[...]... visitors to the islands right now are British, Scandinavian, and German Americans have long known of the bird watching opportunities in Trinidad, but have only recently discovered Tobago n Visiting Trinidad Many people travel to Tobago and fail to visit Trinidad Probably equal numbers visit Trinidad for Carnival and fail to visit neighboring Tobago There’s not much excuse for that, since the two islands... adverse to a union of Trinidad and Tobago and subsequently offered Tobagoins two options for debate prior to taking action First, Tobago and Trinidad could be joined under one government based in Trinidad or, second, Tobago might be annexed, but retain its own treasury and a subordinate legislature Of course Tobago was more interested in the latter, especially where it related to their rights to collect... Centre of Trinidad & Tobago, Mausica Rd., Piarco % 868-642-2270, fax 642-9134 History he Republic of Trinidad and Tobago shares much historical context with other Caribbean countries and that history has determined much of what it is today – its successes, its problems, its culture, and its orientation in the modern world Understanding some of the historical antecedents of present day Trinidad and Tobago. .. Numerous small hotels and guest houses dotted the towns, and there was a very low-key feel to the island Tobago has now found itself on the tourist map, and hotels and holiday villa construction projects are in the works around the island or planned to begin in the next few years Poised between the quiet life of local people and developing tourism, Tobago is still a very friendly and safe island There are... consequences to their colony in Trinidad if a coalition of Amerindians from Trinidad and Tobago were to develop and, in 1636, the Spanish invaded Tobago They succeeded in destroying its small European settlements and in removing the islanders’ store of ammunition In 1639, in what would be a long-lasting European political intrigue, one of the Baltic States, the Duchy of Courland, was granted rights to Tobago. .. years, disputes between the Dutch and the Courlanders, political tradeoffs in Europe, and frequent attacks by Indians and other Europeans led the Courlanders to abandon their claim to Tobago in 1690 In the latter half of the 17th century, the Caribbean was dominated by the French and the Dutch and both were interested in the small island of Tobago After successive naval and land battles between these two... beneficial n Tourism While tourism is cited as a major income-producing sector for many smaller Caribbean countries, it remains to be seen if tourism will appreciably improve or even help to maintain a desirable standard of living for people in Trinidad and Tobago Given that the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago is seeking foreign investment, the top economic tier in the tourism industry may not end up being Trinidadian... rights to collect taxes and expend funds Trinidad had nothing to gain from a closer association with bedraggled Tobago, but it was not given a choice Tobago and Trinidad were politically associated, but Tobago retained its rights over internal fiscal affairs As was their political habit, Tobagoins argued for the rights to further fiscal independence in this loose union In response to Tobago s intransigence,... decided to bring the two islands more closely together rather than see the existing relationship fall apart In 1898, Tobago and Trinidad were officially merged – financially and politically LOCAL LORE A saying popular in Britain in the 19th century was to refer to someone being “as wealthy as a Tobago land owner,” meaning someone who had money to burn Acreage in Tobago had been grossly overestimated, and. .. wishing a part of Tobago could be yours forever 4 n Introduction The People & Their Culture hen visiting Trinidad and Tobago, remember that Tobago, especially, is still an island of villages and small-town friendliness We got a lift from a farmer one day and as we rode along he talked about the strong village ties in Tobago Village elders still try to keep everyone on the straight and narrow so there . in Trinidad, but have only recently discovered Tobago. n Visiting Trinidad Many people travel to Tobago and fail to visit Trinidad. Probably equal numbers visit Trinidad for Carnival and fail to. 99 Toco & The Northeast Coast 99 Adventures & Sports 100 On Foot 100 On Water 102 viii n Adventure Guide to Trinidad & Tobago Spectator Sports 103 Touring 104 Suggested Driving Tours. is - lands and on our guide. Please write to us at our home in Mexico at the fol - lowing address, or send us e-mail. Kathleen O’Donnell and Stassi H. Pefkaros Adventure Guide to Trinidad & Tobago Apto.