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What Do Canadian-Trinidadians Speak?

The most common language Canadian-Trinidadians speak is English because of many reasons. The first main reason is Canada’s and Trinidad’s national first language is English. My next reason is that in order to become a Canadian or a Trinidadian you need to learn to speak English. Some Canadian-Trinidadians may speak Spanish too. Spanish is Trinidad’s second language just French is Canada’s. Also, students in Trinidad and Tobago learn Spanish as a second language just as Canadian student learn French as second language. Also some Canadian-Trinidadians may speak other foreign languages which include Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, French and Mandarin because Canada and Trinidad are multicultural countries so many different races are introduced to others.

What Are Some Buildings That Are Important to Canadian-Trinidadians Who Live In Trinidad?

 

  • The (Old) Public Library

This is the first national library of Trinidad. It was made in 1851 and was made by Lord Harris who lived from 1846-1854.

 

 

  • Union Building

It is 100 years old and it was originally named “Abercrombie” because of Sir Ralph Abercrombie. He is the first British governor who took control of the island after the Spanish.

 

 

 

 

  • Port-of-Spain City Hall

This is where Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissesar works and also Port-of-Spain is the capital city.

 

 

  • International School of Port-of-Spain

This is only international school in Trinidad. Thousands of students from all over the world attend this school. It is a privately run school that follows the American Education System.

 

 

  • Couva Public Library

The only public library in Couva and it is important so students can study for exams.

 

  • San Fernado Hospital

In my family’s opinion, the hospital has the best healthcare compared to other hospitals in Trinidad. It is a very successful hospital and is expanding with many opportunities.

 

 

  • The Red House

It was first built in 1844 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire during the riots. It was then rebuilt between 1904 and 1906 and is now currently used as the seat of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. It now stands as a symbol of enduring democracy.

 

 

 

 

2. What National Holidays Do Canadian-Trinidadians Celebrate?

 

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)

The first day of the Georgian Calendar and marks the beginning of Carnival season. Canadian-Trinidadians embrace the coming of the New Year with great enthusiasm and celebration. Old Year’s Night is also celebrated and is celebrated by spending time with loved ones to bring in the New Year.

 

 

  • Carnival (February – March)

Festivals where people dance, party, wear flashy and colourful clothes, participate in parades and have a good time. A fun fact about this celebration is that each year at 4 a.m. on Carnival Monday, there is a predawn party called J’Ouvert or in English “day open”.

 

 

  • Labour Day (June 19)

This day marks the labour rate uprising in Trinidad and Tobago. It became national in 1973. On this day, many schools and workplaces are closed so families can spend some valuable time together.

 

  • Emancipation Day (August 1)

This holiday is when people remember emancipation (freedom) from Trinidadian slavery. It was declared national in 1985. The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago hosts a week of activities leading up to Emancipation Day including cultural performances in music, song and dance.

 

 

  • Independence Day (August 31)

The day Trinidad declared independence from the British and on the very day in 1962 at midnight, the Union Jack (the British flag) was lowered and the Trinidadian flag was raised. Like Labour Day, many schools and workplaces are closed and also this day comes to a close with fireworks at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain and the Port Authority Compound where thousands of people gather from early in the evening to get a strategic vantage point to view these shows.

 

  • Republic Day (September 24)

This is the day when Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic. It is celebrated as a national holiday because this is when the first Parliament met under the new Republican Constitution.

 

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