E/CN.4/2004/18/Add.1 page 22 C. Measures taken by the Government 52. The Government stressed that Trinidad and Tobago is a testing-ground for racial harmony and showed the Special Rapporteur the constitutional and legislative provisions that make it possible to combat racism and racial discrimination. Chapter I, section 4, of the Constitution guarantees everyone the fundamental rights and freedoms recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, without discrimination by reason of race, origin, colour, religion or sex. The passage of Equal Opportunity Act No. 9 in 2000 represented a significant advance in the fight against discrimination in education, employment, the provision of goods and services, and housing. An equal opportunities commission is responsible for implementing the Act. More specific legislation also exists to prevent racial discrimination in the leisure and entertainment field, including access to discotheques and dance halls (Registration of Clubs Act as amended by Act No. 14 of 1997, Theatres and Dance Hall Act as amended by Act No. 15 of 1997). 53. An interesting aspect of Trinidad and Tobago’s legislation, in terms of ethnic diversity, is its recognition of the various communities’ forms of marriage. Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Orisha marriages are all accorded equal recognition. 54. In recognition of the population’s ethnic and religious diversity, Parliament has also proclaimed the various communities’ religious festivals as public holidays. The Public Holidays and Festivals Act (chap. 19:05) officially recognizes the following festivals: Diwali for the Hindus; Eid-ul-Fitr for the Muslims; and Good Friday, Easter, Christmas and Corpus Christi for the Christians. Public holidays have also been proclaimed to mark days with historical significance for particular ethnic and racial groups, such as Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day for the Afro-Trinidadians and Arrival Day for the Indo-Trinidadians. Celebrating festivals and marking holidays in this way is an effective means of eliminating racist attitudes and promoting inter-ethnic understanding, tolerance and social harmony. Pupils in State schools are encouraged to put on shows to mark and celebrate the various holidays and festivals. There are also festivities outside the schools, across the country, which may include the depiction of historical events, artistic and cultural performances, and the sale of typical and traditional dishes and costumes. People from different ethnic groups and races take part, and thus have an opportunity to meet and get to know one another. 55. Readers are referred to Trinidad and Tobago’s reports to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination for details of the country’s legislation (CERD/C/382/Add.1). 56. The Government is taking an increasing interest in the small community of Caribs, and has promised to give them land so that they can re-establish their culture. It has been suggested to the Government that there should be educational curricula covering Carib culture. Efforts will have to be made to rehabilitate the Carib language. The historical sites of Carib culture have been identified and will require Government protection. The Government has also shown itself receptive to a request from the Caribs for the establishment of a commission on Amerindian issues.