What Do We Do Daytime?

CULTURE: the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society”

The cultural melting pot can be examined deeper through various entertainment and recreation available within the city. Culture can be considered what people do and it definitely contributes to the culture of an urban space. Port of Spain is the hub of entertainment and recreation, since it is the capital city.  Jane Jacobs believes that the city allows fir accessible public spaces that can be used for recreation. Port of Spain is a perfect example of this with the public space being used for various recreational purposes.

The first photo shows individuals using the Queen’s Park Savannah for exercising. This Savannah is used by many locals for healthy living. It gives people the ability to exercise with others without being segregated. It is available for everyone. The Queen’s Park Savannah is most frequently used around the Carnival period with many sponsored aerobics classes.  It is not only used for running but also for various sports like football and cricket.  Also on Easter Monday, a grand kite flying contest is held at the Queen’s park Savannah. This may indeed be a part of Port of Spain’s culture.

Individuals exercising around the Queen's Park Savannah

The second photo displays a major shopping center on Charlotte Street, Port of Spain. The picture portrays a more traditional style building reflecting on the original culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Charlotte Street is one of the main street for shopping. This street is usually congested around Christmas time with space to even breathe. Shopping is important in any culture and Charlotte Street will forever be a part of Trinidad and Tobago’s shopping recreational culture.

Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad

This third photo depicts elderly individuals relaxing along the Brian Lara Promenade. This public space is usually used by the senior citizens in society. On entering the promenade you can hear the chatter amongst them or some quarrelling about their chess match. It’s a nostalgic feeling when seeing the senior citizen portraying traditional culture in today’s society.

Citizens relax along the Brian Lara Promenade

Citizen enjoy daytime entertainment and recreation. However, there may be some issues within Port of Spain that may encourage individuals to turn away. The Queen’s Park Savannah has been deteriorating, according to Richie Gaspard, Trinidad Express. He claims that, “Vagrants are seen sleeping on the park benches and under the large trees. Careful about sitting under some of those trees because they have fresh faeces under them.” This can be a major turn off for most people. Other places that are rampant with vagrants are Charlotte Street and the Brian Lara Promenade. This situations turn people away from socializing in these areas. 

References:

Trinidad Express Newspapers (2015 ) “Free-for-all deterioration of the Queens Park Savanna”.  Retrieved on March 3^rd, 2015 from http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Free-for-all-deterioration-at-the-Queens-Park-Savannah-236130651.html