Radio Toco 106.7FM - The Voice of Northeastern Trinidad and Tobago

Radio Toco: The Voice of Northeastern Trinidad and Tobago

Radio Toco is more than a radio station. It is the heartbeat of the community, serving the northeastern region of Trinidad from Matura to Matelot and building meaningful connections with Tobago. As Trinidad and Tobago's first true community radio project, we exist to amplify local voices, celebrate our cultural heritage and promote the sustainable development of our communities.

Rooted in the rich traditions of the northeast, Radio Toco brings together music, storytelling, environmental awareness, education and community pride. Our programming addresses the issues that matter most to our people, from protecting our forests, rivers and coastlines to preserving the cultural heritage that makes this region unique.

We provide a platform for residents to share their perspectives on environmental and development issues affecting northeastern Trinidad. Through news, discussion and community engagement, we encourage informed dialogue on matters that impact our biodiversity, natural resources and quality of life. Our commitment is to ensure that the region's natural and cultural treasures remain vibrant for future generations.

Radio Toco also serves as a bridge between communities across Trinidad and Tobago. Through collaborative initiatives such as the Tobago Community Water Watch Network Project and the TocoBago initiative, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences and solutions that empower residents in both northeastern Trinidad and throughout Tobago.

In a media landscape historically dominated by centralized broadcasting, Radio Toco stands as a symbol of community empowerment, resilience and local identity. Built by the people and for the people, the station continues to provide a platform where community voices are heard, respected and celebrated.

Radio Toco: Where community, culture and the rhythm of the coast come alive.

Our Mission

Radio Toco provides 24‐hour community‐focused broadcasting that informs, entertains, educates and empowers. Through radio and digital platforms, we deliver programming that reflects the interests, concerns and aspirations of the people we serve.

Our content includes local news, cultural programming, environmental awareness initiatives, educational features, community discussions and Caribbean music that celebrates the diversity of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our Vision

To be the leading community media platform in Trinidad and Tobago, empowering citizens, preserving cultural heritage, promoting environmental stewardship and strengthening community development through inclusive, accessible and impactful communication.

Radio Toco is committed to supporting local talent, emerging creatives and independent artists by providing opportunities for airplay, interviews, live performances and community engagement. Through our broadcasts and special initiatives, we showcase the creativity, culture, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that thrive throughout our region.

History of Toco

Located at the northeastern tip of Trinidad, Toco possesses a rich history shaped by its strategic coastal location, Indigenous heritage and enduring relationship with the sea. Long before European settlement, the area was home to Amerindian communities. Over subsequent centuries, Spanish, French, Dutch and British influences contributed to the region&apso;s development and distinctive cultural character.

Following the Cedula of Population in 1783, French settlers established agricultural communities that helped shape the social and economic landscape of the district. Despite these developments, Toco remained one of the most isolated regions in Trinidad for much of its history.

Until the early decades of the twentieth century, there were no direct road connections linking Toco to the rest of the island. Residents relied primarily on maritime transport for trade, communication and travel. This relative isolation helped preserve the region's strong sense of community, cultural traditions and deep connection to the natural environment.

Several landmarks reflect Toco's historical importance. The Galera Point Lighthouse, completed in 1897, served as a vital navigational aid for vessels traveling along Trinidad's northeastern coast. During the Second World War, the construction of the Toco Airfield improved transportation links and further connected the region to the wider nation.

The Radio Toco Story

Building on a proud tradition of community resilience and self-reliance, Radio Toco 106.7 FM was established in 1997 as Trinidad and Tobago's first community radio station. The station emerged through the collaborative efforts of the Toco Foundation, T&TCAN, community stakeholders and international development partners, including support from the United Nations Development Programme's Small Grants Programme (SGP).

Created to strengthen community participation, promote sustainable development, and provide a platform for rural voices, Radio Toco was envisioned as a community-owned and community-driven medium serving the people of northeastern Trinidad. From its inception, the station has sought to inform, educate, and inspire while encouraging active citizen engagement in the social, cultural, environmental and economic development of the region.

Today, Radio Toco 106.7 FM continues this mission by connecting communities, preserving cultural traditions, promoting environmental stewardship, supporting local talent, and fostering meaningful dialogue on issues that affect the people of northeastern Trinidad and Tobago.

The station's work remains closely aligned with the principles championed by the Small Grants Programme, which recognizes that environmental degradation, including the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity, climate change, pollution of rivers and coastal waters, land degradation and other environmental threats, poses significant challenges to sustainable development. These challenges disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable communities that depend directly on natural resources for their livelihoods and often live within fragile ecosystems.

Through its programming, advocacy and community partnerships, Radio Toco 106.7FM continues to raise awareness about environmental protection, climate resilience, sustainable resource management and community-led development. By giving residents a voice and encouraging informed public participation, the station contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities while helping to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of northeastern Trinidad and Tobago for future generations.

Radio Toco 106.7 FM remains a living example of community media in action, where local voices shape local solutions and where sustainable development begins with an informed and engaged community.

What We Offer

24/7 radio broadcasting and online streaming
Local news, community updates and public interest programming
Live music, DJ sessions and entertainment
Interviews with community leaders, cultural practitioners and residents
Environmental awareness and sustainable development programming
Coverage of local events, traditions and cultural heritage
Educational content that informs, inspires and empowers
Community discussions and opportunities for public participation
Promotion of local talent, entrepreneurs and independent artists
Youth engagement and community development initiatives
Cross-island collaboration through projects such as TocoBago
A platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating the voices, stories, culture and identity of northeastern Trinidad and Tobago