Well into the 21st century the area is known throughout Trinidad as having exceptionally fruitful hunting (small game animals such as agouti, lappe and armadillo) and fishing grounds.

The residents have incorporated many of the modern goods and cooking styles with the more traditional methods and ingredients, resulting in a unique array of dishes that is regularly eaten in homes every day.

Ground provisions, freshwater fish and small game animals (commonly referred to as "wild meat") are dominant in the cuisine in this area.

Overall this way of life, often viewed as being "hard" by outsiders,[citation needed] is what makes the residents in the area enjoy a slightly higher standard of living than other communities, as the food expenditure is less here than in other towns and villages.

Softer tropical timber is also harvested and sold to the many sawmills in the area (there are at least three fully operational mills) for use in the island's manufacturing and export industry.

The result is some of the highest quality furniture, wood sculpting and displays of carpentry that can be found not only in Trinidad but in the Caribbean region.

Harvested growths were replanted with new saplings (usually cedar, mahogany and teak) with the result that the industry is very much alive and strong in this part of the island.

The bars also function in the capacity of meeting areas during weddings, funerals and general holiday gatherings; indeed the high population density of these establishments makes them a convenient and affordable manner for local (and traditional) entertainment.