Urban Trinidad

The purpose of this blog was to give a different perspective on urban processes and what makes Trinidad's urban area unique and in most cases similar to other global urban areas. Along with urbanization being our new dietitian, other processes have contributed to our urban lifestyle. It also highlights the fact the cities are places of unequal spaces greatly affecting the discourses of urban life.

Urban Likelihood

http://urbanlivelihood.blogspot.com

The concept of urban livelihood embodied the different ways in which urban dwellers earn a day to day living. Some of the areas looked at were entertainment, street vending, crime and pollution.  In my opinion this blog was very relevant to many of the current situations and provided good links and videos to supplement the material. However, one aspect whichin my opinion could have been included is carnival. Trinidad, the home of soca and pan has created a livelihood for many persons on a local, regional and international scale. In addition, with urban neighbourhoods such as Belmont being the birth place to many steel bands and mass camps, urban communities have grown and survived from carnival. With reference to an urban diet, street food sold by street vendors provides an important source of income to many urban dwellers in Trinidad. In addition the concept of entertainment along the famous Ariapeta Avenue also offers to the creation of third spaces and conviviality among many urbanites.

Illusions of an Urban Paradise

http://theurbanparadise.blogspot.com/2014/04/land-reclaimation-and-ecosystem.html

This blog unveils the ills of urban areas admits the seemingly positive values. The author takes an interesting view about how other side to the things many urbanites enjoy. The post that stood out to me was Land Reclamation and Ecosystem destruction. This post indicates how areas such as City Gate and Movie Town were constructed on environmentally sensitive areas all in the name of development. This can be compared to the fact that sustainability of urban areas in Trinidad is not being taken seriously. Along with ecosystem degradation but also the increased use of foreign produce with the combined degradation of the environment paints a picture of gloom for this country. These processes also extends our ecological footprint. However, the author could have included some videos on some areas of the blog to better enhance her point of views.

Constituents of Caribbean Spaces: Trinidad

http://caribbeancitydynamics.blogspot.com/

This blog has taken an intricate look at the different pieces to the puzzle of what makes Port of Spain “the aged city.” The pictures from this blog were very striking and vivid. The post that was most outstanding to me consisted was about the port. Firstly, the pictures were enthralling. In addition, it looked at the port as being the main area for trade and the importation of Japanese products. This constituent “the port” facilitates the increasing ecological footprint of Trinidad. It is the main hub for the importation of products from other countries. In a sense it does operate as a developed country drawing resources from other countries, for instance ground provision from other Caribbean countries such as St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sustainability

Apples, not grown locally but are readily sold in this supermarket. No sign of mangoes, sapodillas or paw paw. This photo shows the oppression of local farmers and local produce on the local markets. This photo highlights the abandonment of farmer from his profession due to his/her inability to make any profit due to the unfair competition with foreign produce. This photo points to the one of the first initiatives that urbanites and relevant stakeholders must do in order to promote sustainability in urban areas through food consumption

Our increased food demand, high imports and the increased preference towards fast foods are leading Trinidad on the road to unsustainability, as the majority of foods that we consume are not produced within the country. This is a cause for a deeper look by urban planners, the government and other stakeholders as sustainability is often linked to the effects of the environment on the city or the effects of the city on the environment. However, there is little concern about the effects of urban processes and activities on sustainability (Hall and Barrett 2012).

Over the course of this blog we have looked at how our changes in food consumption as a result of urbanization have affected our lives and also our near and far environs. Therefore, we see that our urban lifestyles do not just affect us as individuals, but also the lives of other people. Thus, urbanization and food consumption need to be connected in a sustainable manner. This allows for use of resources in such a way that it meets current needs without diminishing the benefits of future generations (Hall and Barrett 2012).  The need for sustainability is vital as further widens the socio-economic gap between urban dwellers.  This will lead an increase in the vulnerability of the urban poor to food security. In addition it allows for the negative effects in food systems which heavily influence rural persons. It also intensifies the trends in our urban diets as described in this blog. What would be the consequences it we continue on such a path? Or a more relevant question would be what can be done to promote urban sustainability through food?

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/We-eat-what-we-dont-produce-247181611.html?m=y&smobile=y

However, sustainability is difficult to achieve as it is not an absolute term. In my opinion, here in Trinidad one of the main things that we can do to curb our urban diets in order to promote sustainability is through the use of more local foods. Now, this cannot be simply done in isolation, there must be government interventions to ensure that local producers obtain advantages within the local markets.

References

Hall, Tim and Heather Barrett. 2012. Urban Geography. USA: Routledge.

Urbanization, Food and Ecological Footprint

Do you ever stop to think where the food which you consume come from? What are all the different materials which has been used to produce the products which you use? This photo gives us a hint as to where some of or food may be coming from. This photo also indicates that Trinidad alone is not responsible for feeding its large population. I it is imortant to note that there were no signs in Hi-Lo saying "Today's choice, succulent local cuts." In my opinion this photo also illustrates our increased consumption of imported foods, due to our increased demand.It also displays the land, labour, feed, water ,capital and the many other resources which was gathered to create these packages of meat.

With the change in consumption patterns of urbanites, one cannot stop and ponder what are the spin off effects on our surrounding environment, and also our environment that is not in immediate reach? 

As we progressed along this blog, we have seen that there is an increase in taste for foreign products within urban areas of Trinidad. Food imports have increased to approximately 90% with cereals being the single largest commodity followed by vegetables. In addition there is an increase in food consumption on a whole which has result in a food import bill of $4.0 billion in 2009. Thus, the gap between what we are importing and what is being locally produced is becoming wider.

As our trini urban diets continue to grow, and in preference for foreign items, primary consumption would be greater than the political boundaries by urban inhabitants of Trinidad. One must ask then, if we are importing more food than we produce, where are these products coming from? Rees 1992, states that urban areas act as wormholes drawing resources from “elsewhere”. It is important to remember that when food is imported we not only take those products but we also take nutrients from within their soils, virtual water, capital and human labour, we are importing the carrying capacities of these exporting countries. Carrying capacity may be defined as the resources which can sustainably support a given population. From this, with our increasing consumption due to our urban diets there is an increase in the land which is needed to support our growing demands thus, increasing our demand on the ecosphere or our ecological footprint. The video gives a better understanding of what this whole idea of what the concept of ecological foot print is and its importance.

This importing of carrying capacity is facilitated by this world free trade, which is also very much evident on a local scale (Rees 1992). Many Thursdays since I have been here in Trinidad, I have journeyed to the port in Port of Spain to collect those goodies that I just can’t get here in Trinidad. On many  occasions have noticed sacks upon sacks of ground provision that were being off loaded from boats traveling from St Vincent and the Grenadines (home). So here we see Trinidad consuming more than it is providing for its people. Although money is being made through such trade, is it sustainable for Trinidad? Has our urbanized diet with increased consumption and less production steering us down a path void of self-sufficiency?

References

Rees, E. William. 1992.” Ecological Footprints and appropriated Carrying Capacity: What Urban Economics Leaves Out.” Environment and Urbanization 4, 2. 

Rural-Urban Disparities

Hi-Lo supermarket offers  a wide range of food items to its customers. Therefore, persons are not restricted to certain food groups as there is diversity at their disposal. Many urban areas in Trinidad are dotted with supermarkets such as these catering to the increased demand and change in taste for many urban dwellers. In addition, the prices of these items displayed here in this photo are often influences by the socio-economic development of urbanites. Now what effect does this fluctuation in prices has on those that do not fall within the  category of being capable in acquiring such food items? This photo therefore gives a slight insight into the disparities between urban ad rural areas as a result of our urban diets.

We cannot take a look at urbanization without examining the relationships between rural and urban areas. As we know cities are places of unequal spaces, this inequality also spreads beyond the political boundaries of cities. This disparity may be seen between the quality and quantity of food consumption between rural and urban areas which me be brought on by income levels, time constraint and exposure to commercial products (Delishe 1990).

It has been shown that urban dwellers consume fewer staples than rural dwellers. This difference may due to the fact that staples are cheap and affordable for rural persons. On the other hand, persons within urban areas generally have a higher income and are able to purchase a wider variety of foods. Another reason for this disparity can be as a result of lower energy requirements of urbanites. The urban lifestyle is very sedentary, with many persons working from home or offices in service industries, while persons in rural are still heavily employed in primary sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. With respect to such disparities more urban dwellers are developing a greater taste for meat products and less of vegetables and fruits when compared to urban areas. These disparities are also present in Trinidad. From a survey conducted, it was fund that urban dwellers consumed more animal products, sweeteners and oils, while rural persons consumed staples and legumes (FAO 2003).  These interactions are not occurring in isolation but these differences in consumption and socio-economic status may affect the supply of products between rural and urban areas. As the economic status of many urban areas increase, there is often an associated increase in the prices of commodities. As this happens the poorer rural populations cannot afford these products which can lead to a whole list of associated problems such as malnutrition of in some extreme cases such as the Bengal Famine in 1943.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8eTJr5n6P4

With this disconnect between the consumption patterns of rural verses urban, what are the possible future consequences? I believe that there must be some good relations between rural and urban areas t ensure food security and sustainability in spite of our changing urban diets.

References

FAO 2003. FAO Nutrition Country Profiles- Trinidad and Tobago. Accessed April 5, 2014. ftp://ftp.fao.org/ag/agn/nutrition/ncp/ttomap.pdf.

Delishe, Helene. 1990. Patterns of Urban Food Consumption in Developing Countries: Perspective From the 1980’s. Accessed March 15, 2014. ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/nutrition/urban/delisle_paper.pdf.

Power and Food Security

Both pictures convey one message, which is  that certain persons are not allowed in and around this compound. This is illustrated through the sign on the wall of the building and also the fences with pointed edges, both forms of policing within urban this area. This photo displays one of the ways in which the disparities of power within urban areas has affected the food security of urban dwellers. The restriction of those on the lower end of the socio-economic ladder from food places by prices or infrastructural adjustments. This photo also reminds us that cities are places of unequal spaces.

Within many urban cities including those in Trinidad, there are clear disparities in socio-economic status and power. This difference in power influences the privileges that one may receive. It has often been taught that urban areas often obtain more benefits in comparison to rural areas when it comes to the purchasing of food items due to taxes and a number of other factors. However, the question one must ask is who exactly receives these benefits?  Power and authority can also influence the ease of accessibility to safe, healthy and affordable food. Often times these benefits are only affordable and received by the powerful and healthier urbanites (Delishe 1980).

Many poor persons are often robbed or in other words experience reduced accessibility to food due to power controls. For instance, we see in many urban restaurants there are increased evidence of silent policing of the areas through fences and awkwardly shaped benches. Or this can be obvious policing by having a security guard present. This is clearly to exclude those who are often poor and not of a certain social status to enter these place to have meals or to even ask for the left overs in their kitchens. Another means in which power has minimized the accessibility of poor persons to food is through the defining of public and private space. More and more we see what may have been seen as public spaces operated and controlled as private spaces, a debate which continues today. Again this leads to the exclusion of the less fortunate from certain spaces. Because, food accessibility is so intertwined in the meager salaries of poor persons, it puts them at increasing vulnerability to food security due to the inflation of prices.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/High-food-prices-as-much-a-crime-against-citizens-241028211.html

This is due to the fact that poorer persons spend most of their income on food. With the increase in demands of food and economic status of many urbanites, food prices often increase. Poorer persons are then unable to purchase these food items and often left with the choice of consuming unhealthy foods or no food at all (Delishe 1980).

References

Delishe, Helene. 1990. Patterns of Urban Food Consumption in Developing Countries: Perspective From the 1980’s. Accessed March 15, 2014. ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/nutrition/urban/delisle_paper.pdf.

Urban Diet and the Urban Poor

This photo was take at the Tunpuna market. A display of vegetables from a local farmer. Within our urban areas there not only exist the affluent but, also the very urban poor. This pictures shows some of the healthy choices that many urban poor are unable to acquire due to their socio-sconomic status. It shows the choices that are often neglected eve though poorer persons have obtained enough purchasing power. It shows us the choices poor urbanites may neglect, not escaping the ever reaching effects of globalization. In addition, the abundance of minerals and vitamins provided by these items in the photo are often absent from the many diets or poor urban dwellers. Increasing their vulnerability to nutrient deficiencies and dietary problems. 

In previous posts I have talked about urbanites using their disposable incomes to purchase fast food or street food. What about those that do not have the luxury of doing so? What about the urban poor?  Disparities in food consumption are as a result of high socio- economic differences among urban dwellers. The urban poor are often targets of food insecurity often due to the fluctuations of their meager salaries and are also located in squatter settlements or slums which harbor poor environmental conditions. The urban poor are also vulnerable to food security as food and other needs compete for their small salaries and there is often lack of family and neigbourhood ties within urban areas (Delishe 1990).

The choice of food among persons is often determined by culture, ecology admits other factors. However, among the urban poor this choice is constrained by socio-economic factors such as income. Nutrient deficiencies are often associated with the urban poor as they are unable to afford high nutrient or high energy foods. However, even though poor urbanites are constrained their choices in foods are often those which are inferior (Delishe 1990). The urban poor are not hidden away from the effects of globalization and commercial advertisements, and often purchase the foods which are nutrient poor adding to their nutritional vulnerability. In East Port of Spain such as Beetham and Sea Lots, where the less powerful and least privilege reside, their lack of opportunities to employment, stigma and dilapidated surroundings increases their vulnerability to food security.

 However, in St Clair where the socio-economic status is quite the opposite, persons obtain food security easily.  Due to the lack of specific data it is difficult to declare that persons in east Port of Spain are highly under nourished due to their socio-economic status.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Some-causes-of-poverty-in-East-Port-of-Spain-209435071.html

References

Delishe, Helene. 1990. Patterns of Urban Food Consumption in Developing Countries: Perspective From the 1980’s. Accessed March 15, 2014. ftp://ftp.fao.org/es/esn/nutrition/urban/delisle_paper.pdf.

Super size Me!!

In this picture we see a possible norm within our near future. A future of overweight and obsessed individuals. This is the result of our urban diet, a diet which is filled with sweeteners, fats and oils. A diet which is slowly taking us to our grave. This picture was taken in Airapeta Avenue carnival Monday in Trinidad. During my observations i realized that these "love handles" were common among many of the mass men and women on that day. Is this the future image of Trinidad? Has our urbanized lifestyle dictated our diets in such a way that it is breeding a future of super sized individuals.

There is no doubt that as you look around Port of Spain or in most urban areas in Trinidad; one would notice that our waistlines are expanding. There has definitely been a nutrition transition from the more tradition diets which consisted mostly of root crops, cereal and fiber to one high in sugar, fats, animal products and highly processed foods (Rae 1999).

This shift in our diet has been as a result of the shift in socio-economic factors which have resulted due to urbanization. As the improvement in economic statuses of persons increased, so did their disposable income. Thus, persons spend this extra income on westernized type foods which are promoted through globalization, increased communication and marketing strategies. This increased intake of these high calorific foods through artificial sweeteners and edible oils with an accompanying reduction in the intake of traditional fruits, vegetables and crops, is negatively affecting the biological make-up of many urban dwellers in Trinidad. The preference of such foods, in particular fast foods is intensified through our urban lifestyles. These unhealthy foods are the ones that are convenient, cheap and in most cases delicious. One has to ask, should we blames these fast food chains for our unhealthy lifestyles or ourselves? The link below follows to a movie examining the phenomena that is happening today.

Trinidad is suffering with increasing rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension. In fact the FAO stats indicate that Trinidad and Tobago ranks sixth among world countries with having 30% of their adult population being obese (Whadropt-Fergosun 2014). It has also been documented that child obesity figures in Trinidad are of a higher rate than that of the United States (Ramdass 2014).

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/This-Health-issue-is-critical-250429911.html

It is evident that our nutritional transition based on our urban diet is negatively affecting the health or many trini urbanites, even the younger generation. It seems as though if we continue on this path we would be breeding a nation of “rollie pollies.”

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Child-obesity-rate-in-TT-alarming-243277131.html

References

Rae, Allan. 1999. “Food Consumption Patterns in Urban Java Households: the discriminatory power of some socioeconomic variables.” The Australian Journal of Agriculture and Resource Economics 43:3, 359-383.

Ramdass, Anna. 2014. “Child Obesity Rate in T&T Alarming”. Trinidad Express. February 3, 2014. Accessed March 1, 2014. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Child-obesity-rate-in-TT-alarming-243277131.html.

Whadropt-Ferguson, Lorraine. 2014. “This Health Issue is Critical.” Trinidad Express. March 15, 2014. Accessed March 29, 2014. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/This-Health-issue-is-critical-250429911.html.

How has our Urban Diet changed our Urban Form?

Many UWI students flock to the students' activity centre (SAC) everyday.  Whether it be to have lunch, study or just hang out, this central spot has become a third place for many student. It has become a spot for the sharing of so much information and experiences.

The advent of our urbanized diets has not only changed our biological component but it has also changed the make-up of the urban city. As noted previously the increase in urbanization has led to a diet which consists mainly of food purchased outside of the home. Food that is fast, convenient and cheap. It seems as though the more we purchase ‘take out,’ the less we spend time in our kitchens cooking a pot of home cooked corn soup, much less the home

Therefore, spaces within the urban centre must be transformed in order to accommodate this influx of urbanites. As a result we see fast food joints and even corner street food stands providing comfortable seating areas and amenities in order to accommodate and ensure the return of their customers. These food outlets have created many third places within urban areas. These spaces provide a home away from home, an accommodating environment, food and drink and of course the regulars.

These third spaces are abundant within urban areas of Trinidad; a perfect example is walking along the Ariapeta Avenue.

http://chamber.org.tt/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/culinary-tourism-con-feb-19-14.pdf 

We see ever more often restaurants and food stalls are visited and embraced by many urbanites in Trinidad; I have even experienced this back home. Although our night life is not as vibrant as Trinidad’s one thing is certain, everyone flocks to Hamilton on a Friday night to get some of Bradshaw’s finger licking Barbecue chicken. Here, many locals congregate on the benches and stand around on the bay-side while enjoying each other’s company. The increase in third places within urban spaces as a result of our urbanized diet has also lead to the act of conviviality. This not only involves the interaction between persons laughing and having a great time, but also interaction with their environment.

What does this say about the future for urban planners? 

Would many of our streets in Port of Spain and other urban areas be filled with side walk cafes with outdoor seating? And if so, would it foster a sense of social capital or community spirit?

References

Banerjee, Tridib. 2001. “The Future of Public Space- Beyond Invented Streets and Reinvented Places.” APA Journal 67, 1.

Street Food

This picture captures two young men eating away at PANK's doubles in UWI St Augustine. Here we see the consumption of one of Trinidad's most famous street food. These foods have grown in popularity because they are often cheap, portable and delicious.

We have already established that dietary habits and nutrition of persons within urban areas have changed from the traditional home cooked meals (Rae 1999). To cope with the hectic urban lifestyles of many Trinidadians today, urban areas such as Port of Spain offers a wide variety of street food prepared outside of homes. Street food has been defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization as food that is ready to eat and sold by vendors and alike on streets and similar public places (Darbano 2003).

There is no doubt in one’s mind that Trinidad offers a wide range of delicious street food, all influenced from their melting pot of diverse cultures.  I must admit on my arrival here for my first time, I was immediately drawn in and mesmerized with foods like doubles, aloo pie, sahina, roti, gryo. With the delicious combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavours, no wonder the lines are never ending in front of street food stalls. Many urban dwellers find it very convenient to purchase these foods when they are on the go, as they are cheap, portable and delicious. The prevalence of street food vendors is increasing as a market of many hungry busy urban dwellers provide a readily accessible market, just like these guys diving away in the photo. However, employment gained in the informal sector within urban areas provides a reliable source of income for many households in Trinidad (FAO 2010).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtpmbBy-vxE

Increased urbanization in Trinidad has transformed the urban space to that of an “open kitchen”. This is showcased along streets such as the Ariapeta Avenue, lined with street food vendors with amazing aromas, and ninja like speed serving up fast orders. In comparison back home (Bequia) where the level of urbanization experienced in Trinidad is yet to dawn its face on us, the opposite is evident. However, street food vendors contribute significantly to the daily diet of many urban dwellers and also plays is a a part of urban culture.

References

Darbano, Carmen. 2003. “ Caribbean Regional Working Group on Street Food Vendors.”Review of FAO, PAHO and BNSI. Castries, October 23-25, 2002.

FAO.  2010. “The Impact of Global Change and Urbanization on Household Food Security, Nutrition and Food Safety.” Accessed March 14, 2014. http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/nutrition/national_urbanization_en.stm.

Rae, Allan. 1999. “Food Consumption Patterns in Urban Java Households: the discriminatory power of some socioeconomic variables.” The Australian Journal of Agriculture and Resource Economics 43:3, 359-383.

A glass half full- Port of Spain

Chinese Embassy, St Clair

Even though both St Clair and Belmont are close in proximity to each other and Port of Spain there are differences in socioeconomics, power regimes and opportunities. St Clair is seen as a postmodern type of neighbourhood. This is characterized by the modern architecture, homogenous streets, segregation and where residents see the street as a mere transport route. There is lack of conviviality, no sign of third spaces or social integration (Banerjee 2001).  There is also an absence of the appreciation of cultural and historical values. The only sites of history in this area consist of few paintings around the oval.

picture on the wall of the oval in St Clair

There are also highly politicized spaces with embassies, high end educational institutions and government offices exerting their presence of power and authority.

  In contrast Belmont is rich in history and culture which has shaped their urban planning and lifestyles. Having being established as the first suburban area from the establishment of villages such as Freetown from emancipated slaves and villages such as Radar village add depth and texture to the various layers of Belmont.

mass camp in Belmont

Even though Belmont has been one of the pioneers of urban spaces and the development of culture with mass and pan, it has been neglected and stigmatized by those in authority.  However, the interaction between these two places is an uneven struggle of the powerless, lower class and neglected against the powerful, upper class and recognized. A interaction which as lead the people of Belmont to find value within the uniqueness of their space , a uniqueness that people of St Clair may never understand or appreciate.

http://www.bestoftrinidad.com/communities/belmont.html

One of the things I like about St Clair is that it is very clean and it also has a lot of open spaces. However, I think there can be facilities to encourage community cohesion such as outside cafes, community centres, the creation of close third spaces. On the other hand I don’t like the distinct segregation of the neighbourhood, one of the downsides of modernity. This segregation based on socioeconomic status is increasing. In order to curb this phenomenon what can be done is to encourage the mixing of classes by offering affordable lots to low income persons. However, I don’t think this will be happening, or at least for any time soon. The reason for this assumption is that the presence of these different foreign embassies and political places has led to a top down structure of the neighbourhood, one that has to be pristine, well secured and modern.  On the other hand, there are so many things about Belmont that I like simply because it reminds me so much of home. The short streets, mixed buildings and diverse population allows for a vivacious neighbourhood rich in heritage and the development of a sense of security due to the close knit community relationship. The historical and cultural aspects of Belmont needs protecting, it is what makes this place unique; it is also what instills that pride within the residents.  One of the things that can be done to improve Belmont is the proper disposal of garbage and also improved facilities for young people to express their creative sides.

Jane Jacobs contributed greatly to urban planning, even thought she had no formal training in planning. Her ideas and theory were simple often referring to one’s observations of the interactions and what she referred to as an unrehearsed choreography of cities. She stated that cities have a “ballet of activities:” and said that real cities are those that confirmed to the following criteria (Kaldeway 2011);

ü  Mixed uses

ü  Mixed blocks with different buildings of different ages and conditions

ü  Streets with short blocks and numerous corners

ü  A dense concentration of people

While walking through the streets of St Clair and Belmont, I observed how contrasting they are in each of these characteristics put forward by Jane.

Mixed Uses

Sign on the Brazilian Embassy's Wall

When walking along the streets of St Clair I asked myself, why is it so empty when it is in such close proximity to the savannah, an open space which can foster community spirit and social capital? The streets of St Clair lack diversity in uses. 

As a result it seems as though the streets are only used as a corridor for passersby on their daily commute. There is clear segregation between residential, political and business districts. This segregation is also facilitated through the quiet policing observed in this neighborhood. An array of endless signs and structures instructing what can and cannot be done within particular spaces in the neighborhood.

German Embassy, St Clair

Prime Minister's Office, St Clair

As an outsider having come to this neighbourhood for the first ti me, I was amazed that numerous embassies were all located along a particular street within this neighbourhood.  Also the addition of the Prime Minister’s office, labels this part of St Clair as heavily politicized and a clear central region of power.

On the other hand Belmont was the complete opposite. There were bars, supermarkets, schools, shops, churches, businesses and residential dwellings all aligned in no particular order along the streets. There was also diversity in the age of the buildings, architecture and colours. These mixed uses depict how this space has changed through time, from the inception of emancipation to present. Jane argues that neighbourhoods that are varied in nature highlight complexity in their order. Thus, due to its many uses, the streets act as a binder of the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of Belmont.  Unlike St Clair there were people on the sidewalks “liming”, various characters bidding greetings as they pass along, a lady even stopped in her car to thank us for coming into Belmont and exploring its unseen treasures.  This variation in Belmont gives a sense of the daily operations of the people within different spaces in this place, Belmont (Kaldeway 2011).

Belmont

Mixed blocks with buildings of different ages and condition

Buildings in St Clair were very modern in nature in their architectural structure. In fact most buildings were homogenous in nature. Jacobs argues that neighbourhoods containing a lot of fancy buildings lead to a specific class of persons living there, reducing diversity in the people. Only those who can afford construction costs would occupy those nighbourhoods as in St Clair. 

St Clair

  The typical residential property observed in St Clair was characterized by high surrounding walls with barb wires, gates, well-trimmed hedges and green evenly cut lawns. This typical design of housing may be attributed to the cultural cannibalism of the American ideal image of a home (Lara 201). This homogeneity is preferred by modern architectures as variation is seen as hodgepodge.  However in St Clair there were some variation in the age of the homes but they are mixed in their localities. Thus, most homes seen in St Clair are newly built modern homes.

In Belmont there is a clear variation in houses of different ages and styles. It is evident that persons living in Belmont see these spaces as connections to important historical happenings which they see worth preserving. In addition to these historical buildings, the hillsides are dotted with mostly poorly built squatter homes. However, there are also newly built modern homes within Belmont.

Belmont

Belmont

Thus, due to this intermingling of variation of the characteristics of these spaces, there is a variety of persons living in Belmont. This variation between new and old, modern and historical allows businesses of different sizes to thrive, as the there is a mixed market.

Streets with short blocks and numerous corners

The presence and interaction between persons in a neighbourhood is definitely connected to the length of blocks and presence of street corners. The long streets of St Clair were isolated and stagnant, no activity nor interaction between residents, in fact there were no signs of residence unless they passed in their high end vehicles. 

Streets in St Clair

It was rather monotonous walking through the streets of St Clair. However, in Belmont the presence of these short blocks and frequent corners creates a space that is filled with excitement and spontaneity as one may encounter someone who they may engage in “a little old talk” with.

A dense concentration of people

St Clair is not densely populated, as a result I noticed while we were walking along that there were no supermarkets or shops that were nearby. The low density doesn’t provide the need to have these facilities in close proximity. On the other hand, in Belmont the densely populated area is catered to many shops, bars and food stalls. A more densely populated space creates more varied niches for residents. However it is important to note that even though St Clair is not as densely populated as Belmont they are provided with a water hydrant, while along the streets that I walked in Belmont I observed one dilapidated hydrant (Kaldeway 2011).

I must admit that I agree with Jane Jacobs to a great extent to what a good neighbourhood should be like. The characteristics she has described are the characteristics I grew up with in my neighbor and what is present in many neighbourhoods in the little tiny island of Bequia. These sorts of neighbourhoods in my opinion truly reflect “a Caribbean upbringing”. This sort of interaction between people and the spaces around them and how they value these unique species display that sort of Caribbean neighbourly hospitality and grounded values that is unique to all corners of the world.

References

Banerjee, Tribid, 2001. “The Future of Public Spaces- Beyond Invented Streets and Reinvented     Places.” Journal of American Planning Association 67:1.

Kaldeway, Heather. 2011.“Jane Jacobs: Urban Ideas.” Accessed March 22, 2014. http://urbanspacegallery.ca/exhibits/jane-jacobs-urban-ideas/jane-jacobs-urban-ideas.

Lara, Fernando. 2011. “New (Sub)Urbanism and Old Inequalities in Brazilian Central Communities.” Journal of Urban Design 16:3, 369-380.

May I take your order?

Caption: This picture perfectly exemplifies the fast food culture that has emerged through urbanisation. This food culture is becoming pronounced through the process of globalisation. In this picture we see the big boys (franchises) such as KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut and Burger King. On the far right we see the Asian presence of Hong Kong City. In addition we see local Creole food being sold.  Picture taken from Trincity Mall, Trinidad

 On most days like this, hundreds of persons arrive at the Trincity mall, and often dine at the wide range of food outlets located within the mall's food court. Like most young people I love going to the mall to enjoy a good movie or to engage in a mini shopping splurge. While waiting in line to purchase my movie ticket, I looked around and looked at the "melting pot" of cultures being sold to many hungry customers. Flavours emanating from Asian, Indian and Caribbean culture in particular, and of course we have the popular franchises of Burger King, KFC, Subway and Pizza Hut. Pondering on this sight I wonder, with our growing urbanised population and our urban diet If our taste buds are becoming more diverse or homogeneous?

Globalisation plays a major role in constructing the diets of many urban populations today. Through the advent of technology and seemingly reduced or absence in the delays of communication, gglobalisation has allowed for the fast transmission of ideas and information. The new order of the day "globalisation" which is associated with post industrial countries has allowed for this information web and space-time compression among countries in the aspects of economic, politics and culture (Hall and Barrett, 2012). As a result some may argue that this lends to diversification as physical geographical barriers seem nonexistent when one can walk into trincity mall and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine, enjoy a lamb gyro at UWI St Augustine, or have a Japanese contestant compete in the International Soca monarch competition. It is important to understand that globalisation is a two way transfer of cultures but there is a greater streaming from the global north to the global south than there is from the global south to the global north.  So therefore the question arises again, with this dominance are our taste buds being diversified through globalisation or is our food culture becoming homogeneous?

Globalisation has sought the rise of transnational corporations (TNCs). These TNCs are prevalent in the fast food market.

 http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/Not_Afraid_of_the_Big_Mac-132114693.html

There is a clear increase in the number of food franchise companies in Trinidad over the years. Thus, there is an increase in the preference of these type of foods, the type of food that are a big constituent of our urban diet. I know long ago persons would bring lunch from home to work, but today with increasing persons working in the urban areas, there are more persons preferring to purchase food from outside. This very  well explains the long lines in KFC and other major franchise restaurants during lunch hours. Therefore, we are really becoming diversified if there is an increase in food culture arising out of occident nations into Trinidad? Our urban diet is homogenous, sometimes i think trinis should declare KFC as their national dish. My friends have even told me that persons eat KFC on Christmas day. I chuckled hard at this because back home "Bequia" even eating KFC on a Sunday is an abomination.

Globalisation arising through urbanisation has brought the age of McDonaldisation and a like. It has been one of the prominent chefs in the construction of our urbanised diets, serving us the order of the day.

References

Hall, Tim and Heather Barrett. 2012. Urban Geography. USA: Routledge.

The special of the day.....

This blog takes a look at how urbanization has changed the diets of many urban dwellers. It looks deeper into the preference of fast food and all the other aspects that arise from this "urban diet."

1) Picture of KFC outlet: taken February 5th 2014
 One has to wonder if Colonel Sanders ever thought, while selling chicken in his roadside outlet in Kentucky, that his secret recipe of 11 well blended herbs and spices would be so "finger licking" irresistible to many today. In this picture we see a small group of young men enjoying a KFC meal of crispy fried chicken, french fries and sweet carbonated drinks . In the background we also see a small family of a different ethnicity doing just the same. It is also an insight into a lifestyle. A lifestyle created as an end product of urbanization, gripping many urbanites in Trinidad today. In this photo we see the iconic face of the colonel taking the place of "nana , gran gran or mummy" in the kitchen. One of the many new chefs recommended as a result of our urban lifestyle. In this picture I see globalization, economics, health and family values all being transformed as a result of our changing urbanized diets. A glimpse of the future can be seen, as children are maturing in this time of civilization where urban food is given preference over a plate of home cooked meal

According to Hall and Barrett (2012) we are living an in urbanized world. Today, most of the world's populace are urban dwellers, with immense and continuous growth seen within the global south. In 2010 a total of 14% of Trinidad's total population lived in urban areas with an estimated annual increase of 3% (Barrientos and Soria 2013). This increased population has seen the transformation of Port of Spain and its surrounding environs, as the central hub for economic activity and commerce. Urbanization in Trinidad has fueled a  new lifestyle, an urban lifestyle where trinis are no longer apart of the city, but rather the city has become the creation of our expression. With all these factors coming into play it is becoming rarer to find family members creating memories in the kitchen, chattering away about how their day went, or the hottest "comess" of the day over a slow cooked home meal. With our fast pace lives evolving from urbanization, the way we eat has also altered with an increasing intake of fast food. We are seeing the emergence of "an urban diet".

Urbanization has changed the way we eat, the type of foods we consume.With increased disposable income due to increased economic development, the hustle and bustle of "maxi wars" and endless strings of traffic on the highway, Trinidadians are now turning to fast food. There are 53 KFC outlets in Trinidad alone (kfc 2013). We have moved away from the so called traditional "old school" ways of meal preparation and have moved into an era where efficiency is key. 

But what are the implications for countries such as Trinidad? Is increased urbanization simply going to make us carbon copies of the "ideal type city"? Will future generations still love and embrace their trini flavors? Or, as postmodern urbanization is ever changing will we return to stirring the pot ourselves?

References

Barrientos, Miguel and Claudia Soria. 2013. "Index Mundi." Accessed February 3, 2013. http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/trinidad-and-tobago/urban-population.

Hall, Tim and Heather Barrett. 2012. Urban Geography. USA: Routledge.

kfc. 2013. "kfc so good." Accessed February 2, 2013. http://kfc-tt.com/.