The University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus Faculty of Humanities and Education Caribbean Studies Project HUMN 3099 Student name: GAIL L. EVELYN________________________ Student ID no.: ______95733548_______________________________ Degree Program: _____ BA THEOLOGY_________________________ Supervisor: ______DR. PETER TIMOTHY____________________ Title of Thesis: AN EXAMINATION OF RACE RELATIONS OVER THE PERIOD 1937 TO PRESENT AMONG TRINIDADIANS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH WHO ARE OF AFRICAN AND INDIAN DESCENT IN LIGHT OF THE NEW COMMANDMENT GIVEN BY JESUS CHRIST Declaration 1. I declare that this thesis has been composed solely by myself and that it has not been submitted, in whole or in part, in any previous application for a degree. Except where stated otherwise by reference or acknowledgment, the work presented is entirely my own. 2. I authorise The University of the West Indies to make a physical or digital copy of my thesis/research paper/project report for its preservation, for public reference, and for the purpose of inter-library loan. 3. I consent to have my attached thesis used in any publication comprising Caribbean Studies Projects by The University of the West Indies. I understand that I will receive no compensation. I hereby assign publishing rights for the contribution to The University of the West Indies, including all copyrights. Signature of Student: Gail Evelyn______________________ Date: APRIL 25, 2021._______________ THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES The Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies INDIVIDUAL PLAGIARISM DECLARATION This declaration is being made in accordance with the University Regulations on Plagiarism (First Degrees, Diplomas and Certificate) and should be attached to all work submitted by a student to be assessed as part of or/the entire requirement of the course, other than work submitted in an invigilated examination. Statement 1. I have read the Plagiarism Regulations as set out in the Faculty Handbook and University websites related to the submission of coursework for assessment. 2. I declare that I understand that plagiarism is the use of another’s work pretending that it is one’s own and that it is a serious academic offence for which the University may impose severe penalties. 3. I declare that the submitted work indicated below is my own work, except where duly acknowledged and referenced. 4. I also declare that this paper has not been previously submitted for credit either in its entirety or in part within the UWI or elsewhere. 5. I understand that I may be required to submit the work in electronic form and accept that the University may check the originality of the work using a computer-based plagiarism detection service. TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT – An examination of race relations over the period 1937 to present among Trinidadians of Christian faith who are of African and Indian descent in light of the New Commandment given by Jesus Christ COURSE CODE – HUMN 3099 COURSE TITLE - CARIBBEAN STUDIES PROJECT STUDENT ID - 95733548 By signing this declaration, you are confirming that the work you are submitting is original and does not contain any plagiarised material. I confirm that this assignment is my own work, and that the work of other persons has been fully acknowledged. SIGNATURE - Gail Evelyn__________________________ DATE - April 25, 2021______________________________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, the author gives thanks to God for his guidance throughout this dissertation, particularly in the times of my struggles with my health and with the death of my dear nephew, Jean Paul Campbell, who throughout this project prodded me on. He would be so happy for me that I was able to complete and submit it. The author expresses her sincerest gratitude to Dr. Peter Timothy without whose valued supervision of this work would not have been conducted and to a special Parish Priest, Dr. Rev. Jason Boatswain, who encouraged me to pursue the BA Theology programme. Indeed, I have been enlightened and am prepared to continue work in the vineyard of the Lord. Special thanks to Dr. Everard Johnson, former Lecturer and Head Librarian at St. John Vianney and Uganda Martyrs Seminary, School of Theology, who has my deep admiration for his expert biblical knowledge and willingness to give guidance. Also, to Dr. Geofrey St. Bernard, Research Fellow at The UWI and two special friends, Mrs. Susan Salandy-Mulchan and Ms. Clarena Senhouse who were there for me in the challenging circumstances which I encountered while writing this thesis. On a more personal note, I say a heartfelt thanks to my loving husband, Gerald Evelyn, of 42 years, who stayed at my side throughout the good and not so good times, especially during the nights of work, encouraging me in my faith life to know that God who began a good work in me, will bring it to fruition (Phil 1:6). Thanks for being an inspiration and a joy in my life. Further, I dedicate this thesis to my 5 brothers and 7 sisters (1 deceased), particularly to my deceased Father and Mother, JOHN and AUDREY GREAVES, whose love and upbringing afforded me the knowledge that “I can do anything with God at the helm.” My sincerest thanks and appreciation to all. i ABSTRACT This dissertation examines race relations from 1937 to present between Trinidadians of African and Indian descent who are Christians to establish whether they adhere to the New Commandment, to “love one another as He loved us’, particularly when making decisions about which party (Afro-based or Indo-based) would run the country. The year 1937 is important to this project as the two main races/ethnicities, Africans and Indians, took strike actions against the colonial masters for the economic hardship rendered to them. The paper highlights what has been posited by some writers of ‘race relations’ and the teachings of Jesus Christ taken from the Bible as to what it means to “love one another as He loves us”. The research methodology would show that both the qualitative (Focus Groups) and the quantity (Questionnaire) method which are analysed and summarised to arrive at the conclusion that from the focus group of 51, most of the participants were not influenced by race relations; they were not sure whether they were influenced by the New Commandment given by Jesus Christ; and that most of them had no preference over which party (Afro-based or Indian-based) ran the affairs of the country. With respect to the information from the questionnaire, out of 80 respondents, the Afro-Trinidadians ranked ‘Current Issues’ as the most important influence on voting; the Indo-Trinidadians ranked “Where you reside/were born’; and the Mixed group ranked ‘Family Tradition’. As to what influences their vote in the next election, the majority selected ‘Current Issues’. Keywords: Race Relations, New Commandment, Jesus Christ, African Descent, Indian Descent, Current Issues, Elections, UNC, PNM. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………i ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….ii TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………iii LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..iv LIST OF APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….v INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 CHAPTER ONE – RACE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE AFRICANS AND INDIANS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS FOR THE PERIOD 1937 TO PRESENT………………………………………..………………………………………9 CHAPTER TWO – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....……………………………………………………………………………………15 CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH RESULTS AND ANALYSIS………………………………………………………………………….23 CHAPTER FOUR – RESEARCH SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………………………………….29 CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..31 WORKS CITED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..33 iii LIST OF FIGURES TOP 5 PAST INFLUENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Figure 1 FOCUS GROUP – RACE RELATIONS INFLUENCE THE VOTING PATTERNS OF CHRISTIANS……………………………………………………………………………………………Figure 2 FOCUS GROUP – NEW COMMANDMENTS OF JESUS CHRIST INFLUENCE THE VOTING PATTERNS OF CHRISTIANS…………………………………………………….Figure 3 QUESTIONNAIRE – NEITHER RACE NOR NEW COMMANDMENT INFLUENE VOTING ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Figure 4 iv LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A………………………………………………………...……………LITERATURE REVIEW - THE GOOD SAMARITAN APPENDIX B…………………………………………………………………………………………..QUESTIONS FOR FOCUS GROUPS APPENDIX C ………………………………………………………………………………………………….FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEWS APPENDIX D……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……QUESTIONNAIRE APPENDIX E………………………………………………………………………………………………………QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS APPENDIX F……………………………………………………………………………………………..LITERATURE REVIEW - THE LAW APPENDIX G………………………………………………………………..LITERATURE REVIEW - THE WOMAN AT THE WELL APPENDIX H………………………………………………………….……LITERATURE REVIEW - JESUS EXORCISES A DEMON APPENDIX I..……………….……………………………...…….…………………………..FOCUS GROUP SUMMARY – TABLE 1 APPENDIX J………………………………………….……………Q1 DOES RACE INFLUENCE VOTING PATTERNS - TABLE 2 APPENDIX K………………………………………………………Q1 NEW COMMANDMENT INFLUENE VOTING - TABLE 3 APPENDIX L………………………………………………….WHICH PARTY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH AS GOV’T - TABLE 4 APPENDIX M………………………………………………………..………………SUMMARY OF MATRIX AT TABLE 4 - TABLE 5 APPENDIX N…………………………………………….…… Q3 WHAT ARE THE BELIEFS OF THE OTHER RACE - TABLE 6 APPENDIX O……………………………………………………………………QUESTIONNAIRE SAMPLE SUMMARY – TABLE 7 APPENDIX P……………………………….……………………………….CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION SUMMARY – TABLE 8 APPENDIX Q…………………………………..…………………………………………………………..GENDER SUMMARY – TABLE 9 APPENDIX R………………………………………………………………………………………..AGE GROUP SUMMARY – TABLE 10 APPENDIX S…………………………………………………………….……………………………..CULTURAL ETHNICITY – TABLE 11 APPENDIX T………………………………..…FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CHOICE OF POLITICAL PARTIES – TABLE 12 APPENDIX U………………………………..FACTORS THAT WILL INFLUENCE VOTE FOR NEXT ELECTION – TABLE 13 v INTRODUCTION Imagine race relations between the two main races in Trinidad, African and Indian descendants of the Christian religion, are filled with nothing but love for everyone. This is so because they follow the new commandment of Jesus Christ to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), rather than living their lives based on race. This imagination might be a wasted dream because of the history of the African slavery and Indian indentureship in which both races suffered and would have contributed towards the ill-feelings that they both might have acquired prior to and during the years 1937 to present. Based on this and subsequent occurrences in race relations between Indians and Africans and their descendants over the last century or so, with reference to the derogatory racist remarks made by some candidates and supporters of both political parties, during election campaigns in Trinidad. The question is what does Jesus mean when he speaks of love? An example of Jesus’ ‘love’ can be seen at Appendix A, from Luke 10:25-37 entitled ‘The Good Samaritan’. Rationale: This research will be worthwhile to all humankind, particularly the members of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Christian leaders and theologians in understanding the strong influence that the race factor has over Trinidadians who identify as being of African or Indian descent. • For members of the Government, if it is that the New Commandment is more powerful than race because of the belief in and practice of brotherly love, no matter race or class, then it means that they would be voting for the common 1 good of society and therefore looking at policies for the upliftment of the nation to help the poor, the oppressed and the marginalised. • For members of the Church, it would enable the leaders to recognize that the teachings and implementation of the new commandment of Jesus Christ is lacking. Therefore, they would need to conduct an examination into the Catechetical value in each of the Christian churches, to enable its congregation to understand the New Commandment and to live it, because eternal life is at stake for each of them which is extremely important to a Christian. The question therefore is “Do Christians treat the other person of different race, particularly during election campaign when derogatory remarks are made against each race, with such love as Jesus showed? This paper will illustrate that they do not. As a result, my thesis statement is Trinidadians of African and Indian descent who are Christians do not follow the New Commandment of Jesus Christ “to love one another as I have loved you” when making important decisions, specifically when it is about who (African-based or Indo-based Party) should run the country but do so based on affinity to their dominant race or ethnicity. Parameters: This paper will focus on the concepts of race relations with effect from 1937 to 2020. The year 1937 has been chosen as the starting point of this research since in that year the two main races, African and Indian, came together to fight successfully for a common cause, that of, workers grievance and economic hardship against its colonial masters (Samaroo 126). This paper excludes Tobago since the vast number of the population in Tobago is of African descent and, as such, does not fall within the purview of this research. 2 Objectives: This paper will examine race relations between Africans and Indians, specifically from 1937 to present which begins with their coming together to fight successfully for a common cause against their colonial masters, and continues with the activities surrounding election campaigns that was introduced to both Christian races that might bring to bear some of the reasons why they would or would not be influenced by the race factor instead of Jesus’ New Commandment or conversely would or would not be influenced by Jesus’ New Commandment or not, by the race factor played out in Trinidad. Methodology: Data Collection & Data Utilization The methodology for this paper will comprise data collection and data utilisation. The historical data collection will be from secondary documentary sources and current from Primary oral sources – interviews. I will be using a mixed-model research approach which will consist of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to arrive at the conclusion regarding whether Christians of African and Indian descent make decisions about voting based on the New Commandment ‘love one another as I have loved you’ given by Jesus or do so based on their race. The first research method to be conducted will be through primary oral sources or interviews to discover the extent to which Christians of African and Indian descent practice the teachings of the New Commandment ‘to love one another as I have loved you’ presented by Jesus Christ. These interviews will constitute three focus groups – 3 (i) by an African-descent interviewer with a focus group of six people who are identifiably of African descent; (ii) by an Indian-descent interviewer with a focus group of six people who are identifiably of Indian descent; and (iii) by an interviewer of a mixture of Indian and African race with a focus group of the same mixed race as the interviewer. I will have to define ‘African’, ‘Indian’, ‘Mixed’, and Christian. These interviewers will be conducted in the south, west and the east-west corridor. The questions for the Focus Groups can be seen at Appendix B. The responses of the Participants of the Focus Group is at Appendix C which will then be used to form a questionnaire to be given out for completion by Christian respondents of Africans, Indians and Mixed descent. This questionnaire will be represented at Appendix D. The information coming out of the questionnaires will be collated into a matrix and analysed using social history as it is based on race relations and used in the research paper. The matrix will be represented as Appendix E. Definitions: Race - visible physical characteristics, including skin colour, hair, facial appearance and is intertwined with Ethnicity which encompasses shared cultural traits and/or national origin African – someone from Africa and is a descendant of. Indian – someone from India and is a descendant of. Mixed – someone of both African and Indian descent. 4 Christian – someone who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord. Chapter Outline: To achieve this objective, in presenting my arguments, I will, at Chapter 1, present and discuss race relations from the period 1937 to present; Chapter 2 will examine the research methodology to be utilised in arriving at a conclusion of this paper; Chapter 3 will provide the analysis and results from the research conducted; Chapter 4 summarises the analysis and results of the research; and the Conclusion will indicate whether my thesis statement is correct, that is, Trinidadians of African and Indian descent who are Christians do not follow the New Commandment of Jesus Christ “to love one another as I have loved you” when making voting decisions, specifically when it is about who (African-based or Indian-based Party) should run the country but do so based on affinity to their dominant race or culture. Literature Review: Brereton states that it was the British and European intellectuals, who after the 1850s, developed and advanced the idea of a hierarchy of racial types, for example, “the Caucasians or Aryans were at the top of the hierarchy, while ‘Negroes’ were close to the bottom” (Race Relations in Colonial Trinidad 194). Cox elucidates that there were legends, in Sanskrit literature, “about a tall, blond, and muscular people who had vanquished the dark-skinned peoples of India and Persia.” They were called Aryans, translated to mean “pure or noble” (27). On the other hand, Suyin posits that in order to disguise oppression and exploitation on certain ethnic groups, it was necessary to make 5 them believe that they were born unequal because of certain biological characteristics, hair nose, colour etc (5). Further, Brereton quotes James Hunt that “the Negro race can only be humanised and civilised by Europeans’ as it was a naturally inferior race” (Race Relations in Colonial Trinidad 194), while the British viewed blacks ‘with mild amusement as irresponsible loafers in the sun’ and imagined Africa as a “place of savagery, superstition, and vice (193). Parrillo makes a distinction between race and ethnicity by stating that “race deals with visible physical characteristics while ethnicity goes beyond racial similarity to encompass shared cultural traits and/or national origin (13).” Also, that “People may be of the same race but different in language and cultural practices (13).” On the other hand, “people may be of different races but members of the same ethnic group” (13). Bissessar mentioned, as suggested by some, that it was a deliberate attempt by colonial administrators in Trinidad to force a separation between the Indians and Africans thereby causing a division between them (Ethnic Conflict 91). Of importance, is that this division would have had “a significant if not long-term impact on voting trends when systems of government were officially introduced” (91). This is confirmed by Thompson who stated that racism was used “to foster antagonism between groups in colonial society, to divide and rule and to create and sustain the myth of European superiority” (Thompson 183). He also theorised that when derogatory remarks are habitually made by one group to another, it “may become …so ingrained in the psyches of both groups that they persist long after the specific historical circumstances” (184). On the other hand, La Guerre referred to two critical points in time, 1956 and 1987, in Trinidad, the argument of which was that “modernisation as well as political change disturbs the 6 social structure and alters the pattern of race relations, sometimes even exacerbating racial conflicts, until a new level of equilibrium is reached” (Race Relations in Trinidad and Tobago 1). Alternatively, Brereton drew attention to a three-tier system as one of the remnants of slavery with a fourth tier in the social structure. At the top was the white upper class; at the middle was the coloured and black middle class, and at the bottom was the black masses structure who were former slaves and were despised because of their lifestyles and cultural practices (Social Life 15). The fourth were the Indies who entered long after and were differentiated from the other groups by culture, religion, race and legal restrictions (16). La Guerre noted that the terms ‘racial’ and ‘ethnic’ have been used interchangeably in literature that discusses them. However, preference is given to ‘ethnic’ because of its inclusivity while ‘racial’ “is merely an ingredient that goes with the making of ‘ethnic’”. Ethnic includes racial, economic, territorial, historical and even mythical factors which drive ethnic conflict” (The Dilemmas 1). In looking at the New Commandment of Jesus “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), the term ‘ethnic/ethnicity’ would be used since in the biblical passages in the time of Jesus ethnicity was used to show that he loved regardless of ethnicity/race which is consistent with La Guerre’s literature that puts forward that ‘ethnic includes racial’ (The Dilemmas 1)..An example showing the meaning of the love of Jesus (Matt 5:43-48) can be seen at Appendix A, entitled ‘The Law’. The Jews and Samaritans were enemies, worshipping Yahweh in different traditions, one on Mt. Gerizim while the Jewish people worshipped in the temple at Jerusalem but Jesus’ love for 7 his so-called enemies superseded that since to truly worship was to worship the Father in spirit and truth ((NID 928). This can be seen at Appendix A, John 4:5-15 entitled ‘The Woman at the Well’. Jesus' gift and call to divine sonship were intended for the poor and the lost and in a special way for women upon whom he conferred a new dignity. Here, he restores a woman’s dignity, as he helped a Gentile of Syrophoenician woman (of Hellenist heritage – a pagan and a Greek), regardless of here ethnicity/race (NID 1056). The Biblical story can be seen at Appendix A, Mark 7: 24-30 entitled ‘Jesus exorcises a demon from the child of a Syrophoenician Woman’. To conclude this Chapter, I quote from the Gospel of Matthew to demonstrate the great love Jesus had for all, inclusive, of ethnicity/race, indicating that the kingdom of God was for all. ¹⁸And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20). 8 CHAPTER ONE RACE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE AFRICANS AND INDIANS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS FOR THE PERIOD 1937 TO PRESENT In 1937, both races were united under the trade union movement leadership of Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler and Adrian Cola Rienzi to fight for the common good of the oilfield and sugar workers’ rights as they felt exploited by the colonial masters that brought about economic hardships on the workers. (Samaroo 117-125). Additionally, both races united in 1937 to successfully win Rienzi the election in the constituency of Victoria even though his opponent was African (126). Samaroo reminded that the search for black identity begun after 1918 and continued into the 1930s encouraging African consciousness. At that time C.L.R. James and Learie Constantine were establishing that “black men were no less equal than white” (127). What was said and written, according to Samaroo, caused “mutual distrust which forced the East Indian to go deeper within himself as it reinforced the fears of dominance” (127-128) and there became a great separation in the trade union movement (128). La Guerre posited that the division of labour along racial lines still existed in 1956 as Indians worked in the sugar belt; Negroes in “the liberal professions, Civil Service, Police, Army and Nursing”; and “whites remained in control of the economy and higher levels of the Civil Service” (Race Relations in Trinidad and Tobago 4). With the formation of the Peoples National Movement (PNM), an African-based party, brought back the age-old fear of Negro domination to the Indians (4). 9 Of great importance, is the race relations that existed between the two races in 1970. Ryan indicated that Indo-Trinidadians were terrified of a possible seizure of power by Black Power militants (Pathway 45). He quoted Dr. Ken Parmasad that “All along Indians had been resisting a black label” (46) since they did not see themselves as ‘black’ and “if they were to describe the island as black it would mean denying their existence” (46). In a bid to make the cause a common one with the Indo-Trinidadians sugar belt workers, six thousand supporters of the Black Power movement marched to Caroni, however their reception was one of politeness because the suspicion between the two could not be effaced immediately (Palmer Ch.8). According to La Guerre “What Black Power of 1970 did was to reignite East Indian consciousness” (Race Relations in Trinidad and Tobago12). In 1986, a coalition of parties, namely the Indo-Trinidadian-based ULF, the multi-racial ONR and the Tapia House Movement and the Democratic Action Congress (two Afro- Trinidadian-based parties) combined to form ‘National Alliance for Reconstruction’ (NAR), a multiracial Party to put the PNM (African based Party) government out of power, with a promise of ‘one love’. For the Indo-Trinidadians the NAR, headed by an African-descendent named ANR Robinson, “was the only organisation that promised a commensurate share of power” (13). The victory of 33-3 marked an Afro-Indian solidarity like it had in 1937. However, the old fears of African-based dominance by some Indo-Trinidadians emerged (13). On the other hand, Ragoonath stated that “both Indo-Trinidadians and Afro-Trinidadians felt that the other could not be trusted politically” (Race and ethnic Relations 17-19). Ragoonath reminded that even though there is a split between the two races, they come together in unity and harmony for cultural, religious and sporting activities/festivals. However, 10 “race serves as a distinguishing factor” (Religion and Insurrection 411), when the economy and politics arise. He also reminded of the unwritten law ‘to divide and rule’ taught by the colonial masters which still exist and is an influential factor for the two races (411). The PNM was able to return to power in 1991 with 21 (44.8%) of the 36 seats, while the UNC received 13 (28.9%) seats of the vote, and NAR with 24.4% of the vote but received only 2 seats. This was the first time that the PNM ever received less than 50 per cent of the votes. This meant that the party’s support was waning (Cudjoe 18-19). Maharaj postulates that “no opposition party had ever won that amount of seats in a General Election” (42) in Trinidad. Ragoonath states that in 1995, the UNC came into political power “with a tie of 17-17 seats with the PNM and was only able to form the government after obtaining a coalition with the NAR” Tobago-based Party, which was predominantly African-based, and which held the two seats (Indian Arrival 31-32). The General Elections of 2000 and 2002 saw hung Parliaments. Rampersad indicated that the society was calling for “better representation in the politics and by the politicians” There were those who had a taste of inclusion and equity in the NAR government and was unable to support the race-based politics (Through the Political Glass Ceiling 6). In 2007, elections, the PNM came back with 26 seats, the UNC received 15 seats, and the COP (Congress of the People), a breakaway from the UNC did not win any seats but captured 22.72% of the electorate. In the 2010 General Elections, five political entities, inclusive of Labour united to remove the PNM government. The UNC (Indo-based), COP, TOP (Tobago Organisation of the People – African-based), NJAC (National Joint Action Committee – African-based) and MSJ (Movement for Social Justice – African-based) joined and formed the People’s Partnership (PP) led by Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar (UNC). Cudjoe points to the many errors made by the then Prime 11 Minister, Mr. Patrick Manning - his dictatorial ways and the corruption charges of Calder Hart and the UDECOTT scandal. Conversely, the PP removed “all racially tinged rhetoric” from their campaign; ensured that the “Blacks” (Jack Warner, Mc Leod, Daaga and Ainsworth Jack) were seen and heard on the campaign trail to show the “nonracist dimension” of the PP with their slogan “Caring for you today and tomorrow” (Cudjoe 21-22). In an article in the Stabroek News, the description given of the campaign trail was that the PNM got nasty, labelling the PP a ‘frankenstein’ and calling candidates ‘a bag of dead bones’. They also joked in racial undertones indicating that the songs on the PP’s platform should be ‘gimme a Guinness and Puncheon’. Contrarywise, the PP hired a US political strategist, Bernie Campbell and they strategized. Mrs. Persad-Bissessar had new hairdos and outfits, gifts from a laptop for every school child to million-dollar prizes for chutney music competitions, clever calypsos with stinging choruses; a switch from orange to yellow as the party colour and they advertised clips of Manning and Rowley at each other’s throats in Parliament (Hosein). The election results of 2010 presented the PP with the majority of 29 seats, 12 went to the PNM and less than 1% for the New National Vision (a small party). On May 26, 2010, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar took the oath of the office as Prime Minister and became the first woman to assume the premiership in Trinidad. Mr. Manning had resigned from the PNM as Political Leader and Mr. Keith Rowley took over the reign. In the lead up to the 2015 General Elections, racists comments continued. In an article in the TNT Mirror Mr. Jack Warner, one of UNC’s Deputy Political Leaders, commented that “Rowley’s presence at the opening night to the Divali Nagar would have “polluted” the event and for that reason, he will never attend the function again” (Walters). Wikipedia put out a commentary in which the following turbulences were noted on the PP’s side: On June 17, 2012, 12 the MSJ severed ties with the coalition citing poor governance; on January 21, 2013, TOP lost all 12 electoral seats in the Tobago House of Assembly to the PNM; on July 30, 2013, Jack Warner resigned two days after an investigation accused him of ‘fraudulent’ management at Concacaf and ran again for the Chaguanas seat in the Local Government elections but under his party, the Independent Liberal Party (ILP); on July 30, 2013, Herbert Volney, Minister of Justice in the UNC government resigned due to Section 34 fallout. The PP lost the Local Government Elections to the PNM, making it a total of four successive elections that the PP lost in one year (Wikipedia). The 2015 General Election resulted in the PNM winning with 23 seats, the UNC with 17, the COP with 1 and the remaining parties received 2.6% of the votes. Reshma Ragoonath, in the Trinidad Guardian quoted Dr. Brinsley as saying “race will once again be a significant factor in the polls”…“since that (tribal voting) was what citizens had been taught and that was all they knew.” Samaroo further indicated “Most people are not concerned about that (issues), they are concerned about me and my kind” and referenced the 1937 Oilfield riots where the races in T&T came together under the guidance of Uriah “Buzz” Butler and Adrian Cola Rienzi and described it as a “watershed moment” in this country’s history. She also interviewed Kambon who proffered that “T&T had not moved past race because the issue had never been addressed with the required seriousness” (Ragoonath). In the run up to the 2020 General Elections, both Political Leaders indicated that there will be no coalition with any other party (Chan Tack). Yet again racist blogs and social media posts flourished. The UNC advertisements ran for weeks on television, social media and in national newspapers. What was seen was African heritage personae presented in deplorable economic and social conditions. Kamla, on the campaign trail, referred to Prime Minister Keith Rowley as ‘the black man’, although she later insisted that she said ‘blank’. She appeared “to be appealing to race 13 and emotions”. Also, Persad-Bissessar and her Opposition members refused to back an amendment to the Marriage Acts to discontinue child marriages which was a Hindu tradition (Mc Intyre 3-4). In a letter to the Editor, the President, Paula Mae Weekes gave her 2020 Independence Day message and addressed the subject of ‘racism’ pointing to our colonial past. She praised Trinbagonians for reasonable perfect harmony shown at Carnival, sports and public holidays, but at elections, “laid bare seething tensions that have simmered between ethnicities” (Indo- Trinbagonians and Afro-Trinbagonians). She referred to “personal attacks, racist diatribes and gratuitous insults” by both sides and advised that racism should be attacked at its root and called on all “to rid our society of this divisive affliction” (Weekes). 14 CHAPTER TWO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2.1 Introduction This thesis seeks to discover whether Trinidadians of African and Indian descent who are Christians do not follow the New Commandment of Jesus Christ “to love one another as I have loved you” when making important decisions, specifically when it is about who (African-based or Indian-based Party) should run the country but do so based on affinity to their dominant race or ethnicity. The examination of local Christians’ interpretation of the concept “Love one another as I have loved you” proved a challenge from many angles - The tense atmosphere between the two major races (African and Indian) in the country leading up to the general elections of 2020 generated a tumultuous amount of race-baiting; good friends on Social Media who found themselves wrapped up in commenting on the opposite race/ethnicity in the most undignified and derogatory language; and the print and televised media that showed it all begged me to question whether Christians followed Christ or race/ethnicity when making important decisions in their lives, inclusive of voting. This chapter details the research methodology utilized in the study – the design, why I chose the methods implemented, their advantages, disadvantages and limitations in proving or disproving the theories posited. 15 2.2 Research Approach 2.2.1 Historical data Data referencing the period 1937 to the present will be collected from secondary sources: books, articles and papers published on race, ethnicity, religion and politics. 2.2.2 Current data This data will be acquired from Primary sources, both oral and written, and the collective survey results and historical information examined to inform my thesis. I considered that the sensitive nature of the subject matter at core – people’s belief systems – required a mixed-model approach to data collection that was both quantitative and qualitative. The focus of the primary-data research was limited to the island of Trinidad, Tobago having its own cultural differences even within race that I thought required its own unique examination. Further, it was drawn to my attention that opinions and attitudes changed depending on the location in Trinidad and this led to the division of my inquiry into three geographic areas, via Focus Groups:– • The East-West corridor (Arima to Port of Spain), • South/Central Trinidad (Caroni to Point Fortin) and • the North-Western peninsula (POS and western environs to Diego Martin, Maraval). 2.3 Research Design It was theorized that rather than an anonymous tool, such as, a questionnaire, which was thought to bring about quick and honest reactions in more significant volume, it was felt that a 16 more intimate query along similar lines would enhance the tool and allow it to focus on issues that may not have been apparent to me in the development of the questionnaire. This strategy then required a qualitative approach in its examination of respondents’ variable interpretation of how they are to follow the teachings of Christ. To test the theory that race mattered more than Christ’s teaching among Christians when it came to making important decisions, particularly voting, direct one-on-one interviews were initially considered as a source of primary oral data but was abandoned due to time constraints in favour of using homogeneous focus groups which have proven to be effective in drawing out group opinions that may not be expressed one-on-one with an interviewer of a different race. There was need therefore for a further sub-division of the subjects into groups that was theorized would create a feeling of “safety” or “comfort” for expressing their opinions, with discussions to be led by an individual of a similar demographic to the group: • African interviewer for a group of 4-6 people identifiably of African descent. • Indian interviewer for a group of 4-6 people identifiably of Indian descent, • Interviewer of Mixed African/Indian descent for a group of individuals identified as being of same mixed descent as the interviewer. • Definitions of Christian as well as a generalized one of Race, African, Indian and Mixed descent were created and provided to the interviewers who led the groups. A total of nine Focus Groups were assembled, each consisting of 4-6 individuals, grouped by racial self-identification, in each of the Geographical areas mentioned above. Each group was asked the same 3 specific questions outlined at Appendix B. 17 Summaries of the group’s responses were collected and examined by a moderator in each area then submitted to me for comparison to the raw discussion data for verification. Taking note of the group responses to these key questions, the questionnaire was developed and distributed online via a link to the various Christian churches in each of the focal areas for onward distribution and completion by at least 10 members of each church who fit the profile under examination (African/Indian/Mixed descent). A quantitative assessment of responses to the questionnaires will also be presented. The advantages, disadvantages and validity for purpose of the Research Methods employed are as follows:- 2.4 Research Method 2.4.1 Questionnaire The standardized nature of the instrument, its ease of distribution as well as its ability to reach multiple respondents, uncorrupted and in a timely and efficient manner, was the primary reason for choosing questionnaires as a means of data collection but the inflexibility of the framework of a questionnaire left room for more perceptive responses to be missed. As a result, a more in-depth and interactive method needed to be utilised to validate both the theory and questions before proceeding to distribute the instruments was required. 2.4.2 Focus Groups The assembly of homogeneous Focus groups was then examined as an option and found to be ideal for the research in that, unlike one-on-one interviews, it gave deeper insight into the thinking of individuals, but even more, into the interaction among members of the same group when the questions were posed. 18 The focus survey groups consisted of random individuals who identified as Christian and fit the stated racial demographic from each of the geographical areas. These were then led in discussion with the three focus questions by an interviewer leader identifiably of similar racial descent. The Focus Groups were kept small (4-6 participants) to maintain the perception of freedom of expression yet confidentiality within the group, as well as to allow individuals to have a greater voice than they would, had the groups been larger. Ten Questionnaires each were sent out to the various Christian churches, namely, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, Presbyterian, Spiritual Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, Nazarene and Pentecostal, in each of the geographical areas identified in the survey for onward transmission to a minimum of ten members. The link to the online survey in Googledocs™ was provided via email and respondents’ data was analysed using the tool provided in the app. Data was further analysed for content errors not apparent to the app – for example, to eliminate or merge responses containing misspellings, duplication etc. 2.5 Instrument Design 2.5.1 Survey Instruments - Questionnaires and Focus Groups The focus group was assembled and interviews were held utilising the questions at Appendix B. The interview questions were to get a feel of the underlying reasons behind the perceived escalation in race-baiting between the major groups in Trinidad, and to inform the researcher whether politics was fuelling this divide or if it was just a symptom of a long existing issues. The initial response from the focus group interviews confirmed the direction of the questionnaire in retrieving results consistent with the objectives of the survey. The first set of 19 questionnaires were sent out to churches in the vicinity of the group completed, then to the other geographical areas once the focus group interviews had been conducted. • The general user questionnaire consisted of ten (10) questions divided into three sections : o two (2) main –requesting Religion and denomination if Christian to filter to the group under query – Christians o five (5) other demographic questions regarding area of residence, gender, age group, cultural ethnicity (race) and employment status, and o Three (3) with respect to political affiliation if any, general and future influences on choice with respect to politics. • The only open-ended question is in respect of future influences on choice. 2.6 Methods of Data Analysis 2.6.1 Googledocs and manual assistance Despite the ability of Googledocs™ to summarize data in a multiplicity of ways, the app’s facility is limited to the data entered - several of the entries had misspellings which resulted in multiple results for singular responses and had to be redone to give true results. Both the interview data and the questionnaire responses were eventually analysed manually. Commonalities in responses were sought in the interview data to draw conclusions and the results of the Googledocs™ questionnaires were reconfigured manually to eliminate duplication and other data entry errors. 20 2.6.2 Ethical Considerations First, to acquire the consent of the Head of the respective Church. They were informed in advance about the purposes of this project, and gave their consent to submit the link together with my explanation of the purpose and eventual intention of the questions. They submitted the link to whomever in their church and the questionnaires were returned to me with the click of a ‘submit’ button. Second, the identity of the persons who completed the questionnaires and the names of their organisations have been kept in strict confidence. Finally, all the information collected for this dissertation has been used only for the purpose of the study and will be kept confidential. 2.6.3 Problems and Limitations Challenges for the Focus Groups were due to four areas – the meeting of persons due to the presence of the Pandemic; the recruiting of sufficient number of participants; the synchronisation of time; the uniformity of size of the Focus Groups and as such, it was decided that a range of 4-6 participants was acceptable, and if data could only be collected through multiple group meetings in an area to achieve the minimum amount of participants, the responses would be combined. Challenges for the questionnaires were first, in how to distribute them (via flyers, handouts at church etc) to the participants (Christians) in a sufficiently random manner so as not to unintentionally bias the data. The decision to sub-divide the data set into geographical areas was predicated on the (perceived/reported) differences in collective behaviour of all the groups in these areas it added yet another layer to the group dynamic – would the same races react differently based on geographic area? 21 The second, was the requirement to speak to the moderators of the different Christian churches to get their willingness to sanction participation in the survey and actively have their followers participate by sending the link to the online questionnaire to their respective congregations in the different areas. This chapter has outlined and justified the research methodology implemented in this dissertation and its validity. Because of the nature of the research, a combination of qualitative and quantitative strategy was utilised. The key research tools were questionnaire and focus groups supplemented by interviews with Individual church leaders and membership. The results as previously stated were for the most part analysed manually, except for the questionnaires whose Googledocs™ results were reviewed and edited for data entry errors. The major results and findings will be discussed in the following chapter. 22 CHAPTER THREE RESESARCH RESULTS AND ANALYSIS 3.1 INTRODUCTION The chapter seeks to answer the research question whether Christians who are of African, Indian and Mixed of African and Indian descents are influenced by race/ethnic relations or the New Commandment of Jesus Christ, particularly when making decisions, for example, choosing a political party when voting as this was mostly seen when the issue of race was very prominent in the society. The views of participants of the Focus Groups (see Appendix B) and Questionnaire (see Appendix D) were sought in providing answers to the research questions. The Focus Group comprised participants from East, West, and South Trinidad with a maximum of 6 persons each of African, Indian and Mixed descents. Participants from each ethnic group were named using the letters A to F. The views of the participants of the Focus Group in response to voting practices were analysed in this chapter. This chapter reviews the results and analysis of the qualitative data, the compilation of the questionnaire and the results and analysis of the quantitative findings of the study. 3.2 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF FOCUS GROUPS During the conceptual phase of this study, qualitative data was collected to test the theory that race mattered more than Christ’s teaching among Christians when it came to making important decisions, particularly in the support of a political party and/or in voting. Homogeneous focus groups were utilised to create a feeling of “safety” or “comfort” that would enable easy and ‘honest’ (as possible) group opinions that may not have been expressed on a one- 23 on-one with an interviewer of a different race. A total of nine Focus Groups were assembled, each consisting of 4-6 individuals, grouped by racial self-identification as described at Chapter 2, page 17, in the Geographical areas of East, West and South. 3.2.1 Analysis 3.2.1.1 Focus Group Summary Of the 54 persons in the focus group, 51 responded to the research question as 2 persons of African descent and 1 of Mixed descent from the West were unable to participate because of the pandemic. Among the 51 participants, 16 were of African descent, 18 of Indian descent, and 17 of Mixed descent. Among the 16 participants of African descent, 6 were from the East, 4 were from the West, and 6 were from the South. Among the 18 participants of Indian descent, 6 were from the East, 6 were from the West, and 6 were from the South. Among the 17 participants of Mixed descent, 6 were from the East, 5 were from the West, and 6 were from the South (see Table 1 at Appendix I). 3.2.1.2 Participants’ Voting Influenced by Race Relations The responses of the participants indicated the voting practices of the majority of the participants, 39 or 76.5%, were not influenced by race relations – 8 from the East with 2 African descent, 2 Indian descent and 4 Mixed; 14 from West with 4 African descent, 5 Indian descent, 5 Mixed. 17 from the South with 6 of African descent, 6 Indian descent, 5 Mixed. While 7 or 13.7% participants votes were influenced by race relations, 5 from the East – 4 African descent and 1 Mixed, 1 Indian descent from the West and 1 Mixed from the South. 5 or 9.8% were influenced sometimes – 4 of African descent and 1 Mixed from the East (see Table 2 at Appendix J). 24 3.2.1.3 Participants’ Voting Influenced by New Commandment The responses of the participants indicated that the voting practices, of the majority of the participants, 20 or 39.2%, were not sure whether they were influenced by the New Commandment of Jesus Christ. Of the 20 participants, 10 were from the East, with 0 of African descent, 5 of Indian descent and 5 Mixed; 9 from the West with 4 of African descent, 0 of Indian descent and 5 of Mixed descent; and 1 from South. 19 or 37.3% participants were not influenced by the New Commandment. Of the 19 participants, 4 were from the East with 4 of African descent, 0 of Indian descend and 0 Mixed; 6 from the West with 0 of African descent, 6 of Indian descent and 0 Mixed; and of the 9 participants from South, 4 of African descent, 1 of Indian descent and 4 Mixed. 12 or 23.5% participants were influenced by the New Commandment. Of the 12 participants influenced by the New Commandment, 4 were from the East with 2 of African descent, 1 of Indian descent and 1 Mixed; 0 from the West; and 8 were from the South with 1 of African descent, 5 of Indian descent and 2 Mixed (see Table 3 at Appendix K). 3.2.1.4 Participants’ Discomfort With Party In Government The responses of the majority of the participants, 29 or 56.9%, had no preference for either Party (African-based or Indian-based) in Government; of the 29 participants 12 commented that they wanted a government that would serve the people, 5 that the governance structure allowed for opportunity for everyone, 3 that it did not matter, 3 that it was about people’s value system, 1 that everybody are Trinis, and 2 did not comment as to why they have no preference. 18 or 35.3% of participants had a discomfort with an Indo-based Party to be in Government, of the 18 participants, 5 commented on their ‘alleged’ corrupt practices, 8 on their mistrust of that Government, and 5 on 25 their different Value System. 3 or 5.9% had a general discomfort with an African-based party to be in Government and 1 did not respond (see Table 4 & 5 at Appendices L & M). 3.2.1.5 Participants With Beliefs Of The Other Race The responses of the participants on whether they believe the other race was inferior or superior to theirs, 50 or 98% believed that neither race was superior or inferior to the other, out of the 50, 41 believed that all persons were created equally and therefore at the same level, 5 believed they were all given the same opportunities, 2 believed that they are equal but different, 1 believed there should be respect for each other, and 1 believed that in the past one raced believed that it was superior over the other, and 1 did not respond (see Table 6 at Appendix N). 3.3 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF QUESTIONNAIRE Based on the responses from the Focus Groups, a questionnaire was distributed online via a link to the various Christian churches in each of the focal areas for onward distribution to be completed by at least 10 members of each church who fit the profile under examination (African/Indian/Mixed descent). 3.3.1 Sample Summary of the Questionnaire Respondents of the race-ethnic relationships or New Commandment question included a sample of 80 persons of the different denominations from East, West and South Trinidad. Among the 80 respondents, 46 were of African descent, 12 Indian descent, and 22 Mixed descent. Among the 46 respondents of African descent, 37 were from the East, 7 West, and 2 South. Among the 12 respondents of Indian descent, 7 were from the East, 0 West, and 5 South. Among the 22 26 respondents of Mixed descent, 18 were from the East, 3 West, and 1 South (see Table 7 at Appendix O). Of the 46, 11 were Anglican, 4 Nazarene, 9 Methodist, 3 Moravian, 1 Pentecostal, 0 Presbyterian, 9 Roman Catholic, 7 Seventh-Day Adventist and 2 Spiritual Baptist. Among the 12 respondents of Indian descent, 2 were Anglican, 1 Presbyterian, 3 Roman Catholic, 6 from the Seventh-Day Adventist and none from the Nazarene, Methodist, Moravian, Pentecostal, and Spiritual Baptist. Among the 22 respondents of Mixed descent, 7 were Anglican, 1 Nazarene, 1 Moravian, 11 Roman Catholic, 1 Spiritual Baptist, 1 which stated ‘Christian’ and none from the Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, and Seventh-Day Adventist (see Table 8 at Appendix P). Among the 80 respondents, 63 were females, 50 from the East, 8 West, and 5 South; 17 respondents were males, 12 from the East, 2 West and 3 South (see Table 9 at Appendix Q). With respect to age, 20 were over 60, 11 51-60, 14 41-50, 19 31-40, 12 21-30 and 4 under 21 (see Table 10 at Appendix R). With respect to race/ethnic descent, 46 were of African heritage, 12 Indian heritage, 0 European heritage, 0 Chinese heritage, 22 Mixed heritage, 0 Amerindian heritage, 0 Indigenous heritage and 0 Latin American heritage (see Table 11 at Appendix S). Of the sample of 80 persons, six factors were utilised and ranked in order of importance. Of 46 Africans, 21 ranked ‘Current Issues’, 10 ‘Opposing Party’, 12 ‘Manifesto of ‘Affiliate Party’, 12 ‘Where you reside/were born’, 11 ‘Ethnic Identification’, and 10 ‘Family Tradition’. Of 12 Indians, 3 ranked ‘Current Issues’, 2 ‘Manifesto of Opposing Party’, 2 ‘Manifesto of ‘Affiliate Party’, 5 ‘Where you reside/were born’, 4 ‘Ethnic Identification’, and 3 ‘Family Tradition’. Of the Mixed group of 22, 4 ranked ‘Current Issues’, 5 ‘Manifesto of Opposing Party’, 27 7 ‘Manifesto of ‘Affiliate Party’, 7 ‘Where you reside/were born’, 8 ‘Ethnic Identification’, and 9 ‘Family Tradition’ (see Table 12 at Appendix T). Of the 80 respondents, 37 said they would be influenced by ‘Current issues’, 8 by ‘Party Affiliation’, 1 by ‘Current Issues and Party Affiliation’, 25 by ‘Longstanding Issues’, 1 by ‘Longstanding Issues plus traditions’, such as holiday traditions and rituals, 1 by ‘Current Issues and Longstanding Issues plus perceived capability of party to govern in an ethical manner’, 1 by ‘New Political Party willing to work for people’, 1 was ‘not sure of voting’, 1 ‘will not vote’, 1 by ‘policies and Leadership Strategy’, 1 by ‘Performance, contextual issues, stewardship of resources, attitude, relationship with opposing voices’, 1 by ‘Performance of Government’ and 1 was ‘underaged’ (see Table 13 at Appendix U). 28 CHAPTER FOUR RESEARCH SUMMARY The study sought to investigate whether Christians of African, Indian and Mixed of African and Indians descents are influenced by race-ethnic relations or the New Commandment of Jesus Christ, when making decisions about voting. A mixed-method approach was utilized. Data was collected via interviews from nine Focus Groups (see Appendix C), as well as, from respondents of nine Christian denominations via an electronic questionnaire (see Appendix E). The sample comprised of 51 persons in the Focus group and 80 respondents of the questionnaire, from East, West, and South Trinidad. Each of the nine Focus Groups consisted of four to six individuals, grouped by racial self- identification: one of African descent, one of Indian descent and one Mixed with the two races in the geographical areas of East Trinidad, West Trinidad, and South Trinidad. The nine participating denominations were Anglican, Nazarene, Methodist, Moravian, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist, Spiritual Baptist, and Christian, as recorded by the respondent, (see Appendix P). The focus groups were asked four questions: the first question asked whether race influence voting pattens. The results showed that most of the respondents, 39, were not influenced by race relations. The second question investigated whether the New Commandment influence voting pattens. The majority 20, were not sure whether they were influenced by the New Commandment of Jesus Christ, while 19, were not influenced by the New Commandment. The third question was on discomfort with party in government. Most of the participants, 29, had no preference for either 29 Party in Government. The fourth question inquired about respondents’ view of the other race. All 51 respondents believed that neither race was superior or inferior to the other. The questionnaire consisted of two sections; the first section was designed to collect demographic data and the second section to collect data on voting influence. On the question of influence that guides choice of vote, six factors were utilized with rankings in order of importance, of the respondents of African descent, the majority, 21, ranked ‘Current Issues’ as the most important influence on voting. Of the respondents of Indian descent, the majority, 5, ranked ‘Where you reside/were born’ as the important factor of influence. In the Mixed group, the majority 9, ranked ‘Family Tradition’ as the most important factor. On the question of influence of vote in next elections, thirteen factors were utilized. The majority, 37, selected ‘Current Issues’, as the major influence. In addition, most respondents to the questionnaire, 63, were females and the highest age group of respondents was over 60 range. It is to be noted that age and gender did not skew the analysis. 30 CONCLUSION Responses from the Focus Group showed that there was no common theme on whether voting was influenced by race relations or the New Commandment of Jesus Christ. Most of the responses to each question in the questionnaire were varied (see Top 5 at Figure 1). Therefore, the study showed that neither race relations nor the New Commandment of Jesus Christ influenced the voting patterns of Christians from the population represented by the sample of participants of both the focus group (see Figures 2&3) and the questionnaire (see Figure 4) from East, West, and South Trinidad. The study also indicated that the teachings of the nine Christians denominations did not significantly influence the voting patterns of participants from both the focus groups and questionnaire toward the New Commandment of Jesus Christ. Implications The voting patterns of the two prominent races in Trinidad appeared to be not influenced by race relations. Since the political parties predominantly comprise persons of African descent or Indian descent, the results can assist political parties and campaign managers with decision making on securing votes from East, West, and South Trinidad, during upcoming elections. The nine Christian denominations have room for improvement with the Bible teachings and Bible study to influence the voting patterns and by extension, the lives of the congregation to be more Christlike. Future Studies Future research can be extended to include persons from non-Christian denominations, to compare voting based on race relations versus current or other issues. The studies can also 31 investigate other factors that can influence voting patterns. The geographical area of the sample to study can include respondents from North Trinidad or Tobago. 32 WORKS CITED Bissessar, Ann Marie. Ethnic Conflict in Developing Societies: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Fiji, and Suriname. Palgrave Macmillan, 2017. Brereton, Bridget. Race Relations in Colonial Trinidad 1870-1900. Cambridge University Press, 1979. Brereton, Bridget. Social Life in the Caribbean 1938-1938. Heinemann Educational, 1985. Chan Tack, Clint. “Kamla: No coalition with anyone”. Newsday, July 17, 2020. https://newsday.co.tt/2020/07/17/kamla-no-coalition-with-anyone/ Cudjoe, Selwyn R. Indian Time Ah Come in Trinidad and Tobago. Calaloux Publication, 2010. Hosein, Gabrielle Jamela. “Looking Back at the 2010 Trinidad and Tobago General Election”. https://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/05/31/features/looking-back-at-the-2010- trinidad-and-tobago-general-election/ Letters to the Editor. “Race, politics and coronavirus: President Weekes targets T&T’s biggest challenges on Independence Day.” Wired 868, August 31, 2020. https://wired868.com/2020/08/31/race-politics-and-coronavirus-president-weekes- targets-tts-biggest-challenges-for-independence-day/ Maharaj, Ramesh Lawrence. “The Strategy Employed by the United National Congress for the Next General Elections (1995)”. The General Elections of 1995 in Trinidad and Tobago, edited by John Gaffar La Guerre. School of Continuing Studies, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 2005, pp. 25-41. McIntyre, Amanda. “McIntyre: Kamla Persad-Bissessar: A Cautionary Tale – from pioneer to parody”. Wired 868. https://wired868.com/ 33 Palmer, Colin A. Eric Williams and the Making of the Modern Caribbean. Kindle ed., The University of North Carlina Press, 2006. Parrillo, Vincent N. Understanding Race and Ethnic Relations. William Paterson University, 2016. Ragoonath, Bishnu. “Indian Arrival and Political Power in Trinidad and Tobago: The UNC’s Victory in the 1995 Elections”. The General Elections of 1995 in Trinidad and Tobago, edited by John Gaffar La Guerre. School of Continuing Studies, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 2005, pp. 42-46. Ragoonath, Bishnu. Race and ethnic relations and the competition for political power in Trinidad. Department of Government, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 1994. Ragoonath, Bishnu. “Religion and Insurrection: Abu Bakr and the Muslimeen Failure in the 1990 Attempted Coup in Trinidad and Tobago”. Identity, Ethnicity and Culture in the Caribbean, edited by Ralph R Premdas. School of Continuing Studies, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 2005, pp. 409-446. Ragoonath, Reshma. “A case of race in the 2015 general election”. Trinidad Guardian, March 22, 2015. https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.362063.83bb0699d3 Rampersad, Kris. Through The Political Glass Ceiling: Race to Prime Ministership by Trinidad and Tobago’s First Female. Kamla Persad-Bissessar: Selected Speeches Compiled with introduction, contexts and analyses. Ryan, Selwyn. Pathways to Power: Indians and the Politics of National Unity in Trinidad and Tobago. Institute of Social and Economic Research, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 1996. 34 Samaroo, Brinsley. “Politics and Afro-Trinidadian Relations in Trinidad.” Calcutta to Caroni and the Indian Diaspora, edited by John Gaffar La Guerre and Ann Marie Bissessar. School of Continuing Studies, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 2005, pp. 109-133. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (4 Volume set). General editor, Colin Brown, Zondervan Publishing House, 1971. The New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version With The Apocrypha: An Ecumenical Study Bible. Michael D. Coogan et al., Oxford University Press, 2018. Thompson, Alvin O. The Haunting Past: Politics, Economics and Race in Caribbean Life. Ian Randle Publishers, 1997. Walters, Garvin. “Fanning the flames”. TNT Mirror, November 18, 2012. Wikipedia. “People’s Partnership”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Partnership 35 Figure 1 – Top 5 Past Influences a Figure 2 - Focus Group - Race Relations influence the voting patterns of Christians 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 African Indian Mixed Yes No Sometimes b Figure 3 - Focus Group - New Commandment of Jesus Christ influence the voting patterns of Christians 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 African Indian Mixed Yes No Not Sure c Figure 4 – Questionnaire – Neither Race Nor New Commandment Influenced Voting Does Race influence voting pattern? 5 31% of African-heritage 5 28% interviewees of Indian-heritage 3 18% interviewees Of Mixed- heritage interviewees 13 25% Of all respondents Does Commandment influence voting? 7 44% of African-heritage 4 22% interviewees of Indian-heritage 2 12% interviewees Of Mixed- heritage interviewees 13 25% Of all respondents Neither/NS (not stated) 4 25% 6 33% of African-heritage 10 59% interviewees of Indian-heritage interviewees Of Mixed- heritage interviewees 20 39% Of all respondents d APPENDIX A LITERATURE REVIEW THE GOOD SAMARITAN “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asked him: “What is written in the Law?” “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” Jesus said to him “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, the one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:25-37). e APPENDIX B Questions for Focus Groups: Group I: African-descent interviewer with a focus group of six people who are identifiably of African descent: 1. Does race influence your voting patterns or does the new commandment of Jesus Christ ‘to love one another as I have loved you’ supersede race? Discuss. 2. Do you feel uncomfortable with an Indian-based government running the country? Discuss. 3. Do you believe that the other race (Indian) are: a. Inferior to you? b. superior to you? c. at the same level to you? Discuss. f Group 2: Indian-descent interviewer with a focus group of six people who are identifiably of Indian descent. 1. Does race influence your voting patterns or does the new commandment of Jesus Christ ‘to love one another as I have loved you’ supersede race? Discuss. 2. Do you feel uncomfortable with an African-based government running the country? Discuss. 3. Do you believe that the other race (Indian) are: a. Inferior to you? b. superior to you? c. at the same level to you? Discuss. g Group 3: an interviewer of a mixture of Indian and African race with a focus group of the same mixed race. 1. Does race influence your voting patterns or does the new commandment of Jesus Christ ‘to love one another as I have loved you’ supersede race? Discuss. 2. With which race do you feel uncomfortable to form the government in running the country? (i) an African-based government or (ii) an Indian-based government Discuss. 3. Which of the races (African or Indian) do you believe are: a. Inferior to you? b. superior to you? c. at the same level to you? Discuss. h APPENDIX C – FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEWS Q1 Q1a Q2 Q3a Q3b Q3c Does command- Geogra- Identi- Does Race ment Q3 KeyText phical fiable influence influence discomfort Survey Date Area Ethnicity your vote? your vote? Q1 KeyText with in govt Q2 KeyText a: inferior b: Superior c: same level . Had no problem with the Indian race but with the African government seem to be more trustworthy Does not believe (other race) is superior nor inferior Yes, In current major African not attitude and reckless behaviour of a lot of when compared to the other main party. That is to participant ...we are all at the same level...all of 1 7-Jan-21 1 East A some Indian-based No No same level Descent dominant individuals of that party which comprised that not to say that the participant is a racist but the members of the same human race and believe that instances party government when in power ideologies of the other party is very concerning. we are all created equal. One should vote according to their conviction and ...as long as they serve the people .Makes no Would not consider (self) inferior or superior to African of the candidate’s integrity...If we do as Christ says No (ethnic) 2 7-Jan-21 1 East B No Yes economic sense for voting a government in based No No same level another race. Descent to love one another we will have less conflict in our preference only on race. God created us equal. world . We should look at what can be brought to the table by the potential candidates and choose African No (ethnic) Does not believe that any race is inferior or superior 3 7-Jan-21 1 East C No No accordingly. Choosing only on the basis of race is Agreed with B - (as long as they serve the people) No No same level Descent preference as all the races are at the same level. not an option as we can lose out on a better quality candidate. race does influence voting patterns. Yes, In Listen to friends and family members who are current major No race should feel inferior or superior to the other. African not Recall that there was always issues of corruption 4 7-Jan-21 1 East D some persons of trust and also vote according to race. Indian-based No No same level We all take the same mode of transportation, eat the Descent dominant hanging over the heads of that government instances They do not trust the Indian based to be in party same types food. government. Yes this participant is influenced by voting Also felt uncomfortable with an Indian based Yes, In patterns...because of love of country ... voting Government. No reason to feel inferior or superior. Opportunities African 5 7-Jan-21 1 East E some Yes according to race. Thinks that the African based Indian Have more confidence in an African based No No same level for better education, housing and other comforts are Descent instances party will treat all people fairly. Does not support government. available to all the races. the racial divide outside of the politics . No, cannot Prefers an African based government. Lives in the Yes, In Based on the issues that are brought into the African say have East west corridor and there is the feeling that it All races are equal (no) race is inferior or superior to 6 7-Jan-21 1 East F some public domain by the Indian based party it is Indian No No same level Descent done in the may be easier to approach a representative of that the other instances difficult to not vote for the African based party . past government. due to the race relations that exists in the country the disrespectful comments that are placed in the at this point in time ..feel uncomfortable with public domain makes her feel uncomfortable and No the participant does not believe that Africans are but believes African based government .supports ‘Indian for East Indian that she does not feel that love and caring feeling inferior to her nor does she believe that she is 7 12-Jan-21 1 East A Yes in command- African Indian” in this particular situation utterances (of) No No same level Descent from most members of the other race. superior to anyone. All men are created equal in the ment politicans from the African based party suggests Notwithstanding she believes in the sight of God and therefore are of the same level ...person of that race would be favoured when commandment of Jesus Christ distributing the resources of the State. Additionally instances of ridicule and unfair When an Indian based Government is in power the There was a time when African looked down at East Indian negative comments were cited. This attitude 8 12-Jan-21 1 East B Yes NS African quality of life is better as more programmes were No No same level people of her race due to the way they spoke and Descent made her not trust the integrity of (African) in place to assist the more vulnerable. were considered illiterate .However that is in the past government. i Number Focus Group Participant Q1 Q1a Q2 Q3a Q3b Q3c Does command- Geogra- Identi- Does Race ment Q3 KeyText phical fiable influence influence discomfort Survey Date Area Ethnicity your vote? your vote? Q1 KeyText with in govt Q2 KeyText a: inferior b: Superior c: same level Agreed with A...has been voting for over 25 years African based party tend to focus and develop the East Indian along with her family and is quite satisfied with East west corridor where they have voter support All races are equal. 9 12-Jan-21 1 East C Yes NS African No No same level Descent the Indian base Government when they are in and not on the country as a whole Indian base Does not feel inferior or superior to anyone power Government focus on all Race does not play any part at all in the pattern of voting .As long as the candidate appears to have Because of the structure of governance each citizen East Indian the ability and integrity to carry on its function 10 12-Jan-21 1 East D No NS no preference is given an equal opportunity to excel and move... No No same level Does not feel superior nor inferior to any race. Descent efficiently. At the end of the day we have to put all the social programmes are of benefit to all. country before party and race if we are to grow and develop as a nation. voting pattern is not influenced by race .Although Because of the equal opportunities that are the rest of her family vote according to race ..She East Indian afforded by both Governments it would not be Agrees that all races are equal and does not feel 11 12-Jan-21 1 East E No NS is now a lot more objective and cast her vote no preference No No same level Descent right for either race to claim any clear advantage neither inferior nor superior to any race based on integrity ...whether ... person has the over the other. ability...to carry out the functions of a Minister Race does influence voting patterns. Successive governments ...accused of corruption Does not consider herself a racist but can identify and putting persons who are considered as square East Indian Does not feel neither inferior nor superior to any 12 12-Jan-21 1 East F Yes NS with some of the views put forward by no preference pegs in round hole. Have to trust that whoever No No same level Descent race. participants A,B and C. ends up in office do a job that would benefit the population. race does influence voting ..governments make More comfortable with African based as they seem We all compete to enter the same schools, we work yes, promises that are never fulfilled.. racial slants in to be more trustworthy. Notwithstanding A is 13 15-Jan-21 1 East Mixed A NS Indian No No same level in the same offices, use the same mode of somewhat conversations...by politicians would have uncomfortable with the cronyism and favouritism transportation, can participate in the same sports encourage me to vote according to my race that exists. Civic duty to vote. Voting a right , privilege - in Agrees with A. In addition everyone is given the Of no consequence - Both parties have been many countries persons still cannot vote...scarce opportunity to vote at elections as long as you meet 14 15-Jan-21 1 East Mixed B No NS no preference accused of mismanagement corruption and No No same level resources (mean) governments have to prioritise. the age criteria. believe that I am the same level as cronyism. Race plays no part in voting decision everyone Voting is based on the character of the individual and not skin colour or race -we get the Agree with B - Both parties have been accused of This Participant supports the views of A and B. 15 15-Jan-21 1 East Mixed C No NS government we deserve if we continue to vote no preference mismanagement corruption and cronyism. - not No No same level Everyone is at the same level. The participant is very along racial lines this only fuels the hostility uncmfortable with either race forming Government confident in herself among races (apparent at election time) Totally agrees with the arguments purported by A, B, Does not matter as long as it can govern fairly and 16 15-Jan-21 1 East Mixed D No NS Voting based on level of representation not race No preference No No same level and C. The Human Race was created equally by God. listen to the cries of the people Everyone is at the same level. j Number Focus Group Participant Q1 Q1a Q2 Q3a Q3b Q3c Does command- Geogra- Identi- Does Race ment Q3 KeyText phical fiable influence influence discomfort Survey Date Area Ethnicity your vote? your vote? Q1 KeyText with in govt Q2 KeyText a: inferior b: Superior c: same level Contrary to views put forward by the other In agreement with the other participants. yes, participants, E was of the view that sometimes Ageee with B,C, D - no preference which race-based 17 15-Jan-21 1 East Mixed E NS No preference No No same level As Christians we should be following the teachings of Sometimes race does play a part in voting patterns .did not party governs Christ offer any objective criteria. All races are equal in the sight of God therefore The issue of race should have no place in deciding In total agreement with the views of the other 18 15-Jan-21 1 East Mixed F No Yes voting should not be done based on racial No preference who our government will be. Emphasis is on what No No same level participants. influences will be brought to the table by these parties. All races are of the same level. somewhat - No, but It is for the love for the people, the ability to want although East Indian have to do good for the people of the country, their No (ethnic) All of us are Trini not African, Indian, Chinese, Not at all Not at all 19 27-Jan-21 2 South A commandme same level All of us one race, the Human race Descent suffered wants, their needs and to make a better Trinidad preference Dougla, 1% (No) (No) nt hard to racialism and Tobago. live vote for person who best fit the job. In loving one (Africans) East Indian are stronger another I think I did my duty as one person on No (ethnic) Whoever the people put to lead the country so be No, but 20 27-Jan-21 2 South B No Yes but we (all) same level Nobody better than anybody Descent earth to another in having my faith in them and preference it different are Trinis casting my vote (No) Didn’t vote last election - liked neither party; not a East Indian Challenges self not to be brought in by racial No (ethnic) Not currently an African-based government but a not a racist 21 27-Jan-21 2 South C No Yes racist same level (same level) As humans, Yes Descent biases.. Considers commandment to be greater preference mixture (No) (No) than any racial bias that (resp) may have. Never felt unfairly treated in T&T but it is easier for an African to vote for an Indo party than the Don't vote in Trinidad - international experience unable to No - vote reverse, one can see a spectrum in the Afro-party unable to unable to East Indian taught that Vote is a sacred privelige and cannot No (ethnic) answer 22 27-Jan-21 2 South D on integrity No but questions true diversity in the Indo-based party; answer this answer this all are equal in God's eyes Descent be cast for undeserving candidate Will vote if preference this not on race geographical location in T&T impacts more than question question (such) a candidate is found, regardless of party question race, but (clannish?) mentality drilled into EI children from young must change now Agree that vote should be for individual that can Shouldn’t matter at this point - c ultures are mixed Yes - agree progress the country - voting should not be for so it is a Trinidad culture and we are all Trinidadian East Indian with the No (ethnic) All have been crated by God for God for purpose of 23 27-Jan-21 2 South E No now, but the future of the country, the children, - whoever is put is elected to do best for T&T - No No same level Descent commandme preference where country should progress, not race, gender or we are no longer separate races we are a people greatnessno one is uperior or inferior to anyone else nt age of diversity. Yes -choose East Indian to be No, feel more secure with African - Felt taken Because we are all human beings ...we are all equal. Influenced by past performance of candidate, 24 27-Jan-21 2 South F No obedient to Indian advantage of by fellow East Indians; Africans No No same level As a Christian ...called to love one another and that Descent commandme history of party more willing to help than own race call means ... to love each and everyone. nt k Number Focus Group Participant Q1 Q1a Q2 Q3a Q3b Q3c Does command- Geogra- Identi- Does Race ment Q3 KeyText phical fiable influence influence discomfort Survey Date Area Ethnicity your vote? your vote? Q1 KeyText with in govt Q2 KeyText a: inferior b: Superior c: same level I think about what would Jesus do and.. base my Father's family (indian) is very clannish with I lokat everyone at the same level - I am trying to do 25 16-Jan-21 2 South Mixed A No somewhat Indian No No same level judgement on what is said in the campaign strange customs as Jesus asked Fear what would happen (to non-indians) if an we are all Race never an issue in household- issues, who can indian party were to run the country because of the Easiest question - if we are called to love as Jesus 26 16-Jan-21 2 South Mixed B No one in God's Indian No No same level run the country better cultureshock experienced (since) coming to live in loved, all are equal eyes an Indian area Politics of the oilfields rather than race or religion; Indian Party is predominantly Hindu - different bsic If you respect me I will rspect you - no one is superior 27 16-Jan-21 2 South Mixed C No No who will fight for a bettter life for each and every Indian No No same level philosophy, value system from Christians or inferior although some may think it person Too many allegations of Corruption, money Policies & History - facts; Vote with my conscience - No one is superior or inferior - we are not to judge 28 16-Jan-21 2 South Mixed D No somewhat - Indian running out, hirings and firings in poor taste during No No same level Christianity plays a part but live, be charitable, humble the 2010-15 period yes, but only Usualy policies but Voted for the "lesser of two Indian husband used to say never put an indian Had an experience - Never will think again I am 29 16-Jan-21 2 South Mixed E recently not really evils" because of negative behaviour - politicians Indian No No same level near money inferior or superior to anyone (last pushing a racial agenda election) No, No; not Christianity only current party had the most allegations of corruption, something I only started voting in 2007- issues, comparabilty 30 16-Jan-21 2 South Mixed F never played major Indian- although it exists on both sides, would favour No No same level All are human beings care about to other islands (Barbados) ; a part in based party them less than African in voting decision Not race or competence but past history of Biologicall We all came through the same process, feel the same only current corruption - no accountability, involvement in African Yes, but not family influence; lesser of two evils between y, and as a pain, come from the same God (all homo sapiens - 31 15-Feb-21 2 South (2) A No major Indian- crime, one half of the country becoming very rich, No same level Descent dominant parties, family expectations Christian, based on christian upbringing & bilological/scientific based party the other remains poor; ability is put before character No perspective) Values, stark racial comments, biases and prejudice Fundamental Judeo-Christian belief that all men are Look at the commandment in terms of unity, being only current coming from party leaders during campaign and made in the image & likeness of God and therefore African your brother's keeper, looking out for the poor, 32 15-Feb-21 2 South (2) B No Yes major Indian- encoragement to vote based on race show intent to No No same level respect one another that way Superior/Inferior Descent vulnerable- what Parties have done historically, based party be biased; not the person per se but the political thinking breeds WAR not peace, denies people the what they are offering now influence vote values espoused creates the discomfort. opportunity to be their best self Yes in some Disappointed, We are all equal, created in the image & likeness of Party, leader's history, Christian values, Most don’t ways - not happy Considers question flawed but a victim of racial God but culture of wealth encourages others to African yes, think about Jesus' commandment they have other 33 15-Feb-21 2 South (2) C which is with current profiling tends not to trust - feels uncomfortable No No same level believe they are superior especially those originating Descent somewhat gods. Looks for Christian virtues and philosophy. Christian- major Indian- when practice is not based on Christian values from a caste system - hwever, money & power does Cannot see self under party that serves other gods based? based party not make you better than anyone l Number Focus Group Participant Q1 Q1a Q2 Q3a Q3b Q3c Does command- Geogra- Identi- Does Race ment Q3 KeyText phical fiable influence influence discomfort Survey Date Area Ethnicity your vote? your vote? Q1 KeyText with in govt Q2 KeyText a: inferior b: Superior c: same level not but not economically - Indians seem to move ahead uncomfortabl Change is an uncomfortable thing - but people , as employers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors; No, try not Party history, what they are offering, past track African yes, e with any their value systems - what they stand for influence acquire assets more easily; Africans seem to spend 34 15-Feb-21 2 South (2) D to vote on record, propsals for future who best can run the No No same level Descent somewhat ethnicity how you deal with them - facts are facts , the truth more, save less then have to go to Indians for a job, race country (no will set you free loan; this pushes societal friction - we are all equal preference) but behave differently Treat everyone as would like to be treated; look at One race - Human - all made in image & likeness of leaders and how they respect others; look at the Current govt is neither African or Indian God. Different teachings how brought up, what is in No, not not African abundance principle to see which party has the Power as a motivator is what brings discomfort; you as a person and what comes out of your mouth 35 15-Feb-21 2 South (2) E how life Yes comfortable No No same level Descent good of the country at heart; fearful of and vote fight for power can result in being worse off than that can never be taken back. People are people and lived with question against anybody/party who wants to be elected Venezuela it takes all kinds to make up the world, we all have a based on power part to play Unfortunately cultural exposure and past gov'ts No, don't Did not previously vote - was out of country; All made in image and likeness of God - may behave No, cannot Indian - have proven that they stick to their own regardless see my would vote for who would do the greater good; differntly because of socialisation whether cutural, African say have history has when asked to choose sides; Ethnicity is put before 36 15-Feb-21 2 South (2) F choices the one more likely to follow the Christian values No No same level religious, or local;Will call out bad behaviour Descent done in the shown reason truth, facts or circumstances. Was always present based on and look afer everyone rather than one particular wherever it is seen - I deserve the same treatment past to be so but became overt with "Is we time now" since race ethnic group you would want me to reciprocate to you Panday won and has not changed African No (ethnic) 37 6-Mar-21 3 West A No NS Once they do what's right for country No No same level All God's children (neither inferior or superior) Descent preference African one will have to be blind not to see it is the way No (ethnic) Exactly - All God's children (neither inferior or 38 6-Mar-21 3 West B No NS Once they do what's right for country No No same level Descent (it) goes in TT preference superior) African No (ethnic) 39 6-Mar-21 3 West C No NS Once they do what's right for country No No same level Descent preference 40 6-Mar-21 3 West African No (ethnic) Descent D No NS preference Once they do what's right for country No No same level East Indian No, never Issues in the country, who best in my opinion to No (ethnic) All of us are Trini not African, Indian, Chinese, 41 6-Mar-21 3 West A No thought of it Not at all Not at all same level All of us one race, the Human race Descent rule preference Dougla, 1% in politics (Africans) East Indian Who is best able - I don’t bring Jesus into politics - No (ethnic) Whoever the people put to lead the country so be No, but are stronger 42 6-Mar-21 3 West B No No same level Nobody better than anybody Descent no Christian Party preference it different but we (all) are Trinis No don’t No - Neither East Indian vote for No (ethnic) Not at all - cool with whoever ...once they put a not a 43 6-Mar-21 3 West C Party is If (one Party) doing nonsense will vote the othe r not a racist same level (same level) As humans, Yes Descent people, but preference good person racist Christian Party No - politics East Indian When Panday was in power, Indians got a better No (ethnic) All of is are Trinidadian - no problem with that. No this is 44 6-Mar-21 3 West D Yes for elections, I am me same level all are equal in God's eyes Descent chance in the country preference Some of my family married to Africans T&T not religion m Number Focus Group Participant Q1 Q1a Q2 Q3a Q3b Q3c Does command- Geogra- Identi- Does Race ment Q3 KeyText phical fiable influence influence discomfort Survey Date Area Ethnicity your vote? your vote? Q1 KeyText with in govt Q2 KeyText a: inferior b: Superior c: same level No we are No one East Indian No (ethnic) Once the person honest they could be Chinese, 45 6-Mar-21 3 West E No No neither race nor religion influence my vote all in the superior to same level All of us bleed red if you cut us Descent preference dougla, whoever same boat anyone No, don’t mix East Indian We racially in politics, but it is different in the No (ethnic) Not a concern - we mix up - I like cow-heel soup I see no one as inferior nor superior -if level means 46 6-Mar-21 3 West F No politics & No No same level Descent west - we vote PNM (party not race) preference and provision human beings then yes we are all children of God religion 47 6-Mar-21 3 West Mixed A No NS Indian No No same level 48 6-Mar-21 3 West Mixed B No NS Indian No No same level Some Indians feel superior to Africans. (Ethnic Terms) 49 6-Mar-21 3 West Mixed C No NS Indian No No same level not liked - all are Trinbagonians, God's children 50 6-Mar-21 3 West Mixed D No NS no preference Neither - Doesn’t Matter No No same level Agreed with C: all are Trinbagonians, God's children 51 6-Mar-21 3 West Mixed E No NS no preference Neither - Doesn’t Matter No No same level Agreed with C: all are Trinbagonians, God's children n Number Focus Group Participant 4/13/2021 ChrisAtiaPnitPy &E CNultDureI iXn T rDinid ad & Tobago Christianity & Culture in Trinidad & Tobago Are Christian Belief systems affected by differing cultural norms among the two main ethnic groups in the population? * Required 1. Are you Christian? If your answer is yes, please go to the next question. If no, or no affiliation, please state your religion (or other belief system) below, and thank you for your participation. * 2. Please tell us to what Christian Denomination you belong: * 3. In what city/town/area do you reside? * 4. What is your gender? * • Mark only one oval. ,,,,...--..,........ ( ) Female ""·· .,/ .. h ttps://docs.google.c-om/forms/d1/ 5RCGNqjUicvOWY26obvU10fN kT2uoHzZ34TDhawaCWs/edit?ts=5fa9be98 1/4 o p q If no, or no affiliation, please state your religion (or other belief Questionnaire Results - Christianity and Culture 24-Mar-21 If yes or somewhat, what influences do you think guide your choice? Please rank in order Appendix E system) below, and thank you for your participation. of importance. Are you Are you a Christian? If Please tell us to Geogra- In what city/ What is What is your Please tick all that may Are you supporter of AM/ your answer is what Christian What is your If you are required to vote in the next election, Date Time phical town/area do your Cultural apply if of "Mixed currently any political PM yes, please go Denomination you age group? what do you think will influence your vote? Areal you reside? gender? Ethnicity? Heritage" employed? party or to the next belong: group? question. PM 23-Nov-20 9:43:18 1 AST Yes Presbyterian South San Fernando Male 31-40 Indian heritage Yes Somewhat 2 1 1 3 3 3 Current Issues PM African 19-Feb-21 5:31:54 2 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Maloney Female 31-40 Yes Somewhat 2 2 2 2 1 2 Longstanding Issues heritage PM African 19-Feb-21 5:37:12 3 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Maloney Female 21-30 Yes Yes 4 5 5 5 5 5 Longstanding Issues heritage PM 19-Feb-21 5:41:28 4 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Female 31-40 Mixed Heritage NS Yes No 5 5 5 5 5 2 Longstanding Issues PM African 19-Feb-21 5:49:08 5 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Maloney Male 31-40 Yes Yes 3 1 2 1 2 3 Party Affiliation heritage PM Unemployed 19-Feb-21 5:50:47 6 AST Yes Roman Catholic East D'Abadie Female 21-30 Mixed Heritage NS Somewhat 4 1 1 4 4 4 Current Issues Job Seeker PM 19-Feb-21 5:57:47 7 AST Yes Roman Catholic East D'Abadie Female over 60 Mixed Heritage NS Retired No 5 5 5 5 5 2 Current Issues PM 19-Feb-21 6:00:03 8 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Curepe Female Under 21 Indian heritage Yes No 3 3 2 3 3 3 Longstanding Issues PM Unemployed 19-Feb-21 6:00:26 9 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Male 21-30 Mixed Heritage African, Chinese, Indian No 3 3 3 3 3 1 Current Issues Job Seeker PM 19-Feb-21 6:08:23 10 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Maloney Female over 60 Mixed Heritage NS Retired No 5 5 5 5 5 2 Current Issues PM African 19-Feb-21 6:22:03 11 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Male 31-40 Yes Somewhat 5 5 5 2 2 1 Current Issues heritage PM Christian Unemployed 19-Feb-21 6:33:59 12 AST Yes East D'Abadie Female 31-40 Mixed Heritage NS Yes 1 2 1 1 2 1 Current Issues (unspecified) Job Seeker PM 19-Feb-21 6:35:58 13 AST Yes Roman Catholic East D'Abadie Female Under 21 Mixed Heritage NS Other No 1 2 5 5 5 3 Underaged PM African 19-Feb-21 6:50:55 14 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Male 31-40 Yes Somewhat 5 5 5 2 2 1 Current Issues heritage PM 19-Feb-21 7:02:38 15 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Female 21-30 Indian heritage Yes No 3 4 4 4 4 1 Longstanding Issues PM Unemployed 19-Feb-21 7:05:19 16 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arouca Female 21-30 Mixed Heritage African, Other NS Somewhat 4 1 1 3 3 2 Current Issues Job Seeker PM Unemployed 19-Feb-21 7:43:32 17 AST Yes Roman Catholic East D'Abadie Female 41-50 Indian heritage No 3 3 3 3 3 1 Longstanding Issues Job Seeker PM 19-Feb-21 9:59:21 18 AST Yes Roman Catholic East D'Abadie Female over 60 Mixed Heritage African, European Retired Somewhat 3 2 3 3 3 2 Party Affiliation PM African 19-Feb-21 10:02:43 19 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Maloney Female over 60 Yes Yes 3 3 3 3 5 3 Current Issues heritage PM African 19-Feb-21 10:55:17 20 AST Yes Roman Catholic East D'Abadie Female 31-40 Other No 3 3 5 5 5 1 Current Issues heritage PM African 19-Feb-21 11:03:21 21 AST Yes Methodist West Port of Spain Female 51-60 Yes Yes 2 4 4 2 4 1 Current Issues heritage PM African 20-Feb-21 2:17:38 22 AST Yes Methodist East D'Abadie Female over 60 Retired Somewhat 4 4 2 4 4 4 Current Issues heritage r Response # Current Issues Manifesto of Opposing Party/ Group Manifesto of Affiliate Party/Group Where you reside/were born Ethnic identification Family Tradition If no, or no affiliation, please state your religion (or other belief Questionnaire Results - Christianity and Culture 24-Mar-21 If yes or somewhat, what influences do you think guide your choice? Please rank in order system) below, and thank you for your participation. of importance. Are you Are you a Christian? If Please tell us to Geogra- In what city/ What is What is your Please tick all that may Are you supporter of AM/ your answer is what Christian What is your phical town/area do your Cultural apply if of "Mixed currently any political If you are required to vote in the next election, Date Time PM yes, please go Denomination you age group? Areal you reside? gender? Ethnicity? Heritage" employed? party or what do you think will influence your vote? to the next belong: group? question. PM African Unemployed 20-Feb-21 3:06:40 23 AST Yes Roman Catholic East St.Joseph Female 21-30 Somewhat 3 2 2 2 4 5 Longstanding Issues heritage Job Seeker PM African 20-Feb-21 3:11:33 24 AST Yes Methodist East D'Abadie Female 31-40 Yes Yes 3 2 4 5 5 1 Longstanding Issues heritage PM African, Amerindian, 20-Feb-21 7:00:21 25 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Champs Fleurs Female over 60 Mixed Heritage Retired No 1 1 1 1 1 1 Current Issues European, Indian PM 20-Feb-21 7:58:51 26 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Male over 60 Mixed Heritage NS Retired Yes 1 1 1 4 4 4 Longstanding Issues AM African 20-Feb-21 8:13:11 27 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Tunapuna Male 41-50 Yes Somewhat 1 2 3 2 3 1 Longstanding Issues heritage PM 21-Feb-21 7:43:35 28 AST Yes Roman Catholic East Arima Female 21-30 Mixed Heritage NS Other No 1 3 4 1 1 3 Current Issues PM African 21-Feb-21 8:57:17 29 AST Yes Methodist West Port of Spain Female over 60 Retired Somewhat 1 2 1 3 3 5 Current Issues heritage PM African 21-Feb-21 9:55:27 30 AST Yes Methodist East San Juan Female Under 21 Other Yes 4 4 1 4 3 4 Party Affiliation heritage PM African Combination of Current Issues and Party 21-Feb-21 11:21:00 31 AST Yes Methodist East Arima Female 41-50 Yes Yes 3 2 1 4;5 5 4 heritage Affiliation AM African 21-Feb-21 12:18:37 32 AST Yes Methodist East Trincity Female over 60 Retired Yes 5 5 4 4 3 5 Current Issues heritage AM African 21-Feb-21 12:27:36 33 AST Yes Methodist East Trincity Female over 60 Retired Yes 3 3 3 4 3 5 Current Issues heritage A new political party that is firm about PM African change in this country and is will to work for 23-Feb-21 1:37:52 34 AST Yes Pentecostal South Gasparillo Female 21-30 Yes No 1 1 1 1 1 5 heritage the people and not to make their pockets fatter. AM Yes Spiritual Baptist East Arima Female Under 21 African 23-Feb-21 10:43:53 35 AST Yes Somewhat 1 1 1 2 1 2 Longstanding Issues heritage AM 23-Feb-21 10:50:26 36 AST Yes Spiritual Baptist East Arima Female 51-60 Mixed Heritage NS Yes No 1 1 3 3 3 3 Do not know if i will vote PM African 23-Feb-21 12:21:06 37 AST Yes Spiritual Baptist South Fyzabad Female 31-40 Yes No 1 1 1 1 1 1 Current Issues heritage PM African 24-Feb-21 1:55:48 38 AST Yes Methodist East San Juan Female over 60 Retired Yes 5 5 5 2 3 1 Current Issues heritage PM Church of the African 25-Feb-21 10:57:23 39 AST Yes West Diego Martin Male 41-50 Yes Yes 5 5 5 1 5 1 Policies and Leadership Strategy Nazarene heritage PM Church of the African Unemployed 27-Feb-21 12:28:09 40 AST Yes West St. James Female 41-50 No 3 3 5 5 5 1 Longstanding Issues Nazarene heritage Job Seeker Both current and longstanding issues as well as PM Church of the African 27-Feb-21 12:36:43 41 AST Yes East San Juan Female 41-50 Yes Somewhat 1 1 1 5 3 4 perceived capability of party to govern in an Nazarene heritage ethical manner. PM Church of the 1-Mar-21 6:22:14 42 AST Yes West St. James Female 51-60 Mixed Heritage NS Yes Somewhat 1 2 1 5 5 5 Current Issues Nazarene s Response # Current Issues Manifesto of Opposing Party/ Group Manifesto of Affiliate Party/Group Where you reside/were born Ethnic identification Family Tradition If no, or no affiliation, please state your religion (or other belief Questionnaire Results - Christianity and Culture 24-Mar-21 If yes or somewhat, what influences do you think guide your choice? Please rank in order system) below, and thank you for your participation. of importance. Are you Are you a Christian? If Please tell us to Geogra- In what city/ What is What is your Please tick all that may Are you supporter of AM/ your answer is what Christian What is your Date Time phical town/area do your Cultural apply if of "Mixed currently any political If you are required to vote in the next election, PM yes, please go Denomination you age group? Areal you reside? gender? Ethnicity? Heritage" employed? party or what do you think will influence your vote? to the next belong: group? question. AM Church of the African 9-Mar-21 8:28:53 43 AST Yes East Arima Male 31-40 Yes Somewhat 2 4 4 5 5 5 Current Issues Nazarene heritage PM Seventh-day African 17-Mar-21 4:49:47 44 AST Yes East Curepe Male 51-60 Yes Somewhat 2 2 1 3 3 3 Longstanding Issues Adventist (SDA) heritage PM Seventh-day African 17-Mar-21 8:55:59 45 AST Yes East San Juan Female 41-50 Yes Yes 3 1 1 4 1 4 Party Affiliation Adventist (SDA) heritage PM African 17-Mar-21 9:27:47 46 AST Yes Moravian East Arima Female 51-60 Yes Somewhat 2 3 3 1 1 3 Party Affiliation heritage AM 18-Mar-21 7:18:01 47 AST Yes Moravian East Trinidad Female 41-50 Mixed Heritage Yes Yes 5 5 5 2 2 2 Current Issues PM Seventh-day African 18-Mar-21 12:15:50 48 AST Yes East Tunapuna Female 41-50 Yes Yes 1 5 2 3 5 1 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) heritage PM Seventh-day African 18-Mar-21 1:48:33 49 AST Yes East Arouca Female 31-40 Yes No 3 1 1 1 1 4 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) heritage PM Seventh-day South/Cent 18-Mar-21 1:57:05 50 AST Yes Couva Female 51-60 Indian heritage Yes Somewhat 4 2 2 3 4 4 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) ral PM Seventh-day ... Longstanding issues, other aspects such a s 18-Mar-21 2:24:36 51 AST Yes East Arima Male 31-40 Indian heritage Yes Somewhat 5 5 5 1 1 1 Adventist (SDA) holidays traditions rituals etc. PM Seventh-day African 18-Mar-21 3:32:29 52 AST Yes East St. Augustine Male over 60 Yes No 4 5 5 2 3 1 Never Voted, Will not vote Adventist (SDA) heritage PM Seventh-day 18-Mar-21 3:48:42 53 AST Yes East Arima Female 51-60 Indian heritage Yes No 1 1 1 1 1 5 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) PM Seventh-day African 18-Mar-21 4:22:22 54 AST Yes East Arouca Male 21-30 Yes Yes 5 5 5 5 4 1 Party Affiliation Adventist (SDA) heritage PM African 18-Mar-21 7:13:23 55 AST Yes Moravian East Arima Female 51-60 Yes Somewhat 2 3 2 1 1 3 Longstanding Issues heritage PM Seventh-day South/Cent 18-Mar-21 9:38:24 56 AST Yes Claxton Bay Female over 60 Indian heritage Retired Yes 1 1 1 5 2;4 5 Longstanding Issues Adventist (SDA) ral AM Seventh-day South/Cent 19-Mar-21 8:27:31 57 AST Yes Couva Male 31-40 Indian heritage Yes Somewhat 2 1 1 4 4 5 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) ral AM Seventh-day 19-Mar-21 8:59:32 58 AST Yes South Siparia Male 51-60 Indian heritage Yes Somewhat 1 2 1 3 3 5 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) AM Anglican (Anglo- 19-Mar-21 11:09:35 59 AST Yes East Arouca Female 31-40 Mixed Heritage Yes Somewhat 3 1 3 4 4 5 Longstanding Issues Catholic) AM African 19-Mar-21 11:24:24 60 AST Yes Moravian East Sangre Grande Female 31-40 Yes Somewhat 1;3 1;3 3 5 5 2;3 Current Issues heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 12:06:14 61 AST Yes East Trincity Female 41-50 Yes Somewhat 4 1 1 4 4 4 Current Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- 19-Mar-21 12:19:29 62 AST Yes East Tacarigua Male 31-40 Mixed Heritage Yes Yes 4 1 4 5 5 5 Longstanding Issues Catholic) PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 12:45:47 63 AST Yes East Arouca Female 41-50 Yes Somewhat 2 2 3 2 3 1 Current Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- 19-Mar-21 12:49:13 64 AST Yes East Arouca Female over 60 Indian heritage Retired Yes 5 5 5 5 5 1;2 Longstanding Issues Catholic) t Response # Current Issues Manifesto of Opposing Party/ Group Manifesto of Affiliate Party/Group Where you reside/were born Ethnic identification Family Tradition PM Anglican (Anglo- 19-Mar-21 12:49:23 65 AST Yes East Arouca Female over 60 Indian heritage Retired Yes 5 5 5 5 5 1;2 Longstanding Issues Catholic) PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 12:52:27 66 AST Yes West Diego Martin Male 51-60 Yes Yes 3 3 3 1 3 1 Longstanding Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 1:01:20 67 AST Yes East Trincity Female over 60 Retired No 3 2 3 1 2 2 Current Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- South/Cent 19-Mar-21 1:04:31 68 AST Yes Chaguanas Female 21-30 Mixed Heritage African, Indian Yes Yes 2 2 2 1 1 1 Current Issues Catholic) ral PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 1:41:03 69 AST Yes West Port of Spain Female 21-30 Yes Yes 1 1 1 5 5 5 Current Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 2:00:11 70 AST Yes West St. James Female 21-30 Yes Somewhat 4 3 4 1 1 1 Party Affiliation Catholic) heritage Anglican (Anglo- The reps' performance (re) current , PM African, European, 19-Mar-21 2:46:56 71 AST Yes West Port of Spain Female 41-50 Mixed Heritage Yes Somewhat 1 1 1 1 1 3 contextual issues , stewardship of resources... Catholic) Indian, Indigenous Attitude, relationship with opposing voices PM Anglican (Anglo- 19-Mar-21 3:05:00 72 AST Yes East Arima Female 41-50 Mixed Heritage Yes Somewhat 4 4 4 1 4 4 Performance of the Government Catholic) PM Anglican (Anglo- 19-Mar-21 4:33:56 73 AST Yes East Champs Fleurs Female 31-40 Mixed Heritage Yes Yes 1 4 4 2 2 3 Current Issues Catholic) PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 9:26:48 74 AST Yes East Tacarigua Female over 60 Yes Somewhat 5 5 5 2 2 1 Current Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- African 19-Mar-21 10:48:25 75 AST Yes East Trincity Female over 60 Retired Yes 1 1 3 1 1 1 Party Affiliation Catholic) heritage AM Anglican (Anglo- African, Chinese, 20-Mar-21 7:19:30 76 AST Yes West Diego Martin Female 51-60 Mixed Heritage European, Latin Yes Yes 3 3 3 1 1 2 Longstanding Issues Catholic) AM Anglican (Anglo- African 21-Mar-21 6:51:37 77 AST Yes East D'Abadie Female over 60 Retired Yes 3 4 4 2 4 1 Longstanding Issues Catholic) heritage AM Anglican (Anglo- African 22-Mar-21 10:51:40 78 AST Yes East Trincity Female over 60 Retired Yes 1 1 5 3 3 1 Longstanding Issues Catholic) heritage PM Anglican (Anglo- African 22-Mar-21 6:41:13 79 AST Yes East Tacarigua Female 41-50 Yes Yes 2 3 3 1 2 2 Longstanding Issues Catholic) heritage PM Seventh-day African 23-Mar-21 9:20:17 80 AST Yes East St Joseph Male 31-40 Yes No 3 3 3 2 2 1 Current Issues Adventist (SDA) heritage u APPENDIX F LITRATURE REVIEW THE LAW “⁴³You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:43-48). v APPENDIX G LITERATURE REVIEW THE WOMAN AT THE WELL ⁵So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. ⁶Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. ⁷A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” ⁸(His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) ⁹The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) ¹⁰Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” ¹¹The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? ¹²Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” ¹³Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” ¹⁵The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water” (John. 4:5-15). w APPENDIX H LITERATURE REVIEW JESUS EXORCISES A DEMON FROM THE CHILD OF A SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN ²⁴From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, ²⁵but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. ²⁶Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁸But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” ²⁹Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” ³⁰So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone (Mark. 7: 24-30). x APPENDIX I Table 1: Focus Group Summary Ethnicity East West South Total African 6 4 6 16 Indian 6 6 6 18 Mixed 6 5 6 17 Total 18 15 18 51 A APPENDIX J Table 2: Q1 Does Race Influence Voting Pattens? Yes No Sometimes East African 4 2 4 Indian 0 2 0 Mixed 1 4 1 West African 0 4 0 Indian 1 5 0 Mixed 0 5 0 South African 0 6 0 Indian 0 6 0 Mixed 1 5 0 Total 7 39 5 Percentage 13.7% 76.5% 9.8% B APPENDIX K Table 3: Q1 New Commandment Influence Voting? Yes No Not Sure East African 2 4 0 Indian 1 0 5 Mixed 1 0 5 West African 0 0 4 Indian 0 6 0 Mixed 0 0 5 South African 1 4 1 Indian 5 1 0 Mixed 2 4 0 Total 12 19 20 Percentage 23.5% 37.3% 39.2% C APPENDIX L Table 4: Q2 Which Party (Indo-Based, African-Based, Mixed, No Preference) Are You Uncomfortable With As Government? Race/ Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort No No No No No No Ethnicity of with with with with Preference Preference Preference Preference Preference Comment Area Participant (1) (2) (3) No Response (1) (2) (3) (5) (7) (8) Total Corrupt No Trust Value System but but but but but Practices Different Service Structure of Does not Value All Governance - matter System Trinis Opportunity East African Indo-Based 1 Neither Descent African Indo-Based Neither Descent African Indo-Based Descent Indian Afro-Based Neither Descent Indian Afro-Based Neither Descent Indian Afro-Based Neither Descent Mixed Indo-Based Neither Neither Mixed Neither Neither Mixed Neither Sub-Total 1 6 1 5 5 18 East D Table 4: Q2 Which Party (Indo-Based, African-Based, Mixed, No Preference) Are You Uncomfortable With As Government? Area Race/ Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort No No No No No No Total Ethnicity of With with with with Preference Preference Preference Preference Preference Comment Participant (1) (2) (3) No Response (1) (2) (3) (5) (7) (8) Corrupt No Trust Value System but but but but but Practices Different Service Structure of Does not Value All Governance - matter System Trinis Opportunity West African Neither Descent African Neither Descent African Neither Descent African Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Mixed Indo-Based Mixed Indo-Based Mixed Indo-Based Mixed Neither Mixed Neither Sub-Total 3 7 3 2 15 West E Table 4: Q2 Which Party (Indo-Based, African-Based, Mixed, No Preference) Are You Uncomfortable With As Government? Race/ Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort No No No No No No Area Ethnicity of With with with with Preference Preference Preference Preference Preference Comment Participant (1) (2) (3) No Response (1) (2) but (3) (5) (7) (8) Total Corrupt No Trust Value System but Structure of but but but Practices Different Service Governance - Does not Value All Opportunity matter System Trinis South African Indo-based Descent African Indo-based Descent African Indo-based Descent African Neither Descent African Neither Descent African Indo-based Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Neither Descent Indian Indo-based Descent Mixed Indo-based Mixed Indo-based Mixed Indo-based Mixed Indo-based Mixed Indo-based Mixed Indo-based Sub-Total South 4 2 5 3 3 1 18 F Table 4: Q2 Which Party (Indo-Based, African-Based, Mixed, No Preference) Are You Uncomfortable With As Government? Race/ Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort Discomfort No No No No No No Area Ethnicity of with with with with Preference Preference Preference Preference Preference Comment (1) (2) (3) No Response (1) (2) (3) (5) (7) (8) Total Participant Corrupt No Trust Value System but but but but but Practices Different Service Structure of Does not Value All Governance - matter System Trinis Opportunity Sub-Total 1 6 1 5 5 18 East Sub-Total 3 7 3 2 15 West Sub-Total South 4 2 5 3 3 1 18 TOTAL 3 5 8 5 1 12 5 3 3 4 2 51 G APPENDIX M Table 5- Summary of Matrix at Table 4 African Indian None No response East African 0 4 2 0 Indian 3 0 3 0 Mixed 0 1 5 0 West African 0 0 4 0 Indian 0 0 6 0 Mixed 0 3 2 0 South African 0 4 1 1 Indian 0 0 6 0 Mixed 0 6 0 0 Total 3 18 29 1 Percentage 5.9% 35.3% 56.9% 1.9 H APPENDIX N Table 6: Q3 What Are The Beliefs Of The Other Race To You? Inferior or Superior? THEMES Area All Created Many opportunities Equal but behave Respect Iliterate Equally (education, different (In the past) TOTAL socialisation, cultural, religion East African Descent African Descent African Descent African Descent African Descent African Descent Indian Descent Indian Descent Indian Descent Indian Descent Indian Descent Indian Descent Mixed Mixed Mixed Mixed Mixed Mixed Sub-Total East 12 5 1 18 I APPENDIX O Table 7: Questionnaire Sample Summary Ethnicity East West South Total African 37 7 2 46 Indian 7 0 5 12 Mixed 18 3 1 22 Total 62 10 8 80 J APPENDIX P Table 8: Christian Denomination Summary Denomination Ethnicity Total African Indian Mixed Anglican 11 2 7 20 Christian 0 0 1 1 Nazarene 4 0 1 5 Methodist 9 0 0 9 Moravian 3 0 1 4 Pentecostal 1 0 0 1 Presbyterian 0 1 0 1 Roman Catholic 9 3 11 23 Seventh-Day Adventist 7 6 0 13 Spiritual Baptist 2 0 1 3 Total 46 12 22 80 K APPENDIX Q Table 9: Gender Summary Gender East West South Total Female 50 8 5 63 Male 12 2 3 17 Total 62 10 8 80 L APPENDIX R Table 10: Age Group Summary Age Group East West South Total 21-30 8 2 2 12 31-40 16 3 19 41-50 11 3 14 51-60 5 4 2 11 Over 60 18 1 1 20 Under 21 4 4 Total 62 10 8 80 M APPENDIX S Table 11: Cultural Ethnicity Cultural Ethnicity East West South Total African Heritage 37 7 2 46 Indian Heritage 7 5 12 European Heritage Chinese Heritage Mixed Heritage 18 3 1 22 Amerindian Indigenous Latin American Total 62 10 8 80 N APPENDIX T Table 12: Factors that Influence choice of Political Parties 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Primary Family Ethic Where you Manifesto of Manifesto of Current Influence Tradition Identification reside/were Affiliate Opposing Issues by born Party/Group Party Ethnicity Party/Group African 10 11 12 12 10 21 Mixed 9 8 7 7 5 4 Indian 3 4 5 2 2 3 O APPENDIX U Table 13: Factors that will Influence Vote for Next Election Summary Influence of Vote East West South Total Current Issues 28 4 5 37 Party Affiliation 7 1 8 Current Issues and Party Affiliation 1 1 Longstanding Issues 20 3 2 25 Longstanding Issues plus traditions, such as, holidays traditions rituals 1 1 Current Issues and Longstanding Issues plus perceived capability of party to govern in ethical manner 1 1 New political party willing to work for people 1 1 Not sure if will vote 1 1 Will not vote 1 1 Policies and Leadership strategy 1 1 Performance, contextual issues, stewardship of resources, attitude, relationship with opposing voices 1 1 Performance of Government 1 1 Underaged 1 1 Total 62 10 8 80 P