India's Modi arrives in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen ties in first official visit
It is Modi's first official visit to the diverse, twin-island Caribbean nation. More than 35% of its 1.4 million inhabitants are East Indian, descendants of indentured workers brought from India during the colonial era.
Modi said on X prior to the trip that he was 'looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages.'
Hours before Modi landed in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad's prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, closed schools and non-essential government offices as a security measure aimed at reducing traffic.
Modi was scheduled to meet with officials on Thursday evening and address both Houses of Parliament on Friday, as well as sign several agreements.
While many in Trinidad and Tobago's Hindu community were excited about Modi's visit, the nation's largest Muslim organization, the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association, had its reservations. In a letter sent to a local newspaper, the association criticized Modi's government, saying it has 'emboldened religious intolerance and targeted the Muslim community' in India.
'We cannot ignore Mr. Modi's political legacy and its ramifications for Muslim communities globally,' the association said.
About 18% of Trinidad and Tobago's population is Hindu, while 5% is Muslim.
Modi is scheduled to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina this weekend and meet with President Javier Milei.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
I've been to more than 35 all-inclusive resorts. Here are 10 mistakes I always see first-timers make.
I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts around the globe and seen first-timers make the same mistakes. Check out water-sport rentals and amenities at sister properties — and pack an insulated travel mug. Don't go overboard with frozen drinks or fill your plate during the first pass at a buffet. Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason. Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards can alleviate a lot of travel headaches. As a travel writer, I've been to dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, and more. During my stays, I see guests overlook many details that could make their sojourns more enjoyable. Whether you're planning your first trip to an all-inclusive resort or this is already your preferred style of vacation, here are 10 mistakes to avoid. Not every all-inclusive resort is designed equally. Some have gorgeous pools and underwhelming beaches, or vice-versa. Some cater to families with dedicated kids' and teens' clubs and activities, but others prohibit guests under 18. I've stayed at resorts that run the gamut. The point is that having everything included in and of itself isn't necessarily enough of an appeal. Think about what you're looking for in a vacation, do your research, and look beyond the slick marketing and touched-up, wide-angle photos on the resort's website. The term "all-inclusive" doesn't mean what it used to. These days, some resorts offer upgraded rooms and suites in certain areas of the property, with perks that may include butler service and dedicated lounges, restaurants, pools, or beach areas for these VIP guests. Although spending more for these amenities isn't for everyone, they can bring a sense of luxury and civility to your vacation, especially if you're staying at a crowded resort where guests are forced to set out towels before breakfast to claim lounge chairs. You may have access to a slew of restaurants at your resort, but that doesn't mean you can roll up to the host stand and automatically get a table, especially at peak dinner times. Remember, everyone wants 7:30 p.m. To avoid disappointment, book tables for the popular spots right after you check in or before you arrive, if that's an option. Keep in mind that depending on how many nights you're staying, you may be entitled to only a limited number of reservations for the à-la-carte concepts, so choose wisely. My advice is to prioritize places that serve local cuisine. After all, you can get steak or pasta just about anywhere. All-inclusive resorts are often known for over-the-top buffets any time of day, with omelet and freshly-pressed-juice stations at breakfast and salad bars, local specialties, carving stations, and all the desserts at lunch and dinner. Grabbing a plate and reaching for the serving spoons before giving the area a look-see is a rookie move that can also lead to overeating and wasting food. Before tackling a buffet, take a walk around, as options can change not only from meal to meal but daily as well. And make it a point to take a spoonful of something you've never tried. I used to roll my eyes at resort guests who'd tote their travel mugs up to the bar to be filled with their beverage of choice. I thought they were being overly indulgent and exploiting the concept of "all-inclusive" — but now I think they're on to something. For one thing, insulated tumblers keep drinks colder for much longer and reduce the number of trips to the bar. Beyond that, they're more environmentally friendly than all those single-use plastic cups. If you're bringing your Stanley and asking the bartender to fill it, though, tip them for going above and beyond. Speaking of tipping, I'm aware that some all-inclusive resorts invite guests to "leave their wallets at home." But unless the property you're staying at has a strict policy against it, small tips can go a long way. Tipping the bartender at a crowded swim-up or lobby bar when you first order, for example, can result in quicker service for your second and third rounds. If you have a fabulous server at dinner, it's a nice gesture to leave them some cash on the table. And don't forget about the housekeeping staff, who keep your room free of sand and endlessly replenish your towels. Not all drinks at all-inclusive resorts are created equally. I often suggest a stop at the lobby bar, which tends to stock top-shelf liqueur. Upgrade your piña colada by requesting it with dark or aged rum instead of white, which gives it much more flavor. If you see Aperol or Campari on the back bar, you can be sure to get a decent spritz. Craft your own low-ABV libation by asking for sauvignon blanc or rosé mixed with club soda and a dash of simple syrup, garnished with a lemon wedge. Definitely try the local beer or wine if it's available. A piña colada is decidedly delicious — I like to have one mid-morning, which I half-jokingly refer to as a "breakfast smoothie." But if you keep hitting the swim-up bar to order blended concoctions, you're probably going to end up drinking a zillion calories and getting a stomachache or killer hangover to boot. If you're on a quest to keep the buzz going, maybe switch things up a bit with a spirit mixed with soda water or a wine spritzer. Don't forget to hydrate with actual water to counter the effects of all that heat and sunshine. Some resorts are part of sprawling complexes with several adjacent properties owned and operated by the same parent company. If your stay includes reciprocity (such as a "stay at one, play at three" policy), you'll get access to other facilities, including additional pools, fitness centers, beach areas, and restaurants. Making use of them is a great way to avoid boredom and make it seem as if your vacation includes stays at multiple hotels. Although Jet Ski, hoverboard, and parasailing rentals can be pricey, your all-inclusive may allow you to borrow simpler equipment such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, floats, and even Hobie-Cats at no extra cost. Still, I often see them lined up on the beach all day, barely being used. Consider signing the waiver, donning a life jacket, and just trying them. If you're staying at a place where these water sports are popular, add your name to the wait list first thing in the morning. Read the original article on Business Insider
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-diving-sperm-whale-dominica-untold-story-travel-DIVESPERMWHALES0625-d638daccc4b94f47a778bd1149fab15a.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
14 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Caribbean Island Offers a Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Experience
In the warm, cobalt waters just off the coast of Dominica—a mountainous Caribbean island often called the "Nature Island"—a rare and intimate encounter awaits. Here, nearly 200 sperm whales live year-round, making this one of the few places on Earth where humans can reliably find, and even swim alongside, the planet's largest toothed predator. Whale-watching operators take visitors to areas where the whales are commonly sighted, but for those looking to get to know these large creatures in a more intimate way, tour company Untold Story Travel offers something extraordinary: the chance to observe and, when conditions allow, enter the water with these calm, colossal creatures in their vast and wild ocean home. The company's six-day experience, called Diving with Sperm Whales, gives travelers several chances to see, photograph, and swim with sperm whales. The experience includes a dedicated skipper and guide, who analyze the weather and movements of resident sperm whales, which can be hard to find since they are known to dive to depths of 1,000 meters (over 3,280 feet). The resident whales can often be found in the sheltered bays along Dominica's western coastline where they like to breed and calve. If conditions are right, guests may slip quietly into the water and come face-to-face with a creature that can reach 50 feet in length. The whales often appear unbothered, turning gently toward swimmers or drifting by in slow, graceful passes. For many, swimming with a whale is a deeply humbling experience, a moment of connection where scale, sound, and silence all take on new dimensions. While the sperm whales live off the coast of Dominica year-round, they are most commonly seen between November and April, with the highest odds in November, February, and March. The Diving with Sperm Whales experience has an educational component. Local researchers and conservationists share the island's long-term sperm whale studies and each booking contributes to the CETI Project and the island's marine resources division, which conduct marine research and lead protection efforts. The six-day Diving with Sperm Whales experience starts at $9,000 per person. Inquiries can be made at:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Indian PM Modi receives top civilian honor in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago conferred India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Carribean nation's highest civilian honor on Friday, in a first for a foreign leader. President Christine Carla Kangaloo gave Modi the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at a ceremony at President's House in St Ann's, near the capital Port of Spain. Modi was on a two-day tour of the dual-island country as he seeks to shore up New Delhi's ties with the Caribbean and Latin America. The visit marked the Indian leader's first official trip to Trinidad and Tobago — where more than a third of the population is of Indian descent — since he came to power over a decade ago. "This honor is a symbol of the deep and eternal friendship between our two countries," Modi said. Relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago find their roots in 1845, when indentured Indian laborers first arrived to work on sugar and cocoa plantations under British colonial rule as slavery ended. Over 140,000 laborers settled in the Caribbean nation between 1845 and 1917. "India and Trinidad & Tobago rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our destiny of progress. Our nations stand tall as proud democracies and pillars of strength in the modern world," Modi said on X. India and Trinidad & Tobago rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our destiny of progress. Our nations stand tall as proud democracies and pillars of strength in the modern world. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025 The Indian prime minister's visit to Trinidad and Tobago focused on boosting investment in energy, health, security and other sectors Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced a number of investments in medical, energy and technological infrastructure promised by her Indian counterpart. "This visit is more than just diplomacy. It marks a new dawn," she said. "India, and Trinidad and Tobago, will now work as strategic partners," Persad-Bissessar added. Modi also declared that the sixth generation of citizens of Indian origin in the dual-island nation would be eligible to receive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to freely live and work in India. The Indian prime minister is currently on a five-nation diplomatic tour, covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. He landed in Argentina late on Friday and is scheduled to hold talks with President Javier Milei. Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru
