My name is Onella Chattagoon and I'm one half of a painting twin.
People usually spell my last name "-E-R-goon". But it's really "A."
My twin sister is Onika but I'm older. By five minutes. But I'm still the big sister.
Girl days in Cunupia were crazy. My twin sister was more of the tomboy. I'm more of a girl-girl.
It's three girls and the boy is the last, but he's not the spoiled one. He gets in trouble a lot. And he has three older sisters so he gets a lot of licks sometimes. My parents are divorced but my mom lives not far from us, 15 minutes' drive. She moved to South when they first separated and all of us went to school in Central so we stayed with dad.
I'm Hindu but I went to a Muslim school because I passed for ASJA Girls' College in Charlieville. I'm finished with school and looking to do cosmetology. I'm into, like, fashion and modelling and makeup and what-not. Onika is doing business.
We used to be dressed similarly, when we were five, but, after that, no. But we do kind of mix-and-match, because we kinda have the same taste.
I get in trouble for Onika ALL THE TIME. In fact, you could say that, any time I'm in trouble, is because she caused it. And she doesn't even appreciate that I's get her out of trouble! She'll just sit there and laugh!
I listen to Indian music but I don't really like it that much. I'm more of an Usher, Pitbull, Machel girl. Pitbull's lyrics are fantastic. I like rap more, so it's Eminem all the way.
Divali is a big thing for us, at home. I go to temple and to church, because my grandfather is a Christian. But I'm not sure I believe in most of that.
People don't believe it but I eat real plenty. Burgers, pizza and chocolate. My concept is, "If it's healthy, I don't want it!" I would eat healthy food if I have to, but it's not fun.
We could cook, but we refuse to sometimes. We have a grandma for that!
I've only gone to Tobago for two days but it was lovely. We went to Store Bay, Black Rock, the Buccoo Reef. We went by boat and I think that's more fun: it's a longer way to go and you have more fun with family.
I like my hair down and with a wave. Onika likes hers straight and all-how!
When I'm not doing anything at home, my sister and I help my dad out with painting jobs. He'll say, "You have to get up early;" but my "early" is, like, one o'clock in the afternoon. He supervises us, tells us what to do, what not to do, shouts at us. He taught us how to paint. He would never leave us alone on a worksite.The most important part of painting is not making a mess.
It's not a hassle having your dad for a boss. In fact, it's kind of fun. You could get your days-off.
Daddy doesn't do everything we say. We ask him and he says no. Then, on the day, he sees us sad and he'll feel sorry for us and say, yes, okay.
We do mostly everything with our auntie. She's, like, real fun. I call her "Mummy" all the time.
I'm more of the one to give our dad back-talk. Onika 'fraid everything. She's a daddy's girl.
The best part of painting with my twin is, I mess her up with paint A LOT! She paints me up, too, a lot. But the best thing really is spending time together. It's fun being a twin, everything you do is fun, but the bad part is when people compare us.
My dad likes my sister more. It's not their secret: everybody knows. Anything she says, he does. If Onika is doing anything, is like, "Go ahead". I have to ask months in advance.
I find Trinis are the best. They're really fun to hang with.
Trinidad and Tobago is my home so it means everything to me.