.svg) | |
 The first Sikh Prime Minister of India. Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 300 | |
| Religions | |
| Sikhism | |
| Languages | |
| Punjabi • English |
Sikhs are a religious minority in Trinidad and Tobago. There is estimated to be no more than 300 Sikhs living in Trinidad and Tobago, with most residing in Port of Spain.[1]
History
edit19th Century
editThe first Sikh to arrive in Trinidad was Hem Raj Singh, a former British Army soldier who came as an indentured labourer after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. [2]Later, in the 1860s, more Sikh soldiers arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, and by 1877, they had established the first Sikh Gurdwara in the region, marking it as the first Gurdwara in the Western Hemisphere.[3]
Hem Raj Singh, who became a Sikh leader was soon followed by other Sikh members Bhuta Singh, Sarwan Singh, Lal Singh and Jogie Singh.[2]
In 1880, a Sikh Gurdwara was built on the Orange Grove Estate in the Eastern Main Tunapuna.[2]
In 1883, further Sikhs arrived in Trinidad on the SS Jura ship.[2]
20th Century
editIn 2009, Gursharan Kaur visited the Trinidad Gurdwara with her daughter. [4]
Demographics
edit- In 2013, it was estimated to be 10 Sikh families living in Port of Spain.[5]
- In 2024, there are estimated to be 300 Sikhs living in Trinidad and Tobago. [1]
Gurdwara
edit- Gurudwara Sahib Trinidad and Tobago in El Dorado, Trinidad and Tobago
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "The Sikhs of Trinidad". Ira Mathur.
- ^ a b c d Taylor, Patrick (2013). The Encyclopedia of Caribbean Religions. University of Illinois Press. p. 318. ISBN 9780252094330.
- ^ Hansra, Harkirat. Liberty at Stake. p. 60. ISBN 9780595432226.
- ^ "Trinidad's lone gurudwara to receive Gursharan Kaur". Hindustan Times. 27 November 2009.
- ^ "Diaspora determined to keep Indian culture, traditions alive in Trinidad". DNA India. 19 November 2013.