Dr Rita Pemberton

The history of Tobago reflects an interplay between the natural environment and human interaction which is best understood if it is examined during specific periods.

In the earliest phase, the island’s history revolved around its geography and the activities of the First Peoples; later, external factors such as the level of European interest and the policies they pursued, and its relationship with Trinidad shaped the historical trajectory.

During the early period, geopolitics propelled by economic concerns predominated.

In the later period, British possession and its changing role in the existing world order which determined the selection of crops for cultivation and the fortunes of the island’s sugar industry became dominant features.

Tobago’s geographical position made it convenient for the island’s First People population, who migrated from the South American mainland. But it not only allowed the settlement of several First People communities, but also became an important centre of a trading network between various communities from the mainland to the islands of the north. This trade was conducted without interruption until the advent of the Europeans.

The First People lived in small communities, usually close to rivers, in different areas, including Courland, Milford, Kings Bay, and Mason Hall. They lived by hunting and collecting food from the forests, fishing and small-scale cultivation and did not engage in wholesale land clearance.

This changed dramatically with the advent of the Europeans. European interest in Tobago was spawned by rivalry for colonial acquisitions. Supported by their false assumptions of superiority, any territory not occupied by Europeans was considered “unoccupied” and therefore available.

Tobago’s strategic location constituted a primary motive for European possession and settlement. Outside the circle of the Caribbean archipelago, it was on the route used by ships travelling to and from the mainland. This was of particular value to the Dutch, whose colony in Brazil was an important part of their imperial system, and the route was central to Dutch trading activity.

Tobago assumed importance as a port of call for ships in distress. It was desirable because it was possible to settle there without attracting the attention of rivals, in an ideal position to launch surprise attacks on rival European settlements and was considered a most desirable site for trade between established European colonies in the Caribbean and the South American mainland.

This made it the subject of fierce competition between the Dutch, Courlanders, French and British, as well as wars between Europeans and the First People, who fought valiantly to defend their territory. This contest raged through the 17th and first part of the18th centuries. The First People/European relationship was punctuated by attempts by one European power or another to forge a friendship with the First People in an attempt to eliminate European competitors.

The second factor was British possession. I