Political Happenings in Tobago

We came to Tobago right towards the end of their House Assembly Election and being amongst everyone who is proudly supporting the parties, the political history of Tobago has become a bit more real. Essentially, the election is exclusive to Tobago and the main issue at stake is whether or not the central government in Trinidad should control the political happenings in Tobago. A lot of people in Tobago are skeptical of a central government controlling everything so it'll be interesting ti see what happens on election day, which is this monday the 21st. All schools are closed on election day and the school buildings are used as the actual voting cites, open from 6am to 6pm. Another interesting part of their voting procedure is that no alcohol is sold and advised to not be consumed from 12:01am to 6pm on voting day so that no one will be intoxicated during voting. I would have never imagined that my first political rally would be in a different country! We went to it last night after being told it was a Soca festival but realized once we got there that it was actually a rally for one of the parties. It was amazing to see all of the supporters so dedicated to the party and while my group got some questionable looks for being there (white tourists at a local political event), it was a good experience.  

        Our jungle tour guide was telling us all about the election and other information about Tobago throughout our day in the rain forests. Tobago has changed ownership a good 31 times before gaining full emancipation from the British in 1838. After, Tobago was essentially the bread basket for Trinidad by fostering a plentiful industry of coco, coffee, and coconut. Unfortunately, a hurricane in 1963 wiped out a lot of the crops and at that point, the oil and gas industry in Trinidad expanded and took off. A lot of Tobago's culture has come through in all of the little mini history lessons our jungle guide gave us, including their take on housing. The Tobago culture is a very proud one and the idea that a bank would own a house through a mortgage doesn't sit well with them. Therefore, they take their time and seek the help of their friends and family when they're building or making improvements to their house rather than turning to a bank to make it all happen at once. That's why we've been seeing a lot of partially complete houses around the island: some without decks, poorly constructed roofs, unfinished painting, etc. This is so different from our culture and a very humbling approach to living; they'd rather live with an incomplete house that is completely theirs than turn to the bank for help. I feel that the US culture incorporated immediate gratification in everyday spending, and emphasizes having more than what is already owned. So this perspective on taking your time and working with what you have is refreshing and a perspective I hope to further incorporate in my life. 

      We have a "free" weekend this weekend where we're completely on our own (our advisors left for a 2 night stay at a resort). I believe the plan today is to go back to some of the local vendors at Pigeon Point beach this morning, and spend the afternoon at a beach closer to our guesthouse called Bacolet Beach, cook a group dinner tonight, and then go out. Tomorrow, we'll probably go to church and hangout in downtown Scarborough. This trip has been flying by, it's crazy to believe we only have about 10 more days here!