|
A Brief History of Trinidad and Tobago: From Columbus to Now
By Bianca Agostini
June 23, 2007
These two jewels in the Caribbean lie off the Northeast coast of Venezuela and about
10° north of the equator. The larger of the two, Trinidad is approximately 4,828 sq. km and mainly flat. Its only
mountains sit proudly in the north of the island. Its tiny sister island, Tobago is approximately 116 sq km and heavily
forested with hardwood trees.
The island of Trinidad was "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in 1498 or so history
would have us believe - discovered being a rather contentious word when applied to Christopher Columbus in this context.
Firstly, it is often argued, how can Christopher Columbus "discover" Trinidad when the island was already inhabited by native
Indians who called the island home (Arawaks in Trinidad and Carib Indians in Tobago)? Secondly, it is believed that the idea
of Columbus
discovering these islands seemed Eurocentric with the implication that history began on the day Columbus arrived.
Whatever one’s point of view or belief, Columbus’ arrival on the
shores of these islands marks the beginning of the modern history of the region as we know it.
Trinidad and Tobago’s European influence and culture comes primarily from
Spain, France and Britain with all three countries claiming these islands at one point or another. While Spanish rule
began with the arrival of Columbus, the island of Trinidad was virtually ignored into ignominy for almost 300 years until
toward the end of Spain's occupation, French immigrants started moving into political offices. This was facilitated
by a liberalization of emigration rules and
policies by the Spanish authorities in addition to the turmoil in Europe and
especially in France at that time.
But it seemed that both the Spanish and French authorities had very little inclination
or motivation to prosper the island.With war raging in Europe, the British saw an opportunity and in 1797, 17 British ships
were dispatched to the island. With very little effort on the part of the British, the island was ceded to them and
Trinidad became a British sugar colony.
Tobago’s fate was even more unsettling as the island changed hands from
the Dutch to the French to the British. It’s interesting to note here that even the Americans became embroiled
in the battle to claim Tobago. During the American War of Independence or the American Revolutionary War circa 1778,
an American squadron was dispatched to capture the island. The endeavour was quickly quashed by the British warship,
Yarmouth and Tobago, as did Trinidad, remained in the hands of the British.
From the inception of Spanish rule up until British rule, Trinidad and Tobago were
two wholly separate and individual islands. In 1889 however, the island of Tobago was united with the island of Trinidad.
This became the colony of Trinidad and Tobago with Tobago becoming a ward of the colony in 1899. For most of its early history,
Trinidad was a sugar economy. It became an oil economy in the 20th century with oil and its oil related exports dominating
the economy. This helped to transform the island from a rural to an urban one and helped to place this tiny island in
the Caribbean on the map. But another noteworthy event took place around this time and this was the establishment of
U.S. bases on the island in 1941. Britain agreed to the establishment of American bases on the island in exchange for
50 destroyers. With the Americans on the island, injecting money and American culture into a stagnant economy, the focus
began to shift from Britain to the U.S.
But with the end of the war, the tide had changed. Independence for this Caribbean
nation seemed like the next logical step or rather, the inevitable culmination of everything that had taken place on this
island. Independence was led by the great Dr. Eric Williams, the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago became an independent member of the Commonwealth in August of 1962. Some 14 years later in August
of 1976, the twin islands became a presidential republic within the Commonwealth.
From 1498 to 2007, this proud nation has undergone tremendous upheaval and change.
From absolute tyranny and abject poverty, this nation now boasts that it is now probably one of, if not, the wealthiest in
the Caribbean. But like a
young sapling still needing to be nurtured into maturity, its people at times seem bent
- but not broken, by the winds of change and prosperity. Only time and history will decide this nation’s course.
|
| National Pledge of Trinidad and Tobago |
The Independence Pledge, written by
Marjorie Padmore, was composed for school children and is usually recited at the opening and closing of school terms and on
special occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day.
Marjorie Padmore created countless musical rhymes and jingles for the Ministry
of Education School Broadcasting Unit and is also known for composing the national song "God Bless Our Nation" and for writing
the music for "Our Lands of Sun and Seas." As one of the pioneering team of educational broadcasters in this country in 1960,
she left the Government Teachers' College to pursue a career that would blend music and broadcasting. She was the first woman
to head the Broadcasting Unit, a position she held until her departure for the post of Director of the School
of Music
established by the National Cultural Council in 1976. Marjorie gave over thirty years service to the Anglican church. She
was awarded the Humming Bird Medal for her contribution to the Nation.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| National Flag of Trinidad and Tobago |
The Black represents the dedication
of the people joined together by one strong bond. It is the colour of strength, of unity of purpose, and of the wealth of
the land. Red is the colour most expressive of our country; it represents the vitality of the land and its peoples; it is
the warmth and energy of the sun, the courage and friendliness of the people. White is the sea by which these lands are bound;
the cradle of our heritage; the purity of our aspirations and the equality of men and women under the sun. Thus, the colours
chosen represent the elements of the Earth, Water and Fire which encompass all our past, present and future; and inspire us
as one united, vital, free and dedicated people. (With compliments of the permanent mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the
United Nations.)
The National Flag was designed by Trinidadian artist Carlisle Chang. Mr.
Chang has been involved in the promotion of art throughout his 60-year-long career, holding the Hummingbird Medal for Community
Service, the bronze medal of the VII Sao Paulo Bienal for painting (1963), and a citation from the Press Club of Lausanne
(1972) for Best Foreign Pavillion at the Comptoire Suisse.
|
|
| Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago |
The Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago
was designed by a committee formed in 1962 to select the symbols that would be representative of the people of Trinidad and
Tobago. The committee included noted artist Carlisle Chang and the late designer George Bailey. The shield has the same colours
(black, red, and white) of the nation's flag and carry the same meaning. The gold ships represent the Santa Maria, Nina, and
Pinta: the three ships Christopher Columbus used on his journey to the "New World." The two birds on the shield are hummingbirds.
Trinidad is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Hummingbird" because more than sixteen different species of hummingbird
have been recorded on the island. The two larger birds are the Scarlet Ibis (left) and the Cocrico (right), the national birds
of Trinidad and Tobago. Below these birds is our nation's motto, "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve."
|
| National Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago - Click above to listen |
The National Anthem was written to celebrate
Trinidad and Tobago's independence from Great Britain on August 31, 1962. A nation-wide contest was held in search of the
best anthem to accompany this momentous occasion. The winner of the contest was Patrick Stanisclaus Castagne. Apart from composing
our national anthem, Castagne wrote other songs like "Kiss Me for Christmas," "The Iceman" (a popular Road March hit in 1960),
"Nimble like Kimble" and "Hyarima: A Caribbean Rhapsody". Castagne has held several posts in the government of Trinidad and
Tobago. He is also the holder of a Chaconia medal and the British MBE.
|
|
| Chaconia - National Flower of Trinidad and Tobago |
The honour of being
chosen as our national flower goes to a wild, forest flower called the Chaconia, also known as the "Pride of Trinidad and
Tobago" and "Wild Poinsettia." The Chaconia is an indigenous flower known by its long sprays of magnificent vermillion. Coincidentally,
this flower blooms on every anniversary of our Independence Day (August 31, 1962). For us, the Chaconia represents the imperishability of life and
the continuity of our nation.
The Chaconia belongs to the family Rubiaceae
and owes its botanical name, Warszewiczia Coccinea to the Polish-Lithuanian plant collector, Joseph Warszewicz. The
title "Chaconia" was given to it in honour of the last Spanish Governor of Trinidad, Don Jose Maria Chacon (1784-1797). (With compliments of the Trinidad and Tobago Mission to the United Nations.)
The Cocrico (Ortalis ruficauda), also
known as the "Chachalaca," is a rufous-tailed, tropical pheasant indigenous to Tobago. They tend to inhabit the higher areas
of the island amidst the forest and sometimes the dry scrubby lands bordering cultivated areas. Cocricos are known for sounding
a loud, grating chorus at dawn and dusk. The sound is a raucous cocricó repeated several times, hence the name of the bird.
The Scarlet Ibis and the Cocrico are only two of over 400 species of birds recorded in Trinidad and Tobago. (Reference: ffrench,
Richard P. The Birds. David Frost Introduces Trinidad & Tobago. Edited by Michael Anthony and Andrew Carr. Copyright ©
1975 by André Deutsh Limited.)
The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber),
locally known as "flamingo," makes its home in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp - an area set aside by the government
for the protection of these colourful birds. The Caroni Swamp includes fifteen thousand acres of marshland, tidal lagoons,
and mangrove trees. Several thousand Scarlet Ibises nest and roost in the sanctuary and are often seen in large numbers during
the last two hours of daylight. Larger numbers of Scarlet Ibises can be seen during the breeding season, from April to August.
These birds feed mainly on crabs which they seek out on the mud flats exposed at low tide and on the stilt roots of the red
mangrove. Boat tours of the Caroni Swamp are available throughout the year.
|
|
|
|
|
| Advertise Here |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertise Here
Advertise Here
Advertise Here
|
|
|
|
|
