Final Reflections

Preparing blogs was a very tedious task this semester though I found them quite informative. It was a learning experience and I enjoyed reading some short and sweet ones while other were long and boring. I decided to have a look at social aspects of the urban area, especially that of Port of Spain. as a foreigner, my little island in the middle of the Caribbean is quite different from Trinidad and Tobago, not just in size but in cultural facets. The urban space as well is very different when it comes to entertainment, shopping and other forms of socializing that can be done here in the wink of an eye. However, the aspect of vagrancy (blog # 11) is a key aspect that exists in every urban space...like I said a city would not be such if they did not exist.
The three blogs that I really felt something toward were on crime, "Trinidad: a nation of Villains and Heroes, Victims and their Tormentors..." by Hannah Sammy; "Where do you feel Included: Exclusivity in Port of Spain" by Danielle Richards and "Prominent City Architecture" by Nicole Edgard.

Hannah's blog really caught my attention because crime is something I feel is an issue that requires urgent addressing especially in this country where it is getting out of hand. Hannah quoted the functionalist view that crime is necessary as it provides positive functions for social systems. I take this t mean that once there is crime, this means that the country is developing. It is deviance like these that pave the way for future careers as forensic scientists, lawyers, doctors, activist, that bring awareness to situations that lead up to criminal acts and therefore need reconsidering. It further went on to say that it is when these crime rates are abnormally high or low that a problem will surface. Low crime rates may mean there is little activity in terms of economic growth in an area while high ones may mean growth is extremely bias as others (usually the ones committing the crime) are ignored. I feel it can be linked to my blog on pollution as well as the blog on vagrancy because pollution is an issue that is dear to me like crime and vagrancy is a result of those who similarly to criminals may have been handed the shorter end of the stick.

Danielle's blog really caught  my attention because I thought it was similar to mine but in truth it was actually the opposite. (laugh out loud) I loved the part where she was doing her interview and got "dismissed" in the end. But one part really stood out where she mentioned that people were still walking or mingling in groups despite that this is a social setting. She reminded me of the pluralism theory that different ethnicities only tolerate each other in certain settings (e.g the market place) and that it may be so for a long time. Why I say it is opposite is because in my blog on parks and recreation, I mention that its role was for relaxation and socialization, a place to gather to establish and strengthen relationships. However, in certain urban spaces establishing friendships may something that I may be looking at through rose-colored glasses.

Finally, Nicole's blog was one that was quite similar to mine. One of her statements that what caught her attention was the similarity of Catholic Churches around the world. This was practically the same discovery I made in my blog on Catholic church architecture, that they were something distinctive in every urban space in every country. Another factor she mentioned that I found quite interesting was the atmosphere created by the church affects worship and belief. The whole theological aspect of cathedrals and chapels are so distinct that should they be built contrary to the Vatican rules, "die hard Christians" may oppose this  and protest it.

I felt all my colleagues did a terrific job and it is amazing to see how different people can have different approaches to situation in urban spaces even if it is somewhat contrary to what the literature says.

Until next year,

FAREWELL


Marcelle

Homelessness in Urban Areas

Sometimes, we walk into the city with the expectation to fulfill a purpose (s) and then return home. We never anticipated noticing the homeless man begging on the corner, or the one using an empty cardboard box as a bed along the way; not because we are ignorant that these inequalities exist but mostly because we forget about it or cast a blind eye toward it. I notice them, every time, and I feel for them, not judging in anyway their situation and how they got there. But quite frankly, I am of the firm belief that a city would not be such without a homeless person or two roaming the streets, sticking his hand out asking for some change, peeing on the side of old buildings or occasionally claiming to do a dance/act/ or trick for a dollar.

<For this blog I have no personal photo as it was very risky to take photos of homeless individuals on the streets>

Globally, the people who suit the profile for being homeless would have been, alcoholics/drug addicts, wandered from home, older and most times single, now even those who were once very affluent can join the vagrants on the streets.
In larger more developed countries homelessness seem to be creeping the income ladder as more and more people lose their homes and belongings to bankruptcy. Now it's almost impossible to tell who was once at the top of the social ladder and who was for a very long period living on the streets.

Thankfully there are a few good Samaritans left in the world that may provide some sort of help in the cities for these homeless people; be it the Church with the St. Vincent de Paul programme or the government or NGOs, there is always some form of hope for them. It is now their decision whether or not they wish to accept said help.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/How_to_deal_with_the_vagrants-105578318.html
Well this person seem to think he has the answers to the "issue" of vagrancy....what do you think?

Why Stay Home on a Sunday? A look at Catholic Churches in the city

 Growing up I've always thought that all Catholic churches, chapels etc looked so much a like.Then I realized, that was kind of the point. Another thing I came to realize was that all cathedrals were predominantly in the urban areas. Catholic schools, convents to be more precise had the chapel next door (see photo of St. Mary's girls below) while others had statues of the saints.

St. Mary's Girls

Chapel at St. Mary's girls

 One thing that allowed you to recognize what denomination the building of worship belonged to was the architecture. The frosted glass windows with painting of the story of Jesus, the beautifully tiled floors, gargantuous wooden doors and several arches in door frames and roofing. They look very similar to those of     15th century Europe particularly of those countries that colonized Trinidad.

I'm not a fan of church architecture but I understand why tourists stop a lot whenever they see a church. The massive structures are so captivating one of the many things brought to us by Europeans and can now be considered as part of our culture.
"Rather, it is truly the centerpiece — the soul — of one of the great cities of Christendom" (Rose 2002)

I heard this and I thought it was quite interesting on church architectural theology. Hope you enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PDWXMMgy9c

Retailing and Consumption..."Let's goooooo SHOOOOOPPPPIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!"

If anyone has told you they hated shopping....they lied. The fact that you can walk down a street and meet every store possible AT REASONABLE prices to suit your taste, that can be very heartwarming. Urban areas provide these amenities to individuals on a budget. It takes skilled planning to develop a retail area concentrated in a specific part of the city. 

Stores on Frederick street

Stores on Frederick Street

 "urban retail is clusters of stores, offering neighborhood goods and services, 

accessible by surrounding 

residential areas within walking 

distance and often drawing 

from a wider market area" (Griffin, 2011) 

The convenience of open air and short walking distances from store to store adds to the very local or neighborly feel which urban spaces usually lack, especially in the midst of goods that are generally foreign. Additionally, there are vendors along the roadside that engage in their share of retailing as part of the informal industry. Some sell mainstream goods such as clothes and shoes while others settle for something more local such as craft and jewelry.

Local craft (leather shoes above and jewelry below)

In any case, the urban zones cater for both formal AND informal industries of retailing though some informal businesses get shut down by the council for squatting.  In Port of Spain, this is usually concentrated in areas closer to the highway/city gate as further up is mostly government buildings. 

The issue in my opinion lies in overcrowding. How long will the city be able to keep up the growing numbers of stores and informal stalls that are now beginning to crowd up the sidewalk?

Entertainment in Urban Areas part 2

So last time we spoke about entertainment (blog #5)  in urban areas in Trinidad (Port of Spain in particular) I said that it has become 'victim' of place branding. As a result of this different areas of the capital are famous for different aspects of entertainment such as nightclubs, restaurants,  bars etc as well as the city of Port of Spain  itself thanks to Carnival and therefore have been named according to the aspect (s) of their fame.

In this blog I will be looking at entertainment from a different perspective. It is not only through 'feting' and parties that an individual is able to enjoy themselves. Other aspects cater to those who better appreciate the finer characteristics of culture-i.e. history, literature, art. The main cities of places often cater to these tastes. A fun fact to note is that in the cities of Caribbean islands these buildings which are used to showcase these arts are historical in architecture. Coincidence?

The national museum of Trinidad and Tobago on Frederick street Port of Spain is one such place that supports those who get a kick out of art and culture. The museum mostly depicts the history of the city and the country itself. I must say it was very exciting to see these old military uniforms and letters and models of homes from slavery to independence. This type of entertainment definitely suits my softer side.

National museum of Trinidad and Tobago


The library is another softer side to entertainment in an urban setting. For those who enjoy reading a good informative book, here is the place to be. 

The public library

There are certain individuals  whose preference of entertainment include activities such as shopping and there are a wide array of locations in which this can be made possible in cities. Whatever the choice, there is ALWAYS something to be done in the city.

"Policies such as the designation of cultural quarters have been designed to explicitly emphasize the cultural qualities and distinctiveness of cities or spaces therein" (Bell and Jayne 2004) It is through these qualities we are able to find meaning and enjoy what belongs to us. Now if that isn't entertaining, I don't know what is!

Here is the trailer to a movie that I've always wondered "how would I react if I was placed in a situation where I spent the night at a museum and all these props etc came to life." lol Now I think THAT would be entertaining.!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4QPA--XKVw

can you tell what building this is?

If you guessed NAPA you are correct

Urban Architecture...Colonial Designs restored.

"Our human past is reflected most notably in 
the rich array of buildings, structures, archaeological sites, historic landscapes, and 
traditional cultural properties that are a shared inheritance for all the people of the state" (Louisiana Office Of Cultural Development 2011).

Everyone knows or has some knowledge of the history of Caribbean islands...the conquests of the islands by the Spanish, usurped by the British, stolen by the French, retaken by the British and so on. But regardless of these exchanges of metropolitan powers even hundreds of years after they left, their influence can still be physically witnessed in the older parts of urban areas in Caribbean islands. Port of Spain has in no way escaped from this.

The northerly parts of Port of Spain where less hustle and bustle occurs you are greeted by many buildings  either made of some or entirely made of colonial architectural characteristics. Walking through the streets in these areas you almost feel as if in your imagination you are walking back in time to an era neither you nor the generation before you have even seen in this life.

St. Mary's Girls School

As a preservation attempt not just in Trinidad but also other Caribbean islands these old buildings are being refurbished and used for different purposes. They may be seized by the local government and put to uses such as the library building. (see below). The Museum as well takes on this colonial architectural look as a marketing strategy...and old colonial house perhaps, renovated but made to keep that 'old days' look to mirror the content inside of the building.

One of the Libraries in Port of Spain

Museum of Trinidad and Tobago

It is also noteworthy that residential areas in these northerly parts have also taken a similar built form depicting colonial influences. That just shows how old these houses may be.

Restoring these buildings do not interfere with the architectural growth of the cities. There are still areas further west that depict architectural designs synonymous with modernization. However, everyone understands the need to know where you came from so that you can strategically plan where to next.

Entertainment in Urban Areas

"PARTY OVER HERRRE!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!"

This is how my friends sound right before we are about to go out. But "party" does not necessarily mean just what it says. I would assume that everyone knows the term is just an expression for many actions such as socializing (lyiming) or plain out having a great time (even if it's by yourself) in any setting. It's as simple as a trek in the city to evoke that feeling of freedom to me.

While cities have always been sites of entertainment and pleasure- seeking, a central focus of recent rebranding has been the promotion of the night-time economy, much of which is characterised by the ritual descent of young adults into citycentre bars, pubs and clubs especially during the weekend (Hollands, 1995). 

Nightclubs next door to each other in Port of Spain

This is so in the case of areas of Port of Spain such as St. James which has been coined the "city that never sleeps". The city of Port of Spain in itself is often mentioned as the Carnival capital of the Caribbean. (see video below) This types of branding (cultural branding) owes its development to the growing importance of the cultural, leisure and entertainment industries within the contemporary economy, as much for tourists and other visitors, as for the local population (Mihalis 2005). Everyone, from every place who has heard of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival, comes to experience this wonder. (disclaimer: I am not a fan nor do I participate in Carnival celebrations :) ) see link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nidh5QRT1nU

The city has lent itself amicably to various social activities, gathering etc especially during carnival season. 

People  gather at Independence Square, during a carnival party promotion Event

But what further implications does place branding  have on city culture, economy and the environment? The transformation of areas(such as St. James) to become a more middle to upper class party/social spot can be seen as a method to revitalize the urban area and in extention the city economy (Mihalis 2005).With the influx of  varieties of restaurants and bars in areas such as Ariapeta Avenue, numerous night clubs that showcase many local, regional and international artistes, the city has done well for itself.   

Culture-wise, it appears to me that Trinidadians take full use of the fact that they are considered the "feters" of the Caribbean and live up to this each weekend evident in numerous activities advertised and promoted via signs, flyers and airwaves.

As far as the environment goes, you remember my blog #3 right??? If not, please visit on pollution in urban areas.

Stay tuned for part 2

"JUS HERE CHILLIN WIT MY CREW"...The Role of Parks in Urban Areas

As a child, I used to think hanging at the park at different times of the day had a different purpose for each time. Mornings were when the older folks would sit and chat, afternoons were when the children and teens would play and gossip and evenings were when the young adults came to have a few drinks or relax with their other halves under the starlight. However, the older I got the more I came to wonder what it was about parks that made people feel like it was the place to be .  I knew it's purpose was for  social reasons but it never occurred to me the impacts that these park areas  had on these social gatherers  . 

a walk in the park, anyone?

In fact, research shows that presence of natural assets (i.e. urban parks and forests,green belts) and components (i.e. trees, water) in urban contexts contributes to the quality of life in many

ways. (Chiesura, 2002). In urban areas, factors such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the regular hustle and bustle contribute greatly to people's stressful lives that they often seek outlets even though it is just for a few minutes to recuperate.    Sitting or walking through the  park may

reduce stress (Ulrich, 1981), enhance contemplation, rejuvenate the city dweller, and provide a sense

of peacefulness and tranquility (Kaplan, 1983). The fact remains in order for cities to be livable, there must be some factor put in place to assist the enhancement of citizens' social and psychological well being, and parks/recreation grounds serve this purpose. It became clearer to me that not only do people not want to live like robots working everyday but parks and squares also allowed them to establish and strengthen relationships with people they meet or already know in these social settings.

the last line says "the square continues to be used as  a meeting ground for informal public debates, relaxation, social events and political rallies"

The Presence of squares should also be mentioned though different from parks in form serve similar purposes of gathering, entertainment and relaxation.

Socializing at Woodford Square


I thought this video was so insightful as to the roles of parks in urban areas and the effects they have on people's daily lives. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiIIst2nSHI

 Nature can

encourage the use of outdoor spaces, increases social

integration and interaction among neighbors (Coley

et al., 1997)

What's with all this Garbage??

Everyone who knows me are more than aware of the major reason why urban areas like Tunapuna or Port of Spain upsets me. They know that I come from a small island that markets itself as the 'Nature Isle of the Caribbean', where every town and community extols its beauty. Pollution back home is something rarely found and as an ecotourism destination, it is sure kept at a distance. Government officials ensure of this and if by any chance they slack off there are community efforts ever present to engage in beautification projects on beaches, near rivers, or even in their own communities.

garbage on Frederick Street

This  photo taken on Frederick Street,  looks like this bag of rubbish has been abandoned, the contents of the bag exposed on the street corner where people walk by or stand to wait for taxis. 


The photo below is on another street outside of a business establishment where it appears that the owners dispose of unwanted boxes in this manner and passersby or owners of nearby food stalls fill them up with their own refuse.

In addition, it is not only the sight that poses a disgrace to me, the unbearable smell of the cities is so unpleasant that in my opinion should be considered a hazard. This quote from Chief Seattle a Native American Indian, illustrates activity on these streets, “Like a man who has been dying for many days, a man in your city is numb to the stench.” People walk about, work around even live among these sights and smells almost as if it has become a part of their lives.

The dust from vehicles are so abundant that you will be amazed at what you see after looking at a tissue that you have wiped your face on. As soon as I get home, I throw my clothes in the laundry and take a shower...yes it IS that serious to me. 

Being that I am not from here, my question is that what is the role of the urban council in attempting you make these issues better? I am sure there should be some measures in place to deal with the clogged gutters that produce the stenches and the garbage that piles up along the sidewalks. It seems as if nobody cares about the sickness or diseases that may be caused by this and the days go on 'business as usual'. 

The American Journal of Environmental Sciences produced an article on Waste Disposal and Pollution Management in Urban Areas: A Workable Remedy for the Environment in Developing Countries. 

It states that in urban areas of developing countries more profound pressures from human activities and population densities contribute fundamentally to pollution levels. Businesses are being established every so often, whether legit or squatting their contribution too is significant.  Is it that there is an inadequate source of resources such as technology, finance or policy frameworks even that can cause some alleviation to this health hazard?  It is no secret in the law of economics that private businesses sole purpose is to make profits, but would it not serve a business owner (s) the upper hand to give back to his community by investing in proper waste management regardless of government officials laws. Simple actions such as recycling goes a long way. 

The attitudes of individuals toward pollution hazards I believe is also an important factor for I believe if a solution must be met, people need to cooperate and cooperation will only occur if they begin to care. One factor that always get people to care about the environment is not telling them to keep it clean for health reasons nor is it to preserve it for their children but to give them something of material or monetary value. Yes I know, it sounds like bribery but it's what works. After all, we don't wish to end up like the this video of Greece ( supposedly a more developed country than us). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkg71wLtx2s

WHOSE CULTURE IS IT ANYWAY ... In urban context... ?

I love walking around...it really helps me to clear my mind, especially in the city of Port of Spain. Coming from where I'm from the buildings form and structures there are not as they are here in Trinidad. Almost every building passed is two or more stories a midst skyscrapers, a perfect mix of a transition from post industrial into modernization. The presence of retail/commercial, financial, government and hotel buildings give this variety of form and structure that I speak of. But it is almost impossible to see buildings that have been restored to it's former context and any sense of such would be in a dilapidated state. It is furthermore imperative to note the upcoming commonality of these buildings to other buildings in the more modern or "first world" countries and the adoption of foreign franchises thus creating a very homogeneous city.

 KFC right opposite Royal Bank of Canada Port of Spain

In almost every Caribbean island one urban form/structure that is always evident is food franchises such as the KFC in the photo above. While walking between Frederick Street and Henry Street in Port of Spain the most active parts there are at least 2  fast food franchise  restaurants of each of the following from KFC to subway to Churches Chicken (perhaps one on each street). But the count of local restaurants are very minimal in these areas. It is true that globalization both diversifies and enriches culture but as a foreigner I would love to experience more of that local cuisine; liked to see even a few Asian restaurants, or one or two Indian  stores selling saris like they do in Tunapua as opposed to the endless stores that sell mainstream clothing.  Then I would come to accept and understand it is the people that make up the urban area in Port of Spain and not just the influence of a few well known companies that insist on "Mc Donaldizing" the global South in the name of 'development.' When we adopt the businesses, style of buildings, clothing, music from the North, I begin to wonder, whose culture is it that is persistent in the urban areas of countries?

Here is a  little video on the globalisation of KFC; it's interesting to note at the end what country most of their sales come from. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALk3pZi1gM

Enjoy and don't forget to leave a comment below...THANKS :)

COMMUTING: Riding the bus is a Pain in the...!!!

awaiting transportation at City Gate

Boarding the bus at City Gate

Commuting in itself is seriously annoying. The repetitive act of travelling to and from a place of destination daily, waiting on transportation, sitting through traffic, arriving late to work/school and the brief feeling of accomplishment after reaching home finally only to repeat the cycle on the following day. YES! It is a serious pain. However, it is a must for social and/or economic purposes. At The 4:00 pm rush hour  the bus station in Port of Spain is booming with commuters, anxious to leave the city after a long day. Some are boarding the bus, some are in line waiting on the bus while others either sit and socialize or walk about to pass the time.

So I would think why anyone would want to endure the pain of commuting daily, through the traffic of people, and other vehicles? Well the primary reason is, IT'S CHEAP! During tough times everyone looks for the next best way to save a few dollars. By spending less money on bus tickets over a monthly period than on gasoline helps by putting the excess money into other areas like food...and everyone loves food! Also, public transportation buses have scheduled departure and arrival times. It's up to the commuter to know if the schedule ties into their working hours. The buses also travel along particular routes to ensure quick and easy access so if you miss the bus that was on time...that's your fault.

So saving a little money makes a commuter very happy, even happier after he spends it on a little fete, or on a new outfit. I guess my point is the opportunity cost for commuting via  the bus may be worth it in the long run. It may be wise to ride with friends and gossip a bit to pass the time. Here's a  video via youtube on commuting; though its setting is not Caribbean, the principles in there pretty much look like the ones I use on the bus route. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-CxDZIgWfg. Enjoy!