Reflections from the Twin Islands of Trinidad and Tobago
- J. Jarpa Dawuni, Ph.D.
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hospitality. Resilience. Warmth.
In the past eleven years, I have conducted fieldwork on women judges in over 15 countries. Today, I take on the role of the judge and make my decision—my recent research journey to Trinidad and Tobago has been a revelation, standing out among the fifteen countries visited for the unparalleled warmth and hospitality I received from every single judge I encountered. As I reflect on the interviews with the women judges, I am struck by the spirit of hospitality that seems to be a foundational mantra for these wonderful women judges.
I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, and we had very fruitful discussions about the judiciary's work in Trinidad and Tobago. We also explored opportunities to do more work in the Caribbean region. I commended Chief Justice Boodoosingh for confirming the permission granted by his predecessor to conduct the interviews in Trinidad and Tobago.
Hospitality: The City Tour and the Lighthouse Dinner
The visit was planned with precision by Justice Carla Brown-Antoine, Court of Appeal Judge and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Women Judges (TTAWJ). I had the opportunity to travel with my two teenagers. Upon arrival at the airport, we were met by Justice Brown-Antoine and picked up by a driver graciously offered by Justice Yorke-Young.
The visit began with a carefully curated cultural immersion tour of the City of Port of Spain that elevated the entire experience. The city tour provided a backdrop of vibrant history and lush landscapes, culminating in a visit to Paramin, a town perched high in the mountains at an elevation of over 2,000 feet above sea level. The jeep ride up the tiny and windy roads to the Lookout that provides a wide view of the sprawling city and Gulf of Paria was both a thrill and a real scare for those of us who fear heights– but I survived!
We then went to the famous Maracas Beach where we had the famous Trinidadian bake and shark, listened to some great music and walked along the beautiful beach before returning to our hotel—in all, a seven-hour tour of city, mountains and beach!
To crown our visit, the following Friday a group of judges took us out for a memorable evening at the Lighthouse Restaurant. The hospitality extended by the local judiciary, including a planned dinner where colleagues could bond outside the rigors of the court, underscored the strong sense of community within the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Women Judges (TTAWJ).
Resilience: Voices and Personal Stories from the Judiciary
The interviews revealed a fascinating cross-section of experiences, from those who knew their path at age eleven to those who navigated the legal profession out of expediency or divine intervention.
From Rural Roots to the High Court: One judge shared her journey from a totally rural upbringing, where neither parent had a high school education. Her father, a police officer, and her mother, a homemaker, fostered a "learning environment" that propelled her from a scholarship student to a High Court Judge.
The Early Morning Grind: The dedication to judicial service is immense, with one Master revealing that she begins her day at 2:00 AM to prepare for sufficiency hearings, then attends to her family and starts court at 9:00 AM.
Breaking Barriers: History was a recurring theme, with stories of the first female magistrates appointed under Chief Justice Clinton Bernard in the late 1980s—a move intended to reduce perceptions of corruption by involving women on the bench.
Unique Jurisdictional Challenges: The dynamic between the two islands was highlighted by the experience of a judge exclusively assigned to Tobago, who manages a heavy but manageable workload while balancing life in Trinidad.
Warmth: Collective Bonds of Identity
A common thread throughout my conversations was the vital role of professional associations. Whether it was the TTAWJ or the Caribbean Association of Women Judges (CAWJ), these organizations serve as essential support systems for women judges. They provide a platform for "difficult conversations" about gender and race that might otherwise be ignored.
While the judiciary has seen a significant increase in women—and specifically Afro-descendant women—challenges remain. Some judges spoke of the "lonely life" on the bench as an essential component of maintaining judicial independence. Yet, the prevailing sentiment is one of optimism and a commitment to mentorship, ensuring that access to justice is guaranteed and that the next generation of women will overcome lingering barriers.
As I leave Trinidad, I carry with me not just research data, but a profound appreciation for the "Trini" welcome and the resilient women who are shaping the future of justice in the country and the Caribbean. I hope my next visit will take me to the beautiful twin island of Tobago.
