As educators, it is our responsibility to not only teach our students the core academic subjects, but also to instill in them an understanding and appreciation of various cultures and ethnicities. One way to accomplish this is to teach students about Trinbagonians (Trinidadians or Tobagonians), the people from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago is a small country located in the southern Caribbean, comprised of two islands which are home to a diverse population of people of various ethnic backgrounds including African, Indian, European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern descent. The Trinbagonian culture is a rich mix of these various ethnicities and is reflected in its cuisine, music, and festivals.
One of the most notable aspects of Trinbagonian culture is its lively and vibrant music scene, which includes soca, calypso, and steelpan music. Soca music in particular is the soundtrack to Carnival, the country’s biggest festival which takes place in February or March every year. Carnival is a time when people from all walks of life come together to revel in the music, costumes, and energy of the two-day festival.
Another aspect of Trinbagonian culture is the cuisine, which is a fusion of African, Indian, and European flavors. Traditional dishes include curry, roti, and doubles, which is a popular street food consisting of two fluffy flatbreads filled with curried chickpeas and served with various chutneys. Additionally, Trinbagonians are known for their love of seafood, with dishes such as grilled red snapper and crab and dumplings being staples of their cuisine.
It’s also important to teach students about the history of Trinidad and Tobago, which includes colonialism and the slave trade. The islands were colonized by Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands at various points in history, and were heavily involved in the slave trade. However, Trinbagonians have shown resilience in overcoming these obstacles and have a strong sense of national pride.
Finally, students should also be taught about the people who have made significant contributions to Trinbagonian culture, such as Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul, soca music legend Machel Montano, and activist and politician Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Overall, teaching students about Trinbagonians and their rich culture is an important step in fostering cultural awareness and understanding. It’s important for students to recognize the value of diversity and to celebrate the differences that make us all unique.
