The island group of Trinidad and Tobago is one of the better-known countries in the Caribbean.

Yet behind the smiling faces of its people lie dark truths about Trinidad’s youth. 

In 2022, Trinidad’s population got riled up when news of abused children reemerged amidst more current revelations of similar abuse and coverups.

From 1997 to now, the government is still looking for a report unveiling atrocities enacted upon minors in a faith-based children’s home.

The so-called investigations leave much to be desired. 

Child Abuse Covered Up And Ignored In Trinidad

During the 1990s, several minors who entered government-run and funded children’s homes were abhorrently abused by those who were supposed to protect and help them.

This included an overseer nun, Sister Xavier, who allegedly committed some of the most brutal acts of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse against the girls. She died in 2020.

And, to be sure, there have been other reports of children brutalized in child care homes and support centers on the island.

Why are there not severe consequences for the perpetrators as of yet? 

Not even one arrest was made. 

The 1997 Sabga report, which reportedly details the horrific events which occurred, still hasn’t been found, and so the perpetrators got away with abuse as well as grooming of children for politicians and prominent businesspeople… and fraud. 

One member of the six-member Sabga task force who helped compile the report revealed just how deep the corruption went, claiming: 

“We were advised that a copy be sent to the then-Social Development Minister and told to destroy the copies we had. Several high-profile persons were implicated when we conducted interviews, including nuns and businessmen. Racism was also uncovered at some of these homes. It was toxic. The homes were failing their charges and financial impropriety was rampant.”

The report detailed the sexual abuse of between 30 and 40 children by a former male employee, verbal abuse, and what amounted to the torture of children. Names were given, but no one was punished.

The Catholic Church as well as an Archbishop who was consulted both scurried away from the situation, saying they had been unable to act due to a lack of authority.

They were the ones who sent some of the abusers to the homes.

Much of the country is tormented knowing such abuse will continue since current leaders are treating similar new reports, including the Judith Jones report, the very same way — by doing nothing. 

One report of a boy who was brutally sodomized while in need of care came into the hands of Mrs. Ayanna Webster-Roy in the Office of the Prime Minister last year. Since then, nothing has happened despite her supposed “heartbreak” over the situation.

In many instances, authorities receive the go-ahead to take action, but for some reason, did not follow through.

Instead, political sides are pointing fingers at each other, and one institution has even filed a defamation lawsuit against conclusions made in the Judith Jones Committee report.

It’s a mess made by adults. Meanwhile, the children continue to suffer.

Other issues plague the island, too: 

Poverty Sets The Stage For Discrimination and Violence

Trinidad’s 4.1% unemployment rate in 2020 was less than Canada’s and Australia’s. However, the 1,000 persons deemed “multidimensionally poor,” as well as the 51,0000 who are vulnerable to poverty, are at major risk.

Vulnerability to poverty equals vulnerability to discrimination, lower income potential, and more unsanitary living conditions.

Additionally, those living in poverty are more likely to have housing in areas prone to increase crime and violence. 

The Impact of High Violence and Crime Rates on Trinidad’s Youth

Trinidad’s crime rates have been consistently increasing over the years. In 2017, the country received 71 reports of sexual-related offenses. In 2020, there were 399 reported murders. 

As of 2022, Trinidad has the sixth highest crime rate in the world at 71.63 per 100,000 people.

These incidence rates have led to the creation of several organizations.

But is it enough?

Homophobia and The Effects on Trinidad’s Youth

Gay people were only “allowed to exist” in peace and proclaim their identity out loud a mere four years ago, in 2018. 

Of course, the new law does not necessarily equate to a change in enduring attitudes. 

It was only in 2011 that 50% of participants who responded to a newspaper poll said that they would not support the government’s giving equal rights to gay community members.

Where does the youth stand?  

Trans children endure higher bullying rates and are more prone to substance abuse and sexual risk behaviors in high school. 

Meanwhile, all LGBTQ+ students are reportedly “half as likely as non-LGBTQ” students to take part in extracurricular activities relating to academics or sports. 

Such activities are well-known to curb negative behaviors and associations. Thus, gender-fluid youth who do not have proper guidance and support will naturally engage in risky acts and endure the repercussions.

The African-Indian Divide In Trinidad

Another major issue Trinidad’s youth are subject to is the ongoing divide between races on the island.

During colonization, the slave owners brought the Africans first, and the Indo-Trinidadians (East Indians) came in the late 18th century following the abolition of slavery. 

The Indo-Trinidadians worked as laborers, being paid for their work.

Thankfully, the conversation for harmony is underway as race relations as a formal discussion came to the fore in the country in recent years.

We must hope that the conversation will continue for the sake of Trinidad’s youth in the future. 

What Can You Do To Help? 

Unfortunately, leaders not doing their job to protect their own country’s youth is not uncommon in many nations. 

It’s a huge part of the reason why we formed the Global Fund For Girls.

Global Fund For Girls is eager to assist all organizations and independent persons on the ground to alleviate the adversities faced by the youth, especially girls and gender-fluid children in the islands. 

Our process is outlined here.

To assist the youth of Trinidad in their fight for basic human rights and freedom from the horrors they currently face, reach out to us or donate today.