Dr Rita Pemberton

The very first concern that faced Tobago was possession - to which European administration would the island fall?

Following a very lengthy period of European conflict over several Caribbean islands, which escalated during the 18th century, Tobago was among the islands whose ownership France conceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Despite the treaty, the rivalry for territory had not abated, for the bruised ego of the French did not allow its rulers to give up hopes of owning the island.

Fully recognising this, the British administration was determined to maintain a permanent hold. As a consequence, speedy arrangements to settle the island were made with the intent that the presence of a settled population with vested interests would strengthen the British hold and provide a residential force of defence against foreign aggression.

Decisions regarding the island's future as a British colony were made by the Board of Trade.

The board was an advisory body established in 1696 to supervise colonial affairs. From its inception until 1781, it functioned as the main policy-making body of the British government, and its primary purpose was to make colonies profitable.

Having availed itself of information on the island, the Board of Trade declared Tobago a valuable island with 'no inhabitants but a few Caribs and French turtlers,' which was taken to mean it was open for British occupation and business.

The board moved with alacrity to populate the island with British settlers. It immediately ordered a survey made and the island divided according to specified priorities. Their concerns about land use were reflected in a size-based allocation of land resources to various activities.

The island was divided into parishes ranging between 6,000 and 10,000 acres and including reserves for fortifications and other military purposes. Secondly, towns which ranged from 500-1,000 acres were to be laid out in lots not exceeding six acres each, with a 60-foot reservation on the water side for wharves, quays and other public uses.

Also included were 100-200 acres for use as a glebe for the minister and 30-60 acres for a schoolmaster. Hence there was consideration for pastoral care and education, both of which would strengthen the British presence, through the Anglican Church.

The next area of concern, unusual for that period, was the environment, which reflected the growing influence of scientists who identified the relationship between tree cover and climate and used the Barbados experience to illustrate the negative impact of forest clearance. Therefore, it was considered important for reserves of wood to be kept in suitable places sufficient to maintain the necessary rainfall.

The remaining land was to be allotted in portions of 100-300 acres for purchase by people who intended to establish plantations. The lot-size restrictions were intended to increase the numbers of operating plantations and therefore of British residents.

But reserves of 800 acres were manda