Country Profile

Discovered by the Spanish at the end of the 15th century, Trinidad was seized by the British 300 years later, while the smaller island of Tobago was fought over by the Spanish, British, French and Dutch. With uninterrupted democratic rule since independence in 1962, T&T is today characterised by strong democratic traditions, an ethnically diverse population, and a vibrant local cultural and sporting life. Comparatively wealthy and economically diverse with active finance, manufacturing and transport sectors, T&T is also the largest Caribbean oil producer and the world’s sixth-largest exporter of LNG. While Tobago is a haven for tourists, with a laid-back atmosphere, Trinidad is famous for mixing business – particularly in the oil and gas sector – with pleasure, most famously in the form of the annual carnival. This chapter contains interviews with Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister; Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General, CARICOM; and Cecilia Álvarez-Correa, Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism.