By Casey McKenna, Entertainment and Fact Editor
With travel and tourism being an opportunity for some students, faculty, and staff, Trinidad and Tobago may be desirable destinations. With many students having the opportunity to speak with their peers who have lived on the island of Trinidad, its neighboring island, Tobago, may have some appeal to many in the Saint Leo community. Some members of the community may have become familiar with Carnival, a tradition celebrated year after year in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a tradition that has been brought to Miami, Florida in years past. With the holidays around the corner, many international students will be traveling back home in December. Others may be starting to plan their spring breaks in advance. Students like Antonette Lyken, an International Studies major, who have had the opportunity to live in Trinidad, would like tourists to know a few important things before travelling to her homeland.
Lyken, now 22 was born in Brooklyn, New York, and by eight months old was relocated to Trinidad with her family. Her mother and her immediate family still live in Trinidad and she speaks with them at least once a week, leaving her constantly updated with the news in her homeland. “I want them to know more about our Carnival which is highly commercialized all over the world,” said Lyken in regard to the Saint Leo community. “It is more than skimpy costumes and hyped music, but an art form rich in history that goes beyond what is shown on television,” said Lyken.
The celebration which has been around since 1783 has offered a vast array of people to come together and express their culture. The celebration which is based around the timing of Lent begins on a Monday with a tradition called J’Ouvert. J’Ouvert deriving from the French word, “jour ouvert,” or “day open” in English, starts off the celebration at the early morning hour of four am. On this day, many people can walk in large groups painted in anything from oil to mud and paint to express the freedom of their inhibitions. The festivities which include dancing and singing continue on through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
The Islands host other less commercialized events such as The Great Race which occurs in August each year. This event appeals to people with boats who are able to launch them at this event. “There are a lot of parties and music at The Great Race” said Lyken. Another event that assists in the success of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism economy is The Tobago Jazz Festival. “The Jazz Festival brings in a lot of international artists” said Lyken. This event takes place anywhere between August and October.
With opportunities like this, tourist will be able to experience the rich culture that Trinidad and Tobago offer, but as with any tourism opportunity, one must know the dangers and downfalls of every foreign experience.
“I want the Saint Leo community to be aware of things other than the crime that is affecting our country, however; I want them to become very aware of what is going on so that when they visit they can be more knowledgeable visitors,” said Lyken. According to Lyken, crime is an issue that is starting to greatly affect Trinidad’s tourism, as well as the locals who would like to migrate. “It’s sad that for such a small Island the crime is prominent,” said Lyken.
According to Lyken, the crime that is occurring is not only dangerous for tourists, but it is becoming harmful to locals as well. “They target people who appear unaware. I always recommend that if people are going to visit Trinidad to bring a local with them.” Some tips that Lyken has for anyone who is considering a vacation to the country are: do your research in advance, make contact with a local before you get there if possible; they can assist you in determining if what you are spending is an honest price, and be open minded.
