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On the sea we all came., to what we know as Trinidad and Tobago.  Our ancestors came from Neo Indians, Spaniards, Europeans, Africans, Chinese. Indians, connected through Slavery and Indentureship.

We Trinbagonians make up part of the Caribbean region that embodies the  Greater and Lesser Antilles. We brought with us different treasures that combined make us unique to others in the world.

Our mixture as a people like a good callaloo is beautiful to experience. Here we are tolerant of another's religion, the next door neighbour although of a different race could be your family and our festivals stir our community spirit.

Our History, Identity, Race and Culture has played and will play a vital role in our continued existence and  successful harmony as a people.
Fig 1.  Invaders Bay, Trinidad West Indies

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Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Baptist, we all seem to understand some aspect of the others belief, and enjoying the occasional holiday as a result of these religious days are shared by all.

With the development of our people, it is of no surprise to witness a person of African descent eating a roti on Divali and a Muslim enjoying a Christmas Lime.

My mothers friend as a Christian woman is happily married to  a Muslim man. Personally  I know of a Christian sister who is married to a Hindu fellow.

This new norm happened in-spite of the years of abuse that came as a result of religious bodies. On the contrary, oppressed races found ways to keep their maternal religious identities alive and as a new Caribbean people we learnt to appreciate and celebrate each others differences.

Fig 2. An Old Photo of the Martins

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Segregation was the goal of our former masters, for some time dividing the previous slaves and the Indentured labourer .

It created tensions among these two classes.

Such tensions happened because the Africans saw the new people as a threat to their survival.

‘There is a persistence dislike by the African element for the East Indian in part based on circumstances of arrival into the West Indies- as a substitute for labour on the estate which the newly Emancipated slave refused to perform—and in part their commercial success.” (Henriquez pg210).

Miscegenation was  practised by the colonial rulers, but coming  together to create a new family tie was seldom practised among the Indians and Africans. In fact lack of East Indian women did not turn this thinking. “The eventual scarcity of Indian women had a severe impact on family life on the plantations since most Indian men refused to marry or cohabitate with African women.’ (Singh)

However a new scenario began to arise as Indians and Africans identified a common enemy and their overall efforts to keep them subjected. They began to unite for change.

Moving forward the subjected people started to view one another through different lens .

Fig. 3 The Ragbir's

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In previous times people were held back because of race, class and even gender, but as we became exposed to fair education and greater gender equality, our own perceptions and choices changed.

Our previous dependency syndrome continues to steadily decrease in the ways we choose to identify ourselves as a people.

Even in the midst of staying discrimination, self love is becoming more evident. We chose who we work for, our wage and where we live. I do agree that a few still hold a major percentage  of economic power but for the most part we have a choice, a say, but it is up to us on how effectively we decide use it.
Fig 4. Emma

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Some believe we are a plural society, a diverse people that do not mix . However I choose to believe that we are a creole society.

Within the creole society individual groups create their version of  the adopted local  culture and  each group, collectively create a  new local culture which combines elements of each.  For instance our food, music and festivals.

The Trinidad  doubles, Crab and dumpling from Tobago, a tasty pelau and roti are among the many delicious foods that we enjoy. The combination of spices from different races are what makes this delicious medley of foods a reality.

Our music talks of us. Who we are as a people our history, struggles, our joys. It combines masterfully our different cultures African and Indian to create Soca, and Chutney music. As a matter of fact our Carnival season showcases both genre of music into the Chutney Soca Monarch; example Real Unity sung by  Machel Montano and Drupatee. Here, they highlighted “we jumping as one, but also sung about children eating dhal and dumpling  which is a combination of Indian and African cuisine. Also  everyone  jumping up in a band(….)  (Montano 00:01:36).

The carnival fetes are a mixture of people, it is of no surprise to witness a diverse group of people enjoying a good “lime” chipping to the riddim of a carnival song on Monday or Tuesday morning. Unite the Nation.

The younger generation move collectively to this cultural collaboration continuing to unite the nation, and  to see an Indian and African couple is steadily becoming common place.

Fig 5 An Interracial Couple On Their Wedding Day

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Race though continued to be played by a few as a means to winning  a stake, even that gamble of common ethnicity is becoming  extreme.

Understanding that freedom did not come cheaply, and that it is better to look at our similarities and strengths rather than differences, as a unified people we will keep our liberation.

Pointing out our differences only keeps us  divided, and  the struggle  of equality and freedom that our ancestors fought for tirelessly will ultimately disappear. What better way to experience this change but through a Marriage Revolution.  Yes it may be said that this was exactly the plan before to wipe out the purity of the “lower races” but a ‘Dougla’ can be of great advantage.

There is unity and  understanding for the both races.  Although there are traces of the double conscious thinking of Mother Africa– India, the Dougla generations have become more comfortable with identifying as Caribbean.

As a Creole Society our Identities are based on the oneness of goals of the individuals involved also  on  developed group identities.  As a matter of reference the Trinidad and Tobago Coat of  Arms states; "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve", which in itself promotes harmony in diversity or national achievement.  (“National symbols”)

Moreover, moving away from a patriarchal society into one of equal standing for both genders,  this  will continue to  bring greater possibilities.

“See how we moving (…) one lovely nation under a grove,  the  Ganges has met the Nile. (…)We moving with Power and Glory”  (Rudder  00:01:01)

Just like  the ‘Dougla’ evolves from the beautiful union of at least two different races so too this collaboration like a sweet pepper pot with different types of ingredients is the driving force that will continue to steer a richer Caribbean identity and a brighter future for all.
Fig 6. Meet Emma and Julissa No Relation

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“Jahaji BAI, Brotherhood on the Boat There is no room for prejudice, United We Stand Divided We Fall”.  (Marvin 00:01:20) These words will   always ring true.

Unity is of great importance with the rich culture that we share and  to continue  to progress in this era,  it can never be about race.

Similarly as women we need to remember our importance in moving the economy forward. Before we were held subject to  different patriarchal views, for instance our opinions were not valued because we were only viewed as care givers of the family, equal education opportunities were limited. (Sampson p.5). we also heavily depended on men to provide.

As women we must continue to encourage and help one another  to realise our goals.

Seeing each other as equal members of society will only continue to lift us individually and as a Caribbean nation. With this in mind celebrating our united differences actually give us great advantage.

Fig 7  Friends Rachael and Nicole  now share many beautiful memories and cheer each others development as women

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Like a sea of rainbow colour Trinidad and Tobago carnival was first celebrated  by  the African slaves mimicking their French masters own Carnival dinners, balls, concerts and hunting parties. In 1833 the Africans introduced Canboulay to it. (User) The Greatest Show on Earth. Many Caribbean Island have their unique version of this festival welcoming many from around the world.

Rally round the West Indies (Rudder 00:01:30) was a call for all our Islands to show support for the “cast down” sons of the soil who once ruled the Cricket world. This support keeps us strong and united against our oppressors. Here in the Caribbean cricket is a main sport that shows how as a united region we can topple our enemies.

When first played by the older “Generals” we dominated the game; the sense of pride from this achievement solidified in our common comrade  spirits our ability to gain our place in the world. Carnival and Cricket are held close in the hearts of the Caribbean people, and when we come together on these fronts its no longer they or I but We.

Fig 8. West Indies Trinidad Carnival Port Of Spain

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Our Caribbean People Different Shades/ Diverse in Nature But Ever Changing. We are a Mixed society, coming down through years of Slavery. Emancipation, Indentureship,  race only divided us, which is too high a price to pay. Your Neighbour may just be your family.

For instance the colonisers in their quest to fill their coffers with wealth, entered these shores, exploiting  the native people and then the Slaves. One of the ways they did this was breaking up of the nuclear unit.

Through 🤬, or promise of freedom after giving birth to a precise number of children, and other strategies, the gene pool of the African slave became blended.  Further more slaves maintained relationships with each other, so it is noted that women may have children for both the slave owner and also her African partner.  ‘The black man had no defence, if at any moment the master decided to have 🤬 with his wife” (Cooper p 26). This injustice however produced a beautiful fusion of  our Caribbean people. A  fusion that means my new friend may actually be a long lost relative. As Scrunter  Uncle Sam says “That eh woking here tonight (…) Dat is yo family”(Scrunter 00:00:57)

Fig 9. Showing Chirlon. Jeunelee and Emma at Home.

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From the time Christopher Columbus rediscovered these Caribbean Shores to the last Disembarking of an Indentureship vessel, one thing has been clear, the Caribbean has a lot to offer.

For instance a major driving force for sailing to other places was for Bullionism, Mercantilism and Colonialism. The latter being of significant interest.  (Sampson p 5)

“Historians generally recognise three motives for European exploration and colonisation in the New World: God, gold, and glory” (God, Gold, Glory par. 1)

The Caribbean has been the gem that brought wealth to many European nations. Some examples being, Cotton, Cocoa, Sugar Cane but to ensure this success, people were needed.

America has also developed significantly as a result of trade within the Caribbean region. One way this was established was through corollary proclamation in 1904.

“The US government utilised the imperial interests of European powers to justify its own political interests in the region. “ (Cwik par 1)

The Neo Indians, the first peoples of the region were to be exploited, then White Indentured people, followed by West African Slaves; the Chinese, Madeirans and Indentured Indians were the last.

Our mixture as a Caribbean people come from them all. Further more our culture as a people is influenced by all these races.

Over the years Trinidad and Tobago has seen a renewed arrival into our shores;  Along with the British people, the nations of India, Africa, China, recently Venezuela, have all entered our country for either Trade, Education, or Refuge. Yet  in spite of the early disputes we have welcomed them all with open arms.

Our National Anthem I believe correctly states:

“ Here Every Creed and Race Find An Equal Place”.  (Anthem)

Fig 10. An Array of Spices

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One Race, from the same place, that take same trip, on the same ship. Caribbean Man. (Stalin 00:00:49)

Our forefathers  first entered these shores through different scenarios of Slavery and Indentureship. Our diversity make us unique to the world. Here different people of different races come together to share rich experiences.

Our collective Identity as a people is marked by our ability to respect, appreciate and many times enjoy the offerings of  each other.  Moreover it has allowed us to combine unique aspects of each culture into collaborations that marvel the world. Examples are our foods, music and festivals.

This Trinbagonian culture is what keeps us moving forward as a people. For instance in the face of  tribulations we come together for a clear solution, and in times of joy we celebrate. Just like, a family there are rifts and turns but also shared joys, so to we are held together as a nation.

As Denise Plummer says “ Where else in the world you know sweet Pan and Calypso, people overflow two days in de street (…) Is here wey conceive me (…)  I see a people creative who must overcome. (…) Camaraderie so special like natural instinct, (…)No silent bad mind (…) You see a just drink some babash brew (…) A hot plate ah pelau too, meh macomere just bring meh Nah Leaving” (Plummer 00:01:22)

Yes our History, Identity, Race and Culture moves us forward as a people and it is this continued and combined driving force that makes “All Ah We One”.

Fig 11. A Trinidad Pelau :-)

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Fig. 12.