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.
