Pray for Trinidad and Tobago

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago is among the Caribbean’s higher-income nations as a result of petroleum and natural gas production. Composed of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago lies at the southern end of the Caribbean. Endless waterfalls dot the islands, framed by coastal mountains. Much of the population traces its ancestry to Africa, descending from formerly enslaved people. Indentured laborers from India were recruited to work on plantations through the early 20th century. This diversity is celebrated to this day with the national motto: “Together we aspire, together we achieve.”

But underneath this promise of unity, there are fractures. Women experience a high rate of inequality and violence. Young people who struggle to find jobs have an increased risk of gang involvement in certain communities. Crime, including homicide and drug trafficking, is common in certain urban areas, especially around Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago has a well-developed healthcare and sanitation system. However, people living in lower-income communities may have more difficulty accessing these services.

Trinidad and Tobago is also religiously diverse. Christianity is the largest faith — with Protestants making up about 30 percent of the population and Roman Catholics at 20 percent — and Evangelical and Pentecostal churches have seen rapid growth in recent years. At the same time, communities of East Indian descent have introduced Hinduism and Islam to the nation. Other islanders blend traditional African beliefs with Christian practices. This mix of religions is often included as part of regular classes in public and private schools. Diverse religious teaching and belief hinder the spread of Gospel truth. Pray for biblical doctrine to reign in Trinidad and Tobago.