White Trinidadian and Tobagonian
White Trinidadian (sometimes Euro-Trinidadian and Tobagonian or local-whites) are Trinidadian people of European descent. However, while the term 'white-Trinidadian' is used to refer collectively to all Caucasians who are Trinidadian, whether by birth or naturalization, the term 'local-white' is used to refer more specifically to Trinidad-born Caucasians, and in particular, those who trace their roots back to Trinidad's early settlers.
White Trinidadian and Tobagonians account for 1% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago as of 2011. However, the classification is primarily a superficial description[1] based on phenotypic description opposed to genotypical classification. In addition, many mixed race Trinidadians with European ancestry may self-identify as white, despite being mixed race.
Origins
Many white Trinidadians originate from the colonial era, in which French, Spanish and Portuguese laborers were imported in order to fill the gap required for labor on agricultural estates at the time. In addition, in the mid 20th-century English workers were imported, to work as overseers on estates, farming sugarcane and cocoa.
Notable white Trinidadians
- George Bovell; Olympic Swimmer Bronze Medal Athens 2004
- Stephen Ames; PGA golfer
- Kerri Tucker; Actress, Noka: Keeper of Worlds, How to Score Your Life
- Francesca Hawkins; Filmmaker, news anchor
- Sophie Wight; Actress/filmmaker
- Jeffrey Wight; Actor/musician; lead singer Buffalo and Back
- Sean De Silva; International Footballer for Trinidad and Tobago
- Stephen Hart; Footballer and Manager of Trinidad and Tobago National team
- Oliver Milne; Filmmaker
- Justin Guillen; Trinidad and Tobago national cricketer
- Timothy Hamel-Smith; former-President of the Trinidad and Tobago Senate
References
- ↑ Walker, James. "But You Not Even White! Prejudice and Light-skinned West Indians". Outlish. Outlish Magazine. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
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