Staff Article
July 08, 2006
Posted: July 14, 2006
Manzanilla, one of the most popular areas in Trinidad and Tobago is known for its beauteous beaches and picturesque, virtually unspoilt natural environment.
'Manzanilla', meaning "Little Apples", was so named in the 18th century by the Spanish sailors who, upon arrival onshore, saw trees that bore fruit (which were inedible because of the poison it contained) which resembled apples.
The name of the area was still maintained even after the arrival of the British in 1797 but was largely uninhabited until 1822 when Governor Ralph Woodford settled soldiers of the West India Regiment in the vicinity. The reason for this settlement was twofold: firstly, because the regiment comprised of mainly Black soldiers and wished to avoid the incidence of runaway slaves hiding among the Black soldiers and secondly, the Governor wished to promote the development of a roadway from Arima to the east coast.
These soldiers were each given sixteen acres of land which they developed with their families by growing rice and ground provisions. These agricultural productions were so large that wastage was a common feature of their lands and also because of the infrequency that the round-island steamer collected their produce.
These soldiers were underpaid and slighted by their employer, the government at the time. In fact, in an attempt to ameliorate conditions, the government used the soldier's own retirement pension to provide better facilities for the village.
By 1839, the village only comprised of one medical officer, one police officer, a superintendent and a Mico Charity School for the village children.
In 1841, three years after the abolition of slavery in 1838, the Governor at the time, Sir Henry MacLeod had sent Reverend J.H. Hamilton on a mission to report about the situation in Manzanilla. The Reverend, although more concerned about his proselytizing ambitions, did report that there were about five Mandingo priests and a horrible track between Arima and Manzanilla.
The residents of the area later developed cocoa and coffee and by 1898, the problem of transport of goods was solved with the introduction of the railway to neighboring Sangre Grande.
Although Manzanilla today remains sparsely populated, the population continues to grow and continues to be influenced by the 'town' culture. Manzanilla appeals to all and remains a destressing, therapeutic place of escape for those wishing to get away from the noise and hassle of the city.
Manzanilla in Pictures
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