Trinidad and Tobago

Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago has faced waves of ethnic tension in electoral politics. This dynamic originated in the colonial era, wherein the two largest groups—those of African and Indian descent—clashed culturally and competed for economic power. Party politics continues to be influenced by this ethnic division, as are tensions over economic inequality and poverty: poverty afflicts Afro-Trinbagonians at a higher rate while the population’s wealth is concentrated disproportionately among Indo-Trinbagonians. The country’s distinctive ‘twin island’ composition adds another layer to its socio-political landscape. Trinidad is home to the majority of the population and is fairly balanced ethnically. Tobago, the smaller island to the north, has a predominantly Afro-descendant population. Both islands are represented in the country’s bicameral legislature, but Tobago also has a measure of self-government through the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) – a body that originated in the 1980s to ensure equal treatment between the two islands and continues to press for further self-government. Vulnerable groups in Trinidad and Tobago, like women and girls, are disproportionately affected by organized crime and violence. Combatting key issues, like human trafficking, with attention on corruption and the complicity of law enforcement has induced political turmoil. Anti-LGBT+ attitudes, violence and discrimination are commonplace despite a 2018 High Court ruling that repealed laws criminalizing same-sex relations. In recent years, Trinidad and Tobago has also faced an immigration crisis as tens of thousands of Venezuelan asylum seekers and migrants have sought refuge in the islands. The crisis has led to an increase in reports of xenophobic incidents, and tension between Venezuelan residents and Trinidadian and Tobagonian citizens is on the rise.

As the global energy sector rebounds and the government seeks to target unemployment rates and diversify the economy, with emphasis on the international financial sector and tourism industry, Fundamental Rights and Social Rights and Equality for Trinidad and Tobago may improve in the coming years. Over the next few years, the country’s handling of the Venezuelan migration crisis could also impact Fundamental Rights, especially as a result of its engagement in maritime interdiction, mass detainment, and deportation. As the government seeks legislative action to combat corruption and enhance the rule of law, improvement in Predictable Enforcement and Access to Justice may follow. There are also concerns about a rise in violent crime in the coming years, however, which would place additional strain on the criminal justice system and potentially lead to a further decline in the sub-attribute on Personal Integrity and Security. While Civil Society Participation and Electoral Participation saw pandemic-era declines, these may be expected to normalize in the coming years.