TobagoARC is committed to working in the interest of PEOPLE!!! We are interested in forming partnerships with individuals and communities. Communities could be:
- People living in a common geographic space (e.g. villages)
- People of common interest (e.g., Churches, Clubs, Schools, Businesses, Government)
- People of common characteristics (Youths, Gender, Poverty, Disability)
- Environmental Community – Animals and plants living together, sharing biotic necessities (Ridge to Reef: Forest, Wetlands, Reef).
The people of Tobago have strong traditions tied to their ancestral heritage. The population has remained basically stable at a majority of persons of African heritage as well as smaller pockets of persons of European, East Indian, Chinese and Portuguese heritage.
Out of this melting pot has emerged a population that is historically and culturally rich. We care about the people of Tobago – “Our People!” We care about our rich tradition and culture – “is all ah we own”!
Our language, English, is quite unique; flavoured by “Tobago creole” existing to the present day and ever-evolving.
Culturally, in line with their African heritage is MUSIC- related to work, rituals and dance. A strong belief in bush medicine and superstitions. The superstitions rooted in folklore and religion were brought from Africa and combined with Christianity.
Tobagonians are fiercely patriotic, hospitable, generous, culturally moral, independent, opinionated and traditional. Sometimes irreverent towards social rules and norms. The concept of “Len hand” was and is an important building block for development, and is embedded in the psyche.
At this time, there is a certain disconnection from traditions of land and biodiversity conservation. Especially, when it comes to hunting, burning of land for gardens and disposal of waste. These are the issues that demand our attention for reconnection and resilience building for future development.
