“Nature’s Green Delight”

When persons think about food in commercial zones, they tend to think about local food shacks, multinational outlets and even the grocery store. However, little thought goes into the presence of “markets” in Trinidad. This is a very crucial aspect in the commercial zone although much prominence is not places on it. But if you think about it, without the market place we basically would have a limited supply of fresh produce.

I can distinctly remember my Saturday morning trips to the local market in my home city, a memory that most of us can relate to. Waking up at the crack of dawn, getting dressed and then taking a long calming walk to the market place, Taking in the sites around you, breathing in the fresh-cool morning air and not the mention gazing at all the other women and their kids also making their way to stock up for the upcoming week.

Shown in the image is the local market found in the Arima city center.  A vast variety of fruits are displayed in the image that is typical of local markets in urban areas in Trinidad. The markets also sell vegetables and various meet and fish produce.

These markets are dominant in almost all urban cities in Trinidad such as the ones in Arima, Tunapuna, Port of Spain, Valenica, Sangre Grande and Chauguanas just to name a few. These are very important to the communities in those specified areas as the lead to various economic and social benefits.

The following video highlights the typical scene of a local market in Trinidad:  

  

Firstly, it is seen that the “market place” has an economic advantage to the city area. This is as persons in the market sells produce such as vegetables, fruits and various types of fishes and local goodies. These when sold not only generate income for the local farmers that grow and sell them but also to the city as the farmers usually have to pay a monthly tax or rent for the area in the market that they utilize. This rent is usually $25 a day to use the counters and shed provided.

Secondly, the “market place” also has a social benefit to the urban city center as well as the commercial zone. This is as the market serves as a social setting where persons meet and greet on a day to day basis (Stuever 2011). Persons are able to talk about what’s going in their life, their future goals and to share childhood stories. According to Beth Stuever, a lecturer at the Michigan State University, Julia Darnton, states that, “Markets are anchored in community, connect people with each other and valued commodities, and creates opportunities for business.” (2011). Therefore, when markets maintain this warm, welcoming atmosphere business increases as persons would always come back for more as they enjoyed the service. Also, persons tend to frequent a place more often when they get to interact closely with the persons who actually produce the food (Stuever 2011) that they are buying as compared to just buying it off a shelf in a store. 

Characteristics of the “Market Place”:

The markets in Trinidad are seen to be public spaces that sell their goods which include fruits, vegetables, local treats and sea food products on a daily basis. They are seen to be open areas with tables and covered passages. You can drop by at any time of the day including nights to get what you need. This makes them very convenient to the people as well as accessible as they are located close to the city center in the commercial zones. 

Many persons prefer to go the market place as they only sell fresh produce. The fruits and vegetables are picked the day before or even in the same morning just like the various sea foods that they sell. This is as the farms or areas where the farmers grow their produce are located close by. This ensures that the nutrient value is not lowered as they have shorter distances to travel on a daily basis (Economy Watch 2010).

The following link shows some of the fruits and vegetables that can be found in local markets in Trinidad: http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Collections/ExhibitionsandPhotoGalleries/TrinidadandTobagoMarketplacePhotoGallery

/tabid/268/Default.aspx 

 Linked to this is the fact that farmers at these local markets only sell produce that are locally grown (ibid). This is very beneficial to the economy as it promotes local foods as well as generates income that stays in the country.

Likewise, as the produce sold in markets are locally produced this allows local heritage to be transmitted. Local markets in terms of what the farmers grow and sell are based on cultural traditions passed down to them from generation to generation. These are usually done when their parents planted crops for sale and then they took over the family business. By taking over the family business family as well as local “trini” traditions are transmitted in the choice of crops grown, the method used and how the land is cared for.

The following article shows the creation of new markets in Trinidad: http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,77357.html

Conclusion:

            Thus, it is seen that the market place is very dynamic space in urban city centers as well as in commercial zones. They are social institutions that are embodied in particular times, places and relationships (Robert J.Shepherd). It also enhances the urban view (ibid) as well as provides both a social and economic function to the functioning of the city as well as to the people in the commercial zones.

            The market places acts as an open forum whereby persons socialize and communicate with each other while purchasing fresh produce. They are seen to have a high convenience and accessibility to person in the urban commercial zones and are seen as a major driver whereby local heritage is learnt and transferred.

          

  To me, the market place culture or the essence of the local markets are important aspects of urban commercial zones. It represents the life line of human beings as it produces food as well as promotes local culture and heritage which I see as a very very positive aspect of the market place. I enjoy visiting my local markets and taking part in one of Trinidadians major cultural traditions.

References:

Stuever, Beth. "Farmers markets are important part of the community for economic, social and environmental vitality | ANR Communications." 2011. http://www.anrcom.msu.edu/anrcom/news/item/farmers_markets_are_important (accessed 2nd Apr 2014).

CSO. 1991. "Trinidad and Tobago: An Agricultural Sector Study of Tobago." Tobago: Tobago House of Assembly.

Economywatch.com. "Farmer Market and Characteristics | Economy Watch." 2010. http://www.economywatch.com/market/market-types/farmers-market.html (accessed 3 Apr 2014).

Shepherd, Robert J. When culture goes to market. New York: Peter Lang, 2008. 

“Yummie, yummie in my tummie” (Part 2) “Choices….choices….choices…..the great dilemma arises….”

Main types of food outlets in urban areas:

1.      Local food stalls

2.      Multinational corporations

3.      Supermarkets

Local food stalls:

Illustrated in the image is one of the local food stall or “doubles man” located on Queen Street in the city center of Arima also known as the “Dial”. Doubles is one of the major local food cuisines and is loved by almost all Trinidadians.

The following video sheds some light into what the famous local cuisine known as “Doubles” actually is:

Food is seen to be a material aspect of culture its cultural transmission occurs through oral communication and first hand observation and allows for the passing down of local traditional knowledge (Mark et al 2008) and this serves the main purpose of educating the public both local and foreigners of “trini” culture. By doing this they would become more appreciative of it and aspire to learn to cook the items or continuously buy them and thus ensuring the success of the city Centre. Examples of local cuisine include: Doubles, Gyros, Ground provision and callalo, Corn Soup and many many more.

The video shows a variety of local food items found on the busy commercial streets of the city center: 

Multinational Corporations:

Multinational corporations are very important transitional agents in the global economy and development (Fobete 2005). They are basically companies that set up in other countries usually less developed nations and carry out their production process there. The companies are seen to be the “parent company” and the countries that they set up shop in are seen to be the “subsidiary companies”.

Multinational corporations include places such as KFC, Subway and Mario’s that are located on almost all commercial zones across Trinidad as represented in the image below. These corporations pose many positive and negative consequences to the commercial zone and to the city center as well.

 Illustrated in the image are two of the major Multinational Corporations that exist in Trinidad. KFC and Subway are located on almost all urban centers such the city center of Arima.

One major advantage of multinational outlets in city centers is that its boosts the economy of the commercial zones. By setting up production which in this case is a food restaurant, they attract customers which in turn generate income when the persons pay for their food items.

Linked to this, is the increased diversity in food options which occur. With these foreign food places, varying cultures come together to thrive in one area and somewhat forms a hybridized culture which is dominant in Trinidad where persons see KFC and Subway and other food outlets as part of our cuisine. Thus, persons have a wide choice of food options and do have to reside themselves to eating the same thing over and over again. This encourages persons to visit the commercial zones to take advantage of the wide variety that they tend to offer as seen in the image above.

Likewise, multinational outlets in commercial zones are seen to be convenient and cheap. Their outlets are located in the heart of the city to reach the maximum population and persons can either eat in or take the food away. In addition, the food is prepared in a short time and although this occurs persons are still able to get warm food whilst in a hurry. Also, multinational outlets are seen to be very cheap as compared to other food items found in the commercial zone and would thus help individuals save money.

The following link summarizes the pros and cons of multinational corporations to the economy:

http://www.preservearticles.com/2012010319694/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-multinational-corporations.html

On the other hand, there are many drawbacks to multinational outlets in city centers. One such draw is the process of cultural hegemony that occurs. This is the process whereby one culture dominates the other and I see as better or more preferred by the locals. This is evident in the city centers in Trinidad like Arima, where persons on a daily basis prefer to purchase from multinational outlets over local foods even though some of them are around the same prices. Many persons also state that they prefer to buy a box of KFC or Subway as the case may be than buying a box with local cuisine.

The video shows a discussion between choosing KFC over local foods: 

Another major negative effect of the high accessibility of multinational outlets in commercial zones leads to unhealthy food choices. This is as many of the multinational outlets that dominate commercial zones are seen to create less healthy food options for the public. These foods are somewhat classified as “junk food” and seen to have many detrimental effects on the human body. This is as these foods do not contain the nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy and they usually contain high levels of  sugars that put the metabolism under stress and this can cause many health issues to the body.

To find out more about the effects of junk food on the body, click the following link: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/fast-food-nutrition-junk-foods-effect-on-your-body.html#b

The following link is to a newspaper article from the online Newsday entitled “Should fast foods franchise be banned?”: http://newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,157314.html

Supermarkets:

Supermarkets are a very important aspect of urban cities as they provide an importance food source for human beings; unprepared foods that is. Supermarkets and food shops also known as grocery stores according to the Agricultural Sector Report of Trinidad and Tobago is a very important retail store in the country of Trinidad (CSO 1991). They sell mainly non-cooked food items, processed foods and some fresh food produce (ibid). 

          

Illustrated in the image is the Hearty Food Grocery Store that is located in the heart of the urban city center of Arima. It provides a multiplicity of food items to all persons in the commercial zone. 

           These thus provide a major necessity to the citizens visiting the urban centers. Humans are dependent on food and this is a major advantage to be located in the commercial zones as they would have a maximum connection to the people and would easily accessible by car or by walking. In addition, in supermarkets persons have a wise plethora of goods that persons want at varying prices. Therefore, they cater for varying classes in society and varying preferences. Likewise, due to the large size of supermarkets there are more employees working there and thus customers do not have to wait in long lines to purchase their products. Prices tend to be lower in groceries as they have to compete with other groceries in the area or in other commercial zones and thus act as a bargain to the people in urban centers.

References:

CSO. 1991."Trinidad and Tobago: An Agricultural Sector Study of Tobago." Tobago: Tobago      House of Assembly.

Fitday.com. "Fast Food Nutrition: Junk Food’s Effect On Your Body / Nutrition / Healthy Eating." 2014. http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/fast-food-nutrition-junk-foods-effect-on-your-body.html#b (accessed 1 Apr 2014).

Fobete, Dingha Ngoh. 2005. Multinational corporation and third world development. Ravensburg: Grinverl.

Lears, T.J Jackson. 1985."The concepts of cultural hegemony: Problems and Possibilities." The American Historical Review 90, no. 3:567-593. Accessed 2nd April, 2014.. doi:http://xroads.virginia.edu/~DRBR2/lears.pdf.

Preservearticles.com. "What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Multinational Corporations?." 2014. http://www.preservearticles.com/2012010319694/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-multinational-corporations.html (accessed 5 Apr 2014).

Schanbacher, William D.2010. The politics of food. Westport, CT: Praeger Security International.

Stark, Miriam T, Brenda J Bowser, Lee Horne and Carol Kramer. 2008.Cultural transmission and material culture. Tucson: University of Arizona Press.

“Yummie, yummie in my tummie” (Part 1)

After having spent hours searching through various clothing stores looking for the perfect outfit, the only stop that I ever make in the commercial zone is to a food outlet.

Passing by the local food stall, my mouth began watering when the sumptuous smell of the local cuisine intrigued my saliva glands. I looked down only to hear the grumbling sound of my stomach and even though I came with only one purpose to the city, I could taste the appetizing food product in my mouth enticing me to make just one small stop just to fill this empty void.

Illustrated in the image above is a small scale local food restaurant located in the commercial zone in urban city center of Arima. As seen in the image above “Amanda’s” sells a variety of items from donuts and cakes to roti and various types of pies which are all part of the “trini” pallet. 

Food is essential to human life and determines human survival. The food places in urban areas act as a means to provide one of the basic amenities needed by human beings on a daily basis.  It is a cultural commodity that is representative of a specific nutritional value, taste and tradition (Schanbacher 2010).  Food in general provides the necessary nutrients needed by the human body for growth and development.

The following link summarizes the importance of food to the human body and health:

http://www.mdgeo.com/five-important-points-why-food-is-important-to-health/

Likewise, it is seen that these food outlets, be it local cuisine or foreign products, are scattered around the entire urban city center especially in the main commercial zones in Trinidad. This allows maximum contact with the everyday shoppers and pedestrians and with the appropriate advertising and infrastructural development for the commodity allows for the success of the central business (Bhatia 2010) and thus the continuous success of the commercial zone as it increases income generation.

Therefore, there are many positive and negative consequences of food outlets being present in the commercial zone or city center.

One main advantage of food outlets being located in the commercial zone is the fact that it ensures for high food availability to the public.  This means that there is a wide selection to choose from, be it Doubles, gyros, KFC, Subway, Chinese Food, fried and baked pies and many many more. This acts as a means to ensure that people always come back knowing that they have easy access than having to go into another area to get exactly what they want to eat with more options. Therefore, food outlets enhance the diversity of commercial zones.

Another advantage of food outlets in commercial zones is that they are very convenient. Persons won’t have to go out of their way to get something to eat during their time at the city center. They can just pull up at the side of the road if they’re driving or just stop in at any of the small businesses on the main city streets or even go to one of the restaurants located in the commercial zone.  Thus, the location of food stall in city center make it convenient for persons to spend minimal time getting something to eat and thus encourages them to come back as they can stay on their route.

On the other hand, although food places being located in the city center plays a major role in its success there are many negative consequences that also arise due to this. These problems mainly arise due to the lucrative advertising that these persons adopt in their sales strategy. These encourage person to waste their money on unnecessary food items that they may not need at the money or even spend too much more. This thus allows persons to have to cut back on something else that they would have wanted to buy that would be seen as a necessity.

Food places in commercial zones are seen to be very important aspect of urban culture as it is one of the most frequented places in the urban areas especially in Trinidad. These pose many benefits such as high convenience and high accessibility but it on the other hand encourages person to spend their money unwisely due to consumer advertising that many persons cannot resist. However, it should be noted that there are varying types of food outlets in commercial zones that allow for it to continually be successful and generate income. These types shall be explored in the upcoming blog entry and each has their own pro and cons to the city and society on a whole.  

References:

Biology.blurtit.com.2014."Why Is Food Important For The Body? - Blurtit.". http://biology.blurtit.com/284614/why-is-food-important-for-the-body (accessed 3 Apr 2014).Bhatia, S.C. 2010.Retail Management. Atlantic Publishers & Dist., 2008.

Bhatia, S.C. 2010.Retail Management. Atlantic Publishers & Dist., 2008.

Mdgeo.com. 2011."Five important points why food is important to health | MD Geo."http://www.mdgeo.com/five-important-points-why-food-is-important-to-health/ (accessed 3 Apr 2014).

Schanbacher, William D. 2010.The politics of food. Westport, CT: Praeger Security International.

“Apparel gone wild: the price is right”

When I think about the reasons that I visit the city center or in particular the commercial zone the first thing that comes to mind is shopping….and shopping for clothes that is. The somewhat stressful joy of searching through a plethora of stores, trying on hundreds and hundreds of outfits just to find that “one perfect fit” , a fit that could tell the world exactly who I am and what I stand for in life.

The frustration of never being able to find something you want in the perfect size or colour after spending hours walking up and down the never ending streets. Yet, at the end of the day discovering some sort of solace when you do find exactly what you’re looking for. “Ah yes!”, I say to myself, “I have finally conquered this journey,  that once seemed so very far from my reach. This concrete jungle is now my playing ground.”

Illustrated in the image is one of the main shopping streets located in the heart of the commercial zone in Arima, Broadway Street. A wide plethora of clothing options are seen at the front of the stores and acts as a means to encourage persons to buy their stuff. 

Shopping is the process whereby persons purchase not only items that they need but items that they may want. It is a process that involves varying inputs, outputs and stores. In this case the input is the time persons spend looking for what they want as well as money they spend for their purchase, the output is the items they gain in return and the store is the self-esteem and self-worth that a person gains from feeling good after having bought something they really wanted.

Not only is shopping a means by which persons invest in themselves, it also plays a major role in the functioning of urban city centers. This is as stores are seen to be one of the most visited places in commercial zones and in particular clothing stores.

Clothing stores have various major advantages to the city center or to the commercial zone itself. One such advantage is the provision of a social facility that is need by the citizens. The right to clothing is one of the needs of human being and it is seen that one of the only ways to access this is with the aid of clothing stores in the city centers. This allows persons to be comfortable in their everyday routines and as a result can lead to their raised self-esteems which in turn allow them to feel better about themselves and thus be more productive in their workplaces.  

Likewise, another advantage is the profits that are made by the stores from the sales of their clothing items to the wider public. It has been stated that clothing, shoes and accessories are items that have a high markup value that is the profit made over the initial cost. This allows store owners to buy these products in bulk and then sell them to the public in a timely fashion. As stores are continuously making profits they are able to pay the taxes and expenses that they have incurred such as rent and utilities and sales tax permits and this can then be re-invested into the city to allow for further development of the city center. 

Similarly, it is seen that clothing stores in general have a high convenience tag attached to them. Persons are able to purchase what items they what and when they want without the hassle of making appointments and waiting in long lines just to get one item they may need.

The following link explores the advantages and disadvantages of clothing stores to the business owner in more depth:

 http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-having-clothes-shoes-store-10345.html .

However, it should be noted that although clothing stores have many positive outcomes to the city as well as to individuals themselves, several problems persists. One major disadvantage is its negative influence on persons in society to spend unnecessary money on clothing that they may not need. Clothing stores are designed in certain ways with big glass windows that displace their pieces to catch people’s eyes as they are passing by. This encourages them to stop by and then spend their money on thing that they may not need or may not be able to afford.

        Moreover, these stores utilize advertising techniques that also adapt to persons need “to fit in” in society. They explore methods that allow persons to think that if they don’t wear a specific clothing style or brand then they are not part of society. This allows persons to feel left out when they cannot afford them and it also allows persons who have these items to marginalize others from mainstream society.

Correspondingly, these stores are set up in a specific location that allows them to attract customers easily. This location allows for the continuous success of the store as it encompasses a high accessibility to the population of customers, the appropriate infrastructure needed for the store and its development as well as allows for a specific store status to be gained that would all attract customers and thus increase income generation (Bhatia 2008 ). Although, this can be seen to be a positive outcome, it can also encourage persons to squander their money. This is as the stores are located in commercial zones that allow persons to have a high access to them and coupled with the window designs and advertising persons are encouraged to buy the products that they may not need.

In addition, it should be noted that store owners of clothing shops have a timely factor attached to their products. This is as products just like perishable items only last for a short period of time that it is in style for. Therefore, sales persons try their best to sell as much of the products that they have while persons still want them. After this period these items are removed from persons’ wants list and are then an expense to store owner. However, owners have utilized “Sales” or “Discounts on items” as a means to reduce this expense and encourage persons to still purchase the items.

           In Trinidad and Tobago, clothing stores act as a means of diversifying the economy. Instead of only being dependent on oil and gas as a means of revenue generation stores such as clothing stores can be developed across the country as a means to create income and employment. (Moore 2010). These in turn can them raise the standard of living as ore persons would be able to afford these “comfort items” that were explored in the previous post. 

For more information on its influence in diversifying the economy as well as the role that women have in this process, please click the link below to be re-directed to a newspaper article: 

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,125393.html .

Conclusion:

It can be seen that clothing stores are a major participant in the functioning in commercial zones and the city center on a whole. This is as they act as a form a revenue generation that can be reinvested into the city to aid its development; they attract persons to the city center by providing a social service as well as being very convenience to the everyday customer or passerby.

However, there are many drawbacks to having the stores located in the commercial zones. One such drawback is its role in encouraging persons to waste money and allowing some person to marginalize others that cannot afford certain products.  Another drawback is the fact that these items can be wasted as they are only sold for the period of time that they are in style for and then sold on discounted prices and then the remainder left in storage or thrown away.

Likewise, there are many key factors that allow for the success of clothing stores. These include the appropriate advertising strategies, the ideal location as well the use of the store window to attract customers. 

Click the link below to read about that Caribbean Fashion Industry with major reference to Trinidad and Tobago: 

http://caribbean-beat.com/issue-103/not-all-gowns-and-glamour-fashion-week-trinidad-tobago#axzz2y56LrkTV . 

References

Answers.com. 2014. "What are the advantages and disadvantages of a department store?."http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_a_department_store?#slide=14 (accessed 1 Apr 2014).

Balle, Lousie. 2014 "Advantages & Disadvantages of Having a Clothes & Shoes Store.", http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-having-clothes-shoes-store-10345.html (accessed 1 Apr 2014).

Bhatia, S.C. 2010.Retail Management. Atlantic Publishers & Dist., 2008.

Moore, Stacy.2010."Women major player in economy." Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, 8th August, 2010.

"Port of Spain Field Excursion"

   Part one : Place-checks:  

On March 22^nd, 2014, a place check exercise was conducted by the Geog 2016: Into to urban geography students in the city of Port of Spain. Various places in the Port of Spain area were chosen but this blog focuses on the findings from the International Waterfront Centre and the Belmont community. Firstly, a walkabout of the area was conducted and students identified what they liked and didn't like about each area as well as brainstorming ways to improve the current conditions of the two selected districts. In addition, in the Belmont community an in-depth tour was conducted with varying stops by local facilities where interviews were conducted. The findings are summarized below. 

 "The Beauty in the Roots of our People"  

 Aesthetic pleasure comes in all shapes and forms and varies from the next door neighbour’s child drawing on the street to the finely hand painted local “trini” murals located around the city center and its environs.  These art forms are representative of our local roots and traditions and act as a means to sensitive the public and the wider audience of the importance of “trini pride”.  This allows for the enrichment of the Port of Spain area and makes the city what it is today and what it will be in the years to come.

Place-check #1: The Hyatt Waterfront Centre

Shown in this image is the International Waterfront Center located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain. It is seen to be one the most beautiful man made area located in the capital city that draws visitors from all over the world that aspires to take part in its magnificent splendor.

As I stood in the midst of the grandeur of this majestic hotel surrounded by the very essence of beauty, pleasure, hope, peace and love, I can only think of the joys of visiting such a place. The sun  in all its grandiose power enlightening the mere quintessence of human life on this earth, the calm gentle feel of the ocean breeze gently stroking my skin sending skivers down my spine and a last the sound of the silent majestic ocean ahead me signaling signs of youth, renewal, culture, people, history and education.

It has been seen that the International Waterfront provides a wide array of aesthetic pleasure to the visitors of the Hyatt Regency Hotel as well as to the public. Yes, it is highly acceptable for persons of the general public of Trinidad and Tobago as well as persons who are visiting the country to take a stroll along the waterfront and admire its exquisiteness.  Persons doing this are greeted with a myriad of natural as well as man-made facilities that enhance the visual appeal of the area. This is evident with the presence of various trees and flowers that line the entire area as well as the continuous glorious stone work that boarders the water area and the vicinity of the hotel as seen in the image below. 

Likewise, the water front area has excellent accommodation for individuals visiting the areas. It has been seen to be very comfortable (by personal testing) and allows persons to enjoy the time being spent with their friends and family or even with themselves and a book to the highest of comfort. This allows persons to feel relaxed and let go of some of the stress that they’re dealing with at the moment and just take in the natural elements of the sun and the cool ocean breeze.

After letting go, persons can then indulge in local cuisine sold by one of the various stores at the food shack located at the waterfront area. These food stalls provide local cuisine at its finest and allows persons to take trips down memory lane to when they were kids or even serves as new experiences to visitors who want to take part in local “trini” culture. 

However, it should be noted that the waterfront area is not fully entrenched in local Trinidadian culture. There are minimal signs that represent the local roots and heritage of the country. Instead, it adopts foreign architecture and planning styles as one can view when they walk along the waterfront area. The stone work designs, the layout of the area, the furniture used for the accommodation were all foreign products and thus do not illustrate what a typical area in Trinidad would look like as seen in the image below.

 Nonetheless, it should be stated that the flowers and trees used are part of the Trinidadian list of local fauna and somewhat tries to mix the two cultures together to form a more hybridized one to ensure that all persons visiting the area are comfortable and do not feel out of place. Likewise, located at the waterfront area is a mural as seen in the image below, and it represents local athletes that gained worldwide recognition. This acts as a means of sensitizing the public both foreign and local of Trinidadian sports culture. 

In addition, another issue that arose from the walkabout of the area was the need for more enhanced security. The area was seen to be somewhat "unsafe" as there was the present of a homeless person who was not dressed appropriately in the vicinity of the area.  This person can pose serious harm to both themselves by the deep waters as well as to visitors especially those who are not accustomed to seeing things like that on a daily basis. 

Security also was linked to the shortage of safety signs present in the area. Only one caution sign was observed in the area warning persons of the risk of being so close to the edge of the waterfront area. This can pose serious problems to visitors especially to children who may be in the area. Therefore, it is advisable that more signs be implemented as a means to reduce the potential for any serious problems of dilemmas occurring.

Similarly, in my opinion a wider variety of local items can be added to the area as a means to represent the true local “trini” culture. This can be terms of additional fixtures that would allow persons to link what they see in the area to what local culture is all about. 


Place-check #2: The Belmont Community

Belmont:  “A place of small lanes that seems to go nowhere to the stranger who passes through, but somewhere to the residents.”

Belmont was an area where coffee and sugar estates were located but these were abandoned after the emancipation of slaves occurred and are thus  it became the initial home of the former enslaved Africans as well as many freed Africans during the times of colonization.

The former slaves then set up houses and settlements on the former cultivated land and this resulted in the high density population in the Belmont district. As a result, Belmont became known as the first emancipation village or first suburb of Port of Spain.

Belmont is enriched and deeply rooted in African culture that over time became known as local “trini” culture.  This gave rise to the development of the Freetown Foundation.

The main objective of the Freetown Foundation is to preserve the rich and diverse heritage (architectural, cultural and social) of the community and to restore pride within; to provide activity for the youths as well as to collaborate and create groups within the community.

Illustrated in the image is a typical street in the Belmont Community.

After the place-check, when I think of the Belmont community the first thing that comes to mind are streets upon streets lined with houses of every shape and size tightly crammed together like a tin of mackerels. I envision a concrete jungle with small sidewalks and no greenery as well as piles and piles of garbage around the street corners.