P/Town plans first open-air museum

THE district of Princes Town is renowned for many “firsts,” including the first Presbyterian Church and Islamic mosque in the country as both were constructed at Iere Village in the 1800s. Now, the region is aiming to have the first open-air museum to showcase historical landmarks such as the old tram line.

Regional corporation CEO Sheriffa Heru announced this on Friday during an interfaith service to commemorate the 139th anniversary of the visit of two British princes, George and Albert, to the area. The town, initially named Savanna Grande, was renamed Princes Town to honour the two princes.

Heru said the region, which encompasses 56 communities with a population of 100,000, had a number of historical landmarks, including a tunnel and tram line. The princes passed through this tunnel on their way to the area.

“This tunnel will become what we envision to be a part of the first open-air museum in TT, which Princes Town Regional Corporation seeks to establish in the coming months,” she said.

“The PTRC will continue to work feverishly with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the historical significance of this beautiful town is preserved and transmitted to many generations to come.”

She said despite decreasing allocations over the past few years, the corporation had managed to provide goods and services such as scavenging in the region.

British High Commission representative Beatrice Rose Minto likened TT’s relationship with the UK to that of the poui trees planted there over a century ago.

“One hundred and thirty-nine years later I get to stand in the same church and walk past the poui trees that were planted by the princes 139 years ago, and like that tree planted many years ago, the UK enjoys a long relationship with TT, one that continues to be strengthened through our many partnerships with this government, civil society and the private sector.

“Our focus on the energy sector including sources of sustainable energy, mutual co-operation on security issues, crime, security and justice reform, have allowed us to partner in many areas including the Princes Town region.”

The re-enactment of the princes’ visit began with a procession in front of the Anglican Church, Naparima Mayaro Road, by some of the early inhabitants of the region including the First Peoples, who were portrayed by students of the Princes Town West Secondary School.

They were followed by students of the Moruga Secondary School with a portrayal of the Spanish/ Catholic influence in the region.

The French Estates/ Cocoa dance followed and was performed by students of Tableland Secondary School. Mandingoes and Merikins were represented by students of Cowen Hamilton Secondary.

Students from the Princes Town Presbyterian Primary School No 2, Robert Village Hindu School and ASJA Primary School followed with a portrayal of the arrival of Chinese and Indian labourers.

The police Mounted Branch then provided an escort for the two “princes’ as they re-enacted the planting of the poui trees.