‘Chinatown’ for Charlotte Street

PORT of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez says plans are moving ahead to turn a section of Charlotte Street into a “Chinatown.”

Speaking in a telephone interview he said the plan was to make Charlotte Street from Park Street to Independence Square into a Chinatown (an enclave of Chinese in a non-Chinese town) where two monuments would be erected as is seen in most metropolitan cities.

Martinez said he has spoken with the Chinese Embassy and a number of Chinese business people on the project and it was a matter of further discussions.

“Our City Council already approved the process and we are looking forward to ensuring that it meets with all the requirements and in favour with the business community in Port of Spain.”

He said once the process was approved façades will start changing and take on a “celebratory tone.”

“The objective on my side is to encourage Port of Spain to be a hub of restaurants and at the same time a hub for the wholesale of Chinese products throughout the Caribbean and South America.”

Martinez said the relationship between China and Trinidad is a long-standing one and back in 2006 the country celebrated the arrival of the Chinese to this country.

Asked about the non-Chinese-owned businesses in the area he said though it will be a Chinatown it does not mean all the businesses have to be Chinese as was the case with Chinatowns in other cities.

“What you may find happening is other businesses take advantage of the opportunity. It is a welcome move and something that Port of Spain and Trinidad could benefit from.”

Asked about the time line Martinez said it would take some time manufacture the structures and he was scheduled to meet very soon with the people involved with that part of the process.