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Goat
Races have been organised in Tobago for over 80 years. That
in itself is an incredible feat, considering the vast amount
of co-ordination required to stage these popular massive
events; it’s a huge credit to the various personalities
involved within the organising body, the Buccoo Village
Council and latterly, the Mt. Pleasant Village Council,that
they have stuck to their guns and have created wonderful
family days for the citizens and visitors to enjoy, while
continuing to evolve the spectacle by annually raising the
bar by introducing new and appealing aspects to these unique
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The introduction of a Derby with sizeable sums of prize
money is one such, while the erection of a full-blown
complex & medium sized stadium dedicated to this sport
is another. Catering for the cruise ship passengers in
the high seasons will doubtless be challenging, but judging
by their past record, the goat racing fraternity will
meet it head-on and make it a success.
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Talking about success, 2012 will go down in Tobago history
as the year in which young Lifeguard Neil Potts and his
goats and jockeys won the unprecedented maximum number
of races on the card at Mt. Pleasant. Never been done
before in over 80 years and unlikely to be easily repeated.
Neil
has worked for the Tourism Department all his working
life by following his father into the Division as part
of the Maintainance Team before going on to become a
Lifeguard and it is on the beach at Store Bay where you’ll
most likely meet him,as he keeps an eye on the visitors
frolicking in the sea.
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A
very amiable personality, he took over caring for his
younger brother’s racing goats and has steadily progressed
up the ladder as a dedicated and respected owner and trainer.
He has ploughed his winnings and earnings into a beautiful
guesthouse where he also looks after his prized goats
while his younger brother has gone on to create one of
Tobago’s finest drumming groups ‘Drummers of Tomorrow’.
Horses for courses, as they say...
For
close encounters with his goats contact Neil on 771-7077
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We
offer a 2 hour experience: After introducing the Horses
to our Guests & finding the right Team partner for everybody
we are taking the Herd through the village - along the Goat
race Track, the Wetland, the Mangroves & for a long Beachride.
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After
that we swim the horses across Buccoo Bay. `Take a look
at Tripadviser´ -Its a personel guided Tour. Most of our
Clients are FIRSTTIMERS...
Being with Horses Special “Trail -Swim Combination”
Bookings: (868) 639-0953
Our
Motto `Happy Horses have Happy Riders!´
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Are
you interested in local art, prints, cards, handmade jewelry
and crafts? Well, Horizons
Framing and Kartik
Home Decor, Tobago at Morshead Plaza is the place to
visit, browse and buy something for yourself or someone
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Always
featured are some of Tobago's top painters Rachel Heusner,
Jason Nedd, Nazim Baksh and Claire Ceppi. There are
many to choose from; you can buy an original painting
or a print and if you want to frame Horizon provides
a very professional service.
Kartik stocks a wide range of cotton drapery, cushions,
place mats, rugs - to transform your space, life and
home - Caribbean Style!!
On
exhibit is also M&J Semi precious Hand Crafted Jewelry,
all made with love and beautifully packaged for the
perfect gift.
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Jan
de Moor
(a street near Carnbee Junct) was the Agent for the immensely
wealthy Courteen Brothers, Dutch traders who operated
from London. He was a merchant adventurer and later became
a director of the Dutch West Indian Co., holding rights
to bring settlers to Tobago.
Dutch
Fort – This uphill street faces the Scarborough
Port and
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was so named due to the fort that was
erected by the Dutch settlers in 1662 to
protect their settlement at Rockly Bay, which they
called Roodlyp Bay.
The
British captured the fort in 1666, but one year later,
after the French drove out the Brits, the Dutch erected
a new township, Lower Scarborough, which they called
Lampsiusburg, after the Lampsius brothers, the wealthy
merchant financiers of their expedition.
In
1821, the foundation stone of the Court House and Admin.
Building was laid by Governor Robinson (Robinson Street);
it overlooked the Market Sq. now known as James Park
(after A.P.T. James, Tobago’s charismatic rep. to Trinidad’s
legislature), whose bust is displayed in the square.
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The
Caribbean region’s colonial architecture is characterized
by the building styles of the four European nation occupiers.
Tobago
favours the French influenced gingerbread fretwork aesthetic
which filtered down to small homes from the flamboyant
designs of the grand plantation houses. Dutch styles are
found in St. Maarten and Curacao, where curved gables,
tiled roofs and the startling use of colour combine as
reminders of the ‘olde country’.
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Spanish influences are found in Cuba, Dominican Republic
and Puerto Rico - ceramic filed floors, traditional arches
and wrought iron details while the British Georgian style
with its classical echoes prevailed in the islands of
St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and Barbados.
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In
December 1995 construction began on the first 'King of
the Woods' villa, a unique concept in resort tourism -
i.e. the creation of the Footprints Eco-Resort & Spa,
which has been winning awards ever since. Great care was
taken during construction and since, to protect and preserve
the environment, which is part of an abandoned cocoa estate.
Currently
there are numerous nature trails suitable for hiking or
bird watching and the gardens are home to myriads of butterflies
and birds on the 62 acre site with 700 ft. of sea frontage
on the pristine Culloden Bay.
The
placements of individual villas, including a Lovers Retreat
and a block of 4 sea-front rooms have created a sense
of one's own private space of peace and pleasure when
entering the 'Footprints world', which includes a sea-view
restaurant in the old cocoa house, jacuzzi, salt water
pools, decks and a health spa.
Not
content with resting on their many laurels, the owners
being very keen environmentalists are continuing to fulfil
their dreams of making our world a better place, with
an exciting new phase of expansion and upgrading while
operating its current facilities.
Their
vision encompasses new one-acre villa sites, a luxury
30 room Boutique Hotel with a museum, library, bar and
restaurant, multi-purpose meeting rooms and recreational
facilities including a 3 hole golf course.
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As
usual, energy efficiency and environmental protection
are their watch words.

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If
you'd like to participate in their vision of a carbon
neutral community - Contact Ingrid or Mia 868 - 660 0421/0118
E-mail footprints@trinidad.net
www.footprintseco-resort.com
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Out
& About
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PLEASANT
TIMES
AT PLEASANT PROSPECT
An
interesting hang-out for both locals and visitors, which
lives up to its name and lies between Grafton Beach and
Mt. Irvine. It has always been a hub of activity, especially
for Surfers from as far back as the 1970's when foreign
and local Trini Surfers rented rooms in the village.
If you are looking for drinks with friends, or a meal
in casual surroundings there are some good options in
Pleasant Prospect. Ocean View Bar has a Friday BBQ and
the best view of the Caribbean Sea; a good sunset and
cold beers are always an option here.
For exotic cocktails, famous geera finger foods and a
game of pool, one can go to the Signature Lounge, run
by Morgan & Fred, upstairs the ATM machine.
Joanne's tasty home-style local food is perfect for take-away
meals - a favourite for locals in the daytime on the forecourt
of the supermarket, which has always been an essential
resource in the area, selling beers, wines, cards, maps
and groceries.
Pizza Boys & Rituals Coffee House provides covered tables
outside for a relaxed snack break.
Popular and much loved hosts Erica and Fiacra (aka Irish)
have moved from the Indigo and created the 'Fish Pot',
bringing with them the same quality food. A la Carte dining
and live music on Friday nights are both added to the
mix. Most nights have some activity but Friday night live
music at the Fish Pot is a treat when local musicians
can come and jam together, creating a special atmosphere.
If you are around on St. Patrick's night, join in the
traditional celebrations - Caribbean style.
Moon over Water Bar is the heart-beat of the village,
always a centre of activity for locals having a drink
and playing pool.
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Hypnotic
reggae beats boom from Junior's aka 'Town Man' sound system,
giving the village a real Caribbean Island holiday feeling.
An eclectic bunch of artists, artisans and musicians gather
in the village, the characters are too many to name -
surfers, photographers, yoga teachers, and fisher-folk,
people from all walks of life come together in this area
and you're very likely to meet up with Skene Howie the
renowned photographer or the organisers Tanya Clovis of
Save our Sea Turtles and Sandra of World Children Unite.
Then there's George who gives surfing lessons, while Eddie
offers tours with his fun boat. Just ask around…………….
So, if you're looking to meet some interesting locals,
food to eat, time-out during your day or just to relax
under the stars, come to Pleasant Prospect, it will have
something pleasant for you.
With Thanks to Eamon
Healy-Singh
Eamon & Tanja - Quality Handmade Jewelry and Bike Tours
Tel: 332 5872 www.tobagomountainbike.com
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Relax, sit back and take your eyes
off the road while riding in air-conditioned comfort all
for considerably less than the cost of a beer. The newly
acquired fleet of Public Buses are a good safe bet to
get from A to B. Like all transport services world-wide,
the Public Transport system runs to a schedule.
The main routes from Scarborough and return are - The
Windward Road to Charlotteville, going through Speyside,
the Northside Road to L'anse Fourmi via Castara and Englishman's
Bay, the Highway and Milford Road to Crown Point Airport
and the Highway via Carnbee or Shirvan Rd, Mt. Irvine,
Arnos Vale and on to Plymouth.
Other routes have been added recently - For the first
time ever, here are some of them that give you a chance
to explore the island's villages by bus......
Crown Pt to Plymouth via Shirvan Rd; Scarborough to Buccoo;
Scarborough via Bacolet to Goodwood via Mt. St. George;
Scarborough to Mt. Pleasant via Lambeau Old Rd and Lowlands;
Scarborough to Patience Hill via Orange Hill Road; Scarborough
to Mt. Gomery via Patience Hill and Bethel; Roxborough
to L'Anse Fourmi and Roxborough to Charlotteville.
REMEMBER
- NO CASH TAKEN ON THE BUS
Buy
your tickets and pick up a Time-Table from
the
Bus Terminus
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at
Sangster's Hill, Scarborough, a few yards west of the Port
or get your tickets from various Village Outlets Valid any
Day - Terminus Tel: # 635 1470
Buy a batch of tickets and Happy Holidays!
Easy as that………… |

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STAY
SAFE
DON'T BE A MUG ON HOLIDAY
It's
sad and it's a shame, but you will find some dishonest
people anywhere you go in the world!!
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- Don't
let your actions or lack of precautions give the 'baddies'
any opportunities…………use only licensed taxis with 'H'
prefix number plates. Rent only from authorised Agencies
- Avoid
the drug scene. Don't drink and drive.
- Use
Licensed Tour Guides to visit the rain forest or when
hiking. Avoid dark, lonely roads for romantic walks
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Use the hotel safe, don't leave valuables in your vehicles
and avoid deserted beaches.
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Secure your rooms when leaving and when inside relaxing.
Report any suspicious behavior to either Police or your
accommodation provider.
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Don't pick up hitch-hikers or take strangers back to
your room or villa.
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Be wise, be careful when using an ATM machine and don't
accept help from strangers to access your funds.
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Don't isolate yourself, always carry a Mobile phone
- rent one from your landlord or buy a local SIM card.
Don't
make a mug of yourself; look after your loved ones and
your property.It's
your responsibility.
Some
Emergency Numbers:
- POLICE 999 OR 555 OR 639 0200/1334,
- FIRE & AMBULANCE 990,
- LOCAL & OVERSEAS ASSISTANCE - Dial 0 for Operator,
- BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION 622 8960/1/2,
- GERMAN EMBASSY 628 1630/1/2. "
HAVE
A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY
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Betty
Scott's father was a substantial member of the island's
community and was President of the Governor's Council.
A retired military man, he lived at Plymouth in a larger
house than the Lt. Governor's residence at Orange Hill
and was heartbroken when Betty died on 25th November 1783
as she was his favourite daughter. The distraught father
buried his daughter in a corner of his garden. He erected
a large tombstone which bore the above inscription………
Plymouth
was a busy port and Betty met and married a boisterous
sailor, Alexander Stiven, the son of the master mason
who erected most of the original buildings at Fort King
George. She became pregnant and died in childbirth - hence
the first line of the verse. The second line cleverly
tells the reader that Betty was a good wife in that she
was not a 'nag' as some wives are wont to be and made
allowances for her sailor husband's wanderings as he came
and went. Her kind indulgences to him were the obvious
outcome of her love for him.
And
so Betty Stivens died at the early age of 23 - her unborn
child lies buried with her.
Be
sure to pay a visit to Betty's tombstone at Plymouth,
overlooking the harbour.
Kind
Courtesy - La Magdalena - From Island Investments 639
9901
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