Introducing Tobago
Latitude: 11 N, Longitude 60 W
Physical Area: Fish-shaped, measures 26 miles, 42 km, by 7 miles, 10 km.
Total Area: 116m, 300km
Major Towns: Scarborough, Roxborough, and Charlotteville
Tobago is just 32km, 20m, off the northeast coast of
Trinidad. Tobago has a central hilly range with a flat area in the south and west of the
island where much of the tourism has developed. This area, influenced by the presence of
fringing offshore reefs, has distinct beaches with soft powdery white or cinnamon brown
sand. The island also has an agrarian base being noted for the production of sugar, cocoa,
coffee and citrus products at various times in the past.
The island, regarded as a prize possession, was fought over
by British, French and other colonial powers changing hands at least 25 times. These
colonial settlers have left their mark on Tobago's past by way of the various place names
such as Glamorgan and L'Anse Fourmi and ruins of forts and sugar mills and water wheels
that dot the landscape.
Go diving with Mantas and meet a people with a quiet pride
and a relaxed way of life, rich folklore and customs and a unique history. Have an
authentic Tobago Wedding and complete the picture of the perfect vacation. The
ideal getaway... Visit Tobago and you will certainly find a personal paradise.
Scarborough (the capitol city)
Tobago's chief town is draped on a hillside overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean and is the centre of business and administration on the island. Founded by
the Dutch who settled the island this town boasts of an excellent harbour, the seeming
focus for a bustling town.
Upper Scarborough features the former site of the Tobago
House of Assembly. This Georgian styled mansion which overlooks James Park, previously the
original Market Square, is the lone remnant of colonial era architecture. Most of the
buildings from this era were lost in the 1789 fire that razed the town. Fort King George
anchors the upper reaches of Scarborough. Other significant sites are St. Andrew's on the
Hill.
The Botanic Gardens separates Upper Scarborough from Lower
Scarborough. This breath of green in the town's flow down to the sea celebrates its
centenary in 1998. The Gardens with its many exotic plants and shrubs makes a pleasant
spot to stop when moving between the two halves of the town.
Lower Scarborough runs along the Atlantic Ocean, which
crashes against this shore with vigor and energy, much like the people who inhabit the
town. The main features here being the market, a colourful arrangement of people, stalls
and produce ranging from flowering plants, to fruits and vegetables. Nearby are stores,
banks, the Scarborough library and the Tourism Information centre in the NIB Mall.
POINTS OF INTEREST
BOTANIC GARDENS
Seventeen acres of tropical trees and shrubs that run from the Claude Noel Highway at the
northern end of Scarborough southward. Exotics like the African Tulip can be found here.
There are entrances at either end.
FORT KING GEORGE
This fort, built in the 1780's is perhaps Tobago's best preserved historical site. The
approaches to the fort take you past the current hospital facilities, the prison and onto
the grounds. There are several cannon emplacements, barracks and officer's mess and even
sculptures, although these are more recent artifacts. The grounds are excellently
manicured and offer magnificent views of the coast. It is a popular venue for art displays
having also a souvenir shop on the compound.
TOBAGO MUSEUM
The museum, located in the Barrack GuardHouse of Fort King George, has artifacts from
Tobago's early history on display. Amerindian artifacts, military relics and documents
from the colonial period are also on display. Opens Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Telephone
868-639-3970.
Geography
Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands in the
Caribbean chain, only 10km (7 miles) from the Venezuelan coast and geologically part of
South America. The two islands are 33km (21 miles) apart. Trinidad is half forested, with
a range of low mountains running along the north coast (the highest point is 940 metres,
3,085 ft.); there is a flat central plain, with rolling hills in the south. Tobago has a
central spine of hills rising to 549 metres (1,860 ft.), with flatter land in the south.
The national capital is Port of Spain (pop. 350,000); Tobago's capital is Scarborough.
Other major urban areas in Trinidad are San Fernando in the south, Chaguanas (central) and
Arima (east)
Area
Trinidad 4,828 sq. km (1,864 sq. miles); Tobago 300 sq. km.
(116 sq. miles)
Population
1.3 million (Tobago 50,000), tracing their roots back to
Africa (40%), India (40%), Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and China. Most
major religions are represented, including Christianity (Roman Catholic 29%, Anglican 11%,
Presbyterian, Methodist and evangelical faiths), Hinduism (24%), Islam (6%) and
traditional African faiths
Language
The official language is English; the old French-based
patois has almost died out, and some Hindi is used in the Indian community
Money
The Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) floats against the US
dollar and other currencies; daily exchange rates are carried in the press. Credit cards
are widely used in tourist areas, and by car rental companies, hotels and restaurants.
Leading banks offer ATM machines which accept international cards
Time zone
1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time, 4 hours behind
Greenwich Mean Time
Climate
Average temperature 29°C (83°F), with a maximum daily
temperature in the low to mid 30s. June to December are the wettest months, with rainfall
mostly in short sharp bursts; Tobago is often slightly cooler and less humid than Trinidad
Phone codes
Country code: 868 (prefix to all numbers when calling from
another country)