Hakka Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago

⛵ First Wave (1806 - The Ship Fortitude)

The first wave was a failed experiment by the British government; 141 Chinese from Macau, 6 from Penang and 53 from Calcutta made up the 200 passengers on the ship Fortitude. 192 survived the journey and arrived on 12th October 1806. They were farmers to work on the sugar plantations in Cocorite. 23 chose to remain and became butchers, shopkeepers, carpenters, and farm hands, the rest went back on the same ship Fortitude.

📜 Second Wave (1853–1866 - Post-Slavery Indentured Labour)

The second wave took place after The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect in 1834. They were the Hakkas and Punti from Guangdong and Fukien and other ethnic groups, Cantonese, Hainanese and Teochin came as indentured labourers between 1853-1866.

They industriously worked on the sugar and cacao plantations[cite: 5].

🏬 Third Wave (1920–1940 - Merchants & Plantation Owners)

The third wave was family and friends of earlier migrants and it took place during the Chinese revolution between 1920-1940[cite: 5]. This group came as merchants and traders[cite: 5]. When the indentureship of the second wave ended in Guyana, most migrated to Trinidad for better future[cite: 5]. They became successful shop owners and plantation owners[cite: 5].

The 1949 Chinese revolution suddenly stopped the migration[cite: 5].

🌐 Fourth Wave (Late 1970s–Present - Open Door Era)

The fourth wave took place during the late 1970s when migration resumed after China open up and it continues to date[cite: 5].