In this land of many peoples and people of many ancestries, how do people see their ethnic heritage? Do they practise it, ignore it or celebrate it?
On the occasion of our 54th year of independence from Britain, Guardian feature writer Shereen Ali spoke to T&T citizens of different backgrounds to ask how they see issues such as ethnicity, race and in some cases, their own uniquely diverse heritages.
People, in their own words, helped paint a picture of an ever-changing, complex twin-island nation of many different ancestral influences.
Today, in part five of seven, we hear from two people with Chinese ancestry. Next Wednesday, we will be speaking with citizens with Syrian/Lebanese/Arab heritage.
Derek Chung
Owner-operator of Undersea Tobago Ltd, a PADI dive centre.
When you have to fill in a form asking you your race, what do you put?
That’s simple, I list my race as Chinese as all four of my grandparents migrated from China and were not of a mixed race background.
How do you see your ethnic roots and heritage? Is it important to how you define yourself, or is it irrelevant, an accident of birth?
If asked to describe my ethnic roots and heritage, I would say that I am Trinidadian of Chinese descent, a Trini Chinee vs a Chinee Trini, as I am born in and spent my formative years in Trinidad, and am not of mixed race.
I would not say that this is important in how I personally define myself as I am more a product of my religion, education, and social/physical environment. However, society requires definitions, and this description is the most applicable.
I would say that the only obvious Chinese traits that I possess are my appearance and occasional choice of cuisine.
Do you celebrate your ethnic heritage, ignore it as irrelevant, or have mixed feelings about it?
I participate in J’Ouvert, Independence and Christmas celebrations.
I also acknowledge the celebration of the Chinese New Year in a cursory fashion in recognition of my Chinese roots and am proud of the contributions that China has made to mankind over the years. I, however, do not subscribe to the communist beliefs of modern China.
Do you think race is important in T&T? Do you think different ethnicities have different values?
It is hard to tell.
I believe that race is less important today as we continue to experience interracial/mixed marriages with the resultant increased output of mixed offspring and share increasingly common goals.
Ideally we should all be collectively striving towards the betterment of our T&T. However I think that race, unfortunately, will continue to be utilised as a useful divisive tool to achieve individual goals.
How long have you/your family had roots here (best estimate)?
My family established roots in Trinidad about 90 years ago and I am the second generation, with my sons being the third.
What do you like and dislike about T&T culture?
I like the easygoing nature and hospitality of T&T and find our history fascinating. I like the diversity of our ethnic backgrounds and the general harmony, despite them.
I dislike the increasing disregard for others and the environment, along with the decrease in work ethics and morals, and I am afraid that our social fabric is unravelling. T&T culture is more than alcohol and wining.
Do you know about the beliefs and lifestyles of T&T people of different ethnic heritages from your own?
The major ethnic heritages, yes, to a degree. I would hazard a guess that T&T has the most ethnic public holidays of any country and it would be difficult to remain completely ignorant of each other’s heritage.
However, I believe that emphasis should be placed on learning about T&T’s cultural diversity in our schools so as to foster mutual respect for one another.
Rhett Chee Ping
Fitness enthusiast and former
national rugby player
When you have to fill in a form asking you your race, what do you put?
Depends on the options available; however, usually “other.”
How do you see your ethnic roots and heritage? Is it important to how you define yourself, or is it irrelevant, an accident of birth?
I do not really consider my ethnic roots and heritage. I consider myself a Trinidadian. While I may reference my Chinese heritage from time to time, it is irrelevant.
Do you celebrate your ethnic heritage, ignore it as irrelevant, or have mixed feelings about it?
I do not celebrate my ethnic heritage.
Do you think race is important in T&T?
No, I do not think that race is important in T&T. Our national anthem says “every creed and race finds an equal place” and this is how it should be. There is no room in our country for one race to be better than another.
Do you think different ethnicities have different values?
Yes, I believe different ethnicities may have different values. Some, for example, may value family and friendship more; some may value money and will do anything to get it—if the cap fits. Some may have no business ethics, while others, who value hard work, will reap rewards.
How long have you/your family had roots here (best estimate)?
My family has been living in Trinidad since the early 1900s.
What do you like and dislike about T&T culture?
I like our friendly, easygoing culture; the people, food, music, and our ability to adapt to any situation.
I dislike our intolerance to rules and regulations. I also dislike bringing race into every argument, our disregard for our country/surroundings through indiscriminate dumping of rubbish and the spiraling crime rate and lack of respect for human life.
Do you know about the beliefs and lifestyles of T&T people of different ethnic heritages from your own?
Yes, I know a little about the beliefs and lifestyles of different heritages.
