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 :)
Wednesday 17 April 2013
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.
(Wrightson Road from Hyatt)
Sources:
The Structure and Form of Urban Settlements
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
(My hospital cards)
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 3rd
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 5th 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.
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
Friday 29 March 2013
SAGA BWOY! SAGGY PANTS: STYLE OR STUPIDITY?
WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE ZOO KEEPERS HAVE TO TELL US NOT TO BEHAVE LIKE MONKEYS
The urban space carries an identity of its own. Its dynamic form keeps us mesmerized. The various cultures trapped within its boarders stand alone and merge at at the same time, managing to retain its individual identity while engaging in hybridization. The people of the urban tend to be trend setters and invigor others to adapt, become 'up-to-date', look cool and fashionable.
From the urban powerhouses of the world we have inherited famous fashion designers who give us styles that makes us look and feel beautiful, powerful, fancy. From the urban streets, we have gained fashion that is practical in everyday uses while still remaining stylish. Then sometimes, we have a clash of fashion that makes you wonder how can anyone be comfortable and think that they look good in that. Need an example?
Let's step into the world of "sagging".
Sagging, as defined by Wikipedia, is a manner of wearing trousers below the waist, revealing much of the underwear.
Whilst it is not a style confined to urban areas, its origins (outside the US prison system) is in the urban sphere. It is said that it is a rejection of the values of mainstream society. What values, one might ask? The value of "everyone not wanting to see your underwear"? The value of "disrespect to other persons using a public space"? And isn't it ironic that a style that was supposed to go against all that was mainstream turns out itself to be...mainstream.
Our celebrities, who exemplify what is urban in their mannerisms, way of dress and general lifestyles, seem to endorse such style, making it even more popular within wider society. They have to be careful of the examples they set.
Sources:
http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=7375&cpage=1
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-urban-clothing.htm
http://kevinbrown55.hubpages.com/hub/turn-my-swag-on
http://www.open.uwi.edu/sites/default/files/UWIOC%20Practicum%20Guidelines-%20Students.pdf
www.ew.com
The urban space carries an identity of its own. Its dynamic form keeps us mesmerized. The various cultures trapped within its boarders stand alone and merge at at the same time, managing to retain its individual identity while engaging in hybridization. The people of the urban tend to be trend setters and invigor others to adapt, become 'up-to-date', look cool and fashionable.
From the urban powerhouses of the world we have inherited famous fashion designers who give us styles that makes us look and feel beautiful, powerful, fancy. From the urban streets, we have gained fashion that is practical in everyday uses while still remaining stylish. Then sometimes, we have a clash of fashion that makes you wonder how can anyone be comfortable and think that they look good in that. Need an example?
 |
| Source: tweentribune |
Let's step into the world of "sagging".
Sagging, as defined by Wikipedia, is a manner of wearing trousers below the waist, revealing much of the underwear.
Whilst it is not a style confined to urban areas, its origins (outside the US prison system) is in the urban sphere. It is said that it is a rejection of the values of mainstream society. What values, one might ask? The value of "everyone not wanting to see your underwear"? The value of "disrespect to other persons using a public space"? And isn't it ironic that a style that was supposed to go against all that was mainstream turns out itself to be...mainstream.
Our celebrities, who exemplify what is urban in their mannerisms, way of dress and general lifestyles, seem to endorse such style, making it even more popular within wider society. They have to be careful of the examples they set.
Source: ew.com
Freedom of expression is welcome in any sphere of life. It's what makes a plural society. It gives definition to the urban city. It keeps us from being bland photocopies of each other. But, like everything else, there are limits. Not limits on creativity, but on the way this creativity is expressed in public places.
Urban spaces are a conglomeration of people from all walks of life, of all ages and from many different backgrounds. We must be ever conscious of this fact.
Many things have been said about Trinidad and Tobago, a lot of them things which we should not be proud of. A common one is, "If America catches a cold, T&T sneezes." We imitate too many things here in our small island state. We are a melting pot of cultural ingenuity. We are a highly creative people. We have a style of our own. Yet, we choose to soak up, like a Sham-wow in a pool of water, the styles of urban America that they themselves are trying to rid.
We have reach the point where this sagging pants style is a pandemic. Where the headline on a daily newspaper is the banning of the style.
Our boys and men seem to put all logic aside when they don their pants. The crotch rides so low that they must walk with their legs far apart. Every three steps are followed by a pull up by the waist band so that the pants don't slip right off. Other road, parks, sidewalks, buildings users are privy to the colour and style of men underwear. I have come to the conclusion that plaid is most popular and WearWolf is an up and coming brand in Trinidad among the male population.
During the Carnival season, my eyes were accosted by as many underwear and bare bottoms as costumes.
 |
| (Trinidad Carnival "Style"?) [Disclaimer: NOT KEES!] |
The urban place is the home of new and emerging cultural trends. The clothes we wear are an expression of our culture and what we represent. It can show a particular stance we take or something we believe in. I am all for expression through what is worn. What I cannot condone is clothes that do not only disrespect yourself but those around you too. I believe this is exactly what saggy pants do. Be mindful of those around you. Let's not change the meaning of a "SAGA BOY."
The urban is the leaders of clothing trends. Let's lead in the right direction.
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live."
-Gianni Versace
http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=7375&cpage=1
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-urban-clothing.htm
http://kevinbrown55.hubpages.com/hub/turn-my-swag-on
http://www.open.uwi.edu/sites/default/files/UWIOC%20Practicum%20Guidelines-%20Students.pdf
www.ew.com
Monday 25 March 2013
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL PROTECTION
WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE YOU NEED A MAN'S PROTECTION IN GOD'S HOUSE
When we pray, I believe that we all ask God for two main things: forgiveness and protection. In these dark times we are living in, protection is most definitely at the top of our lists. No longer can we take strolls on afternoons alone to gather our thoughts. No longer can we walk with our purses strewn care-freely over our shoulders. No longer can we wear our jewelry on whim and fancy and travel to our destinations. No longer can we hop into any vehicle, PH especially, and pay no mind to the other passengers knowing with certainty that we are going to arrive home safely.
With the murder toll being 99 in 84 days in Trinidad and Tobago, we try our hardest to keep ourselves from being the next tragic statistic. The simple pleasures we once took for granted are now like rare, precious jewels.
Crime is a problem that plagues most urban populations. Anytime there is a high density of people in one area, especially living in poverty and places that lack urban planning and regulation and can be classified as sprawl, crime levels are high relative to the rest of the country.
In Trinidad, our most dense areas are also those classified as 'crime hot-spots'.
Masih and Masih (1996) rationalized that apart from socio-economic reasons, “increase in urbanization [initially] may lead to decrease in crime because of closer proximity of residents; [but] finally, with even further increase in urbanization, crime may rise because individuals may not identify whether they are engaged in a legal or illegal activity”.
This link is a short table giving explanations for patterns of crime in urban areas.
But, where is one place a person can go to feel safe and secure from a violent world? A place of worship, perhaps. Churches, temples, mosques are those places where we can join together with our fellowmen to rejoice in our respective Gods and forget the frightful situations that we live in everyday. These are places where we can say God resides and we feel protected and wrapped up in His arms. We pray for guidance and mercy for our bullet-riddled country. God is the supreme protector and in our worship places we are supposed to be safe.
We jump in our cars on a Sunday and drive through tall, concrete walls. We wave to the security guard manning the car-park. We push through big doors doubly protected by re-enforced glass and burglar-proof. We put our phones on silent and put it with our wallets to the bottom of our purses, protected by the Bible, Koran, Bhagavad-Gita.
Welcome to church/mosque/temple!
At no point in time does it cross our minds that the same criminal elements that we pray against, we are expecting and preparing for.
Psalm 18:2 says "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." Nowadays, we are building our own fortresses. We are fashioning our own shields. We are constructing our own places of safety.
We are building walls up instead of breaking down barriers. We are excluding those that most need the power of religion and the belief in an Almighty God. We are diving wholesale into an "Us vs Them" lifestyle.
But can we blame anybody for taking such drastic measures? Do we say that we have a faithless church? Or do we say that we have too many ruthless criminals to handle?
We have reached the point in our society where murders are happening in churches. Our traditional places of prayer and protection are being defiled by criminal elements. We need our places of worship to help fight the fight against crime but now the fights are happening within their very walls.
Some older folks argue that the religious culture that once permeated every nook and cranny of Trinidad and Tobago is now but a thin thread, fighting to remain intact. Churches are emptying faster than Government buildings at 4 pm. Evening sessions at mosques are seeing declines in attendance. Pundits are singing to empty seats. Crime is reaching it cold fingers into every sector of the society, shriveling it on touch.
This may be a general trend in all areas of the country but by far is most evident in our urban areas. Count the number of churches/temples/mosques in PoS and environs that are not there for history sake or not concerned with making a show in T&T. Ask your friends how many of them feel secure going to worship at late night meetings or open air crusades.
Who knows, maybe there is some sort of correlation between crime and religious exposure. Maybe if our churches don't close because of crime, crime will slow because of our churches. We can only wonder.
If persons can no longer feel safe and secure to worship freely and without worry outside of their homes, the churches and mosques and temples will die with the many whose blood are being shed everyday.
Sources:
http://www.ttcrime.com/stats.php
http://www.ttcrime.com/crime-hot-spots.php
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/42106/1/MPRA_paper_42106.pdf - Crime in Urban Areas: An Empirical Investigation by Erdal Gumus
http://www.sociology.org.uk/pblsdcr.pdf
Temporal Causality and the Dynamics of Different Categories of Crime and their Socio-Economic Determinants; Evidence from Australia - Masih and Masih (1996)
http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,172900.html
When we pray, I believe that we all ask God for two main things: forgiveness and protection. In these dark times we are living in, protection is most definitely at the top of our lists. No longer can we take strolls on afternoons alone to gather our thoughts. No longer can we walk with our purses strewn care-freely over our shoulders. No longer can we wear our jewelry on whim and fancy and travel to our destinations. No longer can we hop into any vehicle, PH especially, and pay no mind to the other passengers knowing with certainty that we are going to arrive home safely.
With the murder toll being 99 in 84 days in Trinidad and Tobago, we try our hardest to keep ourselves from being the next tragic statistic. The simple pleasures we once took for granted are now like rare, precious jewels.
Crime is a problem that plagues most urban populations. Anytime there is a high density of people in one area, especially living in poverty and places that lack urban planning and regulation and can be classified as sprawl, crime levels are high relative to the rest of the country.
In Trinidad, our most dense areas are also those classified as 'crime hot-spots'.
 |
This link is a short table giving explanations for patterns of crime in urban areas.
But, where is one place a person can go to feel safe and secure from a violent world? A place of worship, perhaps. Churches, temples, mosques are those places where we can join together with our fellowmen to rejoice in our respective Gods and forget the frightful situations that we live in everyday. These are places where we can say God resides and we feel protected and wrapped up in His arms. We pray for guidance and mercy for our bullet-riddled country. God is the supreme protector and in our worship places we are supposed to be safe.
We jump in our cars on a Sunday and drive through tall, concrete walls. We wave to the security guard manning the car-park. We push through big doors doubly protected by re-enforced glass and burglar-proof. We put our phones on silent and put it with our wallets to the bottom of our purses, protected by the Bible, Koran, Bhagavad-Gita.
Welcome to church/mosque/temple!
 |
| (St. Peter's RC Parish, Pointe-a-Pierre) |
At no point in time does it cross our minds that the same criminal elements that we pray against, we are expecting and preparing for.
Psalm 18:2 says "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." Nowadays, we are building our own fortresses. We are fashioning our own shields. We are constructing our own places of safety.
We are building walls up instead of breaking down barriers. We are excluding those that most need the power of religion and the belief in an Almighty God. We are diving wholesale into an "Us vs Them" lifestyle.
But can we blame anybody for taking such drastic measures? Do we say that we have a faithless church? Or do we say that we have too many ruthless criminals to handle?
We have reached the point in our society where murders are happening in churches. Our traditional places of prayer and protection are being defiled by criminal elements. We need our places of worship to help fight the fight against crime but now the fights are happening within their very walls.
Some older folks argue that the religious culture that once permeated every nook and cranny of Trinidad and Tobago is now but a thin thread, fighting to remain intact. Churches are emptying faster than Government buildings at 4 pm. Evening sessions at mosques are seeing declines in attendance. Pundits are singing to empty seats. Crime is reaching it cold fingers into every sector of the society, shriveling it on touch.
This may be a general trend in all areas of the country but by far is most evident in our urban areas. Count the number of churches/temples/mosques in PoS and environs that are not there for history sake or not concerned with making a show in T&T. Ask your friends how many of them feel secure going to worship at late night meetings or open air crusades.
Who knows, maybe there is some sort of correlation between crime and religious exposure. Maybe if our churches don't close because of crime, crime will slow because of our churches. We can only wonder.
 |
| (Faith Centre, located in San Fernando) |
If persons can no longer feel safe and secure to worship freely and without worry outside of their homes, the churches and mosques and temples will die with the many whose blood are being shed everyday.
Sources:
http://www.ttcrime.com/stats.php
http://www.ttcrime.com/crime-hot-spots.php
http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/42106/1/MPRA_paper_42106.pdf - Crime in Urban Areas: An Empirical Investigation by Erdal Gumus
http://www.sociology.org.uk/pblsdcr.pdf
Temporal Causality and the Dynamics of Different Categories of Crime and their Socio-Economic Determinants; Evidence from Australia - Masih and Masih (1996)
http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,172900.html
Sunday 24 March 2013
T&T's BREAKFAST: BREAD AND TRAFFIC JAM
WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE THE FAST LIFE IS SURPRISINGLY...SLOW
Describe a typical commute to and from work.
Chances are it started in traffic, led you to the East-West Corridor and ended in traffic.
The E/W corridor, with the focus on the capital city PoS, is the jobs hub of the country. If you want a relatively good paying job, with not too ridiculous hours, enough places to kick back after work on a Friday and not in the Oil and Gas sector, then PoS is the place to be.
This is the wish of too many people. And too many people get their wishes coming true. So, everybody is heading into PoS and environs on a morning. And heading out in the afternoon. At the same time. Resulting in our "favorite" past-time in Trinidad.
This is not an issue isolated to Trinidad though. Even in our much slower sister isle, Tobago, the congestion problems are creeping up. Especially during peak periods like Easter, Carnival and Christmas. Let's zoom out more. The urban areas of the world, by large, are experiencing and fighting a failing battle at combating this vehicular traffic problem.
As the density of persons in and out of an area increases (place becomes more urban), the need for mobility also increases. The direction we have taken is motorization and diffusion of the automobile.
This has resulted in what we see everyday, traffic congestion coupled with parking problems. The demand for transport structures have not been met especially in PoS. This has caused space consumption problems and competition. Roadways have become parking spots, further adding to the traffic pile-up.
To add insult to injury, after you arrive in the city, your commuting time continue to escalate as the time it takes to find a parking spot and take up to 20 minutes.
But, can this pandemic be combated at all? PTSC buses run the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago. Most times, they enter and leave City Gate and other respective terminals half filled. Why? This is a measure implemented to discourage persons from coming into the urban areas with their personal vehicles. But it doesn't seem to be working well. Why? Some would argue that it's an uncomfortable ride during peak hours with overcrowding and noisy children. Then, during non-peak time, the schedules are most unpredictable. This adds to the growing discomfort of citizens and the use of public transport, forcing them to turn to their own cars. Therefore, the circle is completed and traffic woes grow.
Describe a typical commute to and from work.
Chances are it started in traffic, led you to the East-West Corridor and ended in traffic.
The E/W corridor, with the focus on the capital city PoS, is the jobs hub of the country. If you want a relatively good paying job, with not too ridiculous hours, enough places to kick back after work on a Friday and not in the Oil and Gas sector, then PoS is the place to be.
This is the wish of too many people. And too many people get their wishes coming true. So, everybody is heading into PoS and environs on a morning. And heading out in the afternoon. At the same time. Resulting in our "favorite" past-time in Trinidad.
This is not an issue isolated to Trinidad though. Even in our much slower sister isle, Tobago, the congestion problems are creeping up. Especially during peak periods like Easter, Carnival and Christmas. Let's zoom out more. The urban areas of the world, by large, are experiencing and fighting a failing battle at combating this vehicular traffic problem.
As the density of persons in and out of an area increases (place becomes more urban), the need for mobility also increases. The direction we have taken is motorization and diffusion of the automobile.
This has resulted in what we see everyday, traffic congestion coupled with parking problems. The demand for transport structures have not been met especially in PoS. This has caused space consumption problems and competition. Roadways have become parking spots, further adding to the traffic pile-up.
To add insult to injury, after you arrive in the city, your commuting time continue to escalate as the time it takes to find a parking spot and take up to 20 minutes.
But, can this pandemic be combated at all? PTSC buses run the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago. Most times, they enter and leave City Gate and other respective terminals half filled. Why? This is a measure implemented to discourage persons from coming into the urban areas with their personal vehicles. But it doesn't seem to be working well. Why? Some would argue that it's an uncomfortable ride during peak hours with overcrowding and noisy children. Then, during non-peak time, the schedules are most unpredictable. This adds to the growing discomfort of citizens and the use of public transport, forcing them to turn to their own cars. Therefore, the circle is completed and traffic woes grow.
Cars (and personal transport as a whole) are seen as a sign of status, besides their convenience. So, for the urban traffic problem to see any sort of resolution, the mindset of the people must change. Riding bicycles are seen as uncool and representative of the underprivileged. The positive effects of bike sharing initiatives such as lower amounts of congestion within the urban space and improvements in air quality must be emphasizes. The "elite" must be encouraged to start to show the rest of the population that it's the "cool" thing to do. We all know we have a monkey see, monkey do culture in T&T and that seems to be the only way to start to get people to think in a certain way.
 |
| Source: adsoftheworld.com |
The traffic problem can begin to see a turn around if the population realize that cars aren't crutches and that their are alternatives. Our dependency on the automobile must decrease. Other public transport infrastructure must be upgraded however. Or possibly, the frequency and amount of buses in non-peak periods may increase if the demand for it provides the incentive.
Signs that say to slow down have become redundant during peak times as there is no possible way to go any slower.
 |
| Source: skyscrapercity.com |
We must recognize our issue, come together and strive to make a difference. Let us put aside pride and "what people would think" mentalities and take the bus or make a bike share within urban areas a note-worthy and practical venture to undertake as a country. And possibly, our highways may look like this once again at all periods during the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
 |
| Source: skyscrapercity.com |
All in all, traffic congestion is problem alive and well in T&T and one which we must start to pay serious attention to.
Sources:
http://www.newsday.co.tt/business/0,66452.html
http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/caloi_bikes_traffic_jam
http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch6en/conc6en/ch6c4en.html - The Geography of Transport Systems - Urban Transport Problems by Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue
http://www.ctr.kth.se/publications/ctr2000_03.pdf - The Traffic Safety Problem in Urban Areas by J. Archer & K. Vogel
skyscrapercity.com
Saturday 23 March 2013
NO WAGE, NO WORK
WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE YOU WONDER IF YOU'RE WORKING FOR FREE
I think that I could be a "seer 'oman" here in Trinidad.
I can predict the pages 2 & 3 stories in the daily newspapers and the headline story in the 7 o'clock news broadcasts. Murder/ kidnapping and protest.
But the way things seem to be going, I'd better really set up a future reading business and make some money as employers seem to be just a little bit too unwilling to pay these days.
And with this, we walk (stomp, shout, sing, beat drums, burn tires and raise placards) right into the heart of the booming "Petroleum Protest Industry" in Trinidad and Tobago.
I recognize that protest action is evident throughout the country and not isolated to urban areas only. But, I've decided to focus on urban life and protest. Protesting is important as it airs the views of the affected public and can result in some positive results for them. This is particularly important in urban areas due to the promises of an urban life. Also, to every action, there is a reaction. In this case, the reaction to protests may be negative on surrounding lives and livelihoods which may be exacerbated in the dense, urban areas.
The promises of the urban life are plentiful. The pull factors of the urban life coupled with the push factors from the rural lifestyle causes many to pack up their "jahaji bundle" and run toward the light.
According to the World Resource Institute, cities, as centres of commerce and industry are also the centres of wealth and political power...Urbanization is associated with higher incomes, improved health, higher literacy, and improved quality of life. Other benefits of urban life are less tangible but no less real: access to information, diversity, creativity and innovation.
But, as the old adage goes, the grass always look greener on the other side. The urban life isn't always what it says it is. We've had a surge in the numbers of people living in urban areas (over 1/3 of the world's population live in urban areas, with populations growing about 2.5% per year). Jobs, services and general lifestyles have to be improved to sustain this influx. And because this may not be happening at the rate it should be, we have social displeasure and unrest leading ultimately to protests bred from frustration.
Let's have a year in review. I will only select few cases.
MARCH 2012 - TCL WORKERS STRIKE
Workers claim too small salaries, too little benefits.
OCTOBER 2012 - EAST PORT-OF-SPAIN RESIDENTS
Residents, absorbed into the 'People and Projects for Progress' initiative by the Government, protested against the $69./day pay rate.
MARCH 2013 - UWI NON-ACADEMIC STAFF
Workers protest against the 5% pay increase proposed by the UWI. They say they are still getting 2008 salaries.
MARCH 2013 - T&TEC RETIREES
Retirees, who are supposed to be enjoying their golden years, are instead placarding for the money that they are owed.
General trend? No pay. Not enough pay.
The number one reason persons leave the rural area is to get jobs that pay better in order to support their families and provide a better life. But, it seems that if you are even able to secure a job, the amount of money paid, the time the salary is paid is still poor. We encourage rural to urban migration, yet do not have or upkeep the resources to ensure that the migrants are adequately supported.
But protests in Trinidad aren't only wage based. We recognize that the Government, in the end, control the type and quality of life we live.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Citizens came out to get answers to the Section 34 fiasco. Preferential treatment to certain members of the public affect us all. These people of stature are usually the models that others follow. We all want to achieve some level of financial stability and high social reputation. Maybe that's part of the reason that dragged us to the urban life. And to reach here, continue to struggle and see other people get treated differently because of their status, angered citizens.
MARCH 2013 - PETROTRIN WORKERS STRIKE
Workers claim government interference in higher ranks within the company and poor medical plans.
And the workers were blue mad. Each person works and believe that their hard work will be rewarded. This reward is mostly seen in the form of promotion. It is claimed that promotions that workers are denied because places are being filled by persons with "links" to the government. There were publicized cases of this occurring already with the government so who is to say the workers' claims are unfounded? But also, there are vacancies that need to be filled that aren't, resulting in heavier work loads. It's a quandary down at Petrotrin.
Protest and airing views are all well and good and maybe even necessary in a democratic society. But, we must remember that outside the protesting family, there are other lives that are being affected.
Case#1 : The protest at UWI led to the New Administration Building. I had the 'fortune' of being on the 2nd floor. I heard the music and bobbed my head enjoying, thinking that Milner Hall was having a concert again. To my dismay, when I was ready to exit the building, I came across this mob of people outside the building, the automatic doors shut. I had class! And I was locked in! So we stood, the mob and I on opposite sides of a glass wall, each longing to be where the other was. Lo! The door opened and in danced the mob backing me into a corner. So, I captured a video (above) and then fought my way through, praying that a TV6 camera doesn't catch me to give my mother ideas that I protest in school.
Case #2 : The 7 day Petrotrin protest cost the company $700 mil. This puts the company's motto into perspective. They are indeed powered by the people (workers).
But, Petrotrin is also state-owned. Negative repercussions for them means negative repercussions for all of us. On Feb 27th, six collective agreements were signed that gave workers 9% salary increases and 10% increase in allowances across the board. Perhaps, we can say the protest action was ill-timed after they got benefits that others will fight for and will have more negative consequences for more people than positive reactions for the workers only. Now, only time will tell.
I'd conclude that protests may be necessary but are definitely not enjoyable for the 'protestors, protestees and the caught-in-the-middles'.
Maybe the urban life needs to start to live up to its promises and provide a better life to reduce the frustration of its inhabitants.
Maybe companies, institutions, organizations... should just pay the people. They should learn by now that NO WAGE = NO WORK.
I warn you though, don't be surprised by many more protest action. After all in April 2012, OWTU's President General warned the PM and the country by large, that massive protests are on the way.
Sources:
Guardian Editorials (www.guardian.co.tt/editorials)
http://www.guardian.co.tt/editorial/2013-03-22/petrotrin-and-union-must-work-together
Cities and the Environment (http://www.wri.org/publication/content/8570)
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2012-04-16/roget-warns-pm-massive-protests
http://www.tntfinder.com/news/uwi-tells-owtu-current-staff-protests-illegal-listing-543.aspx
Human Geography, Places and Regions in Global Context: Paul Knox & Sallie A. Marston
I think that I could be a "seer 'oman" here in Trinidad.
I can predict the pages 2 & 3 stories in the daily newspapers and the headline story in the 7 o'clock news broadcasts. Murder/ kidnapping and protest.
But the way things seem to be going, I'd better really set up a future reading business and make some money as employers seem to be just a little bit too unwilling to pay these days.
And with this, we walk (stomp, shout, sing, beat drums, burn tires and raise placards) right into the heart of the booming "
I recognize that protest action is evident throughout the country and not isolated to urban areas only. But, I've decided to focus on urban life and protest. Protesting is important as it airs the views of the affected public and can result in some positive results for them. This is particularly important in urban areas due to the promises of an urban life. Also, to every action, there is a reaction. In this case, the reaction to protests may be negative on surrounding lives and livelihoods which may be exacerbated in the dense, urban areas.
The promises of the urban life are plentiful. The pull factors of the urban life coupled with the push factors from the rural lifestyle causes many to pack up their "jahaji bundle" and run toward the light.
According to the World Resource Institute, cities, as centres of commerce and industry are also the centres of wealth and political power...Urbanization is associated with higher incomes, improved health, higher literacy, and improved quality of life. Other benefits of urban life are less tangible but no less real: access to information, diversity, creativity and innovation.
But, as the old adage goes, the grass always look greener on the other side. The urban life isn't always what it says it is. We've had a surge in the numbers of people living in urban areas (over 1/3 of the world's population live in urban areas, with populations growing about 2.5% per year). Jobs, services and general lifestyles have to be improved to sustain this influx. And because this may not be happening at the rate it should be, we have social displeasure and unrest leading ultimately to protests bred from frustration.
Let's have a year in review. I will only select few cases.
MARCH 2012 - TCL WORKERS STRIKE
Workers claim too small salaries, too little benefits.
 |
| Source: http://jupiter.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-01/cops-share-licks-tcl-strikers |
Residents, absorbed into the 'People and Projects for Progress' initiative by the Government, protested against the $69./day pay rate.
 |
| Source: ctntworld.com |
Workers protest against the 5% pay increase proposed by the UWI. They say they are still getting 2008 salaries.
(Shot in New Admin. Building, UWI, STA)
MARCH 2013 - T&TEC RETIREES
Retirees, who are supposed to be enjoying their golden years, are instead placarding for the money that they are owed.
General trend? No pay. Not enough pay.
The number one reason persons leave the rural area is to get jobs that pay better in order to support their families and provide a better life. But, it seems that if you are even able to secure a job, the amount of money paid, the time the salary is paid is still poor. We encourage rural to urban migration, yet do not have or upkeep the resources to ensure that the migrants are adequately supported.
But protests in Trinidad aren't only wage based. We recognize that the Government, in the end, control the type and quality of life we live.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Citizens came out to get answers to the Section 34 fiasco. Preferential treatment to certain members of the public affect us all. These people of stature are usually the models that others follow. We all want to achieve some level of financial stability and high social reputation. Maybe that's part of the reason that dragged us to the urban life. And to reach here, continue to struggle and see other people get treated differently because of their status, angered citizens.
 |
| Source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/2012-09-19/protesters-demand-answers |
MARCH 2013 - PETROTRIN WORKERS STRIKE
Workers claim government interference in higher ranks within the company and poor medical plans.
And the workers were blue mad. Each person works and believe that their hard work will be rewarded. This reward is mostly seen in the form of promotion. It is claimed that promotions that workers are denied because places are being filled by persons with "links" to the government. There were publicized cases of this occurring already with the government so who is to say the workers' claims are unfounded? But also, there are vacancies that need to be filled that aren't, resulting in heavier work loads. It's a quandary down at Petrotrin.
Protest and airing views are all well and good and maybe even necessary in a democratic society. But, we must remember that outside the protesting family, there are other lives that are being affected.
Case#1 : The protest at UWI led to the New Administration Building. I had the 'fortune' of being on the 2nd floor. I heard the music and bobbed my head enjoying, thinking that Milner Hall was having a concert again. To my dismay, when I was ready to exit the building, I came across this mob of people outside the building, the automatic doors shut. I had class! And I was locked in! So we stood, the mob and I on opposite sides of a glass wall, each longing to be where the other was. Lo! The door opened and in danced the mob backing me into a corner. So, I captured a video (above) and then fought my way through, praying that a TV6 camera doesn't catch me to give my mother ideas that I protest in school.
Case #2 : The 7 day Petrotrin protest cost the company $700 mil. This puts the company's motto into perspective. They are indeed powered by the people (workers).
 |
| Source: petrotrin.com |
I'd conclude that protests may be necessary but are definitely not enjoyable for the 'protestors, protestees and the caught-in-the-middles'.
Maybe the urban life needs to start to live up to its promises and provide a better life to reduce the frustration of its inhabitants.
Maybe companies, institutions, organizations... should just pay the people. They should learn by now that NO WAGE = NO WORK.
I warn you though, don't be surprised by many more protest action. After all in April 2012, OWTU's President General warned the PM and the country by large, that massive protests are on the way.
Sources:
Guardian Editorials (www.guardian.co.tt/editorials)
http://www.guardian.co.tt/editorial/2013-03-22/petrotrin-and-union-must-work-together
Cities and the Environment (http://www.wri.org/publication/content/8570)
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2012-04-16/roget-warns-pm-massive-protests
http://www.tntfinder.com/news/uwi-tells-owtu-current-staff-protests-illegal-listing-543.aspx
Human Geography, Places and Regions in Global Context: Paul Knox & Sallie A. Marston
Monday 18 March 2013
THE LOST MEANING OF COMMUNITY
WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE THE NEIGHBOURS ONLY KNOW YOUR NAME
"I'd bet the neighbours know my name..." Trey Songz crooned. And this made me wonder as to how close were those houses that the neighbours would hear this name during such ... moments.
But is that so different to what really happens in Trinidad. But this isn't about proximity of houses. This is about the proximity of the people within them. Close enough that they are nearly living in the same yards but only know their neighbours names because they heard it being said by somebody else.
It is said that the East-West corridor is the most densely populated in the entire of Trinidad. This became rather apparent during the recent protest by the residents of Sea Lots. After waiting for too long for transportation near Mt. Hope Hospital, I was accosted by Carnival again with the streets flooded with people playing mas in work and school uniforms.
"I'd bet the neighbours know my name..." Trey Songz crooned. And this made me wonder as to how close were those houses that the neighbours would hear this name during such ... moments.
But is that so different to what really happens in Trinidad. But this isn't about proximity of houses. This is about the proximity of the people within them. Close enough that they are nearly living in the same yards but only know their neighbours names because they heard it being said by somebody else.
It is said that the East-West corridor is the most densely populated in the entire of Trinidad. This became rather apparent during the recent protest by the residents of Sea Lots. After waiting for too long for transportation near Mt. Hope Hospital, I was accosted by Carnival again with the streets flooded with people playing mas in work and school uniforms.
 |
| Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/gallery/photo-day-2013-02-26/commuter-woesjpg |
It made me wonder just how many people indeed live along this corridor. The "urban" in Trinidad and Tobago is defined as 200 people living on a square kilometer. To me, that brings enough people into contact with each other. Yet, if you were to ask someone to tell you 5 facts about his/her nearest neighbour, you'd see confused expression. I've tried.
Now, being wonderfully stuck in traffic, I made good use of my time and spied on those not so lucky ones who were still waiting to be picked up. And it occurred to me that the only people really talking to each other were the school-children. Maybe I am just really very backward and living in days gone before my time, but I found this rather strange. I have to wait on a bus every morning at 6.30 am. Now, my bus stop isn't very populated at that time of day but there are still 16 people who wait with me regularly every morning. I have spoken to everyone of them in passing conversations. Its just a matter of courtesy and passing time. And it has the added benefit of re-enforcing our sense of community.
And this led me to a sad conclusion about the urban life ... the lost sense of community.
The Private Future (Pawley, 1973) and Bowling Alone (Putnam, 2000) emphasizes the breakdown of community. This can only lead to the withdrawn and isolated individual.
Hall and Barrett (2012) expound on the relationship between lack of social cohesion within communities and social and cultural problems in urban areas.
Hall and Barrett (2012) expound on the relationship between lack of social cohesion within communities and social and cultural problems in urban areas.
One might have expected that with the increase in the number of person living in one area, the binds of the community would have grown stronger. This now seems to be an inverse relationship.
It is disheartening to know that the only time urban communities seem to come together is in the face of tragedy or perceived mistreatment to burn tires and protest and use the opportunity to ignite strife instead of building bonds between themselves to prevent the same from happening again.
Community watches keep springing up in every area, but the "watchmen" are security guards from a hired firm from an entirely different area. How come the community itself isn't looking after its own needs together?
 |
| Source: www.police.belleville.on.ca |
The urban community needs to get up, shape up and think about the place they occupy and the people they share it with. The decline of the local territorial community as meaningful symbolic unit must be stopped and reversed. Once the primary social relationship and functional institutions have been eroded, the local area would be transformed from a symbolic place to just occupied physical space.
So think about what the community is supposed to mean. A common ground where people interact, enjoy each other's company and grow as a unit fostering togetherness and companionship. Maybe if communities acted more like one instead of each house a bubble, isolated from the next, social change and revitalization will take place as each person will now have a sense of place and belonging.
Don't just stand, hand over eyes, Ipod in ears and as far away from the people around you. You and I both know you'd be waiting for a maxi for a while. So how about striking a little conversation with your fellowman.
.jpg) |
| (Taken on Curepe Junction) |
Always remember:
A gracious word may smooth the way,
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress,
A loving word may heal and bless.
It's time to reform and revitalize our urban spaces starting with our urban communities!
Sources:
www.police.belleville.on.ca
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2094194?uid=3739200&uid=2134&uid=4578374707&uid=4578374697&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3&uid=60&sid=21101999997467
http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/trinidad-and-tobago/urban-population
http://watchourwords.org/
guardian.co.tt
Urban Geography by Tim Hall and Heather Barrett (2012)
Urban Geography by Tim Hall and Heather Barrett (2012)
Saturday 2 March 2013
MOVING TOO FAST TO NEVER MOVE AGAIN
WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE FAST CARS COULD NEVER BE FAST ENOUGH
I am driving toward Chaguanas one night, keeping at a comfortable speed. I look in my side mirror and a car is coming up on my right, a good distance away. I indicate, and proceed to look in my rear-view mirror before changing lanes. And the car zooms past me. Now, I know 'objects in the mirror are closer than they appear' but that car was speeding. A moment after another zooms past me on the shoulder. I begin to count seconds before I lose them in the other vehicles...I reached 4. Four seconds. The amount of road games on the highways, especially at nights, are astounding. And many times, devastating.
On my way home to classes, on top of the Chase Village Flyover, I decide to take a picture as for once in a very long time, I see the highway traffic free at about 8 in the morning...and not on a weekend. Such a strange phenomenon! I see a truck some distance away and made that my target. I wanted that truck in my picture. I unsling my camera from my wrist, turn it on...and the truck is gone. I spin around, intending to get it from the other side heading away from me. By the time I zoom in twice, the truck is but a spot on my screen. I take a picture of the other vehicles, all speeding (and I would believe enjoying the lack of traffic), while being most concerned about the speed of that truck, carrying gravel.
I am driving toward Chaguanas one night, keeping at a comfortable speed. I look in my side mirror and a car is coming up on my right, a good distance away. I indicate, and proceed to look in my rear-view mirror before changing lanes. And the car zooms past me. Now, I know 'objects in the mirror are closer than they appear' but that car was speeding. A moment after another zooms past me on the shoulder. I begin to count seconds before I lose them in the other vehicles...I reached 4. Four seconds. The amount of road games on the highways, especially at nights, are astounding. And many times, devastating.
On my way home to classes, on top of the Chase Village Flyover, I decide to take a picture as for once in a very long time, I see the highway traffic free at about 8 in the morning...and not on a weekend. Such a strange phenomenon! I see a truck some distance away and made that my target. I wanted that truck in my picture. I unsling my camera from my wrist, turn it on...and the truck is gone. I spin around, intending to get it from the other side heading away from me. By the time I zoom in twice, the truck is but a spot on my screen. I take a picture of the other vehicles, all speeding (and I would believe enjoying the lack of traffic), while being most concerned about the speed of that truck, carrying gravel.
(Enjoy the lack of vehicles on the 'slow' lane)
The speed of vehicle made me wonder, can getting from one place to the next be slow? Why do persons have to leave late to reach somewhere on time? Or why do we have to speed home from a night out for no reason? Why do drivers feel as if the roadways have no speed limits are were made for them to practice their video-game driving skills? This last question is no joke. I know a young man who 'drifts' around corners like in the car racing games in Galactica. And too many times this type of negligent road behaviors end in accident, many fatal.
Look at this video. Several things are apparent.
Firstly, the young man on the highway is breaking the law. There should be no bicycle riding on the highways.
Secondly, he is endangering his life and putting other drivers in an uncomfortable position by holding onto the back of the truck, where the driver most definitely cannot see him. (If you can't see my rear-view mirror, I can't see you!)
Finally, observe the cars speeding down the shoulders.
Look at this video. Several things are apparent.
Firstly, the young man on the highway is breaking the law. There should be no bicycle riding on the highways.
Secondly, he is endangering his life and putting other drivers in an uncomfortable position by holding onto the back of the truck, where the driver most definitely cannot see him. (If you can't see my rear-view mirror, I can't see you!)
Finally, observe the cars speeding down the shoulders.
Urban life and the culture of T&T require breadwinners to head in P.O.S. on a daily basis to earn the best dollar. This means facing the traffic. This leaves two options if you do not intend on sitting stationary for an hour: leave early and drive quickly to beat the traffic and other early-birds or leave later than most commuters to come after the traffic and drive quickly to still reach to work on time.
Urban life and the culture of T&T require us to own things we don't need. We work too much and late shifts then finally to head home, tired and burnt out and falling asleep behind the wheels.
Urban life and the culture of T&T subtly require young people to spend their Wednesday nights at 'the world-famous Zen', and their Friday and Saturday nights on Ariapita Avenue or at Shade. Then, race home after two/three in the mornings, most times slightly intoxicated.
Urban life and the culture of T&T encourage fast pace. Discourages slow.
But, the fast life is a killer.
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| Source: arrivealivett.com |
According to the World Health Organization 1.3M people are killed on the world’s roads each year! Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury of our young people aged 4 through 34. Not AIDS, not heart, not respiratory disorder, not malaria! Young drivers in general are two to three times (2x-3x) more susceptible to experience a crash. During the first six months of obtaining the privilege of a drivers’ licence, young drivers become eight times (8x) more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than more experienced drivers.
In Trinidad & Tobago (from 2007-2011) there were 173,000 reported road traffic collisions. This equates to 34,600 collisions per annum with as many as 200 fatalities. Over 11,000 persons were reported injured. Persons aged 15 yrs – 35 yrs accounted for 45% of the fatalities. 83% of which are young males! And 43% pedestrians! Every 16.8 minutes a collision occurs on our nation’s roads! Every hour spent on our roads means there is a 25% chance of a collision and therefore a 25% chance of serious injury or fatality. For 2012 - 163 lives have been lost on our roadways – a 3% increase over last year (159 lives lost). Young people you are most vulnerable!
-Sharon Inglefield, President of Arrive Alive
Urban life says that we must be up-to-date on everything, all the time. You have to tweet that joke your friend said from your blackberry. You have to instagram that picture that you took in the car from your ipad. You have to add that guy on facebook you met at the bar from your iphone. You have to call your boss to tell him you're running late. You have to call your wife to ask what's for dinner. While driving. Everybody knows that urban life says every moment is important and can't be wasted.
"Urban life is not only about places. It's about quality of place." We are decreasing the safety and quality of our roads by abuse of the meanings of urban life. We have to strike balances and not lose common-sense on the roads and sensitivity toward other road users.
Persons think being from 'rural' is embarrassing. The culture of Trinidad and Tobago says that if you are considered 'urban' you have 'reached in life'.
After personally experiencing both urban and rural life, I conclude rural is safer. If 'reaching' the pinnacle of life means that you must now die...on our nation's roadways, then call me a farmer and send me to the rural.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK) had this to say on its travel advisory about T&T on its website : "The standard of driving in Trinidad and Tobago is mixed. High speed road accidents on the main highways in Trinidad often results in fatalities...Take care when driving.
I personally find this slightly embarrassing. That should not be an advisory at all.
Urban life is fun, exciting and offer many possibilities, especially to the young. Let's not abuse the privilege and mar the image of the urban.
Let's not cause our highways to become cemeteries.
(Taken near the Caroni Bird Sanctuary)
ROAD FATALITIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
| Year | Fatal RTA | Dead | Adults | Minors | Driver | Passengers | Pedestrians | Motor Cyclist | Pedal Cyclist |
| 2006 | 188 | 214 | 199 | 15 | 72 | 63 | 70 | 7 | 2 |
| 2007 | 188 | 214 | 193 | 21 | 74 | 59 | 69 | 4 | 8 |
| 2008 | 233 | 262 | 249 | 13 | 104 | 78 | 69 | 8 | 3 |
| 2009 | 192 | 222 | 208 | 14 | 96 | 66 | 46 | 10 | 4 |
| 2010 | 169 | 206 | 197 | 9 | 76 | 69 | 44 | 11 | 6 |
| 2011 | 150 | 181 | 171 | 10 | 71 | 51 | 45 | 10 | 4 |
| 2012 | 169 | 193 | 183 | 10 | 70 | 52 | 55 | 9 | 7 |
Sources:
http://www.arrivealivett.com/
http://www.arrivealivett.com/index.php?page=statistics
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/trinidad-tobago
http://www.prime-pco.com/scrws2010/pdf/02harata.pdf
Urban Geography, 4th Ed., Tim Hall and Heather Barrett.
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