THE END OF THE BLOGS, THE START OF THE URBAN JOURNEY

WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE FEELINGS ABOUT THE URBAN IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE BUILDINGS

This is my 12th post and it sadly culminates the end of my blogging adventure for Geog 2007.
I was called to analyse the urban area in which I reside and those that surround me. Everyday I travel these streets, admire these buildings and go on. I never take the time out to examine the mechanics of the urban life. I never took a deeper look at what happens behind the scenes...the motives for the form of structures we have, the reasons why "urban wear" is the popular way of dress, the way urban youth behave the way they do, the role of popular institutions in shaping the urban landscape.
This assignment forced me to look closer and I was shocked by what I saw.

I entitled my blog, "The Hustle and Bustle of Urban Life" because the first thing I noticed on examination is that we do everything too fast. We build quickly, we accept but also refuse quickly, we are quick to forget...and nobody takes the time to slow down...admire...enjoy...
I focused on non-traditional elements of things that convey speed, like how fast our urban youth adapt to foreign cultures, and not only on cars and their role in the urban setting.

But, my other course colleagues took several spins on the urban that contrasted and complemented mine. Most of them focused on the actual form of the city as in the buildings, some on the inhabitants within and a few, like me, on the personal, behind-the-scenes activities.

I'd like to draw attention to the following three blogs:

1.Hannah Sammy's Facets of Urban Life
She broke down the city to its roots. She forced us to pay attention to not only the city itself but to why things are the way they are. Her use of poetry, sometimes from the point of view of a building!, was both intriguing and encompassing, personifying the urban.

2. Sayyida Ali's A Journey Into The Urban
And what a journey it was! She took us through the streets of the urban, mainly San Fernando. She urged us to focus on alternative transport in an effort to reduce vehicular traffic. Throughout her blog, she forced self-examination, making us analyze the principles by which we live and reconsidering for a greener, better urban.

3. Tamara Atwaroo's I am not HOMELESS!
Unlike the city's form, Tamara focused on the city's people. The persons we pass asleep on the sidewalks, those we cross the roads to avoid. The city to us is places of work, school and recreation. To these people, she reminded us that it was home. As much as we may not like to see it, "houselessness" is present in the city but does houseless mean homeless?


We live in the urban, but do we really LIVE in the urban?
Be aware of where you live and what happens in it always! Maybe, you may just be part of a positive change within it.


A.Maynard :)

WHAT DO I SAY TO YOU?

WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

The twin towers in Port-of-Spain used to dominate our city’s capital landscape. It was the building that represented the wealth of PoS and the landmark that mothers pointed out to children. Now, it is just a pair of buildings hidden among other grander skyscrapers.

In Chaguanas, such a building was being replicated. It was supposed to be tall and domineering. It would have acted as a hub for commercial activity. The structure had grand plans in its future. Today, it is an empty, incomplete shell. Whenever I pass nearby, I see the elusive power of the structure.  I see the plan behind the unrealized dream.

("Twin Towers, Chaguanas")

This draws me to the point that one of my colleagues made during a discussion. He said that Mr. Patrick Manning built buildings for himself, to somewhat use those to show his reach of power. The case study used was NAPA, PoS. Whether the statement is true or not, it does provoke a thought. It reminds us that firstly, buildings are built with a purpose in mind that is usually exemplified in its architectural style. But, hidden behind the façade is the provocative thought that buildings are built by and for man, most times with an agenda. And this agenda is manifested also in the form of the final product.

Source: wurliboy.wordpress.com

I will use two examples to exemplify this point.

The following picture is one of a building we all know well. It bombards us as we enter or leave UWI, St. Augustine campus through the North Gate. From the first day I saw it, I was enraptured by its beauty. I personally believe that it is the prettiest building on campus. But, quietly it exudes power.

("Old Admin, UWI)

This was the old Administration Building. It was where the most important, non-teaching activities took place. Here, futures were dictated through acceptances and denials. Here, tuitions were paid and scholarship letters received. This is the building that produced the glue that held the University together. Today, its role may not be as prominent, but its architectural design leaks a sense of power more potent than the current Administration building. The “new Admin” blends in instead of standing out. It could be a mimic of any modern design building.

The edgy Victorian style of the “old Admin” reminds us of the past when the homes of the elite were of this design. The people wielding the most influence lived in homes of this style. Even today, around the QPS, these older homes maintain their sense of authority despite degrading conditions.

This was the message behind the design of the “old Admin”. It was the powerhouse of the University and so it had to look its part.

Secondly, along the McBean Stretch, between St. Mary’s and Couva, one can find a castle. It seems most out of place nestled between two smaller, simple styled homes. 

(The Castle, close up)

(The Castle, full house)

This is the home of the Rev. Dr. Winston Cuffie, founding pastor of Miracle Ministries. He was quoted as saying, “My flock built my castle.” Some may ask if such extravagance is necessary. Everybody wants and desires a beautiful home, but how far is too far? Pastor Cuffie is a prominent man in Trinidad and Tobago. He pastors one of the most successful churches, is the father of Winsie-ann Cuffie who is making waves throughout the world and is even the Recipient of the Chaconia Medal (Gold), one of the Nation’s most prestigious awards, for Religion.

This is a powerful man. And, by default, all this associated with him carries that image of power and superiority. My PERSONAL OPINION is that sometimes it might seem slightly overdone, little “show-offy” but others may beg to differ. His home, his church, his radio program, his billboards along the highway (near the Chase Village Flyover) all show that this is a man with influence and power. The idea that is conjured up in one’s mind when one thinks of a castle, is royalty. He has never hidden the fact that he considers himself and family (and flock) no less than this. This is why he also associates with the colour purple which represents royalty. The provoking thought of ‘built by man, for man usually with a hidden agenda’ comes to mind again.

So, buildings are not just erected for use. Buildings and their forms are ideas of a man who has specific plans for the use of his structure.

Men are not just empty shells. They are creature with dreams and ideals and more likely than not, images of grandeur for themselves.

Some men have the means by which they can commission, sanction and erect buildings.

When all these factors come into play, we have the form of the building being molded to all these variables. A building of a certain style with a certain purpose will have a specific look. If this look is appealing and functions well, we may have imitator buildings emerging near-by or in similar type settings. And before long, we have our urban form taking shape.

Chapter 5 of Urban Geography deals with urban form and how it is influenced.

Port-of-Spain transformed before our eyes under the stewardship of Mr. Patrick Manning. The change came from above, the then Prime Minister of our country.

The homes along the McBean stretch are becoming increasingly larger and more elegant. The change came from below, a citizen just like you and I.

The “twin towers of Chaguanas”, empty and deserted now, was once envisioned to engage in activities similar to our “real” twin towers on Edward St. PoS. The change was due to the influence of booming economic activity.

Our urban form is changing slowly but surely. Sit up and pay attention to what the new buildings are trying to tell us.  

(Wrightson Road from Hyatt)

Sources:
The Structure and Form of Urban Settlements

Urban Geography by Tim Hall and Heather Barrett (2012)

I DO WHAT I WANT ‘CUZ IT’S MINE

WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE PLANNING SEEMS LIKE A FAR FETCHED DREAM

On my way home on afternoon, I fell asleep on the bus. I was also enjoying the traffic (!) which delayed my journey home allowing me to sleep longer. However, I was rudely awakened by this loud pounding noise. Awake and disoriented, I looked for the source of the noise. It was loud and annoying and quite disturbing. I looked out my window and saw a man pounding a truck tire rim in place with what appeared to be a sledge hammer. (I have no idea how mechanics work!) I was angry because whenever I am startled by loud noises, I awake with a headache. But then, I was amazed because one building down was the Chaguanas Health Facility. And my heart went out to all those people there who are ill and have to listen to this noise produced by the mechanic shop (which is large and highly serviced). On the rest of my journey and subsequent ones, I really looked and analyzed the layout of the borough of Chaguanas. I had to come to the conclusion that urban planning is the plague in Chaguanas. The people run from it.

(Used Car Parts Place)

I had the pleasure to be taught about the Trincity Millennium Vision Plan from one of the planners heavily involved. Subsequent to that, I had the honor to attend the Caribbean Urban Forum 2013 held in Trinidad this year. The thought process behind urban planning is enthralling. It’s a beautiful concept, seeing a city on paper and having it transform into a livable, real space. A place controlled and regulated. A place where everyone is allowed an avenue for expression, without over-shadowing a fellow neighbour. A place where everyone who resides within are comfortable, peaceful and happy.

Source: hclhomes.com

Chaguanas, and central Trinidad by extension, is a lovely place. But it is also a chaotic space with too many things vying for too little viable space. The Trincity Millennium Vision Plan had mentioned that “everything will have its place.” Small business will be together; residential will be separate and apart etc. I initially thought that was plain, bland and will lack originality. But, I reconsidered. It’s a logical solution to some of our urban problems. Discord and disharmony arises from little problems that build over time that can be prevented with a little planning.

In Calcutta along the main road I noticed a few contrasting things. There were at least 7 tire shops along a 15 minute drive; there is a mas camp located next to a temple; there is a bar next to a pre-school; there is a concrete block and cement wholesale business next to a residential area. The dust raised from that venture is impressive! I started to look for TCL nearby. So many clashing businesses along this one stretch. This pattern is repeated throughout our urban areas.

 

 

(Trucking Company in Residential Area)

What is most amazing about how and where people build in T&T however, is the fact that persons seem ignorant of the Town and Country Planning Act. It is “an Act to make provision for the orderly and progressive development of land in both urban and rural areas and to preserve and improve the amenities thereof; for the grant of permission to develop land and for other powers of control over the use of land; to confer additional powers in respect of the acquisition and development of land for planning; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.” (Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 35:01; August 1969).

It is law to pass through Town and Country Planning before erecting any structure yet most people don’t. It is about time that the authorities start to crack down on this; because, in the lapse time, we are ruining the livability of our urban areas. We are creating spaces that contain too many contrasting elements. They do indeed contribute to the character of the place but too much of anything is never a good thing. I will always refer to the statement that the quality of urban space is just as important as the buildings comprising it.

Urban areas are the places that are drawing people in expecting to give them a better quality of life. In turn, we are ruining the appeal of the urban by excessive, unregulated growth. We are sprawling instead of growing in a planned manner. This must stop before we ruin our urban. A small measure of control and by assigning space can and will do wonders for the value of the urban we produce. 

Conflicting Use of Space?

Source: skyscrapercity.com

Sources:

Urban Planning in Theory and Practice: A Reappraisal by AJ Scott & ST Roweis

Caribbean Urban Forum 2013 - Speakers Notes

HORROR OF HOSPITALIZATION

WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE DOCTORS DEAL LESS WITH HOSPITALIZATION OF PATIENTS AND MORE WITH HOSPITALITY BETWEEN THEMSELVES

I had always heard about the decaying health care system in Trinidad and Tobago but was fortunate enough to never experience it. That is, until Wednesday 3^rd April 2013. Long story short, I became severely ill and had to be carded to the Couva District Health Facility. I arrived shortly after 8 pm… to an empty health centre. I thought, “The Gods must be smiling upon me! No patients! I will breeze through here J!” It didn’t last long. I had arrived during shift change. I sat, twiddled my thumbs, trying my hardest to stay alive. Finally I was called to the nurse. It was now about twenty to nine. I saw the nurse and then had to wait for the doctor…again. I assumed that he was with a patient. After a few minutes waiting, I heard boisterous talking and laughing and joking. “Maco-ing slightly”, I saw a few nurses, two security guards and the doctor, engaged in joyous celebrations. While I sat dying. Alone. Some ten minutes later the crowd of workers dispersed and again hope filled my heart. I must be next! I smiled at the lady next to me, pitying the wait she now had. If my illness didn’t kill me, I was sure a heart attack would. The doctor came and called the lady by name, hugged her and asked, “What’s the issue tonight?” My wait was far from over. Later I learnt that that was one of his patients from his private practice. When I was finally called at about ten past ten, I was half asleep, half dead.

My diagnosis was, “I’m not sure. I’d have to refer you to San Fernando. Carry this letter with you. And I’d give you some antibiotics and painkillers. Go Sando as soon as possible.”

Skip to Friday 5^th April 2013. After much prodding from my mother to go, I arrived at the hospital at 10 am. I was registered at 10.50 am. Called to Accident and Emergency at 11am. Saw a doctor at 4.30 pm.  Had the IV tube inserted into my hand (sans IV!) at 4.45pm. Warded at 7.15pm. Saw another doctor at 11.25pm. Discharged at 12.03am! I looked at the doctor. My parents were long gone and I definitely could not have travelled home. I was given a bed at 12.37am, had the IV tube removed at about 7.15am after begging for about ten minutes and finally left the next morning at about 8am.

And I must stress that, I WAS GIVEN NO TREATMENT FOR MY AILMENT. I must thank God for being alive today to blog this.

(My hospital cards)

The state of disrepair in the health system is unbelievable. The physical building is dirty and very unsanitary especially considering that there are people there trying to heal. The doctors and nurses seem too complacent in their positions. The saw more fraternization between nurses and doctors than I ever saw between friends at UWI. Their camaraderie is commendable, but at the expense of what…of whom? The chatting may build work relations but slow down the system. Instead of treating the sick as soon as possible, they leave people there suffering only to ward them later on when hospitalization may not have even been necessary.

Why is this important to urban life? Good urban cities are defined by many things, one of them being excellent services, especially health care, for the citizens. San Fernando one of two cities in Trinidad and boasts of many achievements. Health care, is not, CANNOT, be one of them. Trinidad and Tobago as a whole is trying to achieve first world status. If we must satisfy certain requirements of the Human Development Index (HDI), then we have a long way to go in term of health care.

The newspapers, the reporters, they always have something to say about the health care system in T&T. It’s time for the persons in charge to look up and shape up. The problems that plague the system are not limited to only a lack of beds. It’s also a lack of medication in the hospitals and health centres. That makes the CDAP programme useless. It’s the lack of proper diagnoses for patients or the lack of treatment for the issues at hand. It’s the lack of respect the doctors and nurses have toward patients. It’s the lack of proper sanitation within the hospital walls.

(San Fernando General Hospital)

Each administration that comes into government and fails to acknowledge these issues, fails the people. Every time a patient dies due to negligence, the government should be catapulted into action.

A healthy population is a productive population and this productivity will manifest in every other sphere in Trinidad. In urban centres, where population density is high, the chances for medical calamity are also high. If a contagious disease breaks out, the percentage of people that may contract it may skyrocket if preventative measures are not rapidly put into place. And what would be our position then? The health care system may very well collapse due to the volume of people. Do we need to wait for calamity to fix a problem that should not even exist? 

My story is only one of many experienced by the people of this country.  There are problems that need to be addressed, and quickly.

The San Fernando Teaching Hospital is meant to train doctors and absorb some of the excess from the San Fernando General Hospital. It is expected to open its doors in the coming months and help thousands of people. But, if we don’t pay attention, we’d end up in the same position that we are in right now. We need to take the opportunity to teach the doctors how to doctor while we have the chance. It’s not only about the number of medical terms you know and the number of patients that don’t die under your care. It’s about treating people in the right way at the right times to lessen pain and reduce undue stress on both parties. And from there, the health care system may start to turn right around and once again people will have faith in the system. 

Source: www.news.gov.tt