Biche

Biche is a flourishing agricultural village in east Trinidad and Tobago exactly 18 kilometers south of Sangre Grande and 18 kilometers north of Rio Claro.

Overview

Situated along the Cunapo Southern Main Road, Biche was first inhabited by a hunter and his teenage wife in 1874. There is little historical data to support the origins of this couple; however, the hunter's wife was believed to be named as Maria Gomez.

The name Biche derives from the French word biche, meaning deer or wild beast. In those times, hunters from Arima wandered into the area via the Nariva River and Nariva Swamp in search of wild animals.

Biche falls under the jurisdiction of the Rio Claro-Mayaro Regional Corporation, and has a population in excess of 4000.

One of the famous families of Biche is the Chin-Yans. He was an immigrant from China and his family owned most of the town.

One of the descendants that still lives in Biche is Awing Chin-Yan.

Biche also boasts of its own cable service and high school. The latter remains closed for political reasons.

In recent times the exploration of oil has given hope to the residents of Biche which over the years have seen the increase in the brain drain of its youths because of its location and lack of job opportunity besides gardening.

Up to this time no oil has been found but the villagers remain optimistic that some will be found and thus boost the appeal of the town in terms of job availability.

Biche is also known for its wild meat. It is one of the few places that one can still acquire cascadura in abundance.

See also

• Transport in Trinidad and Tobago