At this time, the islands population was very small, the Spanish and indigenous populations were very small and there were very few African slaves living on the island. In 1777, French planters began to arrive on the island with their slaves and in 1779 the Spanish government approved French and Irish immigration to Trinidad and to parts of Venezuela. This brought at least 523 free settlers with 973 slaves to Trinidad, nearly all French. Now the Spanish government, in an effort to increase the population, and by extension the prosperity of the island, declared a law called the Cedula of Population in the year 1783. The intent of this law was to encourage migration to the island of Trinidad and boost the stagnant economy of the island. It specifically targeted wealthy, experienced planters who were willing to bring in their slaves, capital and expertise to the
At this time, the islands population was very small, the Spanish and indigenous populations were very small and there were very few African slaves living on the island. In 1777, French planters began to arrive on the island with their slaves and in 1779 the Spanish government approved French and Irish immigration to Trinidad and to parts of Venezuela. This brought at least 523 free settlers with 973 slaves to Trinidad, nearly all French. Now the Spanish government, in an effort to increase the population, and by extension the prosperity of the island, declared a law called the Cedula of Population in the year 1783. The intent of this law was to encourage migration to the island of Trinidad and boost the stagnant economy of the island. It specifically targeted wealthy, experienced planters who were willing to bring in their slaves, capital and expertise to the