They came to be called Meriken 200 years of Meriken presence and heritage commemorated
200 years of the presence of the descendants of African American soldiers in Trinidad and Tobago will be commemorated by Idakeda on August 30th. The commemoration will take place in the form of a one-day tour to Moruga, highlighting the heritage of the Merikens and culminating in a visit to the Moruga Museum. The tour bus leaves Port of Spain at 7.45am from NALIS Port of Spain, St. Vincent St.. Visit African Legacy Tours of Trinidad and Tobago on Facebook for photos, updates and more. Reserve your space on the tour bus through Facebook or send an email to idakedagroup@gmail.com.
In 1815, free black soldiers and former enslaved peoples were given land in Trinidad as compensation for fighting with the British in the war of 1812-14 in a bid to regain their American colony. The soldiers were promised 16 acres of land in the British territory of Trinidad, for them and their families. The former enslaved peoples were granted their freedom and land as well, in return for their services.
The ‘Merikens’ as they came to be known, brought with them the Baptist faith, their knowledge of herbal medicine and their ethic of hard work and strong family values. The communities where they settled were known as ‘Company Villages’ after their military units; the districts in Moruga still retain names such as 3rd and 6th Company today.
Ebenezer ‘Pa Nezer’ Elliot is perhaps the most well known Meriken elder, famed for his ability to heal using herbal medicine and for being a powerful link to the traditions of our ancestors.
Join Join our tour to find out more about this fascinating aspect of our African heritage!
Cost: TT$400, Nationals TT$300, children TT200. Includes a Meriken lunch.
Thank you for your support and stay with us on our journey …
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