Hello one and all this
is a special blog based on an Urban Geography field trip in my nation’s capital
Port-Of-Spain on march the 22nd . For the first objective of the
trip we were split into groups to do place checks. Which is basically a
qualitative data collection method that is geared around assessing the
qualities of a given place , recommendations to improve it and possibly working
with the partners to achieve such changes.
My group’s specific
target for the place check was the International waterfront center. We strolled
up, down and to an extent around this scenic area gathering information via
pictures and notes. In grouping back with the team in the HYATT’s open outdoor
lounge area we discussed our thoughts with each other. Perhaps it might have
been the persuasion of the soft cushions, gentle breeze and the ambient music
that led to the overall acceptance of the area. The majority liked that the
area was open, clean and scenic with few issues with the area. One issue that
came up was security for we observed what appeared to be a homeless man washing
his clothes in the water with the creative use of some shoe laces as a sinker. It
was that simple instance that made me dig deeper in thought than the impressive
architecture and seemingly rich ambiance. I began to wonder how open this so
called open space is. Who is really allowed to come on the waterfront I wondered?
The above picture
depicts a no entry zone in an open area.
The more I thought
about it the less open the area seemed as the code of conduct is set and in
that sense there is a limit to the freedom of expression that should be enjoyed
in an open space. The chain link barricade above may be overlooked by many but
to me it represented a barrier to a so called open space. The fact that we were
told we could not pass in certain areas further dispelled the illusion that I
first witlessly accepted. I reevaluated the place mentally from the breakfast
shed go back to the restricted area. The shed itself served local food but what
is the cost of waterfront rent? The background motif that gave the impression
of building a sense of identity and patriotism was under closer inspection constructed
with a cheap foam material. It was painted and sculpted in a way to give the impression
that it were stone. To me this emphasized the superficiality of the waterfront
itself to me for does the public really benefit from this space? Or are they
led to believe so and wear fancy clothes they can’t afford and drink cocktails
that cost two times more than that of the local bar down by the corner? I view
the water front as a privatized public space due to its restrictions and to me
this is something that should be improved or worked on if possible.
The second aspect if
our field inquiry was a tour of Belmont with the Freetown Foundation. After hearing
what seemed a very passionate dance of words from our tour master Mr.
Scantlebury we were off on our way. He informed us that Belmont is the first
suburb of P-O-S. and told us about the Freetown Foundation’s goals for Belmont.
Which essentially is preserving its heritage and to regain their sense of
pride. On observation Belmont has an interesting spatial geography and one could
understand why it may be considered as urban sprawl creeping at the foot of the
mountain. The architecture within Belmont was a mix of Colonial and current day
and there was also an abundance of closed business areas. Belmont had the feeling
of a friendly ghost town.
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Colonial design of the Trinidad Theater Workshop
The problems that
Belmont is faced with look quite similar to that of other Caribbean suburbs i.e
crime and lack of proper infrastructure. However it was portrayed to us that
Belmont is no Picton or Laventille and that crime comes from outside the
community to cause trouble within. Belmont is rich with personality and unique character with significant contribution to Trinidad Carnival as
produced the fancy sailor and many mass
bands. I sense that at one point in time Belmont was once the place to be as I could
close my eyes and picture all the colonial buildings new and businesses
flourishing adding more presence to its cramped streets. It is because of this I
could understand what Mr Scantlebury seek at restoring that price and sense of
place in this suburban area.
Unlike the case with
the waterfront the Freetown foundation acknowledges what their current
situation is and seeks to improve themselves whereas the international
waterfront poses a misleading classy image. It is understood that the two are
not the same but I would feel a stronger sense of belonging within the Belmont
community than that with the more modern waterfront. Both areas are in definite
need or work however to become more efficient in there function. The waterfront
needs more characteristic life and culture of that of our own Trinidadian
society and not fall into a generalized eurocentric styled liming spot at
a public space should represent the broader populations over the niche. For Belmont
to be a successful residential area there should be more interaction with the
older heads ant the younger ones to promote the rebuilding of its community as it is clear that the elders have a lot to
share.
