The international waterfront center was a project aimed at revitalizing the water front of Trinidad's and Tobago capital. The aim of this project is in cohesion with Brooks and Young article on the downtown revitalization of New Orleans from the period 1973-1993.
Upon walking through the entrance of the Hyatt Regency Hotel the mood is already set, cars entering and leaving the area, presence of armed policemen, well dressed businessmen and woman and the down to business staff. As i approached the waterfront I couldn't help but appreciate the incorporation of the natural environment into this area. The ambiance, openness of space and the incorporation of Trinidad's history through the enchanting wall that showcased our Olympic achievements. I couldn't help but wonder why there wasn't a presence of patrols along the waterfront itself. Clearing such an area would be in need of protection from vandalism. This would have been one of the things that i would have cared to see more of.
Speaking about things I would like to see a change in, there definitely needs to be an incorporation of signs along the waterfront. Throughout the area there were maybe maximum two signs that I saw that urged parents to be vigilant in the supervision of their kids. In addition, when you compare this area to lets say an area such as the Brian Lara Promenade or Woodford Square there is clearly a distinction in the amount of people and the various classes of people engaging in activities in the respective areas. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to encourage a wide range of individuals to come to the waterfront and this can be achieved by making this area seem more user friendly.
Placecheck: Belmont
Previously known as Freeport, Belmont was the first official suburb of Trinidad. It was the first area that become populated by freed African slaves. This in itself, explains alot about the structure of Belmont as a community. Back then, the emancipated African slaves who settled here did not pay much attention to urban planning and just built their houses close to one another not taking into consideration the facilitation of infrastructure such as roads and so on. This is why there are so many narrow roads seen around this community. This inadequate form of planning has caused problems related to flooding due to poor drainage systems. Additionally, traffic congestion is a serious problem that residents face here. Due to the close proximity to the capital city and the inter-connectivity of both areas traffic that starts in POS ends up in Belmont. Sadly, due to the high crime rate in Laventille and the closeness to Belmont there has now been a stigma attached to those residing in Belmont.
On a positive note, there are many things to celebrate about Belmont, the close knit community structure is definitely one of them. One resident of Belmont, Ms. Tyker Pinero expressed this sentiment as she says she sees herself as a sort of friendly authority figure to the kids in the community, letting them know when they're slacking. The establishment of African slaves into Belmont has also had an influence in our present, as the community has a many steelpan bands and mas bands.
