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25 Most Famous People from Trinidad and Tobago
*Originally published by Diana C on October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in September 2023 and Updated by Purity M in March 2024
Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. Trinidad鈥檚 capital, Port of Spain, hosts a boisterous carnival featuring calypso and soca music.
Numerous bird species inhabit sanctuaries such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The smaller island of Tobago is known for its beaches and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which shelters hummingbirds. Here are the 25 Most Famous People from Trinidad and Tobago.
1. Stokely Carmichael
Stokely Carmichael was a significant part of the American civil rights movement and the worldwide Pan-African movement. He was associated with the Black Panther Party and the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party. The Black Power movement leader later adopted the name Kwame Ture and travelled extensively through Africa.
2. Brian Lara
Photo by Ukexpat. .
Brian Charles Lara, born 2 May 1969, in Trinidad and Tobago is a former West Indian international cricket player. Brian Lara is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
He topped the Test batting rankings on several occasions and holds several cricketing records, including the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket, with 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston in 1994, which is the only quintuple hundred in first-class cricket history. Lara also holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings after scoring 400 not out against England at Antigua in 2004.
3. Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Miraj, better known as Nicki Minaj was born on December 8, 1982 in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York. She is an American rapper, singer, song-writer and actress. Minaj鈥檚 debut album, Pink Friday (2010), peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and spawned the top-ten single 鈥淪uper Bass鈥�.
During that time, Minaj became the first female solo artist to have seven singles simultaneously charting on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), also topped the chart and its lead single, 鈥淪tarships鈥�, peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Minaj鈥檚 colorful costumes, wigs and clothing has given her recognition as a fashion icon.
4. Wendy Fitzwilliam
Wendy Fitzwilliam, born Wendy Marcelle Fitzwilliam on October 4, 1972 in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago. She is a beauty pageant titleholder who, in 1998, won Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, became the second Miss Universe in history from Trinidad and Tobago, and was the third woman of African heritage to capture the Miss Universe crown.
She was the international spokesperson for Clear Essence Skin Care and made several notable television appearances having hosted segments of 鈥淲ild On鈥︹�� for E! Entertainment Television and the Miss Universe Special for the same network.
5. Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean. Photo by Billy4022. .
Billy Ocean was born as Leslie Charles in Fyzabad, Trinidad and Tobago. Billy Ocean is best known for his 1984 album, Suddenly and its main single, 鈥淐aribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)鈥�. The song鈥檚 title and lyrics were changed for different regions, such that the song is also known as 鈥淎frican Queen鈥� or 鈥淓uropean Queen鈥�.
The song won Ocean the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 1985 Grammy Awards. He had another international smash with the number-one single, 鈥淕et Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car鈥�.
6. Machel Montano
Born on 24 November 1974, in Trinidad and Tobago, he is an international soca singer, record producer and songwriter. He is the front-man of the popular soca band The HD Family, and is noted for his high energy, fast-paced, and often unpredictable on-stage performances.
During his career, which spans more than 30 years, he has recorded several songs alongside many of Caribbean music鈥檚 most popular acts, such as Lerone Guy of St Anthony鈥檚 College, Alison Hinds, Beenie Man, Calypso Rose, Burning Flames, Drupatee, Wyclef Jean, Canibus, Red Rat, Shaggy, Sparrow, Denise Belfon, Ken Marlon Charles (KMC), Destra, Walker Hornung, Vybz Kartel, Mohombi, G-Unit, Black Stalin, David Rudder, Buju Banton, Mr. Vegas, Doug E. Fresh, Pitbull, Busta Rhymes and many others. In 1987 he was the youngest finalist to ever win the Caribbean Song Festival.
7. Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield is an American author, of historical fiction and non-fiction, and screenplays. He was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1943, while his father was stationed there, in the Navy. He graduated from Duke University in 1965 and in 1966 joined the Marine Corps.
In the years following, he worked as an advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout, attendant in a mental hospital, fruit-picker in Washington state, and screenwriter. His struggles to make a living as an author, including the period when he was homeless and living out of the back of his car, are detailed in his book The War of Art.
His first book, The Legend of Bagger Vance, was published in 1995, and made into a film of the same name, starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Matt Damon, and directed by Robert Redford. His second novel, Gates of Fire, is about the Spartans and the battle at Thermopylae. It is taught at U.S. Military Academy and United States Naval Academy, and at the Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico. In 2012, he launched the publishing house Black Irish Books with his agent Shawn Coyne.
8. Heather Headley
Photo by Meetmeatthemuny. .
This singer and Tony-award winning actress was born and raised in Trinidad, where she lived until she moved to Indiana as a teen. Before then, she was said to be inspired by the calypso and soca music of her land.
鈥淭rinidad is where I learned to sing and to appreciate music. One of the beautiful things about home is that there鈥檚 so much music.鈥� She has returned to Trinidad to perform, and is considered a huge star in Trinidad.
9. Lorraine Toussaint
Born in Trinidad, this actress moved to New York with her family at the age of 10. Since coming to America, she has made a name for herself as an actress, studying drama at The Juliard School and landing roles in popular T.V. shows such as 鈥淪aving Grace,鈥� 鈥淭he Young and the Restless,鈥� and 鈥淥range is the New Black.鈥�
10. Kenwyne Jones
Photo by Jon Candy. .
Kenwyne Joel Jones is a Trinidadian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Stoke City and the Trinidad and Tobago national team. He previously played for Sunderland, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, W Connection and Joe Public. He began his football career with Joe Public in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
He moved to W Connection in 2002, and he was a utility player in the Trinidad and Tobago team in 2003 against Finland. In 2004, he joined Southampton, where he was converted to a striker. He was later loaned to Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City during the 2004鈥�05 season. In 2007 he joined Sunderland for 拢6 million where he spent three seasons before he signed for Stoke City in August 2010.
11. Kieron Pollard
, , via Wikimedia Commons
Kieron West Indies cricketer Adrian Pollard is from Trinidad. In addition to his medium-fast bowling and powerful middle-order hitting, Pollard is a daring all-arounder.
He performed admirably in the 2009 Champions League Twenty20, and the Southern Redbacks and Somerset both signed him for their respective domestic Twenty20 seasons. He received the joint highest salary while playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2010 Indian Premier League. He was recognised as an Icon Player at the 2013 summer league debut of the Caribbean Premier League.
12. Trevor McDonald
British journalist and presenter Sir Trevor McDonald is from Trinidad. As a newsreader for ITN, he had a successful career. He was the first black journalist employed by ITN, and he holds the record for most awards given to a British broadcaster. In 1999, McDonald received a knighthood in recognition of his work in the media.
13. Floella Benjamin
, , via Wikimedia Commons
Floella In addition to being a successful singer and composer, Karen Yunies Benjamin, Baroness Benjamin, OBE, DL is a British actress, author, television personality, businesswoman, and politician.
She is well-known for presenting kid-friendly shows including Play School, Play Away, and Fast Forward. Baroness Benjamin, of Beckenham in the County of Kent, was Lady Benjamin’s title when she was introduced to the House of Lords on June 28, 2010, as a Life Peer nominated by the Liberal Democrats.
14. Jason Scotland
Kevin Jason Scotland is a football player for Barnsley who is Trinidadian. In his role, he is a striker. Before moving to Scotland to play professionally for Scottish team Dundee United, Scotland began his football career in Trinidad & Tobago.
Together with these teams, he has also played for St. Johnstone, Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and Ipswich Town. Since his debut in 2000, he has earned 41 international appearances and scored 8 goals for his nation.
15. Kamla Persad-Bissessar
, , via Wikimedia Commons
The sixth person to serve as prime minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP. The nation’s first female prime minister, she was sworn in on May 26, 2010. The People’s Partnership, a coalition of four parties created for the general election of May 24, 2010, is led by Persad-Bissessar, the political head of the United National Congress.
She was Trinidad and Tobago’s first female attorney general, acting prime minister, and leader of the opposition. In 2010, she was elected Political Leader of the United National Congress and Opposition.
16. V.S. Naipaul
Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul, hailing from Chaguanas, Trinidad, navigated complex themes of identity and post-colonialism in his literary works. His 1961 masterpiece, “A House for Mr. Biswas,” draws heavily from his Trinidadian roots. Naipaul’s nuanced exploration of cultural clashes and diaspora experiences has earned him global recognition. His literary legacy continues to inspire emerging Caribbean writers, fostering a rich literary tradition that reflects the complexity of Trinidad and Tobago’s history.
17. Dwight Yorke
Born in Canaan, Tobago, Dwight Yorke is a football icon whose career highlights include winning the treble with Manchester United in 1999. Yorke’s impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s football extends to his coaching and ambassadorial roles. He plays a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and promoting football development within the Caribbean. Yorke’s journey from the islands to international acclaim serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, illustrating the transformative power of dedication and skill in the world of sports.
18. C.L.R. James
Cyril Lionel Robert James, born in Tunapuna, Trinidad, was a literary giant and historian. His 1938 seminal work, “The Black Jacobins,” delves into the Haitian Revolution, exploring the complex dynamics of colonialism and resistance. Beyond academia, James was a political activist, contributing to the Pan-African and anti-colonial movements. His intellectual prowess and commitment to social justice have left an enduring impact on the global discourse surrounding race, colonialism, and human rights.
19. Wendell Mottley
Wendell Mottley, born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, excelled not only in athletics but also in the realm of finance and politics. As an Olympic silver medalist in the 400 meters in 1964, Mottley showcased Trinidad and Tobago’s prowess on the international stage. Later, his transition to finance saw him shaping economic policies as the country’s Minister of Finance. Mottley’s multifaceted journey underscores the potential for excellence beyond sports, inspiring a new generation to pursue diverse paths in contributing to national and global progress.
20. Hazel Scott
Hazel Scott, born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, was a trailblazing jazz pianist and actress who shattered racial barriers during the mid-20th century. Achieving fame in the U.S., Scott’s performances showcased her virtuosity and challenged segregation norms. Her activism for civil rights further established her as a cultural icon. Scott’s influence on both music and social justice resonates to this day, underscoring Trinidad and Tobago’s contribution to the global struggle for equality and cultural recognition.
21. Hasely Crawford
Born in San Fernando, Trinidad, Hasely Crawford etched his name in history as the first Trinidadian to win an Olympic gold medal. His victory in the 100 meters at the 1976 Montreal Olympics remains a defining moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting legacy. Crawford’s commitment to athletics extends to his coaching and sports administration roles, ensuring a lasting impact on the development of track and field in the Caribbean.
22. Ellie Mannette
Born in Sans Souci, Trinidad, Ellie Mannette is celebrated as the “Father of the Modern Steel Drum.” His innovative contributions to the steelpan’s design and development have transformed it from a humble percussion instrument to a global cultural phenomenon. Mannette’s dedication to preserving and promoting the steelpan’s legacy has earned him recognition as a cultural ambassador, ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago’s musical heritage resonates worldwide.
23. Pat Bishop
Pat Bishop, a multifaceted talent born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, significantly impacted the nation’s cultural landscape. As a visual artist, educator, music director and cultural advocate, Bishop’s work reflected the vibrant spirit of Trinidad and Tobago. Her contributions extended to arts education and cultural policy, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape the country’s artistic identity. Bishop’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural appreciation underscores the importance of the arts in nation-building.
24. Bunji Garlin
Born Ian Anthony Alvarez in Sangre Grande, Trinidad, Bunji Garlin has become a trailblazer in the soca music scene. His dynamic fusion of soca, dancehall, and hip-hop has garnered international acclaim. Garlin’s contributions extend beyond music, as he actively advocates for the recognition and globalization of soca. His genre-defying approach and commitment to cultural authenticity position him as a cultural ambassador, amplifying Trinidad and Tobago’s influence on the global music stage.
25. Darcus Howe
Darcus Howe, originally from Belmont, Trinidad, was a prominent journalist and civil rights activist. His fearless advocacy for racial equality and social justice, particularly in the United Kingdom, made him a pivotal figure in the global fight against systemic discrimination. Howe’s work as a broadcaster and commentator addressed critical issues, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized were heard. His legacy serves as a reminder of the interconnected struggles for justice and equality transcending geographical boundaries.
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