From Tamil Studies
Abroad, A Symposium edited by Xavier
S.Thaninayagam
published by the
International Association of Tamil Research,
1968:
"No study has been made of Tamil
migration to Trinidad. Several Tamils were met in
June 1967 who had migrated to Trinidad in 1916.
There is a locality near the Piarco airport known
as Madras Settlement, and a Siva temple formerly
known as Madras Sivaalayam or Caura Road Temple
with a priest, Seshaiyar who was born in
Gobichettypaalayam, and went to Trindad in 1910.
In Waterloo there is a strong concentration of
Tamil speakers. One Hindi speaking informant said
that the Tamils still conserved their own customs
at funerals, marriages and use the taali and
great quantities of flowers. The present
generation of descendants of Tamils use
Hindustani and English, and know no Tamil.
Recordings were made in 1967 of the speech of
several elderly Tamil speakers: several Tamil
books (plays, poetry, prose) were found with
them."
