Laventille Hill — a gold mine

THE EDITOR: Laventille Hill, that picturesque spine running from Belmont to the edges of Sea Lots, is today the most valuable tract of real estate in Trinidad and Tobago, and its residents stand to make tens of millions of dollars if they manage their properties with wisdom and acumen. The reasons for their new bonanza status are simple — Port-of-Spain has nowhere else to go or grow; and the hill is extremely convenient in terms of access and availability, being already inhabited from bases to ridge. Another major plus is the abundance of blue stone, or granite, in its make-up. Bedrock is never far from the surface, and in many places outcroppings are plainly visible. This would make for sound foundations.

No one who has travelled up and down its meandering roads would fail to be impressed with the magnificent views of near and distant land and seascapes, nor the cool breezes that become more nippy at nights, as visitors to the Despers panyard can attest. The people on the hill would be well advised to obtain, confirm, or seek their deeds of ownership, prior to getting together in groups representing one or more hectares each, to negotiate with realtors or directly with investors wishing to pursue developments ranging from malls and supermarkets to housing and business complexes, or even hotels. Government’s Beverly Hills remake to the east is a good example of just some of the impressive construction that can be done.

Residents can either sell outright and use their handsome returns to relocate, or they can remain shareholders in developments they may wish to live in. But without a single doubt, the people on the hill are potential millionaires who merely need to organise their business to tap into the mother lode at their feet. Their co-ordinating efforts will of necessity include speaking with the planning authorities, as existing roads and land-use vitally need to be brought into the 21st century. Parliamentary representatives should help in the process. Go for it, Laventille! You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by fulfilling a major potential that’s waiting to be tapped.

LLOYD CARTAR
Port-of-Spain