About La Brea Industrial Development Company Limited (LABIDCO)

Many people are unaware that the Deep South has nothing but bush and waters.  Have you ever asked if south contributes to the revenue of the country?

Here's what LABIDCO is about.....

Labidco was formed in February 1995 to develop the La Brea Industrial Estate for industrial activity. NGC holds 83% of the shares in Labdico while Petrotrin holds the remaining 17%.  The day-to-day management of the Estate is carried out by National Energy on behalf of NGC.

Labidco's vision for the La Brea Industrial Estate is to provide industrial land, port, logistics and bio-remediation services at competitives prices.  

D Big Yard Bar Teelucksingh

D Big Yard Bar Teelucksingh is located in Cedros and is very popular for ALL FOURS CARD PLAYING COMPETITIONS.

Sieunarine's Restaurant & Bar

Yes! it's a bar....but don't forget you can get your lunches here....

For the BEST CURRY DUCK!.... For me, the first time I tasted Curried duck from here....WOW! I've always tried to have something other than duck, but the temptation and just the thought of that best curry!!! hmmmmm.... Let's just say, I don't mind eating dhal, rice and curry duck Sunday to Sunday from Sieunarine's.

Every Sunday morning special - FISH BROTH. To help with that hangover from Friday and Saturday.

A place popular for customers who enjoy local Chutney music, an ambiance so friendly, where everyone is one!

Every year during the borough celebrations, Sieunarine's hosts the TASSARAMA event, where tassa groups from all over the country makes their way to Point Fortin for this event.  Trophies and hampers are prepared for winners...this is a big event as Indian orchestra bands also come down to perform. 

As the Christmas season approaches, Sieunarine's Bar hosts a Parang event every year bringing together customers, fans, environs and much more to celebrate, drink up and enjoy an evening of PARANG!  Christmas hampers are usually in store for giveaways.... and lots more!

UPRISING SPORTS BAR

Uprising Sports Bar is a newly renovated bar that reopened for business 3 years ago.  It's a ONE LOVE, ONE FAMILY vibes where friends and family come out to have a good time.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday @ Uprising Sports Bar from 8pm TILL....ladies and gents you can come out for the LATIN DANCE CLASS and learn professional Latin dancing.

It's always an exciting to come out and experience something new everyday.  At Uprising, you can experience a fun evening every Thursday for KARAOKE THURSDAY!!!

Also, you don't want to miss out on the AFTER WORK LIME....head down to Uprising Sports Bar every Friday from 4pm TILL.....

Columbus Bay

Located on the Southwestern Peninsula of Trinidad, the Bay was named for Christopher Columbus in honor of the fact that he and his crew entered the bay via ship in 1498.  Today the beach serves as a semi-popular recreational spot for sun bathing and swimming.  

Located on the southwestern coast of the island of Trinidad, 2.4 miles west-southwest of Fullerton. You should consider stopping by even if you aren't staying nearby.  Travelers in search of a tranquil, secluded setting might want to plan a visit to Columbus Bay.

How to Access The Beach

Columbus Bay is set between Los Gallos Point and Corral Point.  There is a car park available for visitors.

Amenities and Ambiance

The shore of Columbus Bay features tan colored sand that is smooth and soft.  The waters are aquamarine with several outlying rocks that jut out from the sea, giving the bay character.  

Columbus Bay offers those who visit an angelic and serene enclave, thanks to the fact that the area surrounding the beach won't be overly crowded.

What's Nearby

• Cities and Town

The nearest area on Trinidad to Columbus Bay is Icacos.  This friendly part of Trinidad is only a mile and a half away, which means a visit doesn't need to take up the whole day.  This region on T&T is a neat region that strikes a balance between island tranquility and urbanization.

Hotels

The popularity of this spot on any given day can vary, depending on when you visit, and how full nearby hotel rooms are.  Don't anticipate finding any of T&T's frequently visited resorts and hotels near this beach, though if you're trying to evade throngs of travelers, the lack of places to stay will surely be a pleasant sight.

Other Beaches

Vacationers in search of the perfect beach will have other options if Columbus Bay doesn't suit their tastes.  You may also want to consider Cedros Bay, located fairly close-by meaning a short ride in a taxi should put you in the right spot to check out this other choice.  

T&T has plenty to offer its visitors, and paying a visit to Columbus Bay is just one way you can spend your afternoon.

Granville Beach

Why spend just a day at the beach when you can spend the night as well?  Granville is unique amongst the beaches of Trinidad because it serves as not only a popular swimming bole but a favorite camp site as well.  Be warned, however, that there are no lifeguards, so night swimming is discouraged.

Vessigny Beach

Vessigny beach is one of the most popular beaches in the south western peninsula and is pretty well maintained.  Here, you will find a car park, picnic tables, snack bar, changing rooms with showers and toilets (opened on weekneds and school vacation time only).

Large groups flock to this facility for excursions and beach parties.  Vessigny Beach has very calm seas and low waves which makes bathing quite fun.  The water isn't the clearest but it's still a great spot to relax or have a grand time depending on the day you visit.

Constance Coconut Estate

The largest coconut estate in Trinidad is located in Fullerton Village, just off Icacos Point in South-western Trinidad.  Many would say, the early history of Icacos began with life on the estates. Constance estate, which lies on the sea front, was the centre of social, religious, sporting and economic activities.

Roadway to Icacos

Coconut Estate

Philip Agostini, the present owner of Constance, the largest coconut estate in Trinidad, said, "Since 1870 the estate has lost approximately 700 acres to the sea, mainly on the northern side of the beach.  Houses along the beach front have down and vast amounts of coconut trees have been lost to constant erosion."  As the sea continues to claim new territory, it has changed the entire beach front.  following these events, Agostini called a group of estate owners in the peninsula and together they formed the Copra Planters Association which later became the Coconut Growers Association.

Fallen coconut trees from eroded land

Borough Day Celebrations!!!

Point Fortin Borough Day Festival brings more people to T&T than Carnival as it is the biggest event ever to stage with more and more events being added to the 17-day celebration.  Borough Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of May every year.  The Borough Day Festival came from nothing and has grown into what it is today - one of the best attended cultural events in the entire Caribbean.  This festival puts T&T on the global map as far as culture is concerned.
The borough of Point Fortin celebrated its 36th anniversary this year with a week of celebrations beginning two weeks prior to the actual 'borough day event' and culminating in the "Borough Cool Down" on Sunday.   

The annual military parade takes place one week before Borough day and signals the start of the week-long celebrations.  The parade begins at Coronation Park, and then proceeds through the streets of Point Fortin.

Horses at the Parade

Military Parade Crowd

Parade in Progress

Some of the other events that takes place during this 17-day celebrations of borough are:

• Official Borough Launch - takes place at Victor Chin Kit Park 
• Football Festival - featuring former football stars at Cap-de-ville
• Indo-Calypso Jazz event - Pantar with the Masters of Calypso at Clifton Hill Beach Resort
• Junior Swim Meet - takes place at the Point Fortin Community Swimming Pool.
• Icons in D'Sun - midday concert at Victor Chin Kit Park.
• Miss Point Fortin Borough Pageant - Crowning of the queen at Point Fortin East Secondary.
• Liverpool Fete - takes place at Clifton Hill Beach Park.
• An Evening of Elegance - a fashion extravaganza featuring designs by the top designers of south Trinidad takes place at Clifton Hill Beach Park. 
• Borough Marathon Race - usually scheduled for the Sunday before borough day, takes place throughout the streets of Point Fortin. 
• Senior Citizen Treat - special luncheon at Clifton Hill Beach Park.
• Republic Bank Pan on the Parkway

There are many more events to add to the list, but one in particular is the highlight!

The dawn of Saturday will see the eagerly awaited Point Fortin J'Ouvert, an event full of music and steelbands.  Annually, a number of masqueraders from Northern bands make the trek to Point to this J'Ouvert.  

Home of the Soca/Calypso Legends!

Trinidad and Tobago is well known for the popular Carnival season.  During this time, there are many parties and fetes where we know 'Trinis love to party!'  But have we ever asked about where these artistes came from?    Many may not know that some of the best artiste originated from Point Fortin. As the Point Fortin Borough Motto stated; "Aspire to Achieve". Here are some of these notable natives:

• Fay-Ann Lyons Alvarez - Soca Artiste
• Barnet Henry (The Preacher) - Calypsonian
• Wayne T - Soca artist / Calypsonian
• Iwer George - Soca artist / Calypsonian
• Austin Lyons (Superblue) - Soca artist / Calypsonian
• Kelvin Pope (The Mighty Duke) - Calypsonian
• Morel Peters (Luta) - Calypsonian
• Winston Rawlins (Cro Cro) - Calypsonian
• Naya George - Soca artist

Just to highlight the most popular of this listing, here is a quick run down on some.

Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez, born on November 5, 1980 and was sometimes known by such titles as the Lyon Empress in Point Fortin to parents Austin Lyons (Superblue) and Lynette Steele.  Fay Ann is a three-time T&T Carnival Road March champion ( 2003, 2008, 2009) and the 2009 International Soca Monarch and International Groovy Soca Monarch champion.

BEST OF POINT FORTIN HOTELS!

Welcome to the sister hotels, South Western Court and Clifton Hill Manor, located in the southwestern energy-centric borough of Point Fortin, in the Ward of St Patrick.  Here, within 10 minutes of shores lapped by the Gulf of Paria, and epitomizing home comforts and culinary offerings, SWC an its sister hotel, Clifton  Hill Manor, offer idyllic tropical accommodation for local, regional and international businessmen and tourists alike.  Fine dining and bar aervices are also available to their on-site restaurant, The Courtroom.

SOUTH WESTERN COURT HOTEL and sister hotel - THE CLIFTON HILL MANOR are the two newest hotels in the Borough of Point Fortin.  The hotels team has a vision to offer the most premium accommodations in the area, with the objective of exceeding their guests' expectations.

South Western Court Hotel is located at 14-16 Cap-De-Ville Main Road Point Fortin (obliquely opposite to the Point Fortin market).  This property boasts 15 ensuite rooms all appointed with A/C, Cable TV, telephone, hot/cold water and complimentary WiFi access.  Other on-site facilities include 2 Conference/Banquet Rooms and the Courtroom Restaurant.

South Western Court Hotel

• Premium Dining Experience

To enjoy the best local or international cuisine in a place where casual and formal dining can be accommodated, the cosy interiors and trendy outdoors of The Courtrrom make it the place to head.  The restaurant offers and facilitates a premium entertainment experience for its go-getting customer base by efficiently serving world class international and Caribbean menus and premier beverage choices in an atmosphere that is contemporary, vibrant and relevant.

Cocktails, Appetizers, Entrées and more for every plate!

Caribbean or Continental Breakfast

Another Breakfast Option

Ten Days of Muharram: The Cedros Hosay

The quiet fishing village of Cedros in south-west Trinidad came to life in Ten Days of Muharram, which unveils events of one of T&T's most eventful and cultural festivals - Hosay (Muharram).   The event commemorates the martyrdom of Hassan and Hussain (Hussein), grandsons of Prophet Muhammed.  Hosay is a popular celebration among minority Shiite Muslims and is celebrated globally.  The Hosay festival is celebrated during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calender.  Participants are organised into five camps and each group is responsible for constructing miniature temples (tadjahs) to depict the tombs of Muhammed's two grandsons.  On the first day of Muharram, Muslims begin prayers at the Chawk (a holy place for prayers).  the miniature tadjahs (small hosays or pitti bongie) were paraded through the streets of Cedros accompanied by tassa drummers.

A close-up view of a tadjah during Hosay in Cedros

Tadjah pulled along the Cedros Main Road

Making it's way through the streets of Cedros

Hosay has a history.  It originated in the estates of Cedros that were run by the French creole.  Petit bondieu is a French term which means small Hosay.  What you would also find too is a lot of the other cultures and religion is an integral part of the process.  The celebration of the Hosay in Cedros has taken on all types of nuances and resonances from other religions including Roman Catholic, Hindu, Baptist, creating a product which is uniquely Trinidad.  Our Hosay in Cedros you will never find anywhere else in the world in terms of the way they construct their tadjahs.  There was the participation of the stickfighters which is a dying art form but is also a rich part of that culture.

Hosay about to drown

Spectators lined the streets to get a glimpse of the beautifully decorated tadjahs.  It is also said that there are different events in the lead up to the final night.  One of which is called the 'flag night' where members walk through the streets with flags.  The final thing is to disperse of the hosays in the sea. 

Dispersing the Hosay in the sea

Hosay going down

St. Peter's (Fisherman Fete)

On the 29th of June marks the celebration of Peter's birthday, the fisherman and former Apostle to Jesus.  This is met with much anticipation on the Trinidad and Tobago isles of fete and frivolity!  The Seafood Industry Development Company boasts that the local marine fisheries sector in 2005 contributed TT$ 63 million to the country's Gross Domestic Product.  It is without a doubt that episcopal church services in the Roman Catholic communities as well as its denominations continued this year with fishermen receiving their blessing from the parishes.  

In addition, hundreds of islanders of all races and religions still turned out to the festivities at the shores and bays of fishing villages island wide for beach parties, fun activities, delectable fish and food!  The fishing village of Cedros in the south western peninsula of Trinidad is famous for this particular fete.  People from all over the island come to Manmohansingh Park at St. Marie village in Cedros. The crowd thickens every year with cars lining the streets, vendors setting up shop and Dj's on the beach hosting the inaugural "fishermen fete".  Other parts of the island like Carenage had their annual cultural presentations, fish broths and danced away with frivolity, gaiety and unity.  

So next time you journey to the south land be sure to participate in the free fun filled fisherman's fete!  You'll enjoy it and be grateful!!!

History of Point Fortin

Point Fortin is located in southwest Trinidad, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of San Fernando.  Point Fortin has played a crucial role in the economic welfare and development of Trinidad and Tobago.  While Point Fortin is the smallest borough in Trinidad and Tobago, it has produced millions of barrels of oil which this country has exported and the revenues derived used for the construction of much of its infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools and hospitals.

D' Butches Bar & Lounge

Everyone or if not most people love to bar hop while on road trips, even i do! So if you're wondering where you should stop and grab that ice cold beer, then no need to worry! 

D' BUTCHES BAR & LOUNGE 

For all those late night limers, D' Butches Bar & Lounge is the place to be.  For that vibrant and energetic party vibes, D' Butches Lounge is famous for hosting regular events.  Some of these events are:

• GIRLS GONE WILD!!!

Every Thursday, 'fellas link up yuh crew and head down to Butches Bar to enjoy a wonderful time with these sexy exotic dancers.' 

• FREE UP FRIDAYS!!!

Each and Every Friday is Free UP Fridays...So come out and enjoy music by popular DJ's such as; Durwin, Pegus+Warrdogg, GUEST DJ's: Young Bloods+Startus

Cedros & Icacos Volcano Exploration

A place worth visiting is the Cedros Peninsula, which starts from Bonasse Village in Cedros and extends all the way to the villages of Fullerton and Cedros.  It takes approximately 3 hours from Port-of-Spain to get there but it is well worth the long drive to know this magnificent unspoiled South Coast Scenery.

Cedros Jetty

• MUD VOLCANO

Although there is the deposition of silt from the Orinoco River, sea erosion continues to destroy the porous landscape and many of the coconut trees and estate building reclaimed by the sea.  At the top of Columbus Bay, located a few metres from the shore there are three landmark rocks referred to as the Los Gallos or the Cocks.  Further inland in the Cedros Peninsula, there is a chain of mud volcanoes.  The Galfa Mud Volcano situated in the Green Hill Area at Marie Street in Bonasse.  The Columbia Mud Volcano Fields consist of a series of volcanoes and found one mile inside a coconut estate between the villages of Fullerton and Icacos.

Mud Volcano

History of Icacos!

Icacos Point is the south westernmost point in Trinidad and Tobago situated at the tip of the long peninsula that forms St. Patrick County and is only 11 kilometres away from neighbouring Venezuela. The village was given its name by the original inhabitants of the area, the Amerindians, who named it after a type of common shrub of the rosaceous or rose family, icaco, that grew profusely there. 
By the 1820's, Icacos increasingly became an agricultural area with estates such as Columbia and Constance coming into being. In 1877 the first school in the area was built on Constance estate with forty-nine students in attendance under the tutelage of school-master, Mr. Lazare.

By 1881, census reports show that there were five-hundred and two people in the area but with no public services available except through the nearby Cedros area.
Today, Icacos has largely abandoned its agricultural roots and villagers engage mainly in fishing for their sustenance. Many types of fishing are engaged by the fishermen such as drift-net fishing, "floating" and long-line fishing. However, shrimp-fishing, which is done primarily at night, is one of the most popular forms of fishing. This form of fishing is not without controversy because the shrimp beds lie in the direction of Venezuelan waters and many a fisherman have been arrested and their catch confiscated. Fishing agreements made between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago have helped the situation somewhat.

La Brea Pitch Lake

La Brea is a small community situated in the southwestern part of Trinidad, and lies approximately 55 miles (88.5km) from Port of Spain and is bordered by the Gulf of Paria.  La Brea stands about 85 feet (26m) above sea level and has a bowl shape.  This humble community is the eighth wonder of the world, and the largest of its kind, the PITCH LAKE. 

View of the Pitch Lake 

                                                         

Tour Guide demonstrating the texture of the pitch

This tour guide named Mr Roy is seen demonstrating the texture of the pitch from the lake where we understand that some parts are hard and some soft. The soft areas can not be walked on as it may swallow anything. We also learnt that if it can swallow anything it sure can spew and burp (Lol). When this happens a yellowish water substance is seen and at times you get a strong sulphur smell.

Visitors bathing in the well popular lake

CALLIFARIA LEGEND

This legend is about two young lovers who were responsible for the destruction of the settlement of La Brea.  This is what happened! Callifaria - the daughter of Callisuna, who was the chief of the La Brea tribe, fled from her tribe to the long arms of her boyfriend, Kasaka - a prince of the Cumana tribe.  Quite peeved by his daughter's flight, Callisuna and his warriors invaded Cumana, did battle, captured his daughter, tied her to a horse and speedily returned to La Brea.  Unfortunately, Callisuna did not know that his drastic action so angered Pimlontas, the winged Arawak god, who damned the village of La Brea , making it sink into the earth, replacing it with a thick black substance, the Amerindians called PICHE (PITCH).

COLIBRI (Humming) BIRD LEGEND

This legend is about the Chima Indians, a tribe which existed on the very spot where the present lake occupies.  Apparently, after a victory, these Indians had jubilant celebrations which included a grand feast in which vast quantities of Colibri Birds (Humming Birds) were cooked and eaten. The plumes of these small birds were used as accessories.  The victory which had absorbed the minds of the Indians drowned the memory that the delicious Colibrie Birds where really the spirits of their ancestors.  As an act of punishment, the winged God opened up the earth and summoned up a lake of pitch which swallowed up the entire Chima village and its people.

For the Amerindians, the pitch lake was a painful reminder that retribution for evil doing was always at hand.  The lake was a symbol of emptiness, an absence of life and a physical manifestation of Celestial damnation.

                                                             

Clifton Hill Beach Resort

If you're not from south, it's going to be one hell of a long trip but yet very fun and interesting.  So as we journey to the last point of Trinidad in the southwestern end of our beautiful island we came across quite a few beaches that were really mind blowing...very much of the country side!  One in particular would surprise you of the transformation from what it was to what it is now, and that beach is none other than Clifton Hill Beach.

Clifton Hill Beach back in the days

                             

Nice Shaded Area

Below you can see the newly built Bar and Restaurant with a magnificent poolside view. Many come out to have a great evening lime.  Great liming spotlight, perfect for any occasion.

Daylight view of Clifton Hill Beach Resort pool 

Night view of Clifton Hill Beach Resort Pool

In April 2014, the Point Fortin Borough Corporation opened the 9100 square feet facility located at Guapo Beach, Point Fortin. Clifton Hill Beach Resort is a beach facility that includes changing rooms, conference rooms, a swimming pool, beach pavillion, multi-level sunset lounge with court yard, eating areas, boat house, car park, stage, beach bar and fine dining at the Fortay Restaurant among its amenities.

Welcome to Trini Southwestern Lifestyle

Welcome to my first blog, 'Southwestern Lifestyle'.  This blog was created as a throwback to the days before technology existed.  There will be lots of interesting photos and videos posting throughout the upcoming months so stay tuned for more....