15. Down De Islands “DDI”

Off the Western Coast of Trinidad in the Gulf of Paria there are several small islands that are grouped and referred to by the following names: -

                   1.      Bocas Islands

2.      The Five Islands

3.      San Diego Islands

Some of these islands have a rich history and are either now uninhabited or feature places for entertainment and housing or in the case of one island, a prison.

Ø  Chacachacare (Shakka Sha Kari)

This is the most western of the Bocas Islands, which belong to Trinidad & Tobago, situated in the Bocas Del Dragon between Trinidad and Venezuela. Until 1984, this island was used as a nun’s quarters and a lepers’ colony. The island is still uninhabited except for the persons that maintain the lighthouse. Now the island is used for entertainment and various tourism activities. Boat tours carry people to spend the day or camp out on the island. La Tinta, is one the beaches off the island, its water is clear but the black sand creates the illusion that the water is black which explains the reason for its name. There is also a Hindu temple where religious festivities are carried out.

Ø  Gaspar Grande

Another one of the Bocas Islands that is primarily limestone features several caves including Gasparee Caves. This natural limestone cave system is sought after by many for its’ mysterious pool at its base. Many residents have vacation homes on this island.

Ø  Monas Island

Monas is one of the Bocas Islands visited by many hikers and adventure seekers. Several vacation homes are available for rent.  

Ø  Nelson Island

This is one of the Five Islands which is situated west of Port of Spain. It was once utilised as the disembarkation point and quarantine station for indentured immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago in the nineteenth to early twentieth century. In 1930, it was used as a detention centre where Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler was one of our history’s detainees. In 1970 after the Black Power Revolution this island was used to hold infamous detainees.

Ø  Carrera

This island has been used as a prison since the 19^th century. The name of this facility is Carrera Convict Prison, officers assigned to this facility work two shifts one of which is an overnight duty. 

Ø  Scotland Bay

This is not an actual island as above referenced, however, it is a beach which can be accessed via boat located off the Chaguramas peninsula.

I’ve been to Scotland Bay several times. We accessed the bay through Tetron, a Military Base and other times via boat. I’ve always enjoyed visiting this bay. The water is clean and calm, and the bay is rarely overcrowded. Even if a few boats dock, everyone more or else has their own space.

My most memorable visit to Scotland Bay was with my two cousins. I left work early that day to spend some time with my cousin from England. We got to the Bay and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Coming back was the issue. We were talking having fun, enjoying the cool sea breeze while soaking up the last few minutes of the sun before it set. Then, I realised the boat was no longer propelling forward instead it was simply swaying left and right taking command now from the sea rather than the engine with my cousins help. Yup! ‘Knot-a-Fuss’ engines decided it had enough. We drifted for about ten minutes, when a fishing pirogue came to our rescue. They threw a rope to us which we tied to the front of the boat and were towed.     

Were you as fortunate as I to have an adventurous memory of down the island? Have you ever been to one of the islands? Share your comments and pictures below.