The National Trust has added 16 new properties to its listing of heritage properties. These properties are now entitled to legal protection under Section 8 of the National Trust Act.
The newly listed properties are Lopinot House, the Port of Spain Old Railway Station (PTSC Compound), George Brown House, President’s House, the Five Islands (Caledonia, Pelican, Lenagan, Rock, and Craig), Woodford Square, Carnegie Free Library, Naipaul House, the Cabildo Building, Our Lady of Montserrat RC Church, Knowsley, and the St James Police Barracks.
[caption id="attachment_987184" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The heritage listing ceremony highlighted the newly listed historical landmarks and buildings. - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
Speaking at the heritage listing ceremony at the trusts's headquarters at Mille Fleurs, Port of Spain, on Wednesday, Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles congratulated the property owners and caretakers.
“It is well recognised and documented that you are counted among the fortunate few who have fulfilled your roles as proud guardians, custodians, and defenders of the architecture and masterpiece structures that have become historical and defining monuments to our tangible heritage. Now more than ever, we in TT seize the opportunity to recall, to recreate and redefine the historical significance of our heritage places and spaces.”
She said the listing of these 16 sites brought to 59 the number of properties of interest listed and legally protected by the state. She said government intended to increase that number to ensure the nation’s heritage is preserved for future generations.
[caption id="attachment_987180" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Caretakers/property owners and representatives L-R: Left to right is Gallery Assistant at the Rotunda Gallery, Parliament, Chenelle Maharaj; Daniella Carrington of the Culture Division Ministry of Tourism; Vicar General Father Martin Sirju; POS Mayor Joel Martinez; Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles-Robinson; Margaret McDowall National Trust Chairman; PTSC deputy general manager - operations Patrick Gomez, Cheryl Jackman Waldron Secretary to the President and Anthea Grant, business operations assistant, Rotunda Gallery, Parliament - Photo by Paula Lindo[/caption]
“I believe that listing our heritage sites can give our nation a sense of ownership and belonging, confidence and cultural pride, including adding to the heritage economy.
"If executed in the right way, the business of heritage can become a self-sustaining industry. The social and economic implications of a heritage economy are boundless, with enormous potential for job creation, tourism development and investment climate enhancement. Spillover effects can also be felt in science, education and technology, and can promote social cohesion, intercultural dialogue and exchange in our ethnically diverse nation.”
[caption id="attachment_987183" align="alignnone" width="989"] George Brown House was among the newly listed properties. - Photo by Roger J
