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Trinidad
KNOWLEDGE OF Trinidad
Trinidad was the first inhabited island of the Caribbean, having been settled by Amerindians from South America as early as 5000 BC. They called the island "Ieri", the land of the hummingbird.
Later, Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean Islands occupied by both the Igneri, a peaceful subgroup of the Arawak tribe; and the hostile Caribs. In 1498, Columbus claimed the islands for Spain. However, since the Carib Indians were aggressive and warlike, they prevented the colonisation of the islands until late into the 17th Century. Over the next two centuries, the natives were taken into slavery by the Spaniards and exposed to hard labour and European plagues that virtually wiped out the entire population.
Tobago’s history was equally volatile. After the Spaniards defeated the Caribs, the English, French, Dutch and various bands of pirates made attempts at dominating the island. It wasn’t until 1877 that it was finally ceded to the British.
Port of Spain developed slowly attracting the Catalan Capuchin missionaries. Attempts at tobacco and cocoa production failed due to blight and competition from neighbouring islands. During the Napoleonic Wars, in 1797, the British seized the opportunity to take islands from the Spaniards and in 1815; Tobago came under British Rule and made a ward of Trinidad at the end of the century.
Immigration opened up after slavery was abolished and a new labour force was needed. Ethnic groups changed the make-up of the populace. As the islands are today, Trinidad and Tobago became a melting pot due mainly to its openness to religious freedom. Consequently the floodgates opened to Americans, Scots, Irish, French, Germans and the Swiss. By 1917 when the East Indian immigration ceased, there were more that 140,000 Indians working as indentured servants on the islands.
Bringing their own festivities and culture, the Indian influence is very prominent throughout the islands today. While the Muslims introduced Hosay, the Hindus brought Divali. Indian food, such as roti and curry has become staple dishes for all Trinidadians.
Several companies of American black soldiers who had supported the British in its 1812 war against the US were given grants of land in southern Trinidad, where they founded villages and named them after the companies in which they served.
Later, Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean Islands occupied by both the Igneri, a peaceful subgroup of the Arawak tribe; and the hostile Caribs. In 1498, Columbus claimed the islands for Spain. However, since the Carib Indians were aggressive and warlike, they prevented the colonisation of the islands until late into the 17th Century. Over the next two centuries, the natives were taken into slavery by the Spaniards and exposed to hard labour and European plagues that virtually wiped out the entire population.
Tobago’s history was equally volatile. After the Spaniards defeated the Caribs, the English, French, Dutch and various bands of pirates made attempts at dominating the island. It wasn’t until 1877 that it was finally ceded to the British.
Port of Spain developed slowly attracting the Catalan Capuchin missionaries. Attempts at tobacco and cocoa production failed due to blight and competition from neighbouring islands. During the Napoleonic Wars, in 1797, the British seized the opportunity to take islands from the Spaniards and in 1815; Tobago came under British Rule and made a ward of Trinidad at the end of the century.
Immigration opened up after slavery was abolished and a new labour force was needed. Ethnic groups changed the make-up of the populace. As the islands are today, Trinidad and Tobago became a melting pot due mainly to its openness to religious freedom. Consequently the floodgates opened to Americans, Scots, Irish, French, Germans and the Swiss. By 1917 when the East Indian immigration ceased, there were more that 140,000 Indians working as indentured servants on the islands.
Bringing their own festivities and culture, the Indian influence is very prominent throughout the islands today. While the Muslims introduced Hosay, the Hindus brought Divali. Indian food, such as roti and curry has become staple dishes for all Trinidadians.
Several companies of American black soldiers who had supported the British in its 1812 war against the US were given grants of land in southern Trinidad, where they founded villages and named them after the companies in which they served.
Chapi