The Launch of the Charlotteville Cocoa Yard Community Enterprise

Mark your calendars for July 15th, as Charlotteville’s rich cocoa heritage gets a new delicious chapter. The Cocoa Yard Community Enterprise is set to launch during the vibrant Tobago Natural Treasures Day, promising a feast for all senses and a glimpse into a future steeped in tradition.

From near dawn to dusk, Charlotteville will buzz with excitement as the village showcases its cultural treasures. The day kicks off at 9 AM at Fort Campbleton, where breathtaking views will set the stage for an unforgettable journey through time.

Imagine yourself swept up in a lively procession, the rhythmic beats of tamboo bamboo filling the air as you wind your way from the fort into the heart of the village. Along the way, you’ll witness captivating vignettes of village life – from the solemn “dead bed” ritual to the earthy art of coal pit churning.

But the real star of the show? That’s the “King Cocoa” ceremony at the Cocoa Yard. Here, the Charlotteville Heritage Performers will bring history to life with their spirited demonstration of “dancing the cocoa” – a crucial (and entertaining!) step in traditional cocoa processing. It’s at this moment, amidst the swirling dancers and the rich aroma of cocoa, that the Cocoa Yard Community Enterprise will officially spring to life.

The Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly will be on hand to mark this momentous occasion, joining a diverse cast of partners eager to shape Charlotteville’s sweet future. From the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) to the Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme (TRWRP), local groups are rallying behind this initiative.

But that’s not all! The event will also welcome esteemed guests from far and wide – representatives from IICA, the Monserrat Cocoa Association, the Grenada Cocoa Association, UWI Engineering, UWI STACIE, TRIN TRAC, and even Angostura are expected to be there to share their expertise and vision for Tobago’s cocoa industry.

As you explore the Cocoa Yard, you’ll have the chance to journey from bean to bar, experiencing every step of the cocoa-making process. Who knows? You might even discover your inner chocolatier!

This isn’t just about preserving the past – it’s about cultivating a sustainable, thriving future for Charlotteville. The Cocoa Yard Community Enterprise represents a bold step forward, marrying time-honoured traditions with innovative approaches to community development.

Whether you’re a potential investor with a nose for opportunity, a community member bursting with local pride, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life (like the best cocoa on the planet!), there’s a place for you in this unfolding story.

Intrigued? Excited? Ready to be part of something special? We’d love to hear from you! Contact 365-4557 to learn how to participate, partner, or sponsor this sweet initiative.

So, join us on July 15th as we turn a new page in Charlotteville’s cocoa chronicle. From the panoramic views of Fort Campbleton to the lively Cocoa Yard, every moment promises to be infused with the rich flavours of heritage and the sweet promise of tomorrow.

Don’t miss this chance to witness history in the making – and even play a part in shaping it. After all, in Charlotteville, everyone’s invited to dance with King Cocoa!