Your Health and Inoculations
Tobago’s Health Care facilities are limited.
Basic medical attention for minor ailments is
available, but serious medical cases are referred
to Trinidad.
Medical services are free at the Government
Hospital and Clinic.
There are several private doctors on the island
who can be recommended by your hotel.
In an emergency, the Emergency Health Service
paramedics are at your disposal,transporting
you to hospital if necessary.
Small medical items can be found in general
stores but Pharmacies (for medicines etc.) are
primarily located in the Scarborough area.
Divers to the island can be safe in the knowledge
that Tobago has facilities to cope with the
“bends”.
Visit 'what
to do' - diving area.
We would advise you to take out suitable Health
Insurance.
Inoculations are not currently required for
the Caribbean. However a yellow fever vaccination
certificate is necessary from travellers (over
1) arriving from infected areas. For the latest
information check with your Doctor.
Don’t forget Tobago is near the equator
– the tropical sun is strong! We would
recommend a high factor sun cream, sunglasses
while a cap or hat are a “must”.
There is nothing too threatening about the wildlife
in Tobago!
Mosquitos do exist so insect repellent protection
is recommended, particularly in forested areas.
We feel we should mention that rabies is present
and would recommend susceptible visitors are
vaccinated before travel.
Water
Water is generally safe to drink, chlorinated
and quite refreshing but bottled water is available
if you prefer.
The Water and Sewage Authority (WASA), a state
enterprise, is the sole provider of water services
in Tobago and generally quite reliable in Hotels
and Guest Houses.
Drugs
An abolsute NO. NO. NO!
All narcotic drugs of any kind and any quantity
are illegal in Tobago and its sister island
Trinidad. The Laws of both islands are very
explicit on this subject – there is no
leeway for unawareness of the law - and there
are severe penalties. Personal possession of
even the smallest amount of narcotic drugs will
result in a heavy fine and possibly a night
in jail. The penalty for possession of larger
amounts of illegal drugs like Cannabis (weed
or ganja) or Crack Cocaine could result in a
charge of “trafficking” with a minimum
of five years in a State prison and the possibility
of confiscation of your assets back home. Custom
Officials and the Airport Drug Squads are very
well equipped and trained.
Crime
Crime sadly exists throughout the world, and
visitors to Tobago should exercise normal caution
and good judgment. Keep currency and valuables
secure (most hotels and guest houses have safes
for visitors’ use). Do not leave possessions
unattended on beaches and in other public places.
In view of the heavy jail sentences imposed
on offenders by the Tobago Authorities, crime
against visitors is relatively low, and generally
you will find Tobago both by day and night,
a safe place to visit.
Newspapers
Tobago has only one “home based” paper,
The Tobago News, which focuses on local events.
The three Trinidad based daily newspapers, The
Trinidad Guardian, the Trinidad Express and
Newsday are also available in Tobago.
Daily newspapers carry details of daily exchange
rates.
Cyber Cafés
and Laundry
The world’s first internet-laundry café
is located on Store Bay Road, Crown Point
(next to the RBTT Bank) Wash and Surf at the
same time – with a speciality coffee and
cable TV too!
Most hotels have fax machines and internet facilities
charging a small fee for access, and around
the island you will also find Cyber cafes to
enable you to contact the “outside world”!
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