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Greetings from Trinidad & Tobago

July 10, 2015
Catalina Herrera Roca, Citi Country Officer for Trinidad & Tobago

Our Guide to Trinidad & Tobago is Catalina Herrera Roca, Citi Country Officer for Trinidad & Tobago, where Citi is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Fifty years ago, Citi began operations in Port of Spain as the First National City Bank. In 1983 Citibank localized and formed the United Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1987, Citicorp Merchant Bank Limited was incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1989 Citicorp repurchased the shares of United Bank and the bank was renamed Citibank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, once again becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Citicorp Merchant Bank Limited established a marketing branch in Barbados in 2000. The Trinidad & Tobago Hub includes Barbados and the Institutional Clients Group business in the Bahamas.

In Trinidad Citi provides a wide array of banking services through the locally licensed vehicles - Citibank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited and Citicorp Merchant Bank Limited. The ICG franchise, based in Trinidad, serves multinationals, local corporate, financial institutions and government entities in Trinidad, Barbados and the Bahamas. Citi is a major player in foreign exchange (FX), markets, derivatives, international cash and corporate finance.

Official language: English

Currency: TT$ (Trinidad & Tobago dollar)

Population: 1.3 million

Weather: Trinidad and Tobago are Caribbean islands that enjoy mild to warm weather of 26-30 degrees Celsius (78-80 Fahrenheit) throughout the year. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which begins in June and continues through December and the dry season, which is December through May.

Trinidad & Tobago Cuisine: The cuisine is very rich in terms of variety with a blend of Indian, African, Creole, Amerindian, European, Chinese and Lebanese influences. The national dishes include callaloo, bake & shark, doubles, pelau, curried crab & dumplings, pastelles, black cake, dhal puri roti and a local flatbread called buss-up-shut roti which is called thatbecause of its texture, appearance and similarity to a torn (burst) T-shirt!

Culture: Carnival, which is celebrated at the beginning of the Lenten period, is our "Greatest Show on Earth." It is the most significant event on the islands' cultural and tourism calendar. It includes band launch fetes, Carnival Monday and Tuesday costumed parades on the streets, steel band competitions, calypso music, soca Monarch competitions and even a Kiddies' Carnival.

J'Ouvert (from the French meaning "break of day") begins the two official days of Carnival. Locals and visitors from all walks of life covered in oil, mud, body paint and even chocolate move to the beat of steel bands, pan round the neck bands and "rhythm sections" until the break of day. This pre-dawn celebration starts at 2:00 a.m. and concludes at sunrise.

Best Tourist Sites:

Trinidad: Maracas Beach, is on the north side of the island and one of the most well-known beaches. It is protected by a deep bay and is considered the most beautiful beach located closest to the capital.

  • Grande Riviere and Matura Beach: Each year, more than 10,000 leatherback sea turtles travel from across the Atlantic Ocean to nest on the eastern beaches during April to August. It is a wonder to behold.

Tobago: Many consider Pigeon Point Tobago's most beautiful beach. It boasts of a long stretch of white sand and clear, warm aquamarine waters.

  • Bucco Reef is a protected marine park located a short distance off Pigeon Point. The coral reef is one of the most accessible in the region and is breathtaking with a colorful underwater life.

What I Love About Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago is said to have a "rainbow" of people as the population is made up of persons of African, Amerindian, British, Chinese, French, Indian, Spanish and Portuguese descent and the diversity of culture is portrayed through the different festivals throughout the year.

The Queen's Park Savannah (the "Savannah") is one of the most beautiful places in Port of Spain. It is the largest open space in the capital and in the dry season it is adorned with pink and yellow poui trees. I love doubles, Carnival, J'ouvert and the leatherback turtles.

There is so much richness in the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Trinidad and Tobago that it is easy to fall in love with the place.

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