In fact, when I was in Port of Spain, the people were actually very curious about a pale-skinned female tourist like me being in their midst. An elderly lady even stopped to ask where I was from and went on to tell me her granddaughter now lives in Canada. T he population in Trinidad is a mixture of backgrounds, including African, East Indian, European, Chinese and a smattering of remaining indigenous Amerindians. Claimed by Spain in 1496, and then seized by Britain in 1797, Trinidad gained its independence in 1962. Having been steeped in the British school system, the people are polite, well spoken and well educated.
T o say the social climate here is conservative is an understatement.
This is a country where rap stars have been slapped with criminal charges for spewing blue language on stage. Family life is primary and religion is an integral part of it, whether it's Christianity, Hinduism, or traditional African faiths like Orisha. During my visit I felt quite safe during the day on the streets by myself. Guys did not hit on me. At Carnival time, hotels such as the Hilton will organize women's groups to attend the parades and even provide security if requested.