Tobago - History

Tobago was also sighted by Columbus and claimed by the Spanish but there were no attempts to colonize it. During the 17th century, Tobago changed hands numerous times as the English, French, Dutch and even Courlanders (present-day Latvians!) wrestled for control. In 1704 it was declared a neutral territory, which left room for pirates to use the island as a base for raiding ships in the Eastern Caribbean. The British returned to establish a colonial administration on Tobago in 1763, and within two decades 10,000 African slaves were imported to establish the island's sugar, cotton and indigo plantations.

Tobago's plantation economy slid into decline after the abolition of slavery but sugar and rum production continued until 1884, when the London firm that controlled finances for the island's plantations went bankrupt. Plantation owners unable to sell their sugar or rum quickly sold or abandoned their land, leaving the economy in shambles but most of the islanders with a plot of land; those who had no money to purchase land simply squatted. In 1889 the British made Tobago, which previously had its own independent legislature, a ward of neighbouring Trinidad.

The depression of the 1930s led to a series of strikes and riots and the growth of a labour movement on the islands. As a consequence, the British granted universal suffrage in 1946 and took measures to institute self-government. Independence eventually came in 1962. An oil boom in the 1970s brought prosperity to the islands but the East Indian community became increasingly isolated from political power. In July 1990, members of a minority Muslim group attempted a coup. They stormed parliament and took 45 hostages, including prime minister ANR Robinson, who was shot in the leg after refusing to resign. Since then, the oil business has taken a downturn and the government has implemented austerity programs while boosting its efforts to promote tourism on the islands.

Tobago was settled over 2,500 years ago by Amerindians moving north from the South American mainland. Tobago's close neighbour Trinidad was actually still attached to South America up till 10,000 years ago and consequently the diversity of wildlife on the mainland is still evident on the two islands - over 260 species of birds breed in Trinidad and Tobago.

Europeans first reached these islands in the form of Columbus on his third transatlantic voyage in 1498. Tobago was "discovered" by the English in 1508 and, as was the case for most islands in the Caribbean, it was then fought over by the Dutch, Spanish, English, French and settled by Latvians and buccaneers (and some others) well into the 18th Century. Bloody Bay, Pirates Bay, and Man o' War Bay bear testament to this past. The English controlled the island from 1762 with hiccups from 1781-1793 and from 1802-1803 when the island fell under French occupation. It was officially ceded to the English in 1814.

The island's rich soils saw Tobago being used predominantly for agricultural production but, as was the case with many of its Caribbean neighbours, it became increasingly less important in the 20th Century. In 1962 both Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain and finally became a republic in 1976. Tobago is now almost wholly dependent on tourism - quite understandable considering the tropical naivety that pervades the island and the straightforward, genuine, unaffected friendliness of its people.

For the history buffs among you, no visit to Tobago is complete without a trip to the First Historical Café on the Winward Road, east of Granby Point. This colourful roadside cafe with its brilliant painted bamboo decor, gravel floors and seaward views gives you a taste of Tobago's history and culture. It is like walking into a time capsule. A must . Have a chat with the proprietor and get a guided tour of the walls, which are adorned with the historical and cultural facts.

Arguably Tobago's best asset is its natural resources - recognised a long time ago and resulting in the oldest Forest Reserve in the Western Hemisphere. Tobago has that classic desert island Robinson Crusoe feel - undisturbed, verdant and impressive. The island is carpeted in thick, green rainforest and graced with a backbone of rugged hills - offering spectacular views of the blue bays and numerous small beaches that lie beneath them. There are waterfalls, rivers and nature trails through the rainforest where a staggering array of wildlife exists - particularly birds. The famous (and loud) cocrico bird can be heard in the hills - it is named after its distinctive call and it is uncanny how its name sounds exactly like its call. There are also trips to Little Tobago - an excellent day trip for bird watchers (as the island is a Bird Sanctuary), snorkellers or those who just want to absolutely get away from it all. There are good glass bottom boat tours over some of the best reefs in the Caribbean. A number of tour companies exist and will gladly take you to all the best spots.

Like many of the islands in the Caribbean, Tobago has rich, colourful history and culture - this provides a whole host of places to visit . Listed below are the recommended places of interest and a quick browse though them will give you a clear idea of what to expect when you go sightseeing in Tobago.

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