I'm really interested to know what people here think the average citizen can do to make T&T better?

Any and all comments welcome.

Thanks.

The trini work flow don't seem to have a clear order of command.

Majority of workers don't have a grasp of the significance of order of command - you who understands what I mean, what is your opinion? How much do you agree or disagree examples?

Short summary of my life story and heritage:

I was born to an African-American Mother and a Trini Father. My Dad was raised in the US by parents who immigrated from Trinidad so I think that makes me Third Generation

Anyway, for the longest time due to factor such as internalized racism, colorism and texturism as well as not knowing much about my Dad’s side of the family until recently I never FELT my Trini side growing up. I would only know Trinidad by the flag, SOME of the food and my Gramma’s accent as well as my Grampa’s accent. I also liked Trini music like “I Trini” but outside of that nothing else. And as a result I never called myself Trini or even just half Trini but rather just black as essentially that’s kinda all I was as I grew up in black American culture so I felt like claiming Trinidad without knowing the culture would feel like appropriation and an insult. But now that I’m beginning to embrace it by learning the accent (even if I sound stupid when trying to speak it) and cooking Trini dishes and learning the history of the country what do you guys suggest I also do to further ingratiate myself in my other half?

I’ll be moving to Trinidad from Canada next month. I’m a 22 y/o female born and raised in Canada with a lot of health anxiety. I typically ask my doctors a lot of questions, request testing, and need thorough explanations of what and why. From my understanding the public sector is not the best and we are fortunate enough to able to see a private doctor. I’m looking for recommendations for very good doctors who don’t just prescribe medication but listen to your concerns and provide very good care. Im open to anywhere but preferably between central and POS. I’m very anxious about this move as it is sudden I know nothing about Trinidad’s private health care culture so if you have any advice please share! Thanks :)

• When girls go missing, people comment that they ran away to have sex, when that isn't true.

Alot of children are victims of abuse & sexual assualt hence a few run away. They can tell the police or adults around them and be told, they're lying. Parents love to blame social media, when they're the ones who aren't keeping an eye on their childrens devices.

• Men who harass and target minors aren't blamed but rather the young teenagers and children who are the victim of those men.

(Edit)

• "It would be better if we were still under the British rule". That comment is out of timing asf. Colonization had an effect on us and still affects us presently. Don't invalidate your ancestors hard work & suffering by saying such.

Hi all, I’m a Trini structural engineer in the US and was curious on whether there are actual structural specific firms in TT? I did a google search and could only find one. I actually worked for the firm that designed the Hyatt and was a little surprised that they subbed it out to a US firm than a firm in TT

As mentioned previously I’m a Canadian female moving to Trinidad. I’ve got the accent down 90%, and visually I don’t stick out like a sore thumb but I’m hoping to explore the country more and I want tips on how to move speak and act like a local. Think of things someone could say that would make you think they are a foreigner. I want to achieve this mainly to blend in but also for my safety and to not be scammed lol. I know politeness is a thing like morning greetings to strangers when you enter a room but what else should I know?? I know customer service can be terrible but is it acceptable to confront employees (politely and impolitely lol)? Help me pleaseeeee sorry if this is weird

It remains to be seen what the long-term effects/consequences of Javier Milei will be for Argentina, but I am a huge fan of his sentiments in wanting to give people more freedom and allow the free market to determine many things.

I would vote for someone like that in a heartbeat if they ran for office in Trinidad and Tobago.

Anyway, who do you think would be a better leader for us - Javier Milei, Nayib Bukele, Keith Rowley, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, or someone else?

I'd love to hear your reasoning and rationale.

Thanks.

Google is pulling this information from an article written by a restaurant called Triniciti in NY. Stating that our national dish is Carb and Callaloo. Since when we have a national dish?

I'm a lawyer and I really want to assist immigrants from all nations achieve their immigration related goals.

What was your experience like?

I'm hoping to take your feedback and use it in my own future lawyering.

Dear commnunity, I have a question about your parliament. Is the Speaker of the House, and of the Senate, elected by secret ballot? I have read the relevant legislation but it doesn't specifically say whether a secret ballot is used. Basically this means that the MPs or Senators voting is not public. The Standing Orders simply say "ballot", and do not specificy whether it is secret or not. Thank you so much for anyone who takes time to reply to my question!

Do I need to carry any other documents beside my provisional permit and ID card? Do I need to carry a confirmation letter? I was sent a confirmation appointment letter. Does anyone have any tips on what to do that morning? I have heard of license officers scolding people.

Any advice will be appreciated, thank you!

The question is in the title. Is really links we need? It seems many people are job searching and it seems there are many jobs but where is the disconnect?

Feel free to ask ah Trinbagonian a question!

Need advice, recommendations, suggestions or looking for something in particular? Everything and anything goes!

Please keep criticism and derogatory remarks out of this thread, if you have an answer then respond, if you don't... then don't.

Recently got a job and was told that I’d need to register for NIS. Not sure what exactly the process is like but I was told I can fill out the NI4 Form and visit the nearest NIS Office. I’d like to know though, would I get it the same day or is it something that I must wait for? And if so, how long is the waiting period? I’d prefer answers mainly from persons who applied after COVID as I’m told that the process changed slightly after that. Thanks much!

Looking back at my life, I don't think I enjoyed it much at all if ever. During primary school, couldn't make friends or socialize at all. But I did go to lessons three days a week after school, and then on Saturday mornings for SEA. Getting into a decent high school, I'll do the Saturday math classes on occasion and then buzz between extra-curricular activities. Still incapable of making friends.

And consistently. I hate every moment of it. But the explanation was that things get better, or it's for some sort of future. So then, going through sixth form, incapable of socializing. Then immediately went to university to just burn through classes. Now graduated. And now I'm wondering at what point do I stop hating every moment of this.

Like when do I get excited to get out of bed?

I feel like I've been cheated out of it, or the entire thing was a lie. Even if I get a job, I'm not going to enjoy the experience at all it's just school but there are no summer holidays. And once off the clock, I'll just silently remain in the one-bedroom apartment waiting to go back to work. Getting a lot of money from a good job seems equally pointless since it just means laying in a bigger apartment, or townhouse.

It's weird cause since Trinidad is such a social and expressive society I figured there's a point of partying and excitement I can enjoy. I should be happily doing something, with some unspecified group of people. But I cannot relate to anything or enjoy anything. It's just being friendless and doing academic work in a field that has zero openings on LinkedIn.

So I'm wondering what's the point of even getting a job in the first place. Or even do anything for that matter. Why am I getting out of bed?

Hey everyone,

While I am a trini migrant to the UK, left a few years ago, I'm interested in hearing stories from others. I constantly get asked about if the UK is better than the US or Canada and I really don't have to go on.

I did live and work in the US from 2016-2018, and while I had a great time. It's not everyone, and there are many differences to life in Trini. I then landed a job in the UK after covid and have been there ever since. I'd say, while the UK has it's faults too, it's been better than the US, despite me making more money in the US.

So, for those of you who’ve migrated or thought about it, I’d love to hear your honest takes on some of the popular countries people consider when leaving Trinidad. Let’s talk about places like Canada, the US, UK, Australia, and even spots like Germany or New Zealand.

How would you rate these countries in terms of:

• Cost of living – How affordable is life there versus life in Trini?
• Jobs – Are there opportunities for migrants, or do we have to fight for scraps?
• Safety – Do you feel safer there compared to back home?
• Weather – Can we handle it, or is it just cold, grey misery?
• Friendliness – Are people welcoming, or are you treated like an outsider?
• Racism – Let’s be real, what’s the vibe when it comes to discrimination?
• Work-life balance – Do you get to enjoy life, or is it all work and no liming?
• Career Opportunities and Salary - And salary in Trinidad before moving
• Settling in – How easy (or hard) was it to start fresh and build a new life?
• Caribbean community – Are there Trinis or other Caribbean people around to help ease the culture shock?
• Migration path - how did you make this move happen?

And what about your personal experiences? Was it worth the move? Did you face any challenges? What’s been the best and worst part of living abroad?

Looking forward to hearing your stories—the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny.

This isn't meant to be framed at any angle. I have my own opinions on it, but Iet’s help each other out for anyone thinking about making the jump.

Interested in finding out from Trinidadians who migrated to Chile, what their experience has been like. Was it a challenge to adjust and settle? Which city or cities are best for Trinis who want to migrate? Was the immigration process complicated? What is the cost of living in comparison to home? Basically, a list of pros and cons would be helpful.

i bought my costume with tribe but my friend is more conservative and didn’t get a costume. can we still go on the road together if i don’t stay w the band ?

Not against people making their money but some of these vendors overdoing it with the prices

Anyone on here ever took part in those pop up markets that frequently occur around Christmas time? Did you get alot of sales? or was it mostly people just passing by and looking and giving the classic Trini response "Ah coming back". What types of items/products made the most sales? Is it only handcrafted and artisanal types of products allowed or can you for example buy some stuff in bulk online and bring it down and sell it at these markets?

I have a friend in Trinidad and Tobago who's a trans male and closested. He's not safe coming out in his home, so I was wondering if there are any laws that could protect him.

Hey everybody,

So me and my family are planning to go lime and relax in Tobago from December 27th to 31st, and I’m looking for an itinerary of stuff to do. When I talked to my family in the group chat, they mentioned that a lot of places might be closed around Christmas and New Year's, so I’m trying to find places that I know will definitely be open. I already asked them for recommendations, but, well, they’re not really responding right now, so I figured I’d reach out here for some help.

Quick background about me: I was born in Trinidad and moved to the US when I was 9, but I go back regularly—I still have a big connection to Trini culture, food, and of course my family. While I know Trinidad like the back of my hand (I’ll actually be in Trinidad from the 22nd to the 27th before heading over to Tobago), I’ve only been to Tobago once when I was 4 or 5, so I don’t know it well and could use some advice on things to do.

We’re planning to keep it simple—lime, hit the beach, go to mass, and maybe do one or two other activities. We’re staying at Villa Soleil, which has a kitchen, so we might cook some food, but if we don't feel like cooking, we might also want to go out to eat. I’d love some good restaurant recommendations too. While Trini cuisine is always welcome, we’re probably cooking some of that ourselves, so we’re open to other types of food as well. Just a heads up: I’m kinda picky with food—I tend to like simpler stuff, especially Italian, French, and Trini cuisine. I’m not a fan of pelau (probably my least favorite food, honestly) and I only like sada roti out of all the roti types. But I do like things like sada roti, coconut bake, saltfish accra, geera chicken, and doubles (I only have mine with bara and peas, no pepper or anything else). So if you have any suggestions that fit that vibe, I’m all ears.

For the beach, Villa Soleil is by the ocean, but the shoreline there is mostly rocky—not really ideal or safe for swimming, especially with kids. We’re looking for a nice, more secluded beach that’s not too crowded, since we’ll have about a dozen family members. Also, I’m really sensitive to heat, so I’d love somewhere where the water stays nice and cool—I’m good with colder water, even the kind that most people wouldn’t want to go into.

Apart from the beach, I’m also a big fan of museums, especially history museums. I especially enjoyed the Central Bank Museum in Port of Spain when I went a while back, so I’d love a recommendation for an interesting museum in Tobago. It’s gotta be air-conditioned though—I can’t handle the Trini heat for too long unless I’m in the water! And lastly, we’re looking for a good Catholic church for mass, preferably within 30 minutes of Villa Soleil.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Very random thought : Do Trinis / Trinbagonians(in general) purchase art ? Do they ever consider it as being a way to spend money / invest / entertain themselves? Obviously, I'm not talking about people who are struggling to buy food or pay rent. Those who are doing alright and better.

Thinking about my family, we bought some local art, like two semi-famous local artists but they were very spur of the moment purchases. Other people in my family purchased original art around a theme but none of my extended family. Some of my friends parents but if there were 10 who were doing very well finacially, only two collected. Yet, the others would have decorations like "peace, live, love, laugh" decals.

There are a lot of local, regional and international artists. Trinidad has great galleries, especially in the West. Have you ever considered purchasing original artwork ? Do you purchase prints?

Now I live abroad and I feel like purchasinh Trini art connects me with my origins.

PS. In my late teens I experimented with the idea of becoming an artist during CAPE. Ended up selling my first (and only piece) for 400USD to a gallery on another island.

My family tells me that I am not a Trinidadian as an insult. They tell me I am American but they do nothing but talk badly about Americans. They also dislike Trini's who move to America but forget Trinidad.

When people ask me where I am from, I say I was born in Trinidad but grew up in NYC. I have never felt American and I have had few American friends as we have very different mindsets. I mostly have other immigrant friends. Me identifying as Trinidadian somehow irriates my family (in Trinidad and the ones who moved here when they were adults) which confuses me because I didn't ask to leave Trinidad. I was forced to and have always expressed a desire to return. They made me come here then reject me for not growing up there.

Background:

We moved to the USA when I was 7. I never wanted to move and was very angry about it until I turned 25. I am 30 now. I had disciplinary problems in every school I went to in America because of this. My family decided that I was crazy and angry for no reason and I believed them until a few years ago when I got a therapist who understood the trauma of immigration on children. I shared some of this with my parents but they still use me not growing up in Trinidad as some sort of slur?