At the heart of the Trinidad and Tobago–China relationship lies a deep-rooted cultural connection that spans over 218 years. In the early 1800s, Trinidad and Tobago became the very first country in the Latin American and Caribbean region to welcome Chinese immigrants to its shores. Since the mid-19th century, both nations have benefited from a long history of exchanges of people, knowledge, and values, resulting in a formidable partnership that continues to evolve through shared interests and cultural ties.
For many in Trinidad and Tobago, this connection is more than historical—it’s deeply personal. Being of Chinese ancestry and Trinidadian identity, acting as a bridge between the two countries holds profound significance. My paternal grandparents originated from Zhongshan in Guangdong Province and left China in the late 1940s seeking new opportunities. My grandmother, still fiercely courageous today, journeyed alone from Hong Kong to Trinidad at the age of 20, embarking on a new life in a small British colony some 16,000 kilometers away.
Though my grandmother traveled with few material possessions, she carried with her the values and time-honored traditions of Chinese culture and customs, halfway across the world. Her unwavering commitment to family, service to the community, and her resolve to honor and respect the hard work and sacrifices made by our elders for future generations have provided guidance and grounding for our family. From my time living in China, I have observed that these same values are a major driving force behind Chinese modernization and the commitment towards the common development of its people, embodied in the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. These principles form the backbone of contemporary Chinese values.
The stellar contributions made by Chinese migrants and their descendants in Trinidad and Tobago have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation we know today—a multi-ethnic society powered by the rich talent and diversity of its people. Prominent as business people and professionals, the Chinese community has exercised influence far beyond its numerical size. They have left indelible marks in fields such as politics, medicine, business, science, and the creative industries.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Chinese community has produced influential figures who have significantly contributed to the political and cultural landscapes of both countries. For instance, Carlisle Chang, a Trinidadian of Chinese descent, designed Trinidad and Tobago’s national emblems—the Coat of Arms and the national flag—upon independence in 1962. He went on to become a key figure in the development of the nation’s art and cultural scene.
The shared heritage and values between Trinidad and Tobago and China continue to strengthen their partnership. As both nations look to the future, the bonds forged through centuries of cultural exchange and mutual respect serve as a solid foundation for continued collaboration and understanding. The enduring legacy of the Chinese diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago exemplifies how cultural bridges can lead to profound and lasting connections between nations.
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Trinidad and Tobago's 218 years of deepening partnership with China
cgtn.com
