The Northern Range is the range of tall hills across north Trinidad , the major island in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago . The hills range from the Chaguaramas peninsula on the west coast to Toco in the east. The Northern Range covers approximately twenty-five percent of the land area of Trinidad.
41-524: The Northern Range runs from the Chaguaramas Peninsula in the west to Toco in the east. The eastern Northern Range (areas east of Arima ) remain most heavily forested. Portions west of Arima, especially the southern slopes and valleys, have been extensively deforested, since they lie immediately north of the most heavily populated parts of the island. At the western end of the Northern Range,
82-468: A naval base , Naval Base Trinidad , under the Destroyers for Bases Agreement . The base was also used during the early 1960s as a BMEWS early warning radar site, as well as a missile tracking site on the U.S. Air Force Eastern Test Range . The base was scaled back in 1956 and the area was returned to Trinidad and Tobago control in 1963. Chaguaramas was the location slated for the construction of
123-450: A US Navy lighter-than-air base in the fall of 1943 when blimps were added to the patrol dues. The 80th Seabees built a large blimp hangar , a mooring post, and a helium purification plant to support the blimps. By May 1944 all major construction had been completed and the 11th Construction Battalion was released. The Bureau of Yards and Docks departed on June 30, 1943. Trinidad being a large base and training center did not close after
164-504: A larger setting, thus it can serve a large number of persons with different tastes through the use of the smaller areas as niche spots. Chaguaramas has been the center of yachting activity in Trinidad. There are several marinas within the Chaguaramas area which provide repair services or on-land boarding services for yachts. There is also the option to refuel and stock supplies or just moor
205-572: A lifeline to the UK during the war. France was defeated by Nazi Germany in June 1940. The United States at this time was neutral . Thus England, the British Commonwealth and British empire was alone in the war against German and Italian Fascism . The 50 destroyers, in the base for destroyers deal of September 2, 1940, were Caldwell , Wickes , and Clemson class . The destroyers were transferred to
246-401: Is allowed to swim in the sea as the area is located in an inlet. However great care should be exercised in entering and exiting the water as due to dredging of the seabed many years ago, there is a sharp descent of several feet close to the shore. The drop/ or descent can make the area perilous for newly trained swimmers and the extremely short person entering or exiting the water. Tucker Valley
287-699: Is easily recognizable as the docks and buildings are colored pink from the bauxite dust. After the Trinidad and Tobago government passed the Conservation and Wildlife Act in 1960, hunting is strictly prohibited. This law is upheld by the Chaguaramas Development Authority. Chaguaramas is however one of the country's most popular spots for Tarpon fishing. In 2010, Sportsfishing Magazine names Chaguaramas waters one of their top locations for fishing Tarpon. Naval Base Trinidad Naval Base Trinidad , also called NAS Trinidad , NAS Port-of-Spain ,
328-401: Is known for several points of interest such as: The Bamboo Cathedral, The UPick Farm and Restaurant, The World War Bunker, and The Nutmeg Grove among other things. The Bamboo Cathedral is well known by photographers who capture images of many newly engaged couples strolling in the area. The wide lane of the roadway with the bamboos intertwining overhead creates an image of seclusion and sets
369-616: The Gulf of Paria was part of the deal. Later in the year the United States transferred ten Lake-class Coast Guard cutters to the Royal Navy to be used as anti-submarine convoy escorts. The large refinery at Pointe-à-Pierre on Trinidad a key to winning the war. Pan American Airways developed airports in Latin America in the fall of 1940. This was with the support of the United States,
410-716: The Royal Navy from the US Navy . The United States received rent-free 99-year leases of US bases on the British controlled islands of Newfoundland , Bermuda , Trinidad, Great Exuma , Jamaica , Antigua , St. Lucia , the Bahamas , and one in British Guiana . The deal was done by President Franklin Roosevelt by executive agreement , without congressional approval. West coast of Trinidad with
451-518: The capital of the short-lived West Indies Federation . It is also the place where the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed, establishing CARICOM , the Caribbean Community and Common Market, in 1973. The Chaguaramas Peninsula supports one of the few remaining areas of dry forest in western Trinidad. On weekends groups of persons enter Chaguaramas to cycle on or kayak in rented equipment. During
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#1732845322752492-508: The swamps in the area. Teteron Bay became a major navy depot. Seabees arrived at Trinidad on December 30, 1942. The Seabees of the 30th, 83rd and 11th Construction Battalion took over the operation and maintenance of the base from the civilian contractors. The US Army built two major airfields, Waller Field and Carlson Field. Both were also used by the Navy as bases for aircraft carrier fighter aircraft and transport services. Carlsen Field became
533-609: The "upkeep" of the large trees which provide shelter at great heights for them. "Conveniently located just off the Macqueripe Road, Bellerand Heritage Park is surrounded by various areas offering recreational activities such as golfing, swimming and is a 'stone's throw' away from the Magnificent Edith Falls". Another heritage park which is located within the Macqueripe area in Chaguaramas is Samaan Park. At Macqueripe, one
574-506: The Army and Coast Guard camps on the mainland. Offshore, a group known as The Five Islands are in various stages of development or redevelopment, as of 2016. Most of the roadway in Chaguaramas lies close to the coastline and one can view the sea from the winding road. It is about 14 km from Port of Spain. The entire peninsula was leased to the United States in 1940 for the construction of
615-465: The CDA's website. The Chaguaramas Golf Course is "a 9-hole course" and the only "public" golf course in the twin-island Republic. The Golf Course at Chaguaramas has been in existence for some forty plus (40+) years and is one of the older, if not the oldest golf course in the island. Pier 1 was designed to host functions for large numbers of persons. The venue was designed to host events in small areas within
656-515: The Northern Range, which represents a combination of species from the South American continent and from the Caribbean islands further north is high. The densely forested peaks are home to over 100 species of mammals and 430 species of birds. Animals such as red howler monkeys , capuchin monkeys , neotropical river otters , collared peccary , ocelots and red brocket deer , to name a few, inhabit
697-635: The SS Penelope on 14 February 14, 1942 off St. Lucia. U-67 sank six other ships on her next tour off the north coast of South America. On 16 July, U-67 was sunk by a Grumman TBF Avenger with four Mk.7 depth charges. German submarines U-129 , U-502 , U-126 also spent time in the Caribbean. Some Italian submarines also patrolled the Caribbean: Luigi Torelli , Leonardo da Vinci , Enrico Tazzoli , Giuseppe Finzi and Morosini . US Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron or VPB and VP were stationed at
738-749: The SS Sarniadoc a Canadian Steam merchant off Guadeloupe . The USCGC Acacia , a mine planter, March 15, 1942, was sunk of Haiti . U-161 third tour took her to the Brazilian coast. She sank the SS Neuva Altagracia on 16 June 1942. On July 3, 1942, she sank the SS San Pablo in the port of Puerto Limón, Costa Rica . U-161 Fifth tour she sank the SS Angelus off Bermuda on May 19, 1943. On September 20, 1943 U-161 on her sixth tour she sank
779-699: The SS St. Usk and sank the SS Itapagé on September 26. U-161 was sunk 200 miles of Salvador with loss of all 53 crew menm on September 27, 1943. U-161 was sunk by a PBM Mariner plane from the Salvador Emergency advance bases and the troops of the VP-74 . German submarine U-129 sank the tanker SS Nordvangen off Trinidad on 20 February 10, 1942. On 22 March 1944 U-129 sank the SS Anadyr off Recife, Brazil. U-129
820-586: The U.S.-British Destroyers for Bases agreement which exchanged older US destroyers for U.S. rights to operate Advance Bases in the Atlantic. This was done so the US could have tactical bases, patrol aircraft and ships to control the Caribbean Sea . Trinidad, Bermuda, Santo Domingo and Argentia became major bases. The US Navy started construction at Trinidad on January 193, 1941. Over 10,000 Trinidadian workers were hired for
861-570: The capital city, Port of Spain , climbs into the hills and the valleys are settled and largely deforested. The Arima Valley remains as the westernmost valley that is still primarily forested, in a large part due to the presence of the Asa Wright Nature Centre in this valley. The hills rise abruptly from the lowlands of northern Trinidad (the so-called East–West Corridor ), but only the two tallest peaks, El Cerro del Aripo and El Tucuche top 900 m. The south-facing valleys run deep into
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#1732845322752902-402: The code WAT. Allied convoy code TAW was given for the Trinidad to Aruba and Key West trips. Convoy code for Guantánamo to Aruba and Trinidad was GAT and the return trip TAG. Allies called the shipping lane between Guiana and Trinidad Torpedo Junction as it had many Allies merchant ships. Columbus Channel which separates the southwest corner of Trinidad and Tobago from the coast of Venezuela
943-643: The construction projects. Trinidad, off the coast of Venezuela , was key to protecting South American trade routes and the Panama Canal. The Naval Base was built on the northwest tip of the island on 7,940 acres, this included the land on five small islands in the Gulf of Paria . Later 3,800 more acres were added to the base, but only 1,200 acres were built up. Four bays were used for Naval activities: Carenage , Chaguaramus , Teteron, and Scotland. Two major land bases were built at Chaguaramus (Chaguaramas Naval Base) and Tucker (Tucker Naval Base). The second task after
984-458: The eastern end of the range are of volcanic origin. The country's largest cave system, the Aripo Cave , is located in the Northern Range. The caves feature stalagmite and stalactite formations. These caves are inhabited by nocturnal oilbirds , and bats. Numerous sulphur springs occur on the river beds of Rio Seco Falls, demonstrating the volcanic nature of the region. The biodiversity within
1025-585: The hills and support major rivers, such as the Caroni River, while the north-facing valleys are generally short and are drained by smaller streams. There are numerous streams and waterfalls in the Northern Range. The highest waterfall is Maracas waterfall, towering 91.5 metres (300 ft) high. Other waterfalls include the Rincon Falls, Rio Seco Falls and Marianne Falls. The Northern Range consists mainly of sedimentary rocks , schists and limestones ; portions at
1066-413: The island. After Adolf Hitler ’s declaration of war against the United States on December 11, 1941, U-boat operations were extended to East Coast of the United States , Gulf of Mexico , and to the Caribbean. So Naval Base Trinidad became a key to keeping Panama Canal , Venezuela oil and the Caribbean open. The US Navy and US Army landed on Trinidad on September 2, 1940. Much of Naval Base Trinidad
1107-420: The lush forests, making the Northern Range the only mountain range in the Caribbean to host such species. The hills are mostly forested, although deforestation and the formation of fire- savannahs is one of the major environmental concerns in Trinidad. On the summits of El Cerro del Aripo and El Tucuche, the vegetation is quite different from the lower montane forests. Elfin woodland and cloud forests cover
1148-526: The northeastern coast of Brazil 16 bases, from the Brazil-United States Political-Military Agreement , agreed May 23, 1942. FPO# 335. Ecuador Emergency advance base Honduras advance base Colombia advance base Panama Naval Base Trinidad and its sub-bases had the role of both hunting for submarines and providing air cover for Allied convoys. Convoys traveling from Key West to Aruba and Trinidad were give
1189-404: The port was built, was building a naval air station and a seaplane base at Carenage Bay. The Gulf of Paria was used for major fleet anchorage. Carenage Bay was also built up as a major port with the construction of a 500-by-50-foot tender pier. Both bays had major dredging projects done, so the port could support large ships. A 200 men team worked full-time on a malaria reduction project, due to
1230-663: The program was called the Airport Development Program . The goal was to increase United States presence should the US enter the war. Once the US entered the war the US Army and US Navy did take over these Pan American Airways airports. Naval Base Santo Domingo was the other large Caribbean Naval Base. Secondary bases : Naval Base Trinidad headquarters managed and supplied logical support for subsidiary satellite Bases, also called emergency advance bases and NAAF Trinidad. Brazil Emergency advance bases (Naval patrol bases): On
1271-666: The shore of one of the Bays. The Boardwalk can be used as an exercise route for pedestrians or for young families who stroll or as a stepping stone to get to the water to swim for leisure or as part of a training regimen. Available in close proximity to the Boardwalk are Gazebos and Pedal Boats which are available for rent. There is also the Dancing Water Fountain, the Trees Vendor Plaza and Miniature Off Road Activities according to
Northern Range - Misplaced Pages Continue
1312-621: The summits, and are home to the near endemic El Tucuche golden tree frog . 10°44′N 61°15′W / 10.733°N 61.250°W / 10.733; -61.250 Chaguaramas, Trinidad Chaguaramas ( / ˌ ʃ ɑː ɡ ə ˈ r ɑː m ə s / ) lies in the Northwest Peninsula of Trinidad west of Port of Spain ; the name is often applied to the entire peninsula, but is sometimes used to refer to its most developed area. The developed area in Chaguaramas starts at an Aloca aluminum manufacturing plant and dock, and ends at
1353-503: The tone for newly engaged wonder! The UPick Farm "sells a wide range of fruits and vegetables (grown off-site) both local and imported". Also available at the UPick Farm are guided tours and field trips for primary and secondary school children. The Chaguaramas area also contains some dockside facilities, mostly for the transfer of bauxite ore between ship and shore, or from smaller boats to ocean-going vessels. The function of such docks
1394-618: The war, like many other bases. Troops departed in 1967, the base closed in 1977, and the lease of the land was given up by the US in 1988. Today the base headquarters are a hotel and convention center. During that period, many calypsos made reference to the American presence in Trinidad . The Battle of the Atlantic began on September 3, 1939, and by 1941 the United Kingdom (UK) needed help in protecting shipping from British Overseas Territories . The British Overseas Territories had become
1435-641: The week, the roadway is used as a training ground for persons who cycle in groups either for sport or as a part of a training session for a Tri-athalon. Mountain biking has grown in popularity and an extensive trail network has been developed in Tucker Valley. These trails are created and maintained by the local Mountain Bike community. The Chaguaramas Boardwalk was developed by the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) as part of its tourism developmental thrust. The Boardwalk stretches for approximately 1300 feet along
1476-574: The yacht at a pier or in a sheltered bay facility and visit the island. According to the CDA, the Gasparee Cave on Gasparee Island, along with the Salt Pond on Chacachacare and the Bellerand Heritage Park fall within the boundaries of Chaguaramas. Although Gasparee has been developed with housing facilities, to a large extent efforts have been made to preserve the birds on the island, through
1517-474: Was a US Naval Advance Base built to protect the shipping lanes to and from the Panama Canal from U-boat attacks, by sea and air. The base did fueling, loading and unloading of cargo ships. The base also became a repair depot, with auxiliary floating drydocks that were able to repair boats and ships in the field. Naval Base Trinidad was commissioned on June 1, 1941, and at its peak it had 135,000 troops on
1558-698: Was a large United States Navy Naval base built during World War II to support the many naval ships fighting and patrolling the Battle of the Atlantic . The fighting in the area became known as the Battle of the Caribbean . Naval Base Trinidad was located on the Island of Trinidad in West Indies of the Caribbean Sea . The base also supported the United States Army Air Forces , United States Coast Guard , US Marine Corps and US Army . Naval Base Trinidad
1599-559: Was built by private contractors in 1941 and in 1942 expanded by the Seabees of Naval Construction Battalions. Naval Base Trinidad also was a training center for troops preparing for war. Trinidad supported US Navy subbases in St. Lucia and British Guiana . The base also supported emergency advance bases on the northeastern coast of Brazil . Naval Base Trinidad and seven other bases in the Caribbean became known as Destroyer Bases . This name came from
1640-692: Was given the nickname Serpent’s Mouth . German submarine U-161 , as part of Operation Neuland , operated off Trinidad. U-161 ' s second tour was in Caribbean Sea. On February 19, 1942 U-161 damaged the SS British Consul and SS Mokihana off Trinidad. Next she sank the SS Circe Shell , SS Lihue and tanker SS Uniwaleco off St Vincent . At St Lucia she damaged the Lady Nelson and Umtata while in harbor. On March 14, 1942, she sank
1681-796: Was one of then U-Boats to not be sunk during the war. German submarine U-156 on June 1, 1942, sank the SS Alegrete of St. Lucia. On June 3, 1942 U-156 sank the SS Lillian south of Barbados. On May 29, 1942 U-156 sank the SS Norman Prince off St. Lucia. On May 21, 1942 U-156 sank the SS Presidente Trujillo off Martinique . On February 20, 1942 U-156 sank the SS Delplata off Martinique. A sea plane sank U-156 on March 8, 1943 off Barbados. German submarine U-67 U-67 sank