A History of Creole Trinidad, 1956-2010

Book excerpt: This book offers a history of post-Independence Trinidad and Tobago. It explores how culture and politics have operated in tandem to shape the society. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including literature, government reports, official statistics, the press and the Carnival, it critically analyses the popular conception of creolization as the driving force in modern Trinidad and Tobago. Ultimately, the book examines the way in which Trinidad and Tobago's unique ethnic and political ecosystems contribute to its national character. Raymond Ramcharitar, PhD, is a historian and cultural critic from Trinidad and Tobago. He has published several academic articles on the history, culture and literature of the country. He is also a poet and novelist who has published three collections of poetry, and one of fiction. .