Inner City Housing

Trinidad's inner city, is rich in history and culture. It is believed that East Port-of-Spain is the birthplace of the steel pan, calypso and carnival.  (East Port-of-Spain Development Company Ltd 2008-9)

Short History Low rise settlements in Port-of-Spain

After emancipation in 1838, freed slaves migrated in large numbers to Port-of-Spain seeking a lively hood. Accompanied by this increase in population there was also a rise informal housing. In an attempt to curb informal housing the Colonial Government constructed low rise settlements under the ''Slum Clearance Act 1944'', in an attempt to improve the housing conditions existing in the city.

Today, the area photographed neighborhood is known as the ''Plannings'' or low income housing. They are located at the South-Eastern area of Port-of-Spain. It includes the residential settlements of Nelson, Duncan and George Streets and stretches along the East Dry River and Charford Court. Today, the neighborhoods similar to Sea Lots are known for poverty, crime and gang violence.

In the foreground the photograph shows a line of low rise apartments on Nelson Street. The apartment’s exteriors have been recently refurbished. Yet, due to the apartments age and previous years of neglect, many of these low rise apartments  tend to lack  amenities. (Trees and landscaping, disability features, car parks, proper drainage). Also a closer look at the background (to the right, behind the coconut tree) reveals an emerging squatter settlement. 

The following video shows one of the island's government ex-minister of National Security.Jack Warner on his visit to Nelson and Duncan Streets. What is interesting is that the neighborhoods residents proclaim that  jobs and housing are two of the major problems affecting their neighborhoods.

REFERENCES

East Port-of-Spain Development Company Limited. 2008-9 .www.eposdctt.com (accessed 02 12,2014).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unowCQ3dx74