:: INDIA EMPIRE ::

CALYPSO CALLING

One of India’s top tourism players pays rich tribute to Trinidad and Tobago, a land that swayed his senses since childhood

Subhash Goyal

For me it has been a love affair to remember, with Trinidad and Tobago that is. I was a fledgling, wide-eyed student of the world, overly fascinated by what seemed to me in my earlier years as the very remote, very distant Caribbean Isles. T and T in particular came across as a vibrant, resplendent place, full of pretty beaches, and merrymakers, the kind of place you'd love to pack your bags and set out to. West Indies’ rise in world cricket was one of the main reasons why my interest in T and T grew by leaps and bounds. I was also aware that about 40 per cent of the local population of T and T was made up of PIOs—it appealed very much to my Indian spirit. How fascinating it would be to meet some of them one day.

That day arrived, five years ago, when I flew into Port of Spain from the United States. The warmth and hospitality of some of my Trinbagonian friends whom I had met earlier in India was simply overwhelming. I landed on the eve of Diwali. The following day Alimuddin, a Muslim friend, took me to Lakshmiji Temple. It was an excellent commentary on the peaceful and secular structure of Trinbagonian society where so many communities cohabit side by side.

For the British West Indies Airways project we got tremendous support from H.E. Pundit Maniedeo Persad

Diwali in Port of Spain was a sight to behold, a powerfully illuminated festival that'll will remain emblazoned in my heart. The entire island reverberated with sound and light, the kinds that made me as an Indian feel proud, and importantly at home. It was truly a dream come true. The Trinbagonians ability to treat me like a royal guest was unbelievable.

The Diwali celebrations impressed me. Deep in my heart I wish every Indian visits Port of Spain to see for himself how the entire population of just over a million people belonging to different ethnicities celebrate the festival. It is a lesson for all.

Following my visit to Lakshmiji Temple I immediately decided to develop tour packages and programs between India and T and T. I visited the British West Indies Airways office. After detailed discussions with their commercial director we worked out a comprehensive business strategy to promote the airlines jointly with Air-India and Sri Lankan Airlines. This strategy paid dividends, and won us plaudits.

In the BWIA venture we got tremendous support from H.E. Pundit Maniedeo Persad. As always he remains a fountain of inspiration to people like us. I'd also like to compliment his wife Mrs Rohini Persad for the accomplished manner in which she played her part in organizing Indian Arrival Day functions. It was a grand success.

Bilateral relations between our two nations could not have been where they are without such dedication and personal commitment.