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General
Trinidad lies off the Venezuelan coast (they are seven miles apart at the closest point) and covers an area of around 1860 square miles, with a population of around 1.3 million. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country’s capital, Port of Spain. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches. Trinidad’s sister island of Tobago lies about 21 miles to the north-east. Trinidad was initially colonised by Spain, but was captured by the British in 1797. Tobago had periods under Spanish, Dutch and French rule, before it was finally ceded to the British in 1814. Trinidad and Tobago merged in 1888 to form a single British colony, and the islands became a republic in 1976.
Grounds
Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad’s capital, has staged Tests since West Indies’ first home series in 1929-30. Other notable grounds include the Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, Prince Royal Park in Arima, and Shaw Park in Scarborough, Tobago.
Opposition
With two senior leagues and at least three other league competitions, there are numerous other clubs of varying standards in the two islands.
Entertainment
Postcard beaches mingle with rainforest and mud volcano to give an altogether different Caribbean experience. As for nightlife, there’s an array of bars and clubs. Many specialise in calypso, while The Anchorage bar is a famed venue for live music. And Santa Cruz, just north of Port-of-Spain, is the birthplace of Trinidad’s most famous son, Brian Lara.
Conclusion
Off the beaten track as far as tours are concerned, Trinidad offers the chance for tourists to experience an unexplored part of the Caribbean's cricket heritage.
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