In June, we are beginning a new series titled Trini’s Livin’ In Xisle to highlight the narratives, experiences and achievements of Trinidadians and Tobagonians residing overseas. The purpose of this series is to showcase these Trinbagonians and share their enunciated stories with the world!
Trinidad Immigrants (Trini’s In Xisle)
In 2017, it is estimated 235,000 persons migrated from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, with the majority of these new Trini’s Livin’ In Xisle were “likely to be employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (37 percent). For many Trinidadians leaving the island is a conundrum because it affords an opportunity for individual progression but at times at a personal sacrifice. Having to assimilate into a new culture is never easy especially a new culture where your racial identity is paramount to how you are perceived by the larger community.
Kerrie-Lee A Trini Livin’ In Xisle
Kerrie-Lee is continually seeking the best out of living. Even though she lived her earliest and essential days on the Island of Trinidad, then her tertiary and professional years in the United States, to winding up in the French Caribbean Island of Martinique where she parents her daughter Tôni-Sophia. Kerrie-Lee feels graced and invigorated by all the different experiences that shape who she is today – West Indian! Who knows what the next chapters will bring…God is Great Stay tuned!
Martinique is a mountainous Caribbean island that’s part of the Lesser Antilles. An overseas region of France, its culture reflects a distinctive blend of French and West Indian influences. Its largest town, Fort-de-France, features steep hills, narrow streets and La Savane, a garden bordered by shops and cafes. In the garden is a statue of island native Joséphine de Beauharnais, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Her Instagram profile is @kerrie_lee_jennings_tt_mq. Here is her brief profile:
- Name: Kerrie-Lee Juliana Jennings
- Migrated from Trinidad: 17 years old.
- Earliest memory of Trinidad: Gosh, there are so many. One, in particular, was my Dad’s weekly trip to Toco to buy fresh fish from “his fisherman”. And even till to this day, he heads to the North Coast! (And hence also my love for only « fresh fish « :- )
- Misses most about Trinidad: The food! The spices .. the smell .. the smiles and laughter around food – from its preparation to its dégustation!
- What are you most afraid of right now: Trinidad ‘s health structure.. or the lack of thereof :-(.
- The happiest moment of your Life: This is a hard one … being able to be independent at an early age in spite of the challenges I faced.
- The saddest moment of your life: Another hard one .. seeing my Mother and sisters (I am the last of 6 girls and 1 boy ), leave “me/ Trinidad “ to start their journeys. I went from a home filled with 6 women to just us three .. Mom, Kirzzy and I.
- Who is the most influential person in your life: My sister Candace .. from Day 1 I felt like I never left her side .. lol .. and we are 9 years apart. She still « whips » me back into « shape » when need be !
- Do you plan on returning to Trinidad to live and why: I haven’t quite decided as yet. I visit every year and I make sure that my daughter of 11 years « Frenchy » visits as well .. all options are wide open!
How to Enter?
Do you want to be featured in the Trini’s Livin’ In X-isle series? Participation only requires five (5) minutes of your time to complete the 10-question survey @ http://bit.ly/Trinis-In-X-Isle. Each week I will feature one Trini’s Livin’ In X-isle submission on TriniInXisle.
The Trini’s Livin’ In X-isle blog entry with the most engagements online will be awarded USD 50 inclusive of shipping towards purchasing merchandise on the eStore.
In conclusion, if you are interested in participating or know of other Trinidadians living abroad; share the survey http://bit.ly/Trinis-In-X-Isle link. You can subscribe to this blog to see future Trini’s Livin’ In X-isle stories.
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