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Tobago, just 28 miles by 8 miles, is part white coral and part volcanic rock. Many Caribbean buffs consider it the most exotically beautiful of all islands. Rain forest cascades from the island's many hills towards untouched bays and beaches of white powdery sand, where wild orchids twine and palms fan softly. Coral reefs create rainbow patterns in the many blues of the sea.
In
1498, Tobago was discovered by Christopher Columbus and was immediately
claimed by Spain. This marked the beginning of a very bloody history. With
Tobago's naturally calm and deep harbors it's importance as a way station
for the exploration and conquest of South America and the rest of the
Caribbean grew with each passing decade.
During the 17th century, Tobago became a haven for marauders and pirates. Such infamous pirates as Henry Morgan, Black Beard the pirate and Captain Finn all used Tobago as supply depot and hideaway. Such spots as Man-O-War Bay, more specifically Pirates Bay, were frequently visited. By 1692 the situation had become so chaotic that the British Government in Barbados was forced to send an entire squadron of ships to drive out the pirates. Needless to say, this was only one of the many gruesome battles fought.
From the 17th to the 18th century Tobago found itself very much in demand by various European powers. Spain fought with both the Dutch and the English for possession of the island. Later, in the heat of The Napoleonic War, the English and French traded a few blows over it as well. During the American War of Independence, even the Americans made an attempt to wrestle control of it from England.
As of the end of the Napoleonic War, Tobago was ceded to Britain by the French and formed part of the Windward Islands Colony until 1899 when it was joined with Trinidad. On August 31, 1962 Great Britain declared Trinidad and Tobago an independent state in the Commonwealth of Nations.
Environmental Policy
Man-O-War Bay cottages, a 5 acre beach front colony, part of Charlotteville Estate, A 1000 acre cocoa estate situated on the North East coast of Tobago. This property, purchased by the Turpin family in 1865, has a long history of environmental conservation. Our environmental management plan originates from 1930, and is currently under review for biodiversity, forestry and organic/ecotourism projects that involve the villagers of Charlotteville, who reside on estate land. The Man-o-War Bay cottages is incorporating a marine and terrestrial laboratory, with scuba facilities for visiting scientists and students. The cottages, nestled in botanical gardens of natural vegetation on the beach ,offers a serene holiday in which the senses are assaulted by natures extravagance. This is a nature lovers and bird watchers paradise. The proprietors and staff of Man-o-War Bay Cottages, endeavour to share this experience with you, in a setting that exists in harmony with our surroundings and the nearby village.
In keeping with the conservation needs of the area and the existing environmental legislation, we have over the years introduced and practised , environmental best practises for the operation of the cottage colony, within this sensitive environment.
We strive to conserve water by employing low flow showerheads and toilet flushers Vitally important in this watershed area
We conserve energy in the cottages with the use gas stoves. All lighting within the Cottages with energy conserving light bulbs. On the verandahs , we use Low wattage bulbs that do not attract insects and aid in the nesting of the leatherback And hawkesbill turtles which occurs on the beach in front of the cottages from February to September each year.
We have endeavoured to provide a cool environment for the cottages and our guests by planting the grounds with large tropical trees and shrubs. The cottages are sited to take full advantage of the sea breezes. No airconditioning is supplied. Instead bedrooms are supplied with standing fans or ceiling fans.
We recycle all garden materials(plant), they are composted and used to fertilise the The garden beds. Some sold in bags to the villagers. Composting of vegetable waste Is to be introduced in the cottage kitchens with containers, so that our guests can Become involved in the recycling process. The cottage commissary offers the Recycling of glass bottles.
All grey water from showers and kitchens are filtered through soak-aways and routed To the gardens. Serves to keep the lawns hydrated and prevents any grey water from Entering the marine environment.
We ask our guests to save water, energy and the use of laundry soaps by changing Linens and towels every 3 to 4 days. Laundry soaps are environmentally friendly. Housekeepers use recipes of environmentally friendly organic materials for cleaning And scouring in the cottages.
We have a ban on any form of poaching or hunting on the cottage compound. This Includes, wildlife, birds and marine turtles.
Man-o-War Bay Cottages staff experience ongoing training in environmental best Practises. Some of which they use in their home environments.
Our commitment to the surrounding community is total. The Estate supplies building Material- timber for home construction. All Man-o-War Bay staff are employed from The nearby village of Charlotteville. Some have been with us for 20 years. We buy Our vegetables and fresh fish from the community. We are also one of the sponsors Of the Heritage Tambu-Bamboo band.
We strive to improve our environmental performance with sound practises, that Express our commitment to the community, our employees and our guests and the Natural environment.
For reservations, contact mowbc@tstt.net.tt
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