Bust of Franciso de Miranda unveiled in Chag

Francisco de Miranda fought in the American War of Independence, and the French Revolution. He spent a year in Trinidad, gathering support for the expedition to Coro, Venezuela.

It was Gaylord Kelshall, military historian and founder and president of the Chaguaramas Military History and Aerospace Museum, who, together with Gilberto Jaimes, cultural officer of the Venezuelan Embassy, conceived the idea of installing a bronze bust of Miranda on the grounds of the Museum.

With help from the Venezuelan Ministry of Culture, in particular Dr Carmen Borquez, and a relative of hero of Venezuelan Independence, Franciso de Miranda, the bust was made, brought to Trinidad and unveiled. The bronze faces the Gulf looking toward the Bocas, following the route of the expedition to Coro.

Those who wish to know more of Miranda, why he was so important to the South American Revolution and the pivotal role played by the British Governor of Trinidad in assisting and giving shelter to the revolutionaries should get Gaylord Kelshall’s book: The Gateway to South America: Trinidad and the South American Revolution available from the Military Museum and Charran’s Bookstore.

The full story of Miranda in Trinidad is told by Venezuelan Cultural Attache Gilberto Jaimes in his book Trinidad Through the Eyes of Francisco de Miranda’s Correspondence.