Trinidad and Tobago 2002

Trinidad and Tobago was a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea in 2002. It had a population of around 1.3 million people and its official language was English. The economy of Trinidad and Tobago was largely driven by its petroleum sector which accounted for approximately 60% of GDP in 2002, while other important industries included manufacturing and tourism. Despite its wealth there were still some social issues such as gender inequality with women holding fewer positions in politics than men. In addition to this, there were also high levels of poverty due to low levels of economic development leading to an estimated 30-40% living below the poverty line in 2002. Healthcare services were provided free of charge for all residents regardless of their nationality or income level but education was not free and only available to those who could afford it or had access through family connections. According to computerannals, Trinidad and Tobago had achieved a certain degree of stability by 2002 while still striving towards greater social equality and economic prosperity for all its citizens. The government also focused on providing aid to developing countries, mainly through the Caribbean Development Bank and other international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and United Nations (UN).

Yearbook 2002

Trinidad and Tobago. According to Countryaah website, national day of Trinidad and Tobago is every August 31. Major turbulence characterized the policy in Trinidad and Tobago during the year. The run was a parliamentary election in December 2001 that ended in a deadlock between the country’s two major parties, the Conservative PNM (People’s National Movement) and the Social Democratic UNC (United National Congress). President Arthur Robinson then appointed PNM leader Patrick Manning as prime minister, something UNC refused to accept.

Trinidad and Tobago Border Countries Map

The protests from the UNC side became strong and party leader Basdeo Panday stated in January that he intended to form a shadow government. Demands for fresh elections were heard throughout the year and the political turmoil was so great six months after the election that UNC’s Panday warned of civil war.

In the autumn, Prime Minister Manning finally gave up and the election was announced until October 8. The decision was then taken by Parliament, where both parties had 18 seats, were still unable to agree even if any President and all political work had stalled.

The issue of corruption overshadowed all other debates before the election. In addition to several ex-ministers being accused of corruption, Panday was also suspected of falsely reporting a bank account abroad, which damaged UNC. PNM won the election and won 20 of the 36 seats in the parliament. Other places went to UNC.

Trinidad and Tobago Country Overview

Visa
Finnish citizens do not need a visa when traveling to Trinidad and Tobago.

Visa fees and policies are subject to change without notice depending on local authorities.

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended based on a risk assessment (Trinidad Island), hepatitis and typhoid vaccines are also recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an area where yellow fever is present. Also check that your basic vaccinations according to the national vaccination program are valid (tetanus, polio and diphtheria). Please check vaccination requirements at the health center. For more information, see, for example, the Department of Health and Welfare’s Tourist Health Guide.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Climate
The climate is pleasantly warm all year round. The wettest season is June-November. Even then, the rains are likely to be only small for the deaf. The hurricane season is from August to November.

Travel Seasons
The best time to travel is from January to May when there is a dry season.

Electrical current
115 volts, 60 Hz. Finnish devices also need an adapter.

Mobile phones
Check with your operator for the coverage of your mobile phone. The area code for Trinidad and Tobago is + 1-868.

Time difference The time difference between
Trinidad and Tobago and Finland is -6 hours in winter and -7 hours in summer.

Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD). Currency can be obtained from Finland by booking in advance. The reserve currency is US dollars or euros. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.

Tips In
Trinidad and Tobago, it is not customary to drop. In the restaurant you can drop 10% if the service fee is not included in the price of the invoice.