Mixed moods over Chinatown
By Peter Christopher (Guardian)As the rebranding of Charlotte Street has begun, the
Chinatown arch just off the corner of Charlotte and Park streets has divided public opinion.
Yesterday, many questioned the installation of the archway, which was unveiled on Thursday evening, with some even comparing it to a symbol of colonialism by the Chinese.
“This is unacceptable, this is an international scandal. How can we have Charlotte Street being what it is? Chinatown,” said Don Phillip to Guardian Media yesterday, adding, “This is not Chinatown, this is Charlotte Street. I’m calling on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to remove this sign or the people will take it down.”
However, Phillip was immediately challenged by another passerby on Charlotte Street, who questioned why the archway should be removed.
A few vendors who were selling items a short distance away from the archway also questioned the installation of the Chinatown branding, as they felt it did not reflect the current make up of Charlotte Street.
There was much talk about the archway as the workers put it up, with people either chastising the Chinese symbolism or praising it for changing the visual of Charlotte Street. One pedestrian of Chinese descent praised the work, as she felt it was a good homage to the Chinese community in Trinidad.
However while many had a lot to say as they passed the archway, very few were willing to speak directly to the Guardian on the matter.
Some Charlotte Street vendors, even those who were not in favour of the change, however, took the opportunity to market their items as “Chinese products” as a result.
On social media there were similar expressions of discontent, which were often buffered by arguments that there were several Chinatowns in various cities across the world.
Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez, in a statement late yesterday defended the archway.
He said, “The Chinese have a rich culture which is supported by many persons in Trinidad and Tobago and they have worked hard towards the development of not just the Charlotte Street area but all of our country. Furthermore, they have a deep heritage in the East Port-of-Spain area including George Street, Charlotte Street and Nelson Street with establishments in the 1960s like Yet Ming, Ng Chow, Chooquan Supermarket, Cheewah, Tam Pack, Aleong’s and Chin’s Grocery.”
Martinez also reminded that the Chinatown initiative was discussed over two years ago, and also explained the rationale of choosing Charlotte Street.
“There are five Chinese associations on Charlotte Street, with four within the boundaries of the designated Chinatown area. They are the Chinese Civic Association, Toy Shan Association, The Fui Toong On Association and The China Society. Closer to Oxford Street, the Chung Shan Association has had a long existence. Just off Charlotte Street, exists the Sun Wai Association on Queen Janelle Commissiong Street,” Martinez said.
In September, a stakeholder meeting was held concerning the development of Chinatown on Charlotte Street. Following that stakeholders’ meeting, Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s MP Stuart Young expressed his disappointment over the poor attendance at the meeting.
Martinez also explained that the arch was part of this country’s attempt to twin Port-of-Spain with Chinese City Shangai. He said the move has many potential economic and tourism benefits for the city.
He added, “Chinatown symbolises a space that has an international presence. Other metropolitan cities have all benefited from the presence of a Chinatown as part of their City’s stature. The city of Port-of-Spain has been considered for many years to lack innovation. As such, the arches of Charlotte Street’s Chinatown represent more than just a physical beautification measure, but a symbol of a deepening, bright relationship between one growing city and one of the world’s top cities.”
Guardian Media attempted to contact Downtown Owners and Merchants Association President Gregory Aboud for comment on Chinatown, but he did not respond to us up to press time.
Second Chinatown arch goes up
By Rishard Khan (Guardian)Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez said they would continue with the Chinatown project, despite the criticisms coming from some members of the public.
He believes naysayers would come around to the idea with time.
“It would be historical for us,” Martinez told journalists at the corner of Charlotte Street and Independence Square as the second arch was being installed.
“And not only that, we will now be added to the list of Chinatowns around the world...you have an opportunity to see history in the making...it’s the first time a Caribbean country would have had an opportunity like this.”
He suggested that those who may not agree with the project may just be hesitant to accept change but would come around to the idea in time.
“In everything that you do, in everything in life, change is inevitable. The thing about change is not everybody would accept change as easily as you would want them to and not everybody see the benefits of an item as you see it...it will take them a little while to come around, some people would have gotten it already.”
He said that the arches are only the beginning of the project and as it progresses, the public can look forward to more benefits. He explained that the project would bring with it improvements and enhancements to the area’s infrastructure and, in the long run, can lead to the alleviation of many problems across the city.
Guardian Media attempted to reach the Chinese Association for a comment on the polarized discussion surrounding the Chinatown project, however, up to press time, we were unable to. Asked whether he received any feedback from them, Martinez said he has “not been in touch with any of the associations as yet.” But he said he has received commendations from other organisations such as the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, members of the business community and “Trinidadians who saw it as a benefit.”
When Guardian Media visited Charlotte Street yesterday, the Shanghai Construction Group along with City Corporation workers were installing the second of two arches. The first arch was installed at the corner of Park and Charlotte Street last Thursday. However, this was met by heavy criticisms from members of the public who accused the Corporation of “wasting tax-payer dollars” and “selling out to China” among other comments.
In a release on Friday, Mayor Martinez said: “Other metropolitan cities have all benefited from the presence of a Chinatown as part of their City’s stature. The city of Port-of-Spain has been considered for many years to lack innovation. As such, the arches of Charlotte Street’s Chinatown represent more than just a physical beautification measure, but a symbol of a deepening, bright relationship between one growing city and one of the world’s top cities.”
“It is therefore believed that Chinatown will add value to Port-of-Spain’s development including a positive impact on the economic, cultural and educational welfare of its citizens.”
A woman takes a picture of the Chinatown arch just off the corner of Charlotte and Park streets, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. - Anisto Alves