The Cocoa Panyols of Trinidad: An Oral Record

by Sylvia Moodie-Kablalsingh

This book is a vivid account of the Spanish-speaking Payol community of Trinidad, established in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Payols determinedly preserved their cultural and linguistic heritage during this period, buttressing their position by an almost exclusive interest in cocoa-growing. Today, in Trinidad's multi-community, multi-ethnic society, the Payol community is fast disappearing. Dr Moodie Kublasingh has carried out extensive field research among its survivors. She draws upon their unique literature - including poetry and folk-tales - traditions, language and history to create a fascinating and moving picture of a vanishing way of life, set against the background of modern Trinidad and the modern Caribbean.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 1994