More fitting tribute to rename Wrightson Rd

This is considered the start of Port of Spain since up to that time there were only 12 settlers in Puerto Grande operating the port. Under the Spanish, the port town was named Puerto España and consisted of seven streets.

These were renamed with the arrival of the French and again under the English: Calle Infante became Rue Trois Chandelles, then Duncan St.

Calle Príncipe became Rue l’Eglise, then Nelson St. Calle San José became Rue La Place then George St.

Calle Santa Ana became Rue Ste Anne then Charlotte St. Calle Herrera became Rue Neuve then Henry St.

Calle San Carlos became Rue des Anglais then Frederick St. Calle Chacón became Rue Chacon then Chacon St.

Those streets not renamed by the French did not survive Anglicisation: Plaza La Marina was changed to King St, Calle San Luis to Queen St, Calle Santa Rosa to Prince St, and Calle Princesa de Asturias to Duke St.

By1803, the little town of Port of Spain with its 11 streets was considered one of the finest in the Antilles.

The main square, Plaza Marina, was rechristened Marine Square and the street running along its northern boundary, formerly known as Calle Marina, was renamed King Street.

The three cross streets to the north were named Queen, Prince and Duke, in descending order of royalty, while George and Charlotte Streets, formerly known as Calle San José and Calle Santa Ana, were rechristened in honour of their Majesties King George III and the Afro-European Queen Charlotte, and the town itself became known as Port of Spain.

Old Port of Spain was ravaged by two great fires in 1808 and 1895.

Following both incidents, it was rebuilt in the elegant French Colonial style. Most of these elegant buildings have been lost due to neglect, impoverished ownership and aggressive commercialisation.

It appears that there is no one at the Port of Spain Corporation who is even remotely aware of the city’s history. In fact, the goal of Anglicisation under the British was the eradication of Trinidad’s Spanish and French heritage which was actively opposed by the longstanding Creole population. Naming Wrightson Road after the expatriate director of public works would reflect this goal.

In my view, renaming and restoring Wrightson Road for our first Miss Universe would approach a more fitting tribute and do no further offence to our Creole heritage.

STEVE ESCALIER via email