Trinidad & Tobago

Statistics

Rugged and exotic, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago are bursting with tropical vibrancy in both landscape and culture. Yet, alongside this optimistic story is another: one of ethnic conflict, drugs, violence and growing spiritual confusion.

History

Originally settled by Amerindians from South America, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago were re-discovered by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. Initially a Spanish colony, the islands were ceded to Britain in 1797.

Following the absolution of the slave trade in 1834 the cultural diversity was increased by the introduction of immigrant indentured labourer groups.

Independence from the British Empire was gained in 1962, followed by the declaration of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 1976. Unlike many other ex-colonies, the transition was relatively peaceful, and the region did not have to endure massive upheaval and unrest.

Trinidad and Tobago has also been a strong leader in establishing greater regional co-operation.
However, the common problems of the Caribbean – drugs, gang-related crime, domestic violence and corruption – are still present in the country.

Current challenges

Trinidad and Tobago has an extremely high murder rate, which, coupled with overcrowded prisons and clogged-up courts.

Water pollution from agricultural chemicals, the dumping of raw sewage and oil spills on beaches are posing a threat to the islands’ rich biodiversity. Rising deforestation is also a critical problem, bringing increased mudslides and causing soil erosion.

BMS involvement in Trinidad and Tobago

Although BMS World Mission no longer sends long-term mission personnel to the Caribbean a partnership remains with the Baptist Union of Trinidad and Tobago which often involves the financial support of mission programmes, ministerial training and church planting.

The land

Trinidad and Tobago is composed of 23 islands covered predominantly in tropical vegetation, but also with significant areas of agricultural use in the hill and valley regions of Trinidad. Three impressive mountain ranges define Trinidad, with fertile alluvial plains criss-crossed with rivers and water channels.

Religion

The mixed ancestry of many of the islands’ populations has meant that there are a large number of religions present in Trinidad and Tobago. The largest are Roman Catholicism and Hinduism, although there are significant numbers of Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Spiritual Baptists, as well as Muslims and members of the Orisha religion.

The Baptist Union of Trinidad and Tobago currently has 23 congregations, which around 3,500 people regularly attend.