ABSTRACT
Based on its history, Trinidad and Tobago has a varied mix of different races, cultures, and religions. The diverse peoples arriving on Caribbean shores engaged in many patterns of interaction. The society was hardly allowed to evolve spontaneously, nor were many of its inhabitants there by choice. The underlying power relationships, resulting from the region’s history of conquest and colonisation resulted in its cultural diversity and its hierarchical stratification system. Slavery was abolished in 1834, and by 1838 the ex-slaves were entirely freed and most left the plantations. This resulted in the need for obtaining new labour to work on the estates. The East Indians were introduced to Trinidad through the system of indentured labour. These imported East Indians saved the ailing sugar industry in British Guiana, Jamaica, and Trinidad from collapsing. Religion and climate were important influences on the food culture of Indians.
