Trinidad the hyperactive
Trinidad, which lives mainly from its oil resources and related industries, is an active island with a developed and prosperous industrial fabric. The income is often higher than in the rest of the Caribbean, thanks to the oil god, the prices are often affected and it is better to have a good job to survive. Port of Spain, the capital, is a city in perpetual motion from Monday to Friday, the weekends being generally devoted to relaxation.
Unequal distribution of wealth
Trinidad & Tobago's wealth is, as is often the case, unevenly distributed in this multi-ethnic society of varied origins. The "French Creoles" who continue to reign supreme are the descendants of those French, English or Spanish families, sometimes of mixed race, who still own most of the land in Trinidad in particular. Even today, they hold the keys to the country's statutory power and money. These white and mixed-race "classes" mix little with the rest of the population and often live in chic residential areas, or even on the former plantation estates of their ancestors. They are often at the helm of industry, banking, commerce or the hotel business. At the top of the pyramid, they continue to perpetuate in the eyes of the population the image of a white aristocracy, with elitist pleasures, but are often joined in this philosophy of life by the local population of wealthy "Trinis" who work in the various tertiary services and are often their own bosses.
Education
Education in Trinidad & Tobago is free and compulsory for children aged 5 to 16. The education system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary education lasts seven years and is followed by a national examination called the Common Entrance Examination, which determines students' admission to secondary schools. Secondary education lasts five years and includes national examinations such as the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), which are required for admission to tertiary education. Higher education, meanwhile, is provided in institutions such as universities, community colleges and institutes of technology. Trinidad & Tobago has a number of tertiary institutions, including the University of the West Indies, which is considered one of the best universities in the region. The government has recently launched initiatives to improve the education system, including investment in infrastructure.
The different communities
Trinidad's population is much more mixed than Tobago's, 85% of whom are Afro-Caribbean, mostly descendants of the first slaves to arrive on the island. Trinidad, on the other hand, has undergone numerous waves of immigration, including a major one at the end of the 19th century, when the lack of slaves forced settlers to import labor. As a result, Trinidad is home to distinct yet intertwined communities. Muslims, Hindus, Afro-Caribbeans and Creoles frequent each other while preserving their original cultures.
The rights of LGBTQ+ people
These rights are very limited, if not non-existent, in Trinidad & Tobago. Male homosexuality is still illegal and can be punished by up to ten years' imprisonment. Although female homosexuality is not explicitly prohibited, it is stigmatized and same-sex couples are not legally recognized. In 2018, however, the Trinidad & Tobago Court of Appeal ruled that the ban on male homosexuality was unconstitutional, although this decision has been challenged and is currently pending. Despite this, there is an active LGBTQ+ community in Trinidad & Tobago fighting for equality and rights, but often facing discrimination, violence and prejudice. Much remains to be done to fight discrimination and guarantee equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The carnival, annual highlight
For many countries, Carnival is just a period of festivities, but not so in Trinidad & Tobago. Carnival is the culmination of a whole year's preparation, during which all the inhabitants of the small republic plan and organize their carnival week. The festivities, some of the finest in the Caribbean, are the result of extraordinary passion and preparation, bringing all the communities together to celebrate this moment of popular jubilation and festivity that affects the whole country.
Challenges for the future
Trinidad and Tobago faces a number of important social challenges. One of the most worrying is crime in Trinidad, particularly homicide and armed robbery, which are frequent in certain areas of the country. Tobago, on the other hand, is spared this scourge, and is a peaceful place to travel.
Drug addiction is also a growing problem, with high rates of drug consumption. Cannabis was decriminalized in 2019, and locals are allowed to own up to 4 marijuana plants and 30g of flower. Today, however, it's cocaine and crack consumption that's causing problems, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas.
Economic development is another important issue for the country. Although Trinidad & Tobago has a relatively diversified economy, dependence on the oil and gas industries has made the economy vulnerable to oil price fluctuations and international competition. The government has recently put in place initiatives to stimulate economic growth and diversify the economy, but these efforts face problems such as corruption and administrative inefficiency.
