When periods of difficulty arise, people are given the chance to demonstrate their resilience, self-control and problem solving capabilities. In addition, such delimas assist in strengthening of character and adding volume to our personalities. These Times of crisis, though unplesant, can therefore be viewed as an opportunity in disguise.
In the ninteen fifties, Trinidad & Tobago experienced a crisis when the West Indies Federation disintegrated. This federation, was supposed to allow Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados to achieve economic security without assistance from england, the Mother country. Added to that, The West Indies federation, was the initail step toward the three territories (Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados), achieveing joint independence from Britain. However, when The Federation dissolved, the leaders of Trinidad & Tobago, Dr. Eric Williams, et al, did not let this impede their colony's quest for independence. The situation encouraged Dr. Williams, to strive toward attaining self government for his country without the co-operation and support of the other territories. In a few years his struggle was rewarded, and the independent nation of Trinidad & Tobago, blossomed. If the West Indies Federation had not crumbled, this country would not have had the opportunity to experience true autonomy and also to develop its national identity.

I so proud to be multi racial!! People are always asking me, 'What are you?' and I ask them what they mean. They would then explain, sometimes awkardly, that they desire to know my race. It's usually difficult to explain so I just say that I am Black. Howvever when I am in the mood I like to discuss my colourful and varigated ancestry. I have been blessed with Amerindian, East Indian, West African and European heritage. It's pretty cool when you think of it because I wouldn't exist if Trinidad did not experience slavery, The Cedula of Population, and Indian Indenturship. This is the same with many other Trinbagonians. As a result, of miscegnation a variety of new 'races' have been created. For example there are 'douglas' (usually used to refer to person's on both Afro & Indo Trinidadian parentage) mulattoes and 'cocoa payal' (persons of Indo and/or Afro- Trinidadian and Amerindian parentage).

I visited the Caroni Swamp this June and the experience was both a relaxing and enlightening experience. The tour was conducted by an giude organisation called Nanans, in flat bottom boats, each with a holding capacity of approximately 35 to 40.
I was fortunate to have the oportunity to journey along a few of the many channels and lagoons located just off the Uriah Butler. It was extremely suprising to see how mch swampland exist beyond the mangrove trees, you see just before crossing the Caroni River. Previously, I was under the delusion that just beyond the trees was the sea. Well, now I know.
During the tour, I was awestruck upon realising that this swamp was indeed an intricate ecosystem, where each specie of either flora or fauna contributed to the livelihood of another. Of course I learnt all this in my past geography classes but after witnessing this environment for myself, my knowledge became more relevent.
Among the fauna, I was privileged to observe was the Cascabel or Tree Boa, red crabs, a large caiman, the Little Blue Heron, the Great White Egret, the Cormorant and last but not least, the regal Scarlet Ibis. I was not able to see amy fish, however the guide, Solo, informed the group that the water was rich in mullet, cascadura, grouper and black tilapia. With regard to the flora, there was mangrove, mangrove and more mangrove!!! Red Mangrove, White Mangrove and Black Mangrove; how patriotic. Actually, these trees get their names from the hue of their wood.
Unfortunately, since it is now nesting season, the tour group was not blessed with the spectacular sight of a stand (when a large flock of Scarlet Ibis birds alight on a tree and the entire tree becomes scarlet)