How tech is affecting the way marketing and perception works, if you cannot get a model, make one.
http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2014/02/behind-music-video-photoshopped-singer-real-time/
Monday, February 24, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Affluenza, is it real?
Insanely crazy but true story of a teen who got off murder charges by basically claiming to be too rich...
http://sourcefed.com/affluenza-texas-teen-avoids-jail-time-again/
http://sourcefed.com/affluenza-texas-teen-avoids-jail-time-again/
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
How to renew Trinidad and Tobago Passport
** NOTE
Many countries still have their borders closed due to COVID-19. Check their status before making travel plans.
Check which countries are open - https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm
Compilation of travel tools https://lifehacker.com/this-interactive-map-tells-you-which-countries-are-open-1843935523
http://www.news.gov.tt/content/new-passport-delivery-service-launched#.X-VWodhKjWU
Link 1 - http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/passport-office-opens-govt-announces-changes-to-services-6.2.1131019.6bdf20c792
Link 2 - https://www.facebook.com/mns.tnt/photos/
Link 3 - https://ttpassport.info/faq
As with all government offices there may be long lines outside and no seating. Walk with an umbrella if you are going in early. Also carry toilet paper if you think you would need to use the restroom because if there is water there may not be any paper.
I went at a slow period far away from a holiday period unlike what most people would do. Avoid the Port of Spain and San Fernando offices if you can because they receive the most people while the others perform the same function but are usually less crowded. The extra time driving to another office can save you frustration at a crowded office.
Some countries now require proof of yellow fever vaccine. The international vaccine card is different from the regular card **
Many countries still have their borders closed due to COVID-19. Check their status before making travel plans.
Check which countries are open - https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm
Compilation of travel tools https://lifehacker.com/this-interactive-map-tells-you-which-countries-are-open-1843935523
http://www.news.gov.tt/content/new-passport-delivery-service-launched#.X-VWodhKjWU
You can no longer walk in and line up on a random day to renew your passport.
You must make an appointment to apply for, renew or replace your machine readable passport by using the website www.ttpassport.info (ofcourse for many years the download links for forms are broken here...)Link 1 - http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/passport-office-opens-govt-announces-changes-to-services-6.2.1131019.6bdf20c792
Link 2 - https://www.facebook.com/mns.tnt/photos/
Link 3 - https://ttpassport.info/faq
For further guidance on the online procedure, see Steps to follow to schedule an appointment online to apply for a passport at https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/divisions/immigration-division/
Prior to their appointment date, persons applying for a passport will be required to visit one of the designated TTPOST outlets to purchase an A5 TrackPak. The list of TTPOST locations offering this facility can be accessed on the Ministry of National Security’s website, via link above. The list of locations can also be accessed on TTPOST’s website www.ttpost.net. The cost of the TrackPak is twenty-five dollars ($25.00). TTPOST officials will guide persons on how to self-address the TrackPak (address at which the passport is to be delivered).
Prior to their appointment date, persons applying for a passport will be required to visit one of the designated TTPOST outlets to purchase an A5 TrackPak. The list of TTPOST locations offering this facility can be accessed on the Ministry of National Security’s website, via link above. The list of locations can also be accessed on TTPOST’s website www.ttpost.net. The cost of the TrackPak is twenty-five dollars ($25.00). TTPOST officials will guide persons on how to self-address the TrackPak (address at which the passport is to be delivered).
The applicant will be required to visit the Immigration Division office at which the appointment is scheduled and should bring the A5 TrackPak, along with all the required documentation to apply for a passport (see list of required documents at https://www.ttpassport.info/faq). Immigration officials will guide applicants on how to self-address the TrackPak.
Persons with queries related to passport services can contact the Immigration Division via email address immigration.passports@gov.tt
Many countries (including some Caricom states) do not let you enter if you have less than 6 months remaining on your passport. You should renew if yours has around 6 months left on it no matter where you are going. This means a passport is really valid for nine and a half years. There is no restriction for how early you can renew your passport so for example if you will be out of the country for an extended period you can renew it with perhaps 2 years remaining on it. You may also want to do this to take advantage of the new 10 year life if you have the 5 year version.
At the Immigration office I had to carry:
- One passport size photo with a white background and covered shoulders (not always used because they may take one).
- A photocopy of the bio data page (page with my picture and info) of my current passport.
- One legal (8.5" x 14") brown envelope to hold the renewal form and other content.
- The current passport.
- I also had to fill out the passport renewal form I got from the dedicated dropbox desk. This form was not available online from the immigration or ttconnect websites.
Persons with queries related to passport services can contact the Immigration Division via email address immigration.passports@gov.tt
Many countries (including some Caricom states) do not let you enter if you have less than 6 months remaining on your passport. You should renew if yours has around 6 months left on it no matter where you are going. This means a passport is really valid for nine and a half years. There is no restriction for how early you can renew your passport so for example if you will be out of the country for an extended period you can renew it with perhaps 2 years remaining on it. You may also want to do this to take advantage of the new 10 year life if you have the 5 year version.
At the Immigration office I had to carry:
- One passport size photo with a white background and covered shoulders (not always used because they may take one).
- A photocopy of the bio data page (page with my picture and info) of my current passport.
- One legal (8.5" x 14") brown envelope to hold the renewal form and other content.
- The current passport.
- I also had to fill out the passport renewal form I got from the dedicated dropbox desk. This form was not available online from the immigration or ttconnect websites.
Only the applicant is required to sign it, no reference signature is required. You can also get one from the Immigration office before your visit. Be sure to sign in the specimen sample box on the bottom of the front page even though it looks like it is only for married women. Do not let your signature touch the outer borders. A paper clip was used to hold everything together.
After the officer verified the contents I was told to wait until I heard my name called. A few minutes later I went to the booth and paid $250 TTD (either LINX or cash-CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED). The officer said to come back in 7 to 10 working days for my new passport. I was given a green slip as a receipt for the renewal application and a receipt for the payment.
In order to collect I had to bring the both receipts and the old passport when collecting the new one. I was advised to call before coming back to ensure it was ready and that they will not call me. The day I went to collect I arrived for 7.00am and the office opened at 7.20am. Inside I was told to have a seat in a particular area until the collection desk was opened. Other desks were already opened. There was no line formed to collect the passport so when it was opened two people who were closer to the desk went first even though they met me there, I did not say anything. The old passport was punched on a couple different pages and handed back to me and I signed for receiving the new one which is valid for 5 years from a few days before. This means I 'lost' the remaining time (3months) I had on the old passport. The officers I interacted with did not have their name badges visible.
Notes:
After the officer verified the contents I was told to wait until I heard my name called. A few minutes later I went to the booth and paid $250 TTD (either LINX or cash-CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED). The officer said to come back in 7 to 10 working days for my new passport. I was given a green slip as a receipt for the renewal application and a receipt for the payment.
In order to collect I had to bring the both receipts and the old passport when collecting the new one. I was advised to call before coming back to ensure it was ready and that they will not call me. The day I went to collect I arrived for 7.00am and the office opened at 7.20am. Inside I was told to have a seat in a particular area until the collection desk was opened. Other desks were already opened. There was no line formed to collect the passport so when it was opened two people who were closer to the desk went first even though they met me there, I did not say anything. The old passport was punched on a couple different pages and handed back to me and I signed for receiving the new one which is valid for 5 years from a few days before. This means I 'lost' the remaining time (3months) I had on the old passport. The officers I interacted with did not have their name badges visible.
Notes:
They are strict about clothing, no short pants, strap/strapless tops, vests, shades etc. are allowed inside. People have been denied entry because their toddler\young child does not have appropriate pants or t-shirts on. These rules are in a country which promotes carnival with all its nakedness. The pics below which is copied from another person on FB showing a person wearing gift paper and a curtain to cover her exposed shoulders in order to be in the POS office. If you are lucky you may be provided something to cover your shoulders while inside.
The actual process took about 15 minutes to drop off and 5 minutes to collect at the San Fernando office. In addition to this 20 minutes I had to wait about 10 minutes during the drop off and about 30 minutes for collection as I had gone in at 7.00am and had to join a line to enter the office and then was cut in front of. The immigration offices are very busy on some days especially early morning.
The passport renewal form I was given was a photocopy and parts of it were very light and barely legible. The officer said I did NOT need my birth certificate as this was already on record and I did not change my name since the last passport application. You only have to write the name and contact info for two references and do not need their signature. The only things needed are listed earlier.
I recommend you carry both your LINX card (electronic payment) and cash because at one point LINX was the only method of accepted payment. If you do not have one perhaps you can make a friend in the crowd and give them cash so they can use their card. If the LINX machines are down then you would need cash.
The officer will take a picture of you if you are 'interviewed' but will use the picture you bring if you are there for a simple renewal. You would be interviewed if you changed your name or other critical info like if you got married and this is the first time you are renewing your passport since then. I am still not very clear on when they need to take a picture but carry one if you are going in for the drop box service.
The officer at the booth when I dropped off my passport was not very friendly and did not have a name tag visible. He seemed to just be going through the motions of processing yet another renewal form and this was still early in the day, before 9am. The officer at the drop box desk was helpful and pleasant as were the two police officers close to the front door who pointed me to the drop box desk.
There is a stationery shop close by on Cipero street that has envelopes, photocopies and takes photos. The Chagauanas and Port of Spain offices have a similar shop.
The San Fernando Immigration office opening hours are from 7.00am to 5.00pm Mon-Fri. The entrance is on the northern side of the building, there are signs outside clearly indicating this. There are a few steps to get to the main entrance but there is an elevator via the eastern entrance. There are bumps to cross the curb to get into the yard by the entrance to use the elevator and there is an incline toward the building.
For San Fernando parking is along Knox and adjacent streets. No dedicated parking is provided for the public. It can be very tight when cars are parked on both sides and two lanes are still trying to pass. For Port of Spain the parkade public car park is to the east of the office. Keep cash handy to exit the parkade since their card payment machines usually do not work.
When getting your passport picture taken avoid wearing any makeup, you may be barked at to remove it. Your hair should not block any part of your face. Your picture must not be taken with you smiling or wearing glasses.
The passport renewal form I was given was a photocopy and parts of it were very light and barely legible. The officer said I did NOT need my birth certificate as this was already on record and I did not change my name since the last passport application. You only have to write the name and contact info for two references and do not need their signature. The only things needed are listed earlier.
I recommend you carry both your LINX card (electronic payment) and cash because at one point LINX was the only method of accepted payment. If you do not have one perhaps you can make a friend in the crowd and give them cash so they can use their card. If the LINX machines are down then you would need cash.
The officer will take a picture of you if you are 'interviewed' but will use the picture you bring if you are there for a simple renewal. You would be interviewed if you changed your name or other critical info like if you got married and this is the first time you are renewing your passport since then. I am still not very clear on when they need to take a picture but carry one if you are going in for the drop box service.
The officer at the booth when I dropped off my passport was not very friendly and did not have a name tag visible. He seemed to just be going through the motions of processing yet another renewal form and this was still early in the day, before 9am. The officer at the drop box desk was helpful and pleasant as were the two police officers close to the front door who pointed me to the drop box desk.
There is a stationery shop close by on Cipero street that has envelopes, photocopies and takes photos. The Chagauanas and Port of Spain offices have a similar shop.
The San Fernando Immigration office opening hours are from 7.00am to 5.00pm Mon-Fri. The entrance is on the northern side of the building, there are signs outside clearly indicating this. There are a few steps to get to the main entrance but there is an elevator via the eastern entrance. There are bumps to cross the curb to get into the yard by the entrance to use the elevator and there is an incline toward the building.
For San Fernando parking is along Knox and adjacent streets. No dedicated parking is provided for the public. It can be very tight when cars are parked on both sides and two lanes are still trying to pass. For Port of Spain the parkade public car park is to the east of the office. Keep cash handy to exit the parkade since their card payment machines usually do not work.
When getting your passport picture taken avoid wearing any makeup, you may be barked at to remove it. Your hair should not block any part of your face. Your picture must not be taken with you smiling or wearing glasses.
Women who are renewing their passport after getting married will have extra steps even if they do not change their name. These will be promptly barked to you.
Nov 2015 - 'Old' passports cannot be used to travel. (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-11-19/deadline-machine-readable-passports-november-24).
January 2016 - New passports will now be valid for 10 years instead of 5 years.
June 2016 - Citizens over 60 now get free non-expedited renewals.
Nov 2015 - 'Old' passports cannot be used to travel. (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-11-19/deadline-machine-readable-passports-november-24).
January 2016 - New passports will now be valid for 10 years instead of 5 years.
June 2016 - Citizens over 60 now get free non-expedited renewals.
As with all government offices there may be long lines outside and no seating. Walk with an umbrella if you are going in early. Also carry toilet paper if you think you would need to use the restroom because if there is water there may not be any paper.
I went at a slow period far away from a holiday period unlike what most people would do. Avoid the Port of Spain and San Fernando offices if you can because they receive the most people while the others perform the same function but are usually less crowded. The extra time driving to another office can save you frustration at a crowded office.
Some countries now require proof of yellow fever vaccine. The international vaccine card is different from the regular card **
You should staple the front of your old book to the back of your new one if you have a VALID visa in the old one, such as a 10 year US visitor's visa in the old passport. This is so that they are easier to handle and find.
If you do not have any VALID visas in the old passport perhaps because they expire with the passport itself, such as a Canadian visitor's visa, you do not need to attach the old book to the new one.
The images below are for reference only to show what the form looked like:
Click here for tips to make your trip abroad easier!
Please click an ad to support this blog if this was helpful.
My experience should not be taken as typical and you should confirm all details before going through the process. I am merely sharing my experience and am not advising anyone.
Port of Spain Passport Office
Government Campus, 3-9 Richmond Street, Port of Spain
Telephone: 225-4664
Updated Dec 2022
Topic:
How to renew your passport in Trinidad and Tobago
San Fernando Immigration office opening hours
Dress code what to wear
can I wear makeup for pictures
Passport office San Fernando phone numbers
Passport renewal form
How long does it take to get a new passport
Trinidad and Tobago Immigration Passport
Time to go to passport office
Can I go with a wheel chair to passport office
Wheel chair access to passport office San Fernando
If you do not have any VALID visas in the old passport perhaps because they expire with the passport itself, such as a Canadian visitor's visa, you do not need to attach the old book to the new one.
The images below are for reference only to show what the form looked like:
 |
| Instructions |
 |
| Renewal form page 1 |
 |
| Renewal form page 2 |
Please click an ad to support this blog if this was helpful.
My experience should not be taken as typical and you should confirm all details before going through the process. I am merely sharing my experience and am not advising anyone.
Port of Spain Passport Office
Government Campus, 3-9 Richmond Street, Port of Spain
Telephone: 225-4664
Updated Dec 2022
Topic:
How to renew your passport in Trinidad and Tobago
San Fernando Immigration office opening hours
Dress code what to wear
can I wear makeup for pictures
Passport office San Fernando phone numbers
Passport renewal form
How long does it take to get a new passport
Trinidad and Tobago Immigration Passport
Time to go to passport office
Can I go with a wheel chair to passport office
Wheel chair access to passport office San Fernando
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
This weekend.
On Saturday I went to Port of Spain for the first time since the fires at the Beetham dump started last week. Driving past the dump meant passing through a thick wall of pungent fumes all the way to the Hyatt.
I went to Buzo restaurant for the first time. They need to fix the entrance to their car park as most of their clients probably have cars that scrape getting in and out. A tidy grating would be a nice fix for the steep drain walls you have to pass through. The food was good and the staff was great. When I arrived the smog was not noticeable. I came outside an hour into my stay and there was a cloud as soon as I stepped out and the smell was horrible. There was an attendant opening and closing the door.
The drive back past the dump was a little better with a lighter haze visible.
Today I went to Harry's water park in Tabaquite. Generally I had a good time but there is serious room for improvement. The road has greatly improved since I was there last time over a year ago. I still advise you use an SUV to get there as some point are still deplorable. When there, you see many signs around the compound including a very visible on at the entrance gate stating no loud music is allowed. The site's bar has a wall of speakers that can be heard from all points in the park, a few meters away is the largest sign of its
kind stating "No loud music". The speakers are pointed outward away from the bar's patrons otherwise they would not be able to function. At least 5 of the groups at sheds had their own music systems that competed with the bar's. One was a car that rattled while music was playing and the others were self powered speakers with laptops. There are signs in front of where these groups were. The quietest place was the board walk area but just slightly better. There was no peace to be found. The lazy man area was impossible to fall asleep in as it was right next to the noisy sheds. I could still hear the bar's music on the main road when I was leaving. I would be a disgruntled neighbour if I had to stay in the surrounding houses.
At the top of the bigger water slides these was a young man who looked like he was barely out of his teens. He brought up a bottle of vodka and plastic glasses. One of the drinks he poured was for the slide attendant. The others were for kids around him. I was concerned about the glass bottle being broken and seriously hurting any of the barefooted patrons. The same attendant said that Harry's is not for relaxing and that is a marketing lie. He was letting whoever wanted to, run and dive onto the slide, as long as it was not head first. The first step onto the 'fast' slide was onto a flexing material, not the best thing to be diving on if you ask me. Next we have minors drinking alcohol and being encouraged to do so by their older peers, they were not hiding and doing it. The (young!) girls were wining when they heard their favourite songs, wherever they were.. so if they were walking up a step in front of you, you had to wait for their favourite line to finish before you could proceed. The behaviour of the crowd in general had room for improvement. At the entrance to the big pool and big slides were foot wash pools with dirty stagnant water. There were feathers and other debris floating in the cloudy water. The whole of the large pool was very rough on the bottom. The landing spots at the bottom of the pool for the bigger slides were very rough, I would not be surprised if someone got scraped on their back or arms and legs. The walkway back to the tops of the slides was very course so some people needed slippers which they did not have as they were at the tops of the hills. You would be better off having a full wetsuit and shoes on for your own protection.
Just when the pools were closed around 6pm a few of the lifeguards decided it was fun time and dragged and pulled one of the chubbier co-workers and eventually threw him into the pool, very much against his will. During my walk out, a mother was making her daughter changer her panties in the middle of the walkway, the change room was less than a minute walk away. The crowd at the bar was growing by the minute around 6 o'clock with people who had just came in, the water park patrons were heading out.
There were a few police officers walking around the compound and enjoying the many simultaneous big chunes being pumped out, they had to be enjoying it because they were unconcerned by the volume. If you want a very calm, relaxing day in a great atmosphere and exotic wildlife in the bushes, serene and pristine lands, do not go to Harry's water park.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
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