Trini dougla book launch

In a statement, Regis noted that her decision to write a book on a significant segment of Trinidad’s mixed population was based on the 2011 census which showed that douglas accounted for 7.7 percent of the 22.8 percent mixed population.

“This percentage surpasses that of all other minority ethnic groups which account collectively for 1.4 percent of the Trinidad and Tobago population yet the existing scholarship on the group is cursory and spattered,” Regis stated. She added that the book was necessary as the dougla population continued to grow and “add new dimensions in an already pluralised and stratified social order.” Regis noted that the book would provide a new perspective and a better understanding of the language used by douglas in specific contexts although pointed out that while most individuals shared the same language in Trinidad, douglas would often use terms linked to their parent group based on their socialisation practices.

In his review, Dr Brinsley Samaroo said the book “opens up a whole new area of research on an increasingly important sector of the national community.” “Because of the absence of proper information and analysis our douglas live in a confused space not realising their potential as agents of national unity,” Samaroo wrote. The book is available on Amazon US and at the Market, the Normandie, St Ann’s.