Penny dreams of revived PoS

Commissiong made the call during her keynote address at Government Campus Plaza on Richmond Street, urging the city corporation, business owners and public to keep the city’s rich cultural legacy alive by preserving historic buildings and sites for future generations.

“I yearn, not just for the past but for the future of Port of Spain, the preservation of historical sites in and around our town and the revitalisation of Carnival and culture in the city,” she said. “Recently I was asked, what I would like the street to be called? I would like it to be called the cleanest street in TT.” Recalling her youth growing up on Oxford Street in uptown Port of Spain, she said that while her middle-class upbringing was in stark contrast to those in socially depressed inner cities, she envisioned a brighter future for all of Port of Spain and reaffirmed her commitment to making this a reality.

“In my mind’s eye, I see the Savannah lush and green. I see Belmont, I see Woodbrook, I see St James as integrated communities, vibrant and alive, clean and the entire metropolis a haven for a revitalised, year-round tourism industry and if I can, in any way, contribute to this vision, I stand ready, willing and able.” Mayor Joel Martinez praised Commissiong for her contribution to local culture and identity and said the renaming exercise was the beginning of new projects under local government reform. “Our intentions are to preserve the history of our city whilst embracing and recognizing one of our very own with this honour.

In this instance the re-naming of Queen Street is multifaceted and commemorative, as this will set the stage for the development of the city’s landscape and infrastructure, whilst preserving our history.” Just before the renaming ceremony, a Carnival-like atmosphere engulfed Queen Street, as throngs of spectators gathered to show their support and admiration for the woman many affectionately referred to as “Penny” as she stopped to greet her fans, beginning at the Piccadilly Greens in east Port of Spain.