Tag: caribbean

Reclaiming Our Capital City Port of Spain

~ dennisedemming ~ Leave a comment

Our capital city, Port of Spain (POS), is losing its place as the capital of the nation, and the current government appears to have no interest in maintaining POS as a beautiful space filled with high standards.  At the last Diwali celebration, the Prime Minister invited U.S. representatives to her personal home instead of the official residence. Small as it seemed, this moment highlighted a bigger problem, which to me is the Prime Minister’s continued attempt to disassociate with the capital city.  This was once a vibrant hub of politics, business, and culture, and it now faces aging roads, neglected buildings, and fewer people living in the city center.

Based on a 2019 planning report UN-Habitat, the city of Port of Spain has about 48,000 people compared to about 94,000 in 1962.  At that time, the city was a place to visit because it was filled with entertainment and restaurants.  Today, Port of Spain is a place where people are afraid to be once it is dark.  Port of Spain must be restored as long as it is the capital city, or change the capital, especially if you wish to make our new capital San Fernando, Chaguanas, or Siparia.

In 2016, Afra Raymond commented on his website that “our capital has been severely depopulated in the past 50 years”.  He further commented that: “Given that there has been no natural disaster, war or plague, it is sobering to consider this steady population loss and its causes during that period of relative peace and prosperity.”

While there are several things that need to be done to reestablish POS, it would be effective if we began by focusing on improving the quality of the roads.  Secondly, there are several buildings that should be restored and/or redesigned to attract more residents to the city. These priorities are mutually connected. Without good roads, life and business in the city are difficult. Without well-maintained buildings, the city loses its character. Without residents, it becomes just a place of offices rather than a living community.

Roads are the lifeblood of any city. Congestion, potholes, and poor maintenance make commuting frustrating for residents and visitors. Upgrading streets would improve daily life and show that the capital is valued.

Buildings carry history and identity. From the Red House to the Magnificent Seven, near Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain has architectural treasures. Many are deteriorating or underused. Renovating them would preserve heritage, boost civic pride, and attract visitors.

Port of Spain should not be only an administrative center. It should be the heart of Trinidad and Tobago — a place where people live, work, and enjoy city life. By improving roads, restoring buildings, and bringing more residents back to the city, Port of Spain can reclaim its status and vibrancy. Either invest in improving our capital city or let us vote on selecting a new capital city.  Whichever is selected, the bottom line is that POS needs to be upgraded by the Government.

Engineering Clarity and Resilience: Dr. Brian Copeland on Sound, Education, and Trinidad & Tobago’s Future

~ dennisedemming ~ Leave a comment

Dr. Brian Copeland shared his work in sound engineering on Power Conversations focusing on enhancing sound systems in Roman Catholic churches in Trinidad and Tobago. His recent projects include installations in churches at Tortuga, Belmont, and St. Joseph. He emphasizes “intelligibility” in sound, noting that clarity, rather than loudness, enhances listeners’ experiences and reduces mental fatigue from reverberation.

As chairman of COSTAATT and Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies, Dr. Copeland advocates for an education system that builds national resilience, preparing citizens for economic challenges and natural disasters.

Inspired by Germany’s model and Costa Rica’s success, he envisions an economy strengthened by small and medium-sized enterprises, with COSTAATT playing a central role. His vision includes democratizing education to enable more people to contribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and adapt to technological changes, such as AI.

Dr. Copeland also highlights the importance of societal engagement on issues like social justice and recidivism. Through accessible education and inclusive dialogue, he believes Trinidad and Tobago can create a more resilient, equitable society, helping individuals reintegrate and contribute meaningfully to national growth.

Transforming our Carnival Requires Radical Change

~ dennisedemming ~ Leave a comment

“Radical transformation” is the message I keep getting from my friends. From the use of plastics to transforming our carnival, there is a consistent message that if we don’t do things differently our society will crumble and fail.

This thought has been on my mind since carnival because I was looking at the BBC News on Carnival Tuesday and they covered Brazil’s carnival extensively. Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival was NOT mentioned on the BBC that evening. I got VEX but quickly changed that vexness to asking: How can we elevate our Carnival to a global stage?

Sunday Guardian, Sunday 28th April, 2024

Trinidad and Tobago boasts of being the pinnacle of Carnival celebrations globally, but can we truly claim this title? My ambition is clear: by 2025, I want the BBC to acknowledge Trinidad and Tobago as the Carnival destination of the year. To achieve this, a radical transformation is needed.

We can begin by transforming the Carnival economic model from one based on subsidies and transfers to one which generates profits directly.  If the rationale was that there should be a return on investment, it is unlikely that the National Carnival Commission would be complaining that they received $147 million last year when they should have received $200 million.

Many years ago, Carnival season meant an uptick in demand for seamstresses, wire benders, artists, dancers, performers, graphic designers, and a range of other contributors.  Today our increased demand is for Customs officials and importers.

We must work on clarifying the Carnival product so that it can be marketed to the right audience.  There is no question that the potential of our creative industries is immense. Band leaders, singers, and event planners have developed an approach to working on Carnivals throughout the world and creating bands, shows and experiences which are phenomenal. Even those working on cruise ships play a crucial role.

Promoting local culture, cuisine, and products can reduce our reliance on imported costumes and foreign goods. By stimulating the agricultural sector, we can create a positive economic ripple effect, minimizing foreign exchange expenditures and boosting local industries.

Carnival should be celebrated on a grand scale emphasizing our rich stories, histories and while ensuring a holistic approach to enhancing the value chain. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Rowley revealed that over 300,000 Trinidadian passports were scattered across the globe. This vast diaspora presents an incredible market for festival tourism. However, obtaining reliable data remains a significant challenge, raising questions about the unfulfilled 2015 manifesto promise to modernize our Central Statistical Office.

To make our Carnival experience truly unforgettable, we must prioritize seamless accommodation and transportation for visitors, ensuring a hassle-free journey from Piarco International Airport to their departure.

We need to redefine the Carnival experience, offering immersive cultural and festive experiences that span from ticket purchase to departure. This can range from day-long festivities to month-long cultural explorations.

A structured approach to all Carnival elements, from pan-yard activities to the parade of the bands, is essential. Additionally, diversifying tourism beyond Carnival can help attract visitors throughout the year, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive festival tourism plan.

Our stories are our gold. By investing in our culture, promoting local industries, and fostering innovation, we can transform Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival into a global phenomenon, driving economic growth and securing our place on the world stage.