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| 1. Queen's Royal College 2. Hayes Court 3. Mille Fleurs 4. Ambard's House 5. Roman Catholic Archibishop's House 6. Whitehall 7. Stollmeyer's Castle Source: GPS My City |
Built in the early 20th
century, The Magnificent Seven are a group of distinct colonial style buildings
which were constructed during the Spanish and British rule in Trinidad. It is
unique to discover such architectural variety in most cities and more proudly
within the small boundary of our twin Republic city, Port of Spain. This is
illustrated in the photo above. These ornate buildings exist in various states
of repair are a tangible representation that reflects the diverse heritage of
our twin island. The historical structures symbolize and artistic representation
of our history. Within the boundary of Port of Spain, if one were to stumble
upon these buildings they will immediately understand that these houses
represent a cultural aspect from a previous era. Therefore in preserving their
authenticity we embrace art and our background. Albeit the dilapidated state
that some of these buildings exist in today. However, by preserving these sites
do we really appreciate the value or are we taking it for granted.
These seven uniquely architectural
infrastructures lay in a state of preservation, unused. However, in other
Caribbean Islands such as Barbados and Jamaica, the Great Houses are well maintained
and their structures preserved but public are allowed and encouraged to visit
these sites to walk through the halls of a time forgotten. This practice should
be adopted in Trinidad to allow its citizens and tourists to visit these sites
as tourist attraction. What thrill it would be to roam the halls of the
Whitehall and hear the stories of the Ghost of Agostino. Or visit a real castle, right here in
Trinidad, the Stollmeyers castle which was built in the likeness of a wing of a
real castle in Scotland. Unfortunately, such opportunities are not granted as
these places are converted into yet another government office.
Just like a picture, the walls of
a home that fostered families for generations can speak a thousand words. But
with today’s fast pace and competition for space we take such values for
granted and neglect these walls. In doing this we lose the stories that come
with them and reflects a significant aspect to our history.
This
brings to light the issue of how important is our culture to us. We announce
that culture is important to us but at times controversies arise when
particular decisions are to be made. For instance the purchasing a number of
paintings by local famed Michel Jean Cazabon (1813 to 1888) by the current Prime Minister, Dr. Keith
Rowley. This was Dr. Keith Rowley’s first step to protection of our cultural heritage
as our Prime Minister. However, the controversy began when the public was made
aware of the prices of the painting that amounted to over TT$3 million. Persons
were appalled that Dr. Rowley should choose to purchase these pricy but worthy
paintings. Though, should we have to purchase our own painting from a foreign
state? Our culture is a unique and diverse creation. The simplicity in the fact
that those paintings were priced at millions reflects the contingent value of
our own culture. Then why do we, as a nation choose when we want to support our
heritage or not? Is it not a part of who we are? Just as these buildings belong
and form a part of our nation.
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