Our People

Trinidad and Tobago comprises of a population of 1.3 million persons. Citizens are officially referred to as Trinidadians or Tobagonians or Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. English is the predominant language in this ethnically integrated society, however, French, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese are also spoken. The islands quality of human capital is also evident by the large number qualified professionals.

This twin island state is a blend of many ethnic communities, religions, folklore and traditions, originating from Africa, India, Europe, and the Far East. Diversity naturally follows within this collage of cultures. The majority people practice the Roman Catholic religion however; Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are also practiced.

An assortment of cultures ranging from their food, music, dance and traditions also enrich the national life of this cosmopolitan melting pot of people. These celebrations certainly prove the creativity of the people is an inexhaustible resource.

History

Trinidad and Tobago’s culture was heavily influenced by its extensive history. Prior to the discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1498, Trinidad was inhabited by Amerindian tribes consisting mainly of Caribs and Arawaks. During Spanish rule, many French and Creoles from the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe settled in Trinidad bringing with them Africans enslaved to work the plantations. When the British captured Trinidad in 1797, they met a country ruled by the Spanish with French speaking citizens. With the abolition of slavery, a shortfall in labour for agriculture was met by indentured labourers from India, who arrived in Trinidad in 1845. They emigrated from Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab and other provinces, and had both Muslims and Hindus among them. Chinese and Portuguese from the island of Madeira came as indentured labourers as well.

Many Syrian and Lebanese also came to Trinidad and played an important role in commerce, particularly in the textile and retail industries. Traders from England, Scotland, Germany, France and America, also came as salesmen, entrepreneurs and bankers. Even then, Trinidad was considered a wealthy and cosmopolitan country. Tobago’s history is very different compared to that of Trinidad. The island changed hands several more times and was ruled at one time or another, by the Spanish, Dutch, French or British.