Han Chinese, Cantonese in Trinidad and Tobago
Photo Source:
Karolien Taverniers - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Han Chinese, Cantonese |
| Country: | Trinidad and Tobago |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 7,600 |
| World Population: | 79,428,700 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Yue |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.70 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Chinese |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Cantonese are from a region of southeastern China, once known as Canton, now referred to as Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. Traditionally, they were regarded as one of the 30 Han Chinese groups, but some consider them to be from the Tai groups.
The large southern city of Guangzhou, which has been continually inhabited for 2,200 years, has always been the center of Cantonese civilization. The Cantonese often migrated to other parts of the world, either as merchants or as common laborers. Today, they live in 36 countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. In the 1850s and 1860s, many Cantonese Chinese came to Trinidad and Tobago as indentured servants to work on sugar and cacao plantations. This arrangement didn t last long; the Chinese government wanted their employers to pay for home passage. There was a small stream of Chinese immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago until China s 1949 Communist Revolution.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Cantonese Chinese individuals in Trinidad and Tobago run small businesses, supported by strong community ties. Some are involved in the informal economy. They have left their mark, not only in business, but also in sports and medicine.
Today the Cantonese Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago are a blend of those who ancestors came in the 1800s and those who came much more recently.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Some Cantonese are non-religious or they adhere to traditional Chinese religious practices. Others are Roman Catholic or Evangelical.
What Are Their Needs?
Regardless of where they live, the Cantonese people need a deeper spiritual hunger. People who own businesses typically have little time or energy to consider eternal matters.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to do mighty things in Chinese churches in Trinidad and Tobago.
Pray for Cantonese in Trinidad and Tobago to have a spiritual hunger that will lead them to Jesus Christ.
Pray for Cantonese Christians to evangelize and disciple those who are willing to find their way to the one who is the Truth.