Kami Allong and Alexandra Gray
Welcome to the third instalment of our Hidden Gems series, where we shall embark on a journey to share the secrets of TT's archipelago.
From the rugged coast of Soldado Rock to the pristine coral reefs of Little Tobago, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world untouched by urbanisation.
Through exploration and discovery, we seek to shed light on the geological wonders, ecological marvels and unique histories that define these remote outposts.
Join us as we dive into the depths of TT's archipelago, beyond the beaten path and into the heart of its lesser-known lands – where every island tells a story waiting to be heard.
Five Islands
We shouldn’t let this name fool us, as there are in fact six little sisters in this grouping, including Caledonia Island, Craig Island, Lenegan Island, Nelson Island, Pelican Island and Rock Island.
The isles are within a few kilometres of the northwest peninsula of Trinidad. Their earliest occupants were the Waroa and Nepuyo tribes of Trinidad’s First Peoples, as stops for bartering during their fishing voyages.
[caption id="attachment_1105473" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Aerial view of Nelson Island.Photo courtesy GSTT -[/caption]
On the arrival of the conquistadors in 1498, they became known as Los Cotorros (the Spanish term for parrots), which we can only imagine was given to them due to the beautiful, winged residents that still inhabit our shores today.
After Trinidad came under British rule, the five sisters became the quarantine islands, and were largely used as isolation zones for incoming passengers who had contracted infectious diseases during their voyages.
It should be noted that this information was derived largely from the National Trust’s website, as these isles are currently maintained under its care and protection as national heritage sites.
Caledonia and Craig Islands
Caledonia and Craig Islands, currently connected by a man-made causeway, are the largest and smallest of the isles respectively.
The causeway was built after the erosion of an isthmus that previously joined the two. The fact that they had such a connection, both geologically and historically, gives us an understanding as to why this grouping is known as five rather than six islands. Together they were known as Marlin Spike Hall, held initially by the Scottish Lt Herbert Mackworth and later by another Scot, Caldwell, who christened the larger isle in his name.
Marlin Spike served as a resort for civil servants from the 1800s and onwards. The islands were dubbed the "honeymoon isles" after the post-nuptial getaway of Lord Harris (governor of Trinidad from 1846- 1854) and his wife.
Caledonia continued its tradition of matrimony by hosting wedding ceremonies. The facility held many over time in the subsequent decades, the most famous of which was the intimate wedding ceremony between Dr Eric Williams and his third wife, Mayleen Mook Sang.
[caption id="attachment_1105472" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Nelson Island -[/caption]
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