A Caribbean Grove

Chaguanas also offers a multitude of services for people, the focus here is on the social services offered in the area. These services include a rehabilitation center, cinemas, gyms and several malls. These services, also amplify the sense of livability of the urban area of Chaguanas, as it is mostly top-down which caters to more economic expansion for private or individual profit (van Vliet, 2002). 

Photograph 1, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

There are many malls located in Chaguanas including Centre City Mall, Mid Centre Mall, Centre Pointe Mall and Price Plaza (Photograph 1: Bottom Right). There are also a great many minor plazas and malls located along the Chaguanas Main Road such as Adam's Bazaar and 2001 Plaza where people can go shopping. In addition to these shopping plazas there are many stores scattered throughout Chaguanas. The major malls are indoor malls where shops are large, whereas, minor malls are usually walk-through with a clustered organization of shops. The most popular mall, used mainly for recreation and located on the periphery of the CBD, is Price Plaza where there are many foreign food outlets and restaurants along with a cinema complex. There is a major trend noticed with these commercial centres which is that their design all include banks and some include groceries. Center City acts as a focal point around which many of the major banks exist such as Unit Trust Coorperation, Bank of Baroda, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Republic Bank. 

Photograph 2, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

With the arrival of Movietowne to Chaguanas, many stopped going to the older cinemas located there, thereby, resulting in their closure. The cinemas which were forced to shut down due to a lack of business are Globe Chaguanas and Jubilee. Movietowne acts as a major factor of gentrification as it provides a higher standard of cinematic experience than there ever was in Chaguanas. It is a high end movie complex consisting of eight theaters and a concession stand with a large variety of foods and snacks, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian persons. This development of Movietowne, in the immediate vicinity of Price Plaza, is indicative of urban retail development. Rotem-Mindali, 2012, examines the growth in variety and scale of unplanned commercial strips on the periphery of American cities. This factor can also be noticed with Price Plaza which has developed along the periphery of Chaguanas' CBD. There is an increase of accessibility in the area due to the development of roads as well as an increase in car ownership, contributing to "strip development."

Other services provided in the CBD are those which can aid in personal betterment such as the Angel Hearts Rehabilitation Centre as well as several gyms including Fitness Centre, Central Athletics Club, Evolution Fitness and Xtreme Fitness Centre. These facilities are all available to the public and some of the gyms even provide 24/7 service to their members. 

Photograph 3, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

Chaguanas also has an active nightlife which includes Club India along with numerous casinos. Club India contributes to the versatility of the services offered in the urban areas of Chaguanas where persons are able to enjoy their night out "in da club." The advent of casinos would quicker attract a mature crowd to avoid the young adult crowd found at clubs.

Photograph 4, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

These aspects of the urban life of Chaguanas could be referred to as a Caribbean-style Grove.

References

Google Maps,. 2015. 'Malls Near Chaguanas'. Accessed April 9. https://www.google.com/maps/search/malls+in+chaguanas/@10.5269955,-61.4096614,13z.

Movietowne.com,. 2015. 'Welcome To MOVIETOWNE'. Accessed April 9. http://movietowne.com.

Rotem-Mindali, Orit. 2012. 'Retail Fragmentation Vs. Urban Livability: Applying Ecological Methods In Urban Geography Research'. Applied Geography 35 (1-2): 292-299. doi:10.1016/j.apgeog.2012.08.003.

The Grove - Los Angles. 2012. Image. http://50.28.63.73/~twentyfo/assets/The_Grove_3_W-1-of-11.jpg.

van Vliet, Willem. 2002. 'Cities In A Globalizing World: From Engines Of Growth To Agents Of Change'. Environ Urban 14 (1): 31-40. doi:10.1630/095624702101286089.

High School Never Ends

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Education is considered a major factor which influences the culture and society and should be described as a trigger of urban change. Citizens of Caribbean believe education to be a very important asset which allows one to acquire jobs and secure an income. The quality of education of an area along with its access to affordable housing and cultural amenities along with other factors all affect its livability. Therefore, it can be noticed that the many educational institutions located in Chaguanas aid in promoting its urban livability. 

Within the urban center of Chaguanas there are many schools of varying educational levels ranging from kindergarten to tertiary level institutions. There are government schools, denominational schools, such as religious schools and and privately owned schools, such as Upper Level Educational Institute and even, some driving schools. Some government schools include Chaguanas Government Primary School, Chaguanas North Secondary School and the Youth Training Employee Partnership Programme (YTEPP). Whereas, some denominational schools include Chandernagore Presbyterian Primary School, Presentation College Chaguanas, Saraswati Girls' Hindu College, Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (ASJA) Girls' College and Ramlogan Driving School. 

Some schools in Chaguanas provide a high standard of education. Chaguanas Government Primary School is an institution which produces admirable students, both in academics as well as extra curricular activities. When these students graduate they move on to prestigious secondary schools throughout the country, which are usually listed as their first choice schools when they write the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA). One of these schools, Presentation College Chaguanas (Photograph 1), is located just around the corner. This school produces students with a high quality of education, which is proven by the amount of times they have won the President's Medal. 

Photograph 1, taken by Kristen Goseine, with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

Another popular educational facility available is the Chaguanas Public Library (National Library and Information Systems [NALIS]). The existing library is located in Centre Point Mall whereas, the new library is being built on the northwestern end of Ramsaran Street (Photograph 2). It can also be noticed that the construction of the library is expected to be completed soon due to the impending elections. However, the new library may be converted to the Chaguanas Judicial Complex due to a build up of court cases at the Chaguanas Magistrate Court. Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie stated that, "Justice also has to be attended to just as education and learning has to be attended to." 

Photograph 2, taken by Kristen Goseine, with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

Fun Fact: The schools in Chaguanas, unfortunately, are nowhere as exciting as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. :(

References

Asson, Cecily. 2014. '‘Save Chag Library’'. Trinidad And Tobago Newsday. http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,197943.html.

Google Maps,. 2015. 'Schools Near Chaguanas'. Accessed April 8. https://www.google.tt/maps/search/schools+in+chaguanas/@10.532565,-61.411893,13z/data=!3m1!4b1.

Google Maps,. 2015. 'A.S.J.A Girls' College'. Accessed April 8. https://www.google.tt/maps/place/A.S.J.A+Girls'+College/@10.547599,-61.417369,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xc4c98d9d69e34eab.

Harry Potter Wiki,. 2015. 'Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry'. Accessed April 8. http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hogwarts_School_of_Witchcraft_and_Wizardry.

Underwood, Nick. 2015. 'Defining Livability - Partners For Livable Communities'. Livable.Org. Accessed April 8. http://www.livable.org/livability-live/731-defining-livability.

van Vliet, Willem. 2002. 'Cities In A Globalizing World: From Engines Of Growth To Agents Of Change'. Environ Urban 14 (1): 31-40. doi:10.1630/095624702101286089.

Wayow, Sue-Ann. 2014. 'Presentation College Cops President’S Medal'. Trinidad Express Newspapers. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Presentation--College-cops-Presidents-Medal-278743801.html.

Ytepp.gov.tt,. 2015. 'History  |  YTEPP Ltd.'. Accessed April 8. http://www.ytepp.gov.tt/history/.

Take Me to Church (or to Temple or to Mosque)

Trinidad and Tobago's society can be described as multicultural and contains a blend of several religions. These beliefs have been passed down through generations with the most prominent ones being brought during the colonial era. The most popular religions in Trinidad and Tobago include Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. These religions have been greatly changed and diversified over time, even producing new religions. There is no rigid segregation of the religions in Trinidad as most celebrate or participate in various religious festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Christmas and Divali. 

In Chaguanas the mixing of religious cultures is very prominent as reflected by the present of a variety of places of worship located throughout the urban area. These include many churches, mosques and temples. This religious aspect would fall under the category of culture which is one of the seven triggers of urban change. As Chaguanas developed and more persons settled many religions were introduced to the area, thereby, resulting in diversification. This cultural change would play a role in the expansion of the area making it more appealing. While culture is one of the factors affected by this assortment of religions, society is another trigger which can be considered. These religious beliefs of the urban population has a significant effect on the societal aspect of contemporary urban change, as there would be an effect on migration in and out of the area. 

There are churches representing many of the denominations of Christianity in Chaguanas including, the St. Charles Presbyterian Church, Chaguanas Evangelical Church, and Flaming Word Ministries. There is also a variety of mosques located along Caroni Savannah Road (periphery of the CBD) as well as within the CBD itself such as the Chagaunas Masjid and Masjid Ul-Ansari. Hindu temples are also quite prominently located within and around the CBD including the Edinburgh Hindu Temple, the Devi Mandir, and Carlsen Field Mother Temple. 

In Chaguanas there is a very large Hindu community as there are two major cultural facilities located here. There is the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) Nagar as well as the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Center. The NCIC Nagar plays host to multiple Hindu festivities with the major activity being the Divali Nagar. The Raja Yoga Center is primarily focused on the meditative and spiritual arts. 

Photograph taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

Fun Fact: While Chagaunas may be diverse, it's not nearly as diverse as the Seven Kingdoms where one can find worshipers of the Old Gods of the Forest, the Seven, R'hllor "The Lord of Light", the Weirwood, the Drowned God or the Many-Faced God. 

References

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'Religion'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Religion.

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'Many-Faced God'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Many-Faced_God.

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'Drowned God'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Drowned_God.

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'Faith Of The Seven'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Faith_of_the_Seven.

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'Old Gods Of The Forest'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Old_Gods_of_the_Forest.

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'R'hllor'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/R%27hllor.

Game of Thrones Wiki,. 2015. 'Weirwood'. Accessed April 8. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Weirwood.

Pacione, Michael. 2001. Urban Geography. London: Routledge.

Market

In Chaguanus there are three markets found, which are the prominent Chaguanas Market, the Flea market and the Central Farmers Wholesale Market. Markets allow for the gathering of people to sell as well as to purchase fruits, vegetables, provisions, meats, seafood, clothes and other commodities. There is an atmosphere of competition and negotiation always present as vendors and customers try to get the best deals.

The Chaguanas Market is located in the center of the CBD and is usually so overflowing with vendors that some sell on the street directly outside the market. Many vendors of this market sell locally grown vegetables, fruits and livestock. Upon entering the market there is a variety of colourful stalls packed to the brim with sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, watermelons, mangoes, cherries, bananas and grapes. Within the market the space is organised into rows of stalls and aisles. However, due to the bustle of the people and the calls of the vendors, the market can become very clustered and noisy. A great variety of East Indian sweets and delicacies can be purchased at the market including, kurma, jalebi and barfi as well as ladoo, polouri and saheenas. In the market one can also purchase kitchen utensils, clothes and cosmetics. 

Photograph taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

The Chaguanas Flea market can be described as an assembly of street vendors gathered in one open space just outside Center City Mall. Vendors located here sell their merchandise at relatively low and reasonable prices since they are not subjected to paying taxes or utilities. These low prices are the result of them not selling out of stores. In contrast to the Chaguanas Market, vendors located here mostly sell clothes, shoes, hair products and cosmetics.This market started when vendors moved off of the roads and into the abandoned lot where the market is now located.There is also another flea market that occurs annually in a lot adjacent to Mid Center Mall. This market usually opens during the Christmas season when there is a high demand for reasonably priced merchandise. However, these markets will never be as exciting as that of the marketplace in Agrabah, which was the CBD of Arabia. 

Photograph taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

The Central Farmers Wholesale Market is up and coming in the urban aspect of Chaguanas life. It will provide services including the sale of fresh produce and poultry at a wholesale price, therefore, allowing persons to buy in bulk. This market is housed in the recently renovated Woodford Lodge compound. The former Woodford Lodge Recreation Club was highly frequented during the "hey days of sugar" and was recently demolished in a fire. This tragedy allowed for the construction of the new Farmers Wholesale Market in a 22,680 square feet building. Agriculture Minister Devant Maharaj said that the building would be open to 1,000 farmers from the various farming areas located in central Trinidad. 

Photograph taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

References

Allevents.in,. 2015. 'Christmas Flea Market 2014'. Accessed April 6. http://allevents.in/chaguanas/christmas-flea-market-2014/1520452788171748.

Baboolal, Yvonne. 2015. 'Wholesale Market Opens In Chaguanas'. Trinidad And Tobago Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.tt/business/2015-02-26/wholesale-market-opens-chaguanas.

Disney Wiki,. 2015. 'Agrabah'. Accessed April 7. http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Agrabah.

Ramoutar, Paras. 2013. 'The Lure Of Chaguanas Market'. Trinidad And Tobago Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.tt/columnist/2013-04-21/lure-chaguanas-market.

TrinDigital,. 2011. TRINIDAD CHAGUANAS MARKET. Image. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bktTCe42LME.

Trinidad and Tobago Guardian,. 2015. 'Woodford Lodge Club Burns Down'. http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-04-07/woodford-lodge-club-burns-down.

General Hospital

“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” - Winston S. Churchill 

In the immediate vicinity of the CBD of Chaguanas a major health facility is located, that is the privately owned Medical Associates Central Hospital (Photograph 1). This hospital has been recently opened in 2012 and provides a great number of services. Citizens of the middle and high income brackets would more be seen going to this hospital as it is more exclusive as payment is required as the hospital is private. This hospital is cleaner and more efficient due to the lack of public crowds. It features wards, fully functioning operating theatres, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms and CT scanning. Patients can be warded in this hospital if they are in need of extensive care or recovery.

PHOTOGRAPH 1, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 24/02/15)

There is another major health facility, also located on the outskirts, that is the Chaguanas District Health Facility (Photograph 2) which is open to the public at all times. This is a government owned facility and so it is free to all those in need of medical care, who cannot afford to go to private facilities. However, this results in there being a long waiting line to be seen by a physician. From personal experience this hospital is very unprofessional and the service is of a very poor quality. Due to the facility being crowded doctors, in an effort to attend to all patients, provide hasty service. This hospital operates on a “first come first serve” basis apart for emergencies.

PHOTOGRAPH 2, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

Located in and around the CBD of Chaguanas there are other medical facilities and private practices. These places offer specific medical services such as STD and HIV/AIDS testing. There are also well known medical practitioners located here including Dr George A. Elias (Orthodontist) and Dr Rai Ragbir (General Practitioner).

Please note! While visiting these hospitals rest assured that there is no chance of running into the likes of Dr Victor Frankenstein, Dr Abraham Van Helsing or Dr Hannibal Lecter. 

In the Caribbean many persons who wish to study medicine tend to divert more towards foreign universities, whereas, those who study in the Caribbean migrate after they have completed their studies. This results in the brain drain phenomenon, commonly noticed in the region, where there is a loss of local persons to provide services. As a result of this many of the doctors located in Trinidad and Tobago are from Cuba and India, to assume these positions. 

References

Dass,, D. 2012. 'Medical Associates To Open Hospital In Chaguanas'. Trinidad And Tobago's Newsday. http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,168175.html.

Hannibal Wiki,. 2015. 'Hannibal Lecter'. Accessed March 31. http://hannibal.wikia.com/wiki/Hannibal_Lecter.

Health.gov.tt,. 2015. 'The Ministry Of Health - Trinidad And Tobago'. Accessed March 31. http://www.health.gov.tt/moh-healthfacilities/facility.aspx?id=33.

IMDb,. 2015. 'Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Character)'. Accessed March 31. http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0002564/.

IMDb,. 2015. 'Van Helsing (Character)'. Accessed March 31. http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0002557/.

Law and Order

One of the many services provided in Chaguanas is that of governmental institutions. These include the Chaguanas (middle right of Photograph 1) and Municipal Police Stations, the Magistrate Court (middle left of Photograph 1), the Chaguanas Borough Council (bottom right of Photograph 1), the Chaguanas Borough Corporation New Administrative Building (top of Photograph 1), the Ministry of Transport- Transport Division (Licensing Department) [bottom left of Photograph 1] and the offices of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Food Production (which is currently under construction). The majority of these buildings are in close proximity to one another, for example the Chaguanas Police Station and the Magistrate Court being directly opposite to each other. However, efforts of decentralization of these services is seen, where the location of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Food Production is no where close to the others. The locations of the existing buildings are so placed, in an effort to maintain some levels of efficiency in carrying out their services. The Chaguanas Borough Corporation New Administrative Building, is a relatively recent development in the urban area, and is aimed at housing several ministry offices, for the convenience of the public.

PHOTOGRAPH 1, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

In urban areas such as Chaguanas, there are several factors which trigger urban change, which include the economy, society, environmental change, demography, culture and politics. Currently in Trinidad, there are local elections taking palce. As a result of this, the current government of the republic, in the months leading up to the election day, tend to encourage development of communities and urban areas, in an effort to gain votes. Therefore, they enhance urban change, through the factor of politics. This is particularly seen with the construction of the ministry office (Refer to Photograph 2) on the periphery of the CBD. There is also renovations being done in the older buildings, for example the Court, as well as overall relocation of the Borough Council to the recently built Borough Cooperation Administrative Building.

PHOTOGRAPH 2, taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 30/03/15)

References

Braxton-Benjamin, N. 2014. 'Refurbishment To Begin At Chaguanas Court'. Trinidad Express Newspapers. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Refurbishment-to-begin-at-Chaguanas-court-257883991.html.

Google.com,. 2015. 'Google Maps'. Accessed March 30. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chaguanas,+Trinidad+and+Tobago/@10.5408187,-61.410289,18z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8c35f9683ede6bcd:0x112ca977469a629b.

Pacione, Michael. 2005. Urban Geography. London: Routledge.

The Trinidad Guardian - Business Guardian,. 2014. 'Expanding Chaguanas - Ministries, Mall And An Industrial Park Earmarked'. http://www.guardian.co.tt/business-guardian/2014-04-10/expanding-chaguanas-ministries-mall-and-industrial-park-earmarked.

The Industrial Sector

“By means of industry and perseverance we will rise higher and higher.” - Robert Schumann

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean with the highest gross national income (GNI) at US$14,400. In 2011, the Organisation for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) removed the country from its developing countries list, therefore, officially labeling it as a developed country.  

The Chaguanas industrial area stems from the CBD and is located along the previously active railway lines, similar to Hoyt’s sectoral model. Much like the suburban areas, development of industries were focussed along the existing railroads. In comparison to Point Lisas, a major industrial sector of Trinidad and Tobago, Chaguanas has a small to moderate level of industrial sector. The basis of Trinidad’s industrial activity is oil and gas, which is centered in the Point Lisas area. However, as the country continues to develop further there are the uprisings of other industrial sectors which can be located in or around major urban areas.

This area is adjacent to the highway which provides a direct link to the rest of the country. Most of the industries located here transport their products to various areas of the country and so having a direct route is an advantage. Industries are situated in close proximity to the highway and this allows for easy accessibility to markets for their products. This, thereby, leads to the reduction of transportation costs to markets which are located within or around Chaguanas. The industries are mostly located on the periphery of the urban area where there is less commercial traffic.

Photograph taken by Kristen Goseine with Canon EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D. (Date taken: 24/02/15)

The major industries located in Chaguanas are:

•          KISS Baking Company Limited
•          Bhagwansingh’s Hardware and Steel Industries Limited
•          Industrial Rubber Products Limited
•          Lange Trinidad Limited
•          The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper
•          ANSA McAL Centre
•          YKK West Indies Limited
•          Luxsam Industries Limited
•          Massy Cat
•          Chief Brand Products
•          Holiday Snacks Limited

Fun Fact: The establishment of industries along railways can be seen in the DC Comic Batman where Wayne Enterprises were developed simultaneously with the Gotham Railroads during the Industrial Revolution. 

References

Batman Wiki,. 2015. 'Wayne Enterprises'. Accessed March 21. http://batman.wikia.com/wiki/Wayne_Enterprises.

CCTV,. 2013. Trinidad And Tobago: One Of The Most Developed Caribbean Nations.. Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnO4oxYIFJs.

Goodreads.com,. 2015. 'Quotes About Industry (93 Quotes)'. Accessed March 21. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/industry.

Oecd.org,. 2015. 'DAC List Of ODA Recipients - OECD'. http://www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist.htm.

Thorpe, G. 2013. 'Top 10 Caribbean Nations Based On Gross National Income - Page 5 Of 5 - Atlanta Blackstar'. Atlanta Blackstar. http://atlantablackstar.com/2013/12/19/top-10-richest-countries-in-caribbean-per-income/5/.