If you read the last Travel Log entry, the SDTT crew visited the Manzanilla Beachfront last week. Most tourists who visit the island’s shores never get to visit that particular beach. Trinidad’s tourism board does a lot to market the “brand name” beaches like Las Cuevas and Maracas. Unfortunately, they aren’t too keen on advertising the lesser-known beaches like Manzanilla, or those on the southern coast, for some reason. From its unusual name and early colonization to its role in World War II and its potential for ecotourism, this essay explores the rich history of Manzanilla. This investigation enables one to fully understand why Manzanilla is a living, breathing monument to the island’s history and future, rather than just another beach.
A Name Steeped in Mystery and Misconception
The name “manzanilla” may instantly conjure up images of the soothing herbal drink made from chamomile for Spanish speakers. Even the local authorities seem to neglect the beach. There were no lifeguards on duty along that portion of the coastline, and the current was pretty intense. Maybe it’s a case of not wanting to invest money into a beach that doesn’t have the same national stature as the “brand name” beaches. Possibly it could just be neglect from a government that doesn’t realize the island contains more than Port of Spain and Environs.
Aside from that, Manzanilla is worth a visit, but only if you know a local who can keep an eye on you and point out where not to bathe, lest you find yourself towed out to sea by a riptide. The intricate interaction between people and nature—a topic that has defined Manzanilla’s history—is highlighted by this early mistake. The area serves as a reminder of how important it is to comprehend and respect the environment to survive, having been formed by both human habitation and the untamed force of nature.
The Founding of Manzanilla: A Reward or a Strategy
The territory was assigned as a prize for a regiment of Black troops by Ralph Woodford, the British governor of Trinidad, in the early 1800s, marking the beginning of Manzanilla’s existence as a community. On the surface, this could seem like a kind deed, but historical accounts indicate that the choice was more calculated than selfless.
The problem of runaway slaves integrating into the military at the time was a problem for Trinidad, raising possible security issues. The British government successfully eliminated a perceived danger while promoting regional development by disbanding the regiment and moving its troops to a remote area of the island. For these early inhabitants, life in Manzanilla was anything from simple.
Transportation was a major obstacle since the settlement was only connected to Arima by a badly kept track. A lot of agricultural output was wasted since the round-the-island ship, which was meant to carry commodities, seldom came to Manzanilla. After concentrating on rice farming for a while, the settlers turned their emphasis to growing coffee and chocolate. Economic difficulties continued despite these initiatives until 1898, when the Trinidad Government Railway reached Arima, enhancing connectivity and opening up commercial routes.
Manzanilla’s Role in World War II: A Hidden Military History
Few people are aware that Manzanilla was crucial to military history during World War II, even though it is often linked to its beach and coconut-lined coastline. The Caribbean became a key strategic area for the Allied troops in 1942, as the war raged in Europe and the Pacific. Manzanilla was selected as a site for training in jungle warfare as part of the United States and Britain’s efforts to set up military outposts around the area.
The beach was surrounded by thick woodlands, which gave troops the perfect setting for practicing guerilla warfare and survival abilities. The rigorous training exercises were intended to get soldiers ready for the challenging circumstances they would encounter in other tropical conflict areas. Although there isn’t much trace of this military past left today, Manzanilla’s contribution to the war effort is a significant chapter in the island’s history for those who know where to seek it.
The Natural Beauty and Ecological Significance of Manzanilla
Settlement in Manzanilla wasn’t a walk in the park either. The round-the-island steamer that used to collect goods from the far-flung areas of the country rarely made its way to the fledgling settlement. As a result, the produce that the 15-acre plots produced for the former regimental officers sometimes went to waste since there was no one to collect that produce.
A much-overlooked fact about Manzanilla is its importance to military training for the Allies in the Second World War. Manzanilla served as a base of operations for Allied soldiers within the Caribbean in 1942. The local command established a training facility to enable troops to learn jungle warfare and doctrine using the forested areas around Manzanilla as a staging base.
Manzanilla itself was founded in 1822 by the then-governor of the British colony Ralph Woodford as a ‘reward’ for the members of a local black regiment. One assumes that Woodford’s donation of the land to the regimental officers and soldiers wasn’t wholly altruistic. The regiment was disbanded to prevent escaped slaves from posing as soldiers.
Manzanilla’s Future: A Possible Ecotourism Hub
Although most visitors still don’t visit Manzanilla, enthusiasm for making it a destination for ecotourism is rising. Most Spanish speakers will immediately recognize the word ‘manzanilla’ which translates directly into chamomile in English. In my initial research into the place name, I thought the word had something to do with the tea or the plant that it came from. As it turns out, I was wrong.
Conclusion
Manzanilla is also a diminutive form in Castellano (Spanish from Spain) for “apple”. It means ‘little apple’ and is a name used by the initial Spanish settlers who discovered the coastline rife with what they took to be mini-apple trees. Those trees are very much NOT apple trees. They’re known as ‘manchineel’ trees, and the new name of the tree in Spanish is “manzanilla de la muerte”, in English, “The Little Apple of Death.” The fruit of the manchineel is toxic, and you, constant reader, should NEVER consume it. I figured the Spanish found that out eventually. Manzanilla is a place worth seeing, whether for its ecological significance, historical significance, or just plain natural beauty.
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FAQs
Is Manzanilla Beach safe for swimming?
Before getting into the sea, visitors should use care and consult locals.
When is the ideal time to go to Manzanilla to see turtles?
Manzanilla is a dry white wine made from Palomino grapes and is the lightest and driest of all sherry wines. Manzanilla is the lightest and driest of all sherries.
How can I get to Manzanilla from Port of Spain?
I am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of flavors the whisky will give us as it ages, and it will be fun to compare it with the Manzanilla Cask released in 2019. There aren’t many public transit choices.
Are there accommodations near Manzanilla Beach?
This produces a pale, bone-dry wine of unsurpassed elegance and finesse
What should I pack for my trip to Manzanilla?
A red-light torch is advised if you want to come during turtle nesting season to prevent upsetting the turtles.
