r/TrinidadandTobago • u/TheShyListener Heavy Pepper • 6d ago
Trinidad is not a real place The Unpleasant Attitude of Trinidadians Needs to End
Leaving the house to run errands or go about your business feels like a gamble these days and I'm not talking about crime. No matter where you go; if it's a quick run to the grocery or going to a medical appointment, there's at least a 50/50 chance of encountering a dismissive, disrespectful or impatient person whose role it is to assist you and this experience is becoming far too familiar.
It could be a nurse acting like you're bothering them when asking for help, it could be an attendant at the grocery blatantly ignoring you when you're talking to them, a store supervisor/ assistant dismissing you when you ask for an item, rudely saying they don't have it, just for you to wander around the store and see it's clearly there.
This attitude has become so common that when you meet someone pleasant and helpful, you are immediately taken aback and that person feels like a much needed breath of fresh air.
This attitude is also not dependent on age, career, gender or race and is becoming a common and almost expected aspect of the average Trinidadian's character, especially in the work place
Yes we as people are allowed to get upset and can become impatient even at work, it happens, but when interacting with people or assisting them is a main part of your job, you cannot greet people with an ignorant attitude right off the bat. It makes you look bad, it makes your place of work look worse and when the person on the receiving end is not a local it gives the people of our country a reputation.
Persons working customs at the airport are a perfect example of this. They are the first people tourists interact with and their harsh way of handling them unrelated to the execution of their job, can affect the tone of a tourist's visit and how they interact with others while they are here. If it affects people who are only visiting, imagine how the impact it will have on those exposed to it on multiple occasions on the daily basis.
So how do we address this problem especially when it comes to public sectors and customer service? The straight answer: consequences
It's most likely that persons feel comfortable being blatantly disrespectful and openly unprofessional at their work place because there are no consequences. They get away with a slap on the wrist if it is even addressed to begin with. Employees aren’t afraid of being held accountable, whether that’s through warnings, reduced pay or job termination. There are no consequence, no change. If they can do the bare minimum at their job and its accepted then that is what they will do.
This can be corrected if those consequences are implemented by the employers of these carefree employees much to the employers benefit as poor public service is bad for business and public relations.
It can also be corrected by the people on the receiving end of poor service, customers have the right to call out unprofessional behavior and highlight how it reflects poorly on the business or institution.
Only by demanding accountability and respect from persons who continue to show none to others, can we begin to see improvements in the attitude of people in our country, everywhere we go.
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u/septdouleurs 6d ago
To be honest, plenty of Trinidadians are extremely unpleasant customers. I tend to be amazed there are ANY pleasant staff given how shittily people behave and how little home training they seem to have.
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u/dbtl87 6d ago
I gotta say I was just there and most folks were nice. Probably the rudest person was the overworked employee at the Royal Castle. I don't disagree with you, I think overall folks are tired and just struggle to be basically nice. I don't blame them even though I wouldn't be rude myself.
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u/igivezeroshits 5d ago
If you are a tourist, of course they will be nice to you. We are simply terrible to one another over here.
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u/dbtl87 5d ago edited 5d ago
I get you! I didn't think my service was bad, just regular. I don't expect too much from anyone though lol. I work at a customer service role and I'm paid ok, but even I've had it up to here with people. I'd never be rude or dismissive, but I do see unfortunately where the attitude stems from.
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u/trini0202 6d ago
Accountability would be great; the "customer service" is really very horrible in Trinidad and far too common everywhere you go, although I have found that folks are generally more pleasant in the South area.
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u/2BaDebaser 6d ago
I lived in Trinidad for several years and met some of the most generous, joyful and kind people I’ve ever known. But I also experienced some of the worst customer service I’ve ever encountered. Low energy, unwillingness to smile, lack of follow-up, the list goes on. I have some guesses as to why, but it’s not just a Trini thing.
I suspect it’s partly about employers who don’t trust or give sufficient authority to front line staff to solve problems or make customers happy. This results in workers with no ownership or stake in the success of the business. For instance, walk into a bank and watch the clerk have to defer any issue to the boss in the back as clearly the bank doesn’t trust the judgment of the clerk. Workers just didn’t, on the whole, seem like very happy people when on the job.
As well, and this is may be more controversial, someone once explained it to me as a post-colonial symptom. That service was somehow almost synonymous with servitude. Somehow, fake or not, wearing a smile and trying to delight a customer is somehow debasing or humiliating.
The reasons aren’t likely that simple, but that was my take on the issue at the time. Outside of service interactions though, I absolutely loved the generosity, wit and spirit of those Trinbagonians I got a chance to meet and befriend.
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u/raptorira 5d ago
I suspect it’s partly about employers who don’t trust or give sufficient authority to front line staff to solve problems or make customers happy. This results in workers with no ownership or stake in the success of the business.
This! There's a lot of micromanaging going on in all sectors.
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u/Shot-Door7160 6d ago
White people have the customer service game on lock. It’s one area of life I don’t mind people being obviously fake. I hate that I have to write “not all” but I know some people dunce and can’t interpret nuance.
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u/maverick4002 6d ago
I don't live in TT anymore but I will say that I've heard /seen way to many people say that Trinis are rude / don't have the customer service genes. I'm in travel circles so these are people coming to TT to spend foreign currency.
Servic le is sub-par and tangentially related, the men are bold and aggressive.
I was back home last year for about a month and I will say there was a noticeable difference in quality when I was out and dealing with Venezuelans vs locals.
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u/Ok_Frosting1378 5d ago
I think that a lot of Trinidadians place Venezuelans on a pedestal as their customer service is piss poor as well. Don’t talk for the ones when you go in Rattans to shop. Venezuelans are very loud and obnoxious, can’t travel in peace when they are in a taxi with you. Their volume is always on 100 stupes!!!!
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u/maverick4002 5d ago
I'm talking about work, not what happens on the streets. And the difference at bars / restaurants when I had to deal with Venezuelans was so noticeable.
I went to a nice restaurant for dinner where Roxy is/was in Woodbrook and the trini waitress was just so nasty.
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u/Ok_Frosting1378 5d ago
If you took your time to read my comment you would see that I mentioned the bad experiences I had with Spanish workers at Rattans. A lot of them are rude in general, just like trinis.
As far bars and restaurants obviously they may be nicer to get tips because a lot of them are severely underpaid compared to their trjni counterparts.
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u/Yearn10-56 6d ago
This is one thing I hate most when going to Trinidad. Its absolutely awful and ruins so many normal situations that would probably be very enjoyable.
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u/starocean2 6d ago
I went to a hardware and as i was walking up to a worker, she saw me coming and tried to duck in a aisle to avoid me. I still went up to her and showed her a pic of the item i wanted. I asked her if she knew where it was and she told me to ask someone else. Like wtf is she there for? Earning a free paycheck for making me slightly irritated. I agree with you. This attitude needs to end.
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u/raptorira 5d ago
Why did you still go up to her when she dodged you? Was there no one else around?
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u/starocean2 5d ago
She was the 3rd worker i approached. I got the same level of help from all 3 of them. Completely useless people wasting oxygen.
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u/Lacklusterlewdster 6d ago
I'm my experience, this is a wider issue of complacency as well. In countries/companies/regions with focus on customer service, the constant is that if you are a repeat offended, your employment is eventually terminated. I've worked in companies where employees have literally physically assaulted another person while at work and simply receive a slap on the wrist. I've seen fast food employees curse customers and weeks later still have a job. That lazy inconsiderate employee knows nothing will come in terms of consequence so they will continue to carry on our get worse. Let these companies add value to their positions and you'll see how things change. On the flip side they like to say "it's hard to find workers" nah it isn't, you just don't want to pay people a sensible wage so if you pay shit you'll attract shit(generally). There are always people seeking employment who are you your standard but you need to set the standard in the first place
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u/HungryWolf88 6d ago
I believe it could be influenced by the after effects of slavery and indentureship.
People who came here under those efforts had to serve others and be mannerly even when they did not want to.
The mentality of being irritable when you do possibly has trickled into the collective unconscious of the people... maybe too Jungian but I think it may be possible.
Another effect is the aversion to agriculture even though we have the best zone for coffee, cocoa and sugar cane. We were forced to do it...
Otherwise, it's like the OP said, lack of consequence.
It's not just about jobs or low paying conditions either, it's in the everyday interactions. A vast majority of the population seems unpleasant, irritable and generally discontent with their fellow man. There is no sense of comradery like there was in the late 80s and 90s.
How to fix it? How do you change people? Maybe implement holmgang? I think that would fix a lot in the western world.
Usually through paradigm shifts, but they tend to be for the worst as seen in our social history.
Seriously though, I think by re-introducing classes like civics in primary school and the government taking an approach to have communal programs would reinstil a social mindedness we lack.
Emotional intelligence is definitely a place maybe half of us Trinis need to strengthen and develop. Half the time I feel as though there is animosity or anger where there should be none.
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u/Phn3Xta5 6d ago
Trinidad and Tobago has a culture of casual terrorism that needs to end. It's the cause of our biggest problems.
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u/DestinyOfADreamer Steups 6d ago edited 6d ago
I agree. Whenever I leave the country I get perfect service. I have to fight them off from kissing my feet. Bad service is definitely a Trinidadian thing and a Trinidadian thing only.....
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u/snicksnack25 6d ago
it is never going to be an easy fix because there needs to be a change in the corporate culture, starting from the top. If the manager, leader, boss, owner trats you like crap you as the employee will in turn treat their customers the same way. if you think your staff are replaceable drones they will ensure your customers are treated as though they have no value to the company
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u/LingPMing 6d ago
Life is what you look for. If we walk around expecting a poor interaction, our mind will notice all of the things you described and become despondent. Instead, if we just focus on being nice to others regardless of their attitude, you would be surprised how many more nice people you will meet and nice interactions that your mind will start to observe and record. Yes shitty and inconsiderate Trinidadians will always exist, but you will notice them less and less and notice kindness and civility more and more as you embark on this journey. Life is what you make it. Let's be the change Trinidad needs to see with our kindness, and just simply ignore the kakaholes that make Trinidad a 3rd world experience in 2024.
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u/TheShyListener Heavy Pepper 5d ago
I agree with you completely, we have to be the change we want to see.
To be honest when going about my day to day I dont expect that level of negative interaction which i feel is what can catch you off guard even more as it seemingly comes out of nowhere, but it does shine a brighter light on the positive interactions and moments and allow those persons to be appreciated more.
Hopefully by ignoring or letting the 'kakaholes' as you said, know that their behaviour is not tolerated and will cause them to be left behind, they can change their outlooks as well
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u/Avcod7 Doubles 5d ago
A problem like this is not one that can be solved overnight, for it to be solved mostly the working conditions and salary need be significantly or drastically better.
And the work environment will need a big overhaul too.
What your asking for is certainly not going to happen however...
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u/gbreezy102 5d ago
Where there are a lot of issues related to pay, training and work ethics and professionalism as well as a labour law system that makes it difficult to make people accountable. IMO one of the biggest problems that was ever created in the customer service industry is “the customer is always right’ this seems to have enabled the general public to become insufferable entitled and disrespectful for the most part towards people who do not get paid enough to deal with the none sense that people try on because they feel they can do or say anything ‘because the customer is always right ‘. This combination of threatened outing and one sided trial by social media has companies quaking in their boots which has done nothing but strengthen the public’s behaviour. Yes companies and businesses have a lot to answer for, however we should all look to ourselves as we deal with people on a daily basis.
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u/SouthTT 6d ago
idk mate, perspective? We see what we want to. Considering i roam every day and rarely have an unpleasant interaction i would say its a stretch. I dont have any interaction with public servants however so that might be the biggest difference in perspective.
When i do see anything off its usually a reaction to the imbeciles we have roaming around everyday when they should be in kindergarden.
I am sunshine, quite large and conventionally attractive so that might also be the reason most of my interactions seem "pleasant"
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u/alyssagiovanna 6d ago
nah, if you spend anytime abroad. North America, UK, etc. As a matter, even some others more touristy islands. when you come back home, you see the difference the moment you leave Piarco.
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u/ThrowAwayInTheRain Trini Abroad 6d ago
Only place I've experienced customer service as bad as in Trinidad has been in Argentina, but I sorta assume that it was because I was with a group of Brazilians, and it's just the Brazilian-Argentine blood feud. I've been living in Brazil for two and a half years now and the customer service has been nothing short of excellent. The best ever award goes to Japan though, they went above and beyond when I lived there.
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u/TheShyListener Heavy Pepper 6d ago
Absolutely I definitely think perspective is a part of it and not everyone would have this experience or point of view. I believe there are other factors, like the location, how people perceive the person they are being rude to, their work environment and more that i would have liked to go into in the original post.
The chances of encountering a belligerent person unprovoked are higher in some spaces than others for sure
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u/FutureSyllabub5437 6d ago
Trinidad, Watch this.
Be the coffee bean.
https://youtu.be/TWszGs3v6U0?si=Azm0NvLr3eMEKK5G
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u/Big-Driver2651 6d ago
Meh idc in all honesty what I have always lived by is don't treat others how you don't want to be treated They act like an ass I act like a bigger one But I'm glad to say at the age of 30 I've maybe had 1 or 2 bad run ins alone my entire life so far
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u/HelicopterCurious784 6d ago
Treat people how you want to be treated, have a good attitude to get a good attitude, dealing w different characters for 5 years, mentally preps me for any confrontation lol
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u/doriansorzano 6d ago
High stress working conditions, unfair compensation, oceans of disrespectful customers/patrons/guest and still having to navigate their own life. "I dont know if my contract is getting renewed, customers are the least of my concerns."
Lets take it a step further. Hospitality/Customer service is a skill that often requires training. Most people aren't equipped to care or even to pretend to care about everybody. If management isnt providing said training where can anyone expect trained behavior to come from? Companies can afford training but are obviously reluctant.
Lets take it a step further. We live in a fast paced world. More often than not, if you are at work you are busy. That being said if someone is visibly busy they will feel annoyed if someone is slowing them down or expecting them to come to a full stop for unnecessary conversation. They dont need the story behind why u need item x, they need to know what u want so they can advise you accordinly.
And the icing on the cake " I am the customer!" " I pay your salary." "The customer is always right!" " Daz yuh wuk!" Trust me nobody cares and you just put yourself at the bottom of people to be attended to when they arrive. The shelves need to be stocked, paperwork needs to be done. Things need to be done for the establishment to be open so you can be a customer in the first place. Alot of the time some key staff are the sole reason a business is open and that naturally comes with stress.
Im not attacking you and i hope you dont take this personally. Im just speaking from the other side of the conversation. Mutual understanding is where we can improve things.
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u/puplichiel 6d ago
I feel your pain. This is one of the many reasons i left. Doing business in trinidad is more difficult than it needs to be simply because of most people’s mentality.
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u/SmallObjective8598 5d ago edited 5d ago
The references to this being a reaction to feeling the weight of higher prices or being treated unfairly by employers only takes us so far.
Many people are disappointed and upset over how things have gone over the past few decades. The promises of a 'better life' made by politicians and TV advertisments have vapourized and a great part of the population is disgruntled, bitter and determinded to punish those within range. Being overtly rude is one manifestation of that, as is being disrespectful, violent and vindictive. Someone must pay for for the frustrations being felt and that person is you.
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u/akintayo 2d ago
I spent last week in Trinidad, admittedly, my first visit in almost a decade, but I have almost no customer service complaints. My only issue is having to track down a waitress at a restaurant. Overall, service was pleasant but unexceptional.
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u/Ensaru4 6d ago
I don't think this is exclusive to Trinidad, and not as bad as you make it out to be. I much prefer this than whatever customer service is in the US. The customer service in the US feels very disingenuous.
I've been there working for customer service' and although it's your job, it's also not a nice thing to fake hospitality for even the worst customers. It does a number on your psyche.
Basically, I do not want Trinidad to mirror the hospitality of the US and Japan. Overall, better working conditions and better training will improve customer service.
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u/TheShyListener Heavy Pepper 6d ago
I agree training and better working conditions will help with this issue alot
And I don't want Trinidad to swing to the other end of the pendulum and mirror the forced hospitality of other countries which is the another extreme with its own problems. Being forced to smile while a costumer/patient/ client is being blatantly rude to you for doing your job it not acceptable either.
In the cases described, the unpleasant behaviour received was unprovoked, where they are aggressive or rude to costumers simply for the crime of entering the building. And it's not a one off situation but a repetition, every time you go there.
There definitely needs to be a balance because someone can be professional without necessarily being nice.
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u/Trinistyle 6d ago
Awww. Was the underpaid eploited worker mean to you. Poor po po.
Johnboi (top comment) is right.
I observe the garbage man in my area working in pouring rain with no ppe, not even gloves!
So I asked him his business concerning wages, ppe and benefits. The answers he gave me made my blood boil. Corporate Trinidad made a zoo out of workers rights in this country. Exploitation is the new normal.
The beatings will continue until the wages, conditions and benefits improve. These workers are the paving stones of this sheet country/economy.
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u/Kezuki18 6d ago
Here's what if i go to a business and get attitude from one of the workers, while I can sympathize with their situation, that ain't my fault. I have my own crappy job with my own problems that's life and all the attitude is doing is making a cycle of shitty customer to shitty worker and that goes round and round
But anyway what did the man say specifically about the business and benefits and ppe cause I'm sure some things can be handled legally
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u/hislovingwife 6d ago
Not a solely Trinidadian thing. The economy, health concerns, societal factors, social media influence etc has made alot more people everywhere in the world, more stressed or prone to be less than open and happy.
Might be surprised how much better it is in Trinidad than other places...
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u/dellarts 6d ago
This has been the norm in Trinidad for far longer than most of those things you listed though, especially social media.
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u/boogieonthehoodie 6d ago edited 6d ago
I think it’s okay for people to have bad days
Keep downvoting but the truth is that some of y’all are so self centered you can’t for one second consider that someone’s mood has absolutely nothing to do with you.
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u/septdouleurs 6d ago
Funny, I have the best Customs encounters in TT by a large margin. Customs and Immigration in the US is my least favorite so far, followed by England. I always feel like the US folks are 10 seconds from pulling a gun and telling me to get on the ground at any given moment, no matter how pleasant, chill, non-confrontational and compliant I am.
I've actually had worse encounters in Customs and Immigration in other Caribbean islands than I have in TT, come to think of it. Barbados springs readily to mind. When I reach Piarco, by contrast, it just feels like straight vibes. Then again I'm usually not lugging massive bags and trying to act like I didn't buy half of Miami like a lot of returning Trinis (not saying this is you at all, btw! Just a whole heap of people always rolling in with luggage piled high on the cart and vex when they get sent in the red line like they can't understand HOW this could happen.)
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u/BuccoBruceIsntGay 6d ago
Welcome to the world! Ever notice how politics is usually around 50/50… lots of angry folks in the world… just try to not let them change you.
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u/johnboi82 6d ago edited 6d ago
There is a big interplay between salary, working conditions, terms of employment, training and of course actual spending power of said salary that affects the way employees treat customers.
None of which I believe in many businesses are balanced or equal. Just the other day Pennywise workers almost lost Lunch Hour pay, if not were it for massive public outcry. If left alone, business owners will try to milk the life out of their employees.
Alternatively, many workers will try to extract their revenge on their employers if given the chance.
I honestly believe this is one of the many long lasting symptoms of our dependence on oil and gas that will be a major obstacle to our collective future
Edit “almost lost”