200th Anniversary of the arrival of “Company Soldiers”

In 2015 Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate the 200th year anniversary of the arrival of “Company Soldiers.”

The British Army recruited the Americans also called “Corps of Colonial Marines” to serve in a war against the United States.

In 1797 “Company” villages of American ex-slaves were established in Central Trinidad.

After the war ended, the British had the responsibility of settling them elsewhere.

Sixty-one men and some women and children arrived May 1815, anchored in Port of Spain harbour. They settled around Laventille and some parts of Caroni. The second group came around November of the same year and they settle in Naparima. However, in 1816, that group came to be the people who founded the ‘Company’ villages.

The Governor at the time James Woodford thought that it would be a good idea for them to settle near the coastal village of San Fernando de Naparima. They were settled into six companies. The first company settled near what is now Hindustan. The second company was settled at a place now called Matilda Boundary. The third company and the fifth company were settled on Moruga Road. The sixth company was located in the vicinity of these two, while the fourth company was established four mile away across country from the first company area.

These settlers -- who came to be known as “Merekins” -- achievements were considerable due to the fact that the Government had brought them here and neglected them.

The settlers all contributed a lot to religion on the island. The Baptist faith which is one of the more popular religions at present.

Though no formal celebrations have been planned, we truly appreciate these “Company Soldiers.”------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS:

- Story by Abigail Thomas

- Photo of Pitch Lake, Trinidad by Darcelle Pereira