Upon arrival, the locals will proudly welcome you with their bright, Caribbean spirit. During your visit, you will enjoy authentic cuisine that is comparable to Creole, but made with local, bold spices.
Trinidad is home to boisterous carnivals and calypso music, the Caroni Swamp where you can view the rare Scarlet Ibis in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a 40-acre mangrove island located inside a 15,000-acre swamp! The birds are most active during the last two hours of daylight, so we'll be sure to go and catch the golden sunset at the sanctuary. You will also have time to visit the Hanuman Temple during your stay.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there are not enough healthcare providers or facilities to serve the population. While the island does have health centers, many are understaffed and undersupplied and although though most of the existing healthcare services are free, patients are frequently unable to obtain care, even on an emergency basis. To help provide quality medical care to all citizens, IMR sends volunteers to remote areas of the country to provide quality health care and medical services. Our mobile clinics offer assistance to children, women, families, the elderly, and other in-need populations.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses including dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, pneumonia, and digestive diseases. However, one of the major focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, demand for dental care will be high. Another focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen the knowledge and skills of the local midwives. We expect a high patient load in the highly populated slum communities we will be serving in. With 1.2 million people and a population density of 266 per sq. km, and only 1 doctor per 1,000 people, our services are needed!
The accommodation offers wifi, an exercise gym, air conditioning, and a hearty continental breakfast offered each morning. You will be very comfortable here after a long day of work!
The team will fly into Piarco International Airport, just a few minutes from your hotel. Clinic locations are already set in a variety of locations on the island, all serving patients with the greatest need. Transportation will be by private coach with safe, professional drivers. We can't wait to have you with the IMR T and T Team!!
While the most rewarding aspect of this trip will be caring for the people of Trinidad, your team will also have the opportunity to visit some of the country’s top destinations. Since this is one of the most beautiful places in the world, you will experience mouth-watering cuisine, be amazed by the sheer volume of the beautiful Scarlet Ibis and white Herons during your visit to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, visit Hindu temples, and view local marine and beach life. The music will give you a calypso beat as you mix island life, steal drum bands, and loud local music from the cars going by with the excitement and satisfaction of caring for people and improving their health for the future.
Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Trinidad and Tobago’s top tourist destinations? Did you know IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers?
Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of calypso, soca, chutney, and parang music, as well as the Steelpan. The diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of the locals will enchant you, but the beaches will take your breath away. Here you can watch a cricket game or, if you prefer, American Football! If you are adventurous at heart, you can zipline, explore the rainforest, or snorkel in the country’s crystal-clear waters. No matter what you choose to do, the bands will delight you and the calypso-style dancing will get your feet tapping!
