The ancient Chinese text, Tao Te Ching, offers a profound insight: "Though thirty spokes may form the wheel, it is the hole within the hub which gives the wheel utility." This quote highlights the importance of acknowledging and embracing the voids, rather than trying to fill every gap. In existence, it is the spaces between the spokes, the unknowns, and the mysteries that give rise to new possibilities and experiences.
This is a collection of stories of things that I experience, use, collect, review or just feel to talk about here in Trinidad or other places I visit. If you like what you see please comment or share it with others.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Nothing is important
The ancient Chinese text, Tao Te Ching, offers a profound insight: "Though thirty spokes may form the wheel, it is the hole within the hub which gives the wheel utility." This quote highlights the importance of acknowledging and embracing the voids, rather than trying to fill every gap. In existence, it is the spaces between the spokes, the unknowns, and the mysteries that give rise to new possibilities and experiences.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Starlink internet in Trinidad and Tobago
Because the service uses a connection via radio waves from hundreds of miles away in space the connection speed can vary depending on weather and atmospheric conditions.
The residential plan starts at $365 / month for service and $3,900 for hardware and shipping is required at $154.00. This gives a total of $4054.00.
The typical speed you can expect during peak ours are 100 Mbps down, 10Mbps up.
It may vary from 25-100 mbps down / 5-10Mbps up.
You would want to choose this option if you are in an area without a wired connection from the other major internet providers. The high cost of purchasing equipment and relatively lower speed compared to a wired provider means this will not be the first choice for most people.
1TB Priority Data for $1080
2TB Priority Data for $2149
6TB Priority Data for $6446
There is an additional $19,082 for hardware and $653.34 for shipping giving a total of $19,735.59 if you choose the 1TB plan.
-Publicly routable IPv4 address. Read more here.
-Dedicated priority support
-Enterprise dashboard for remote monitoring & network management
-Unlimited service locations. Order your first Starlink on this page; once complete, you can add locations on your account portal
Mobile Priority - 50GB: can be used on ocean, land, and in motion with the 50GB of Mobile Priority Data, which enables our fastest network speeds for consumers. After using all Mobile Priority Data, includes unlimited Mobile Data on land anywhere Starlink has service around the world. In-motion use is only approved with the Flat High Performance terminal. This plan and the Flat High Performance are only available in select markets.
This plan starts at $455/month for service and $3,900 for hardware and shipping is required at $154.00. This gives a total of $4509.00.
No contract is required for these plans. Delivery is currently 1-2 weeks from ordering.
wireless internet Trinidad and Tobago
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Digicel TV asking for Account and Password
After a power outage your TV box might get reset and needs to have an account and password entered into it. For this you need to contact Digicel directly and they will provide you the codes.
List of contact info - https://www.digicelgroup.com/tt/en/digicel-plus/contact-us.html
The account number needed for the TV is different from the bill account number.
Tags-
Digicel Trinidad Tobago
TV not coming up after current cut
Digicel+ plus tv asking for account and password
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Airtap T4 register booster fan
I recently started using one of these and it makes a big difference for bringing cool air into a room.
This runs while the central air is not running and has a thermostat to switch off when the desired temperature is reached.
The minimum for the opening it must go into is 24.5 cm x 9.6 cm. This is the size of the enclosure of the fans which go into the end of ducting in the wall or floor.
The actual size of the face of the unit is 29.2 cm x 14.0 cm.
I recommend this unit as it will save on energy cost since this pulls air from other rooms into a problem area, instead of having the cooling\heat running to the whole house to cool a particular area.
There are different sizes and shapes depending on your application.
Supplier link - https://acinfinity.com/hvac-home-ventilation/register-booster-fans/airtap-t4-quiet-register-booster-fan-system-white-for-4-x-10-registers/
This can be used together with a thermostat sensor and a smart plug to get even better control of different rooms in a home.
keywords
best fan for boosting ac heat
register fan booster
electric fan on air vent
one room too hot
one room too cold
Friday, June 10, 2022
How to extend Caribbean Airlines miles expiry
The cheapest way to extend the expiration date of your Caribbean Airlines miles is to buy 1,000 miles for $30 USD. This will push the expiration date to one year later. You can do this yourself via the member portal (https://caribbeanairlines.frequentflyer.aero/pub) and it takes up to 24 hours for the expiry date to be updated. You can also call CAL and purchase it over the phone.
You also have these options but they are relatively more expensive-
- Request an extension for 12 months:
1 - 10,000 Miles: US$100.00
10,001+ Miles: US$150.00
- Wait for them to expire and reactivate all or just some of your miles:
1 - 15,000 Miles: US$100.00
15,001+ Miles: US$200.00
The Caribbean Airlines Official page with full details is here - https://www.caribbean-airlines.com/#/caribbean-miles/manage-miles
Tags-
How to keep your points and miles from expiring
I do not want to lose my CAL miles points
Caribbean points going to expire
Do not lose Caribbean Airlines miles to buy ticket
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
What to do with old TTD money (bills)
Old $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 bills
The Central bank will continue to exchange these notes indefinitely after January 1, 2022. You take in your old ones and they will give you a new note of the same value.
Link 1 - https://www.central-bank.org.tt/sites/default/files/latest-news/transition-to-polymer-poster-notice.pdf
Link 3 - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159995926989521&set=a.10150218346274521
Old $100 bills
https://newsday.co.tt/2019/12/24/central-bank-to-take-old-100-bills-till-march/
Where to, when to, who to take in old trinidad and tobago dollars
Found money in a cupboard
What is the last date cotton tender is valid
Friday, May 20, 2022
How to help the taxi service
1. Label bus, maxi and taxi stands in maps.google.com (log in > right click on the location > Add a missing place, fill in the details). If the place already exists ensure the marker is correct on the map.
2. Take and upload pictures of the price list for rides.
3. Take and upload pictures of the stand from across the road with a view of surrounding buildings and landmarks. More pictures are better.
Optional - get contact information for the Association for the route
If you are not sure what to do or do not want to post it yourself please let me know.
All areas need to be updated but areas currently with no information - Point Fortin, Couva, Rio Claro.
Volunteer in Trinidad and Tobago
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Trinidad and Tobago Public Transport Information
Currently the Ministry of Works and Transport does not have a place with a single list which is easy to search if you are planning to use public transport in Trinidad and Tobago.
There are many different types of public systems and this is a short list of them.
Google and other maps currently do not have Transit information available so this is a makeshift option.
Every City, Town and Village would have a regular pickup spot for transport but may not be highlighted with signs on the streets or exist on Google and other maps. You may have to ask someone from the area where is best to wait for transport.
The vast majority of these only accept cash. It is extremely rare to see a public transport vehicle with the ability to pay with a card or app.
Each time you enter a different vehicle you start a new fare, there is no discount or transfer option between any services.
https://www.trinigo.com/trinidad-tobago/transport/category/taxi-stand/
Maxi and PTSC information for some major routes- http://www.tntisland.com/taxi.html
Route 1 -Yellow band - Port-of-Spain/Chaguaramas
Port-of-Spain/Diego Martin
Port-of-Spain/Maraval/ Maracas
Feeder Routes North of the Churchill- Roosevelt Highway -
https://www.routetwomaxitaxiassociation.com/
Route 3 - Green band - Port-of-Spain/ Chaguanas /San Fernando
San Fernando/Gasparillo/Tabaquite
Route 4 - Brown band - San Fernando/La Brea/ Point Fortin/Cedros
San Fernando/ Siparia/ Erin/Moruga
Route 5 - Black band - San Fernando/Princess Town/Rio Claro/ Mayaro/Moruga/Tabaquite
Sangre Grande/Manzanilla/Mayaro
Sangre Grande/Biche/Rio Claro
Route 6 - Blue band - Tobago
No prices below
![]() |
| Green Band Chaguanas to Curepe |
Water Ferry -
Link 1 - https://www.nidco.co.tt/water-taxi-service/
Link 2 - https://www.facebook.com/watertaxiservice/
https://www.caribbean-airlines.com/
Alternatively, if you look on your favorite search engine for taxis you will many many private services. There are also a few on demand (Uber style) apps but all of there cost more than the services listed above.
It is my opinion that the government has no plan to make it easier for commuters and their lack of a list like this is an obvious indication. The ultimate goal of having a list of transport locations and the prices would be to find available options and the times they run so at least you have an idea of what to expect. I say an idea because there is little chance that schedules would be accurate.
With crime, climate and the economy being what is I believe thousands of commuters would benefit. This issue with having the government accomplish this is- it makes sense.
Updated June 2023
Tags -
Trinidad and Tobago Maxi and Taxi locations
Where to get the water taxi
How to travel in a maxi in Trinidad
How to travel in Trinidad and Tobago
Best taxi in Trinidad
How to travel tobago
Boat between trinidad and tobago to trinidad
fly from tobago to trinidad and tobago
Monday, January 3, 2022
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Tucson hood light switch not working (2010-2015 Model)
Issue - The switch next to the controls for the sunroof to change the cabin lights from Off > Door > On no longer moves to all the positions or lets the light come on. If you hold the switch in a particular position it would put the cabin lights on but if it moved my hand off the switch it would turn off.
Solution - The contacts for the switch are damaged and need to be replaced. The console can be removed by taking out the two screws at the top of the section for glasses.

The issue was that the metal bar and plastic around it has deteriorated and no longer makes contact.
I was able to use a bit of foil to wrap the damaged metal strip. This filled in the gap that had developed and also conducts electricity to allow the switch to operate properly.
Topics-
Hyundai Tucson 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 cabin light not working
Tucson driver map light shorting out
Saturday, October 23, 2021
How to apply or renew ID card (Trinidad and Tobago)
Government website - https://www.ebctt.com/identification-card/renewals-lost-and-change-of-nameaddress/
1. Only people applying for their very first ID card need an appointment, otherwise you can walk in at any time. https://appointments.ebctt.com/
2. When you visit you should carry in the expired card if you have it. The total time required is approximately 30 minutes but most of it will be waiting for the next task in the process.
3. Your height measured and picture will be taken.
4. You will be given a receipt. The only person allowed to collect your new ID card is yourself - there is no option for someone to collect on your behalf. You can collect 4-6 weeks after applying for the card.
Most offices have limited parking so go early to find an available space.
Most offices are NOT wheelchair accessible and do NOT have public washrooms.
This process can be improved drastically by having a measurement, camera and computer at the front desk so the person does not need to go into the back office and move to 3 different areas to complete each task. There should also be a printer for the card at the office, similar to what is done for the Driver's Permit.
Since it takes so long to create the card there should also be an option to have someone collect on your behalf with an authorization letter or take a picture of the person or for the office to mail the card to you, as is already done for the passport.
There is no option to renew the ID card while outside of the country. If you live abroad you are expected to keep an expired document until you can return to Trinidad and Tobago to collect the new one from the office. You will be asked if you will return to the country within 10 years and if the answer is yes they you will be told the card will be waiting for you.
Topics -
How to get a new ID card Tobago
How to apply for national Identification card Trinidad
How to apply for ID card Trinidad and Tobago
Where to go for national ID card
How to apply for a new or renewal national Identification card
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Ninja blender cup not locking
I have a Ninja professional blender and the single serve cup is not letting me turn it to get a click so that I can start to blend. It turns out there is a tab in one of the channels that the cup drops into on top the blender which is not getting pressed.
![]() |
| The notch on the left is where I cleaned |
The tab seems to be sticky from juice spilling on it and getting dried. In order to clean it I had to remove a T-shaped rubber filler above the tap. I used a small blade to pry it out.
![]() |
| T shaped rubber filler which I removed |
![]() |
| Top of the blender |
After cleaning the problem tab, the cup now clicks in like it should. It took about 5 minutes of total work.
Updated 13 June 2023
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Food hampers in Trinidad and Tobago
You can contact your closest religious organisation like church, temple, mosque, or government official office. There are also several groups all across the country that gives out hampers.
If you want to help, there are many ways you can help those in need of food any any other necessities. Contact the same places such as churches, temples or mosques or government office.
Many people are in need and any amount you can donate will help.
Some ways to donate if you are outside of TT- some sites accept cash via PayPal or credit card.
https://nourishtt.com/
https://fundmetnt.com/
Donate to Venezuelan groups - LIFTT at 868-354-2572
Even when restrictions are eased up, still stay apart because anyone can have the virus and you do not want to spread the germs or get infected.
There is also a free suicide prevention hotline open all day every day 800-2673 , or 800-COPE.
To avoid getting sick wash your hands every time as if you just cut scorpion peppers and now you want to rub your eye.
Topics: How to get food hampers
Where to get free food in Trinidad and Tobago
Free hampers in TT
Grocery hampers giving away in San Fernando Chaguanas Port of Spain Arima Point Fortin Mayaro Biche
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Incredible gadgets
1. Sugar bear - put this in your sugar container and it will stop the sugar from getting clumpy. If it is already clumped, this will make it turn back in crystals.
2. Soft close toilet seats - this stops toilet seats from free falling down and making a bang and possibly being damaged.
3. Pressure balanced valve for shower - this keeps the temperature of your water constant even if the pressure of one of the lines in Hot or Cold changes. This means you will not get a sudden shower of scolding hot water when someone flushes the toilet or when the pump comes on !
4. Pipe and wire detector - This device can find the exact spot a wire or pipe is buried underground or in a wall and it works by holding it up against the areas you suspect the pipes are. WASA needs a lot of these!
5. Automatic wire stripper. This takes the insulation off a wire in one motion. No need to worry about using a knife and wasting time. This makes any electrical work amazingly easier.
6. Mobility Chairs. I have seen people who would not be able to move very much on their own be able to take themselves around with speed and style. It is incredible that people can now get around and have a much higher quality of life.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
ITIL v4 certification
Studying
First I studied using a video series on CBT nuggets.This is however no longer available. You can find one on any of the other video training sites.
I also found this free study guide useful - https://diontraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Study-Guide-ITIL-4-Foundation.pdf
Free practice questions from axelos (after you create a free account)- https://www.axelos.com/qualifications/itil-qualifications/itil-foundation-level
Writing the exam
Next I bought the exam voucher from itsm.zone. You can use numerous sites that sell the vouchers but this was the cheapest I found and they are all for the same exam.
Their process has a few steps.
a. First you need to purchase the exam. I used the cheapest one I could find from the link below at a cost of $249 USD.
https://training.itsm.zone/handsome-checkout/itil-4-foundation-exam/
Another option is https://www.passionitgroup.com/category/exams/itil/ for $255 USD.
b. Once the purchase is successful, you have to upload proof that you took a training course for the exam via this link https://training.itsm.zone/request-an-exam/ . I got proof of completion from the CBT Nuggets site.
c. After they validate your upload, they will send you a voucher code for you to schedule yourself. I got my voucher 1 hour after requesting in on a Saturday afternoon.
d. This voucher code has to be used to schedule with PeopleCert within 6 months of receiving it. You can pay for it first and then when you are ready it will be sent to you. Only after it is sent does the 6 month validity period begin.
e. You will get an email reminder from PeopleCert 24 hours before the start of the exam. The exam is performed in front of your personal pc at a time and location you choose. The location should be quiet and free of distraction. You will download and install and ExamShield app on your pc and a person will be on the other end and view your room. The app shows a count down timer for when your exam is scheduled. This is very helpful when to ensure you have the right time zones set. You must have a webcam and internet. They will monitor you for the duration of the exam. You can have a notepad and pen only during the exam.
After passing the exam
Congratulations !
Now update your resume and start using what you have learnt.
Topics:
How to get voucher from itsm.zone after paying for exam
Cheapest website for ITIL v4 exam
Best price for voucher for ITIL v4 Trinidad and Tobago
least money for itil v4 certification voucher exam Africa
How to register for ITIL web online exam Australia
How to get ITIL v4 certified India
How much does it cost for ITIL Brazil
Best site to buy exam for ITIL Canada
What is the price for ITIL certification USA
How much money for ITIL exam only America
Can I buy itil exam only and take test later on UK
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Broken poles, street lights, traffic lights
If you want to report a broken street light or light pole you could use the link below or call 800-2852 (BULB) to contact TTEC. If power lines have fallen do not go near them and report it immediately. The phone call is free.
https://ttec.co.tt/default/report-a-problem-street-lighting
If you want to report a broken\ rotting \ leaning TSTT \phone line pole you need to call 824-8788 (TSTT). The phone call is free.
Internet providers like Flow, Digicel, Massy use both kinds of poles so you would have to try to figure out what type of pole it is to report it. Each company would only fix their own pole.
If you want to report any water issues call 800-4H2O (800-4420/6) or 800-LEAK (800-5325). Call them to report broken lines or pipes, no water in your taps, dirty water etc. The phone call is free.
If traffic lights are blinking or not working call any number from the link below. Good luck getting somebody to answer. You can also report it to the police station in the area. There is a small chance they will have an officer to direct traffic.
Link with Ministry contacts - https://www.facebook.com/mowtgovtt/photos/heres-what-you-should-do-when-you-spot-traffic-lights-that-are-not-working-and-b/1899804170121302/
Link to contact Police Stations - https://www.ttps.gov.tt/Contact/List-of-Police-Stations
You can also report potholes and craters to the Ministry of works and transport. Good luck getting it fixed though.
Topics
Number for blinking broken traffic light off
Report traffic signals light not working malfunction
Phone number to report water line burst
Who to call to fix street light trinidad
Street light out not working
Leaning light post, rotten cable tv post
report Rotting light pole Trinidad Tobago
Sparking TTEC wires tobago after storm
Report fallen pole tobago
Trinidad and Tobago potholes
Updated Dec 2022
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Cannot detect antenna on Samsung UN55RU7400
I had to factory reset the TV back to get it to detect that an antenna was now there. There was no issue with the antenna and it was powered on but I could not get the TV to have the over the air (OTA) input listed.
Topics
Cannot set up antennae on New samsung TV
Option greyed off and cannot click it
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, February 18, 2019
What to do when someone dies in Trinidad and Tobago
Disclaimer - This is not legal advice, it is simply information I have gathered and should be verified before following it.
When someone dies at home or otherwise in Trinidad and Tobago the process is simple but has a lot of running around to be done.
This is the information provided by the government -click here for link- It is severely lacking information as is typical.
First you can call the police to the home or location of death. You can get a list of local police stations by clicking here. You would also need to call a doctor who can declare the person dead at the scene and they would have the paperwork to give to the government offices you would need to visit to get the death certificate.
The next call would be to a funeral home who would have a person on standby 24 hours per day and 7 days a week to retrieve the body. Once the person is declared deceased, the police will investigate the scene and give the clearance for the body to be removed.
You would need the form from the doctor to declare the death. The funeral home would prepare the body for burial or cremation. Each county has their own Birth and Death Registrar and you must register the death in the county in which the person has died.
In order to register a death, you need to have the birth certificate for the person. This has to be the birth certificate from whatever country they were born in. This means if the person was born abroad you need a foreign certificate but if they were born in Trinidad and Tobago you would need to get a copy of the TT one. You can apply for this at the Offices listed below than come back to the regional
office. The old hand written Trinidad and Tobago version can be used to register the death.
http://www.news.gov.tt/content/new-polymer-certificates-births-deaths-and-marriages
The form you get from the registrar in the county is then taken to any one of the registrar General's offices. All offices should be able to produce the polymer death certificate on the same day you visit.
In order to have a cremation you would need to apply to the closest police station for a permit to cremate a body. You would also have to pay a fee the the regional corporation responsible for the area where the cremation site. For example you would need to visit the Siparia Regional Corporation to pay the fee for the Mosquito Creek cremation site.
Most funeral homes would guide you through the process or have a copy of all the forms handy. There may be an additional fee if you want them to do the running around for you to get all the necessary documents.
National Insurance Board Funeral Grant Information ($7,500 TTD? $7,000? government sites say both and I am not sure if you are only allowed one or both for the Social Services grant and NIB benefit).
Link 2 - https://www.social.gov.tt/general-assistance-grants/
Additional info
Most news papers and radio stations will allow a free obituary announcement.
Ask around the neighborhood for a contact for a 'mic man' who can announce the death. It usually costs a few hundred dollars. You could either have a person sit in the car or give a recording to them.
If I am missing anything, please comment to let me know.
Topics
What to do when someone dies in Trinidad and Tobago
How to register a death in Trinidad and Tobago
If a foreigner dies in Trinidad and Tobago
What to do when a non national dies in Trinidad
How to send human remains back to a foreign country
How to announce a death dead person on newspapers
What to do when someone parent sister brother parent mom dad son daughter neighbour dies at home




















