
9 March 2004
Some statistics for the interested ... in the first 21 hours of today our email filters caught 51.7% SPAM (junk mails) and 9.3% viruses. Only 39% off all emails reached the recipient and are considered junk mail and virus free and hopefully of content to the recipient (functionality part of our OptionPack 1)
8 March 2004
There is again a new virus spreading around (here in T&T) which cannot yet be detected by Norton Antivirus with the latest definitions. The W32.Sober.D@mm virus can currently only be detected with the 'beta' definitions. (4.5MB).
The virus appears to be from Microsoft (e.g. Info@microsoft.com), Subject: Microsoft Alert: Please Read! with an attached update/patch. DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT! Update: Norton has now updated virus definitions
5 March 2004
Attention: Somebody or something is abusing our email addresses sending the Beagle.J virus using the non-existent email address "management@trinidadshopping.com" to other Internet users. They are 'signed' with "The Trinidadshopping.com team". Please note that these emails/viruses are not originated from our system.
Many other companies/persons are also affected. Virus infected emails appear to come from
- management@... 
- administration@... 
- staff@... 
- noreply@... 
- support@...
followed by a domain name. The email looks like a legitimate message, warning about a virus. Do not follow the instruction to open the attachment under any circumstances! Antivirus software will only detect this virus with up-to-date virus definitions!
Many people believe that their computers are protected with antivirus software, not knowing that the software needs to be updated very frequently.
4 March 2004
The war of the computer viruses didn't stop in Trinidad and Tobago. Endless computers might  now be infected with the NetSky and Bagle email worms as the virus developer are fighting with each other. The normal Internet user has to suffer due to slower Internet speed and some slow websites. Update your virus protection on a daily basis when your computer is connected to the Internet!
27 February 2004
The 'Trini Revellers' were announced this morning as the 'Band of the Year'. This is a first time for the Trini Revellers and quite an achievement for the band and its members. Pictures are still available online at the Gallery at www.PhotoWorldTT.com 
25 February 2004
Ash Wednesday ... Trinidad Carnival 2004 is over. Thousands of masqueraders and spectators flocked the streets of Port of Spain during a sunny Carnival Tuesday, the last day of Carnival. Over 500 'Trini Revellers' photos from Monday and Tuesday are now online at Photo World's new website. Traditionally many people will today stream to the beaches of Maracas and Manzanilla and Las Cuevas to celebrate 'After-Carnival'.
24 February 2004
Carnival Tuesday! The main event and also last day of Carnival 2004. Today is the day of the masqueraders! Thousands of people will 'chip' slowly through the streets of Port of Spain, accompanied by the various 'music trucks', watched by a massive crowd of spectators along the way. This is definitely the highlight of Carnival 2004 for most of the participants.
22 February 2004
Carnival Sunday! Tomorrow is Carnival (23+24), two days of hectic activities with the major attractions in the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain. Visit Carnival on the Net for further information. With J'ouvert Morning starting at 4-5am, the streets of Port of Spain will be a colourful spectacle. With 'Pretty Mas' starting on Monday from around 10am and Tuesday from 7am, this is what all Masquerades (Band Members) were waiting for. And of course the visitors will have a great time to remember. Carnival pictures will be available from Photo World (online).
20 February 2004
Carnival Friday! Trinidad is ready for a hot and spicy long weekend. With many businesses closed on Monday and Tuesday, Carnival enthusiasts from around the globe can enjoy the Carnival 2004 here in Trinidad. This year seem to be a boom year as many places to stay are already fully booked for weeks. But there is always a place to stay in 'Sweet T&T'.
16 February 2004
Gayelle TV is on the Air! The new local TV station on cable channel 7 and on antenna UHF 23 got on the air providing local information, entertainment from today. You can reach Gayelle TV in St. James at 628-3035
13 February 2004
TrinidadShopping.com Upgrade
With a new, faster database server, the TrinidadShopping network of websites will now provide faster access to our online Business Database.
12 February 2004
With less than two weeks of Carnival 2004 remaining, the nights in Trinidad are filled with music in the air. Daily events with Calypso, Soca, Chutney, Steel Pan, Comedy are turning local inhabitants as well as visitors into party lovers. More and more visitors are arriving to this annual spectacle.
7 February 2004
Members of the  Information Technology Professional Society voted for the new council at the 9th Annual General Meeting the Chancellor Hotel in St. Ann's.
6 February 2004
The Information Technology Professional Society of Trinidad and Tobago is inviting to their 9th Annual General Meeting at The Chancellor Hotel, St. Ann's on Saturday 7th February at 9.30am. (more)
4 February 2004
With today's sod turning ceremony for the Crown Point International Airport in Tobago, the TT$ 100 million project finally started with 12 month delay. The project is supposed to be completed within one year and will provide new facilities for larger aircrafts and a larger terminal building.
3 February 2004
February 2004 - Carnival in Trinidad - With just 3 weeks left, T&T is getting ready for the grand finale. With many events, fetes around the country, surely time for the fun loving party animals. Several events will be broadcasted life on the Internet via BBC 1Xtra (RealPlayer required)
31 January 2004
Internet SMS Service running again.
After 10 days downtime, TSTT switched on this free service again. You can now enjoy again sending Short Messages to your loved ones and business partners in Trinidad & Tobago.
26 January 2004
A new virus is rampant on the Internet! Since this afternoon the email worm Novarg also called Mydoom is running wild. Apparently this email worm will create an outbreak larger than anything seen before. Update your anti-virus software now! Novarg/Mydoom is a mass-mailing worm which arrives with an .exe, .pif, or .scr attachment. The worm has already arrived in Trinidad! The worm will launch a denial of service attack against www.sco.com, the company which is running a lawsuit against open software vendors.
26 January 2004
TSTT again seem to be unable to solve the technical problems with their Internet to SMS gateway. Since Thursday evening 22-January this popular service, used by many people from around the world, is out of service. Several requests to TSTT were not answered as usual. The millions of profit made by TSTT's cell service should easily pay for this free Internet service offered by TSTT. Customers are again in the dark.
21 January 2004
BWIA West Indies Airlines started their bi-weekly schedule to Santo Domingo! The new route between the Dominican Republic and Trinidad will foster the business relationship between the two countries. The Dominican Republic is a major European tourist destination for many years.
12 January 2004
Carnival 2004 got the first damper when Peter Minshall's Callaloo Company send the official 'No' for Carnival 2004. Carnival without Peter Minshall will be a loss for many who appreciate the difference. Not only are his costumes very different from the usual 'skimpy' costume design, but also his elevating selection of music and of course his world famous choreography. Many loyal masquerades have to look for another band this year.
10 January 2004
With Christmas just finished, the Trinidad and Tobago 2004 Carnival Season has already kicked in. Hotel rooms are booked, the carnival bands are getting ready to deliver their booked costumes, the music trucks will get a new layer of paint, the weekend fetes have started, new soca sound is in the air and the steelbands are busy exercising for Panorama 2004. This very hectic time of the year will calm down just after Ash Wednesday 25th February. With the peak on Carnival Monday and Tuesday (23+24 February).
4 January 2004
Let's go 'Phishing': Attention eBay users ... Some fraudsters are trying to get your account information! They simply send you an mail e.g. Subject: 'Billing Issues' and ask you to update your records. You will then be directed to an 'phishing' ebay site, but all information (username/password) will be recorded.  The email uses the original eBay logo. Be careful when you see something like this:  http://itemgirl.co.kr/sub/.ebay.dll/ebay.php=password-crypted. Refer to: eBay. The scam emails are often originated from the domain camscenes.com. Other companies like PayPal are also target for these malicious creatures. More at Anti-Phishing.org
2 January 2004
TSTT's NetExpress ADSL customers in the Diego Martin area experienced a total loss of service on New Years afternoon. Right after 4:45pm the new high-speed Internet access ceased completely. Due to the lack of any service during public holidays, subscribers are without Internet until ... Update: 9:17am All OK again
1 January 2004
Thank you to all our visitors who made it possible that the network of TrinidadShopping.com got close to 1,000,000 hits for the month of December 2003. Visitors came from about 117 countries, with Trinidad & Tobago in the first place (43%), followed by the USA (31%), Canada, U.K., Barbados, France, Sweden, Germany, Guyana, Venezuela, India, The Netherlands, St. Lucia, Antigua, Japan, Italy, Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Mongolia, Finland, Australia, Norway, Singapore, Spain, China, Bermuda, Denmark, Pakistan and 87 other countries.
1 January 2004
A Happy and Prosperous New Year 2004 to all our customers and visitors!
All the best from the TrinidadShopping.com Team. Let's start fresh for the new year!
21 December 2003
Today will be the longest night in the northern hemisphere, commonly known as the winter solstice. For Trinidad & Tobago there is not much of a change ... sunny. warm and definitely no winter in sight. With the sunset at 5:48 pm and the sunrise at 6:18 am, there is just about 90 minutes different between the shortest and longest night.
15 December 2003
Trinidad and Tobago is at the verge of a new Information and Communication Technology Century. With today's formal launch of the NICT Plan, T&T will 'fastforward' with an extensive expansion plan to provide the Nation with better Information and Communication facilities like affordable Internet access to all Citizens, high speed Internet Access, e-Government etc. Visit www.FastForward.tt for further information.
14 December 2003
TSTT will re-open their SMS Internet gateway on Monday the 15th. After exactly 3 months of implementing further security measurements, the gateway will be open for free to the public until a fee structure will be put in place in 2004. The SMS receiver will have to pay the charges. Cell customer will be able to enable or disable receiving SMS messages from the Internet.
12 December 2003
TSTT now offers "Internet Roaming" for their NetExpress customers. Using the over 20,000 worldwide dialup, Wi-Fi and broadband iPass access points in over 150 countries, customers will be able to use the Internet by signing a roaming contract with TSTT. A software download will enable a PC to use this new facility.
9 December 2003
After First Citizens Bank (FCB), Scotiabank now also offers online banking in Trinidad and Tobago. Full page newspaper ads are selling this new service under "There's a mouse in the house - Scotiabank Internet Banking is here."
6 December 2003
Papa John's is coming to Trinidad. The US franchise with nearly 3,000 Pizza outlets will soon be part of the local Pizza menu. Papa John's started in 1985 in the US state of Indiana and is already in 13 countries present with a strong focus on the US market. 
5 December 2003
TSTT finally launched the new GSM pre-paid service "mpower beyond voice". With a delay of over 6 months, the service is now available. GSM customers do not yet enjoy the same service availability like TDMA customers. This weeks TSTT advertising for GSM Phase 2 (tender notice) for the construction of 95 cellular sites means we are on the right track. We still  have to live for several more months with a currently deficient service. Most of the additional GSM services like GPRS (Internet) are still not available. GSM is the cheaper solution, but makes only sense when traveling a lot. Otherwise ... stick to your TDMA phones!!
26 November 2003
Contacting businesses at any website within the network of TrinidadShopping.com has been made easier. Every 'BizPage' and 'BizLocator' page has now a link to our new 'Contact Us' form (business must have a valid email address). Therefore more businesses can be contacted now. This is also a very effective way to stop spammers sending more junk mail by getting email addresses from any of our sites.
Our junk mail filter has been optimized and we now reach a rate of about 60% junk versus 'real' email.
This change includes also a BizPage and BizLocator 'Beautification Programme'.
14 November 2003
At a Chamber of Commerce event at the Hilton 'T&T E-Readiness: Are We Ready to Compete with the Rest of the World", Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and Information, Ms. Gillian Macintyre announced for the first time at a public event the transition of the National Information and Communication Technology plan (NICT) from the planning stages to a fully ratified NICT plan for the Nation of Trinidad & Tobago. Head of NICT, Ravindra Ramnarine presented a selection of the plan. Senior Editor for the Economist Intelligence Unit (e.g. The Economist etc.) Les Bourne from the New York office presented interesting facts about ICT for selected countries around the world and where T&T fits into the figures. Being often placed in the midfield, never leading, T&T is falling very much behind when it comes to e-services (58 out of 61, with 61 for the worst). The NICT plan is the integral plan to make a positive impact on ICT in T&T.
7 November 2003
Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced this afternoon the reshuffle of his cabinet. To name a few changes: Mr. Chin Lee moves from the Ministry of National Security as the head of the Ministry of Tourism. Attorney General Glenda Morean will be be the T&T High Commissioner to the U.K. Mr. Colm Imbert moves from Minister of Health to Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education. Keith Rowley now Minister of Housing. 13 Ministers have new jobs now.
7 November 2003
Former New York Major  Rudy Giuliani will arrive today in Trinidad, following an invitation from the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO). He will attend an event on Saturday 8 Nov. at the Hilton Trinidad to share his vision on crime.
3 November 2003
Alimuddin Mohammed Receives Another Award from India
Mr.Alimuddin Mohammed was given an Award from Mr.Suhash Goyal, Chairman of the Stic Travel Group Of India. This is the second award from India Mr. Mohammed received this year. Earlier he received an award from SATTE. He received the award for: "His Contributation In Promoting Cultural Relations, Tourism, Trade, Understanding And FriendShip Between The People of Trinidad & Tobago And The People Of India."
31 October 2003
Crime fighting a la Trinidad ... Just got a ticket for 'speeding' on the Audrey Jeffers Highway. $200 for not driving 50km/h !! The T&T Highway Code was telling me that I am allowed to drive 80km/h, which I did. When requesting to write down the allowed speed limit, they refused. 
27 October 2003
Do not forget to turn your clocks when traveling! Daylight Saving Time ended yesterday in most states of the United States and in Europe. Miami (Eastern Standard Time or EST) is now one hour behind Trinidad and Tobago (Atlantic Standard Time or AST). Trinidad and Tobago does not have DST, but since many businesses are talking about summer and winter sales, we might see that that here as well. Examples: Trinidad: 3pm; Miami 2pm; London: 7pm; Berlin: 8pm
24 October 2003
In an constant effort in providing added services, we have completed the upgrade to our new server this morning. The new server will provider faster access with enhanced reliability.
24 October 2003
Typical Deya oil lightBest Divali Greetings or Shubh Divali.
The annual Hindu festival of lights will reach its peak Today on Friday, a public holiday in Trinidad & Tobago. Beautiful celebrations nationwide with beautiful dressed people at the Divali Nagar site in central Trinidad. The site does not only attract local Hindus, but also many people from around the world. The centre of the celebrations is in Central Trinidad
18 October 2003
The ITPS (Information Technology Professional Society) provided this morning quite an interesting session titled: "Balanced Score Card and How IT plays a role in Strategy Based Organizations". Harold Hendrie of SAI gave a good overview about the Balanced Score Card (BSC) management system that can channel the energies, abilities, and specific knowledge held by people throughout an organization.
18 October 2003
"You won a prize of 1,500,000.00 Euros" ... sounds to good to be true! And of course it is a scam as you first need to pay your 700 Euro contribution in order to collect your price. That money is gone for sure! Be aware of international Lotto Scams ... we are receiving more and more of these malicious e-mails. (example of the day
14 October 2003
Today is World Standards Day 2003. Global standards in the global community. (more, TTBS)
14 October 2003
The 2nd annual e-Commerce Essay Competition by the National e-Commerce Secretariat (NeCS) will run only 3 more days. The competition, with prizes of over $60,000, is open to all secondary school students. (more)
14 October 2003
Since exactly one month the TSTT Internet-SMS gateway is not available. Several requests sent to TSTT remained unanswered. Apparently TSTT introduced extra security measurements and is still testing the facility.
9 October 2003
Former local Government Minister Dhanraj Singh was freed today after no evidence was found almost 3 years after he was arrested.
7 October 2003
The budget 2003/2004 for Trinidad and Tobago did not bring many surprises. Claimed to be the budget for the poor, it failed it's expectations. Instead the increase of the gasoline prices of about 10% will effect people who are dependent on public transportation. Taxi and maxi-taxi conductors will soon increase their prices too. The now lower priced unleaded gasoline will find more and more fans in the nation. This budget will be a healthy budget as it will also phase out leaded gasoline by April 2004, decreasing the risk of the various illnesses caused by lead pollution. Tobago will receive about 1.3 billion from a budget of about TT$ 22 billion. Money savers are smiling ... no more tax on interest for savings. The gaming industry might suffer with this hefty tax increase.
6 October 2003
Today is the annual budget day for the 2003/2004 budget. Starting from 2pm, the budget will be presented in Parliament.
5 October 2003
The well known site search.co.tt is currently out of service due to a problem caused by the web hosting company. The problem will be rectified as soon as possible. In the interim the site can be reached via this link. (update: Site is UP again)
2 October 2003
The 7th European Film Festival starts today at a new location; Movietowne. The previously free Film Festival moved from the Deluxe theater to the larger facility. For just TT$ 10.00 per movie, a selection of European movies in their original language will be shown. (schedule)   
2 October 2003
TSTT, the largest local Internet Service Provider (ISP) had again a total out of order condition starting from 1am this morning. TSTT NetExpress customers were not able to reach any web site outside of Trinidad and Tobago, visitors from abroad were not able to reach any web site connected to TSTT's network and no mail could reach TSTT customers. TSTT seem to be quite far away from vision 2020. And with the extension of the monopoly situation things are not improving. TSTT independent ISP's did not experience any problems, e.g.  www.carib-link.net, www.opus.co.tt, www.rave-tt.net, www.wow.net, www.fiberline.tt  and others.
1 October 2003
The 13th Southex International Expo 2003 started today at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. The doors are open from 10am – 9pm daily. The trade show will end on Sunday 5th October. (SouthEx)
1 October 2003
TrinidadShopping.com is celebrating the 2nd anniversary since it first went online. We like to thank again all our customers and visitors who have made us as successful as we are. We promise to continue with our effort promoting local businesses to the world. We have many plans for our 3rd year in business.
30 September 2003
Trinidad and Tobago hosts the 15th meeting of the Trade Committee of the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) from 30th September until 3rd October 2003. The FTAA consist of 34 nations in the western hemisphere with a population of 800 Million people. Trinidad and tobago is a possible candidate for hosting the site of the FTAA Permanent Secretary.
24 September 2003
Trinidad & Tobago is celebrating the 27th anniversary of the declaration of Trinidad and Tobago as a Republic. Quoting his Excellency President George Maxwell Richards: What is a Republic? It is deemed to be "a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.".
22 September 2003
Gayelle, in 1985-1992 known as the complete Caribbean television programme in 30 minutes, has evolved to a full time television programme. Starting from December 2003, Gayelle will broadcast in T&T on UHF 23 and cable channel 2. Today's launch at the Chamber of Commerce is a fresh start for Gayelle. Embracing new digital technology, making the production of a live community TV station possible. Real Caribbean Community TV has arrived.
16 September 2003
Verisign, the managing 'authority' for the .com and .net Internet domain names started abusing their power by introducing a new trick to lure Internet surfers to their web sites. Every time somebody is typing a wrong domain name, the surfer get redirected to a Verisign site (sitefinder). This happens about 20 Million times a day, which calculates in a high amount of possible advertising dollars. The Internet community is highly irritated and started already countermeasures ...(more) (get your Redhat nameserver bind-9.2.2 with anti-Verisign patch here)
15 September 2003
Many TSTT cellular customers received a threat via SMS over the weekend. TSTT therefore shut down their e-mail to SMS gateway. Ronald Lessy, Internet Service Manager at TSTT, stated that they are currently investigating who is responsible for this malicious threat. He mentioned that the message, which was sent to thousands of cellular subscribers, was originated from Trinidad.
13 September 2003
We like to thank our visitors who helped us with their feedback to have a seamless upgrade of our first phase of the ongoing upgrade. Phase one has been successfully completed.
12 September 2003
First person to swim from Venezuela to Trinidad.
Jose Manuel Raga is the first person ever crossing the waters between Venezuela and Trinidad by swimming the 11 Miles distance. It is not his first long distance he covered in just 10 Hours and 30 Minutes, but the most challenging due to heavy currents. (more)
7 September 2003
We are currently upgrading all of our over 50 web sites. We believe that there will be no interruption of our services. We like to encourage our visitors to report problems they might have encountered while visiting our sites.
1 September 2003
How to stop junk mail, also known as SPAM?
There is a very simple recipe for this: Never, ever buy anything from these Cyberspace con artists, and do not click on any links the mail contains! Junk mail is the killer of free communication using the Internet! Make sure that you or your company do not provide any facility for junk mailers.  Our junk mail filters are constantly upgraded to provide a nearly junk mail free email experience for our customers.
30 August 2003
Trinidad and Tobago is going to celebrate the 41st Independence Day on 31st August 2003. As a former British Colony, T&T gained independence on 31 August 1962 and became a Republic in 1976.
28 August 2003
The National Information and Communication Technology (NICT) Secretariat is again inviting to Open Forum sessions. Starting today between 5:30pm and 7:30pm at the Hilton, followed by a venue at the Tobago Hilton on 3rd September and South Trinidad at the Cara Suites on 4th September. The e-Readiness Assessment and Benchmarking Study for T&T will be presented and direct feedback can be given.
23 August 2003
The 35th Carib Great Race finished this morning in Tobago with the same winner as in the previous years. Mr. Solo Too, with new driver Hayden Charles, reached in first position after the 86 Miles race in 1 hour and 11 minutes. With 2 minutes behind, in 2nd place 'Rage', 3rd 'White Heat' and 4th 'Castrol Extreme'. Now it's Party Time in Tobago!
23 August 2003
Local businesses are losing out on global e-commerce! The experience here in T&T revealed that many business owners are losing business due to the fact that their E-Mail mailbox is full and new messages are rejected.
They are either not checking their E-Mail account often enough, or these days it is too cluttered with junk mail or viruses. The E-Mail originator will receive a message like this:
"I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out.
<emailaddress@localprovider.net.tt>:
mail.local: /var/spool/mail/emailaddress: No space left on device"

But the business owner would not know about any lost mails, since they do not get a notification that their mailbox is full and that messages are going to be lsot.
TrinidadShopping.com is very much business oriented and offers larger mailboxes, junk mail and pre-virus filtering, domain registration, web hosting, Email to SMS forwarding and many more services. Contact us for further information!
22 August 2003
The Carib Great Race, the annual powerboat race between Trinidad and Tobago will start as usual around 7:30am on Saturday 23rd. This time the starting point has moved to Pier 1 to provide better access to a greater audience.
22 August 2003
Hard Rock Cafe soon also in Port of SpainHard Rock Cafe is coming to Trinidad. Started over 30 years ago in London (14th June 1971) by two Americans, the over 100+ Hard Rock Cafes are now in over 40 countries and soon also at the Movie Towne complex in Port of Spain. Serving a variety of classical American food dishes, all in the ambience of collected relicts from the Music industry. Hard Rock Cafe T-Shirt collectors will have one more destination to visit. (Update: apparently this project has been cancelled)
20 August 2003
Several new computer viruses are hitting T&T. So far the heaviest ever virus load for us is coming from the W32.Sobig.F@mm virus. In just 30 hours our server filtered several hundreds of these viruses for our customers, amounting to over 50 Megabyte of unwanted emails, saving our customers many hours of Internet download time. The virus also caused a slowdown in Internet traffic and it is still going on!
18 August 2003
Due to a problem with one of our US services providers, most of our websites are not reachable via the domain name. Just TrinidadShopping.com and our customer sites are reachable. We hope the problem will be solved soon. Solved!
18 August 2003
We welcome Mr. Anthony Hart as a new member of the TrinidadShopping.com team! We are looking forward to enhancing our customer relations with Anthony and his long term experience in the information technology industry.
12 August 2003
A new computer virus (worm) started spreading on Monday. Several businesses in Trinidad and Tobago were affected. The BlasterWorm is a newer kind of Internet virus (worm) as it propagates itself using a network (e.g. the Internet) and is not only using email as a transport medium. A firewall and a anti virus solution should prevent infection, but once the worm is on a corporate LAN ... it might spread to all unprotected computers within the LAN. The worm might destroy data, and forces the PC to be rebooted once connected to a network. For advanced users ... check your Windows registry for msblast.exe. But this will only work for the first BlasterWorm version as there are already several modified versions on the net.. Use the removal tool to remove the infection and download the Microsoft patch.
12 August 2003
To further support TSTT's effort providing an efficient telecommunication infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago, we launched a new online discussion forum at www.TSTTproblems.com. Customers and interested people are invited to join the discussion group.
1 August 2003
Today is Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago with various celebrations around the country. A day to celebrate the African roots of half the population of T&T. (Read more)
Pan-Commonwealth Caribbean Workshop on E-Commerce Competitiveness
The Pan-Commonwealth Caribbean Workshop on E-Commerce Competitiveness was opened with a Dinner at the Hilton. Mrs. Jacqueline Wilson, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and Information opened the evening, followed by Mr. Ram Venupersad, Programme Officer of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The feature address was given by the Senator Dr. The Honourable Lenny Saith, Minister of Public Administration and Information . This workshop brought together the leaders in e-commerce in the Caribbean. The workshop on Monday and Tuesday will answer and raise questions in the area of e-commerce in the Caribbean. (27-July-2003)
Election Results
Today's local government elections are over. Results have revealed that the current ruling Party won the local Government elections. The UNC lost in several previously UNC areas the majority. (14-July-2003)
Trini Hackers
Trini Hackers on the rampage! For the past few days our computers (and everybody else' computers too) are attacked by hackers from T&T and other countries. Most hackers (TSTT NetExpress customers) are looking for the "Backdoor/SubSeven Trojan Horse". It enables unauthorized people to access your computer over the Internet without your knowledge. Use a firewall to protect your PC/property! e.g. ZoneAlarm (free)  (7-July-2003)
Venezuela Delegations Visits T&T
Recently a team from Venezuela visited Trinidad & Tobago to create a video for the Spanish speaking Caribbean and Latin America. Some of the TrinidadShopping.com customers are now part of this video. See part one here: (modem) (broadband) (TriniTobago.com) (7-July-2003)
Local Government Elections
With just one week (14th July) to the local government elections, more and more political meetings are on the agenda of the ruling PNM and the opposition UNC.  (7-July-2003)
T&T without Internet
Trinidad & Tobago without Internet - The largest Internet Service Provider couldn't provide Internet access for several hours starting early Saturday morning shortly after 4:30 am. TSTT NetExpress informed their customers almost 12 hours later that the problem was solved and the cause was that one of the international links was down, resulting in a total loss of connectivity for most customers in Trinidad & Tobago. Yes, we got service even on a Saturday!  (28-June-2003)
Caribbean Airlines Holding
During a meeting today at the Central Bank Building, several country leaders announced the formation of Caribbean Airlines Holding within 14 days. The new founded organisation will oversee the airline business in the Caribbean. With a major focus on a possible merge between T&T's BWIA and Antigua's LIAT. Both airlines are struggling the aftermaths of the 9/11 event. (22-June-2003) Update: The name will be: Caribbean International Airlines (Holding) Ltd also called CIA Holding Ltd (2-Aug-2003)
Holidays ...
Trinidad and Tobago is enjoying a very long weekend with two holidays this week. With Corpus Christi and  Labour Day on the same day, T&T will enjoy a Friday without work as well..  (19-June-2003)
Another Computer Virus
The malicious Bugbear.B virus is still spreading like wildfire, now using our domain name. Do not open any messages from/to "Afro-Caribbean travel - Olle" ! (11-June-2003)
High Speed Internet (Broadband Access)
TSTT announced a fee reduction for their High Speed Internet Access - ADSL. Residential customers can get ADSL (128/64K) for TT$ 460.00 (incl VAT) a month. ADSL for business customers starts at TT$ 1,000 (+VAT) per month. (7-June-2003)
Computer Virus
A new flood of computer viruses is cluttering the Internet. For 2 days now the W32.Sobig.B@mm virus is on a rampage. Unfortunately there are still too many PCs not or incorrectly protected against these infections. Protect your computer, protect your investment! Read more (we offer server based virus protection!) (6-June-2003)
Junk Mail - Too Much !
The month of May was again a month filled with 'Unsolicited Commercial Email' or UCE, better known as Junk Mail or SPAM. Our server based SPAM filters are doing a great job for our customers and for us. Thousands of these unwanted emails and hundreds of viruses never reached their destination to do their either harmful or at least annoying job just for the month of May.
Customers can log in and monitor their junk mails and enjoy filtered emails (SilverPlus Plan only). Reading emails can again be personal or work related and a joyful experience. STOP SPAM (1-June-2003)
News-Later
The monthly TrinidadShopping.com Newsletter for the month of May will be included in the June Newsletter. (31-May-2003)
WeBeat Festival
Enjoy the different Rhythms or Beats of Trinidad & Tobago at the 'WeBeat' Festival in St. James From 30-May until  7-June-2003 (30-May-2003)
Indian Arrival Day
Today is Indian Arrival Day, a public holiday in Trinidad & Tobago. (30-May-2003)
Surinam Airways invited members of the local business community to attend a presentation of the Suriname businesses, business association the the Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The Suriname business delegation started their promotional tour at the Kapok Hotel. The next presentation will cover Eco-Tourism and will be held at the Cascadia Hotel. The delegation will next week return to Suriname. (28-May-2003)
Trade and Investment Convention 2003
The Trade & Investment Convention (TIC) 2003 starts today at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. Over 150 exhibitors from several different countries are showing their products and services to the visitors from around the world. (26-May-2003)
At a Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce luncheon meeting at the Crowne Plaza, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, gave a speech about the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the regional airline. Known for his colourful speeches, With the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) in mind, Mr. Gonsalves mentioned that the Caribbean is full of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) - called 'Ignorance'. He  answered the questions from the introductory speech of Mr. David O'Brien, Chamber President and Mr. Gregory About, DOMA  President, with a focus on crime. As for the regional airline, Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Airlines) indicated an interest in participating in this venture by contacting the Prime Ministers of St. Vincent and of Trinidad & Tobago. (22-May-2003)
TTPost Launched New International Courier Service
TTPost launched their newest international courier service with 'TNT', one of the world's largest international courier and logistics companies. TTPost's courier service expanded now to deliver worldwide, on time and with online tracking of the shipped items. Global delivery in 2-5 days now at TTPost. Use 800-SEND or 800-TRAK for pick up or tracking of the package. (20-May-2003)
West Indies Cricket Team defeats Australia
Congratulations to the West Indies Cricket Team to their outstanding Test Match success in Antigua, defeating Australian, the World strongest Team. Read the news about this event from around the world: Australia, Caribbean, India, PakistanSouth Africa, UK, US  (13-May-2003)
New Airline comes to Tobago
Welcome Virgin Atlantic Airways and Sir Richard Branson on the inaugural flight London - Tobago  (more info) (5-May-2003)
New Bank Notes for T&T
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago released new state-of-the-art bank notes which will have added security features. After new $ 5 and $ 20 notes were introduced in August 2002, the remaining $1, $ 10 and $ 100 notes will soon follow this new security standard as well.  (2-May-2003)
Trinidad & Tobago Delegate Honoured In India
At the South Asian Travel and Tourism Expo (SATTE), recently held in New Delhi, a Trinidad and Tobago delegation was honoured with the award "Most forward looking and visionary buyer". The Expo was organized by the India Tourism and Air India to showcase India as a travel destination. Mr. Alimuddin Mohammed bagged the award for "the Vision for Increased Tourism between the Caribbean and South Asia." This was the first such honour given to a Trinidadian of Trinidad & Tobago in a South Asian Expo Mr. Alimuddin Mohammed is the son of former Ambassador to CARICOM, Ambassador Kamaluddin Mohammed, In his acceptance remarks, he described it as an honour for the delegation which visited India and the people of Trinidad and Tobago bestowed by India. (1-May-2003)
West Mall's Easter Bonnet Parade
The largest Easter Bonnet Parade in Trinidad and West Mall's 17th Parade had close to 200 contestants. Pictures from this event are available at www.WestMallOnline.com (courtesy of TrinidadShopping.com) (13-April-2003)
Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time - Most states of the United States have switched to daylight saving time. Trinidad and Tobago is now again in the same time-zone as Miami (Eastern Daylight Time or EDT). Other countries around the world switched already to DST a few days before. Trinidad and Tobago does not have DST. (6-April-2003)
Standard & Poor's Ratings
Standard & Poor's ratings on Trinidad & Tobago have been raised as external financial position continues to strengthen (more) (2-April-2003)
TSTT's NetExpress (Internet Access)
Update: TSTT reported that they have/had a problem with their 'international fiber systems' and a team is working on it to resolve this problem. They promised to update their subscribers ...  (2-Apr-2003 1:16pm)
Internet in Trinidad & Tobago came literally to a standstill at around 9 pm. TSTT, the largest ISP in T&T seemed again to be 'under attack'. The provider basically disappeared from the Internet. (e.g. mailhost.tstt.net.tt: No address associated with hostname). This also affected the DNS server from other providers like Carib-Link. Tip of the day: Use a foreign DNS server like 66.27.54.138 (IP Address) as an additional DNS server. TSTT's Internet service was again available after a 3 hour downtime, but was again down for another 6 hours. There is still no 24/7 hours service for the largest ISP in T&T available (31-March-2003)
Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce AGM
The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce invited to the annual AGM  Luncheon at the Hilton Trinidad. The meeting was well attended by the local business community. Chamber President David O'Brien was re-elected in February for a second term until 2004. He addressed the audience with his known fresh approach.
Robert Riley, Chairman and CEO of bpTT, the largest oil company in Trinidad, was the feature speaker. His focus was on the latest developments in the Energy Sector and future directions. The timing of this event was outstanding!  (26-March-2003)
TSTT ready for Global System for Mobile communication (GSM)
At the media launch, TSTT introduced the multi functionality of this new generation type of cellular phones under the brand name 'mpower' (just like BMW). This new digital cell system will eventually phase out TDMA, the current digital system. New services like E-Mail, Internet access will be available. A new run for new cell phones will most probably happen as rates are lower with GSM. The old analog system will be not anymore supported from 1st April. (24-March-2003)
DFL's 15th Annual Investment Conference
DFL's 15th Annual Investment Conference was held at the Hilton Trinidad. With 12 speakers from the business community, CAIC, former UN, World Bank consultants and other organisations, this conference was focused on globalisation. Under the theme "Business Strategies and Development in the Caribbean - on the wrong path or just moving too slowly?", the speakers presented interesting views and facts. It was well attended by the business community. (21-March-2003)
Trinidad and Tobago has a new President
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has a new President. The inauguration of the 4th President Prof. George Maxwell Richards, was celebrated on Monday. He is the successor of Arthur Ray Robinson, who was President for the past 6 years. (17-March-2003)
Carnival 2003 Results 
(Update: The High Court declares Band of the Year results as null and void - 5-June-2003)

Winners 'Band of the Year' 2003:
Large Bands:
# Band Theme
1st Legends Bedazzled
2nd Masquerade Funtasia Colours of the Wind
3rd Barbarossa Come Se Come Sa
4th Poison Fleurs de Passion
Medium Bands:
1st Trini Revellers Gathering the Tribes
Small Bands:
1st Tribal Connections Warrior of the Great Plains
Winners Road March 2003:
1st Faye-Ann Lyons with: 'Display'
2nd Destra Garcia with: 'Its Carnival'
Winners Panorama 2003:
1st Exodus with: 'Pandora'
2nd Trinidad All Stars with: 'Pandora'
3rd Phase II with: 'Music in We Blood'

Carnival 2003 - Better than ever


Thousands of masqueraders and visitors flocked the streets of Port of Spain, San Fernando and other areas of Trinidad, as Carnival 2003 came with the 'Parade of the Bands' to an end of several days of street festivals. Many visitors participated in costumes as part of the many Carnival bands.   4-Mar-2003
 (more of our Carnival pictures)
Airport parking more expensive
The Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) is raising the short term parking fee at the Piarco Airport by 43%, from TT$ 3.50 to TT$ 5.00 per hour and the daily rate to TT$ 30.00 (+4%) starting from Saturday, 1-March-2003.  26-Feb-2003
Highspeed Internet in Trinidad
The cable company 'Trinidad & Tobago Trans-Cable Co. Ltd' (CCTT) is now the latest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Trinidad. Internet access via Cable-modem is provided in certain areas of Trinidad. The connection is always on and includes unlimited data downloads. Monthly charges starts at TT$ 399.00 for a 64k up/64k download connection. Further details at 'Fiberline's website www.fiberline.tt. High speed Internet is coming to T&T with TSTT's DSL and CCTT's cable modem.   26-Feb-2003
Marriot is coming Trinidad
The construction of a new 124 room Hotel, the 'Courtyard by Marriot', has begun at Invaders Bay, next to MovieTowne. The hotel is a moderately priced lodging brand of the Marriot hotel chain. Courtyard, "the hotel designed by business travelers". It is planned to open before the Carnival 2004 season.  25-Feb-2003
Trinidad and Tobago has a new President
Prof. George Maxwell Richards was today elected as the 4th President of Trinidad & Tobago.  14/2/2003
Trinidad Hotels, Restaurant and Tourism Association website

The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurant and Tourism Association's website www.tnthotels.com was officially launched by the honourable Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Culture and Tourism this evening at the Cascadia Hotel. The website is now part of the TrinidadShopping.com network of Caribbean websites. All members are listed at the site (and at TrinidadShopping.com) and can update their information any time. ... 18/2/2003
Local Newspaper 'The Wire' closed their operation
The local newspaper 'The Wire', the second ANSA McAL Group paper besides The Guardian, closed their offices with immediate effect. The Wire was last available on Friday 31st January, after just 17 months on the market.  1-Feb-2003
Flat $200 Airfare between Trinidad and Tobago with Tobago Express
With immediate effect , Tobago Express is charging a flat airfare of TT$ 200.00 for the return trip between Trinidad and Tobago. No advanced booking required.  5/2/2003
New Airfare between Trinidad and Tobago from 1st January 2003
With effect from the first day in 2003, the airfare for the T&T air bridge has been reduced from TT$ 300 (US$ 50) to TT$ 200 for the return trip. To enjoy the reduced airfare the ticket has to be booked (and paid) one week in advance, resulting that the first reduce rate flight will be on 8th January 2003. BWIA, Tobago Express and Caribbean Star are offering the new airfare. 1/1/2003
TSTT reduced international calls rates by 40%
With immediate effect callers from T&T will enjoy a lower rate for international calls. The new 10-10-335 service, that is the number one has to dial before the normal international number, will allow savings of 40% after the first four minutes of normal rates. 31/12/2002
New TSTT 'Liberty Prepaid' cell phone customers without Lingo (SMS)
TSTT published an information today that Liberty prepaid cell phone customer are experiencing difficulties sending SMS messages, locally named 'Lingo'. The current system is overloaded and will be upgraded. A solution is expected for 31 March 2003. New Liberty customers will not enjoy the Lingo service until the upgrade is completed. Enjoy it from our website. 30/12/2002
TSTT decreased rates to cell phones 
TSTT decreased the rates for calling from a normal phone to cellular phones from TT$ 1.00 to TT$ 0.80 per minute with immediate effect. 20/12/2002
New Shopping Malls opened in Trinidad 
A new shopping mall and a new shopping plaza opened recently in Trinidad. Priceplaza in Chaguanas, in the vicinity of Pricesmart opened in November. And after the opening of MovieTowne, the 10 cinema complex at Invaders Bay, Port of Spain, the MovieTowne Mall opened at the beginning of December. 14/12/2002
McDonald's closed down operation in Trinidad 
After trying for eight years to make McDonald's, the world known Hamburger chain, a profitable business in Trinidad, workers were left without a job from Thursday 14th Nov: "Restructuring four countries and closing three countries". Hamburgers couldn't compete in this Chicken loving nation.  14/11/2002
TSTT's NetExpress is causing problems again 
TSTT's Internet service NetExpress is causing severe problems when it comes to email delivery. Since August this year customers experiencing delays in the delivery of their emails. Emails originated from TSTT to other ISPs (worldwide) are delayed up to 100 hours before leaving TSTT's email servers. Various reports to TSTT in the past few months were ignored. 7/11/2002
UPDATE: It appears that TSTT was able to get this problem under control. Emails are now delivered at normal speeds (within seconds). 28/11/2002
Divali 2002 - The festival of lights 
The Hindu festival of lights reached its peak on Sunday,  3rd November. With celebrations nationwide and a concentration at the Divali Nagar site in central Trinidad, the site attracts many people from Trinidad & Tobago and from around the world.  5/11/2002
General Elections in Trinidad & Tobago for the third time in just 22 month - 7th October 2002
Monday's general election resulted in 20 seats for the PNM and 16 for the UNC. Four parties were in the election race: Citizens Alliance, NAR (Tobago), PNM and UNC, but only the PNM and UNC got mandated. The last election in December 2001 caused a 18-18 (seats) result and no parliament could be installed. 8/10/2002
Trinidad & Tobago celebrated Republic Day, 24th September 2002
After several years without Republic Day, this public holiday was re-introduced  and was celebrated 24th September 2002. 25/09/2002
Send your Short Message to any Digital Cell Phone in T&T
Send a Short Message (SMS) to any digital cell phone with SMS feature in Trinidad & Tobago from this website for FREE! Send SMS    8/2002
Great Race between Trinidad & Tobago
The 34th 'Carib Great Race', with speedboats almost flying from Trinidad to Tobago started 24 August 2002 just after 8am at the Trinidad & Tobago Yacht Club (TTYC). The winner of this 86 miles annual race usually arrived in just over one hour in Tobago. Again, like several times before, Mr. Solo is this years winner with the same winning time of 1 hour and 6 minutes like last year.   8/2002
Independence Day 31 August 2002
Trinidad and Tobago celebrated the 40th anniversary of independence. A celebration of 40 days has been scheduled by the government. Fireworks, parades and many other festivities were highlights of this celebration.  08/2002
Emancipation Day was celebrated on 1. August 2002
The day the nation commemorates the liberation of Africans in the English Speaking Caribbean from slavery. Emancipation celebrations have become once more a great event attracting thousands of people to street parades, cultural exhibitions, seminars, art displays and other activities.    08/2002
Tobago Heritage Festival
The annual festival was celebrated this year from 12th July to 1st August. This cultural event is a major attraction in Tobago. It was created to preserve the cultural heritage of the people and their island.    07/2002
Trinidad & Tobago celebrated 'Indian Arrival Day'
Indian Arrival Day, celebrated on 30 May, commemorates the landing of the first indentured labourers from India in 1845, after a adventures 3 months crossing around the Cape and across the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic. Since this years Indian Arrival Day and Corpus Christi are on the same day, T&T celebrates Friday as a public holiday too. Nevertheless many businesses are open on Friday.    30/05/2002
Public launch of TrinidadShopping.com at the Hilton
Ultra Consulting Network Limited launched TrinidadShopping.com a network of over 40 websites within Trinidad &  Tobago and other Caribbean countries at the Hilton Trinidad. 
D.O.M.A. (Downtown Owners and Merchants Association) president Gregory Aboud started with an endorsement of TrinidadShopping.com, followed by a speech from Selby Wilson, Sectretary General of CANTO (Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organisations). Mr. Wilson, former Finance Minister of T&T, warned Caribbean leaders about the digital divide. Main presentor Gunther Richter, Managing Director of Ultra Consulting Network Ltd and architect of TrinidadShopping.com demonstrated how TrinidadShopping.com offers businesses the opportunity to be at the forefront of a global trend.    25/04/2002
Government launched E-Commerce Secretariat
The National e-Commerce Secretariat (NeCS) was launched on 11 March 2002 at the Chamber of Commerce, Westmoorings. Established by the Trade and Industry Ministry it will provide the machinery for the implementation of e-commerce in Trinidad and Tobago. The website can be reached at http://ecommerce.gov.tt  3/2002
TSTT introduced Short Messaging System (SMS) for mobile phones
With TSTT's Lingo one can send short text messages to every mobile phone in T&T. The phone must have SMS or text feature. Send the message either via E-Mail, by calling 619-SMS or from this website (Send SMS). Some phones allow send and receive SMS, some only receive SMS and others do not have this feature. SMS compatible phones: Nokia 6120i, 5125, 8260, 3320, 3360, Motorola V2300, V60T, 7890, Timeport, Ericsson T16d, A1288, A1228dsi and others 1/2002
PriceSmart opened second store in Trinidad
PriceSmart, the US chain is a volume-driven merchandise and services provider, delivering quality, value and low prices to the rapidly emerging consumer class in Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia. Now 24 locations in 11 countries. Opened 5 December 2001 in the new Entertainment and Shopping complex 'MovieTowne' in the beautiful ambiance of Invader's Bay, Port of Spain. MovieTowne will open later this year. 12/2001
TSTT - Same charges for calling from home or cell
TSTT, the local telephone company of T&T announced that effective immediately the charges for overseas calls from a cellular phone are the same as from a regular phone. 9/2001
Kmart in Trincity (Project on hold until further notice)
The $25 million superstore was supposed to be opened in June 2002 in Trincity in the proximity of the airport. The project is on hold during the restructuring of this US giant.  2/2002
Trinicenter.com
News, Facts & Analysis from local and international writers.
Update
Airport Events
 Sep-2013
JetBlue arrives in Trinidad and Tobago
Nonstop daily flights between Piarco and New York's JFK and Fort Lauderdale.
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TT$ 300 (US$48)
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