GLOBALIZATION: THE FIRST WAVE WITH COLONIALISM...

Photograph of The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception Port- of- Spain currently under renovation to be preserved.

   Globalization has a major impact on urban infrastructure. Designs shown in houses and buildings of the Caribbean show architectural designs unique to the Europeans. During the time of early migration by the Europeans to colonize Caribbean islands, European ideals were brought along. This historical migration is what is responsible for the globalization of the European building infrastructure. During the times of European take- over in the  Caribbean, buildings were built by the Europeans in the way that they felt was superior. This movement by the Europeans into the Caribbean was responsible for the first wave of globalization, the globalization which is evident today throughout the Caribbean. In Port0- of- Spain, European style infrastructural buildings can be seen throughout the city. These buildings are a constant reminder and realization that globalization was apparent.

Building infrastructure in Port- of Spain reflects a European ideal. Due to the effect of migration and colonisation, the Cathedral (displayed in the following) came about. The cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was built in 17981 by the Spanish Governor Martin de Salvarria and it is the first Catholic Church in Port of Spain with its Gothic stone structure (MacLean, 2009). It is said that globalisation is a phenomenon of politics and power (Mohan, 2000). This is direct evidence of how power can influence where and how a building is built in a society. Having a history of being of a colony, most of the infrastructure here today was of English and Spanish influence. Globalisation influenced the infrastructure and the way the buildings were built. they were built in such a way that they adhered to global guidelines. It is for this reason that buildings in many different cities, both in the Caribbean and the rest of the world tend to look the same in terms of structure, regardless of location. As ideas are shared globally, countries such as Trinidad and others in the global south are majorly influenced.

The following photos take you on a tour around the city of Port- of- Spain. Pay attention to the European style that each building displays and the historical globalization that they represent.


Photograph of a Catholic Cathedral, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of the Holy Trinity Cathedral which was built in 1816. (The British Crown granted money for the building of a new church (The Holy Trinity Cathedral) in Trinidad while the island was under their rule.)

Photograph of Archbishop's Place, St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of Ambard's House (Roomor), St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of Queens Royal College, St. Clair, Port of Spain.

Photograph of White Hall (Rosenweg), St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

There is a current notion for restoration of these historical monuments as they hold significant and relevant memories of events that took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad. It is a heritage of the country and their its important to conserve these buildings and they are currently being restored. Some argue that the history of the city gives the users some identity and lack of influence and drive. Without the conservation measures, the history may be diminished and people who live within the city and those with who use the city generally will loose a sense of belonging together with influence and drive.

This blog post carries you back into the time of colonialism in Trinidad and Tobago. The buildings represent the historical globalization that has occurred in the city. The globalization of the European ideals is well displayed through the building infrastructure. Currently, there is a notion for  the restoration of historical monuments as they hold significant and relevant memories of events that took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The heritage is one of the country's own and it is important to conserve these buildings. More about the building restoration can be gained form: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-01/citizens-conservation-govt-should-help-preserve-historic-buildings

References

Clyne, K. (2012). Citizens for conservation: Government should help preserve historic buildings. Retrieved April 10, 2015, from http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-01/citizens-conservation-govt-should-help-preserve-historic-buildings.

Lublin, David. (2008). Port of Spain II: Magnificent seven. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://www1.american.edu/dlublin/travel/trinidad2.htm.

MacLean, Geoffrey. (2009). Cathedral od immaculate conception. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/index.php/builtherit/powbuilt/97-cathedral-of-the-immaculate-conception.

Mohan, Giles. (2000). Dislocating Globalisation: Power, Politics and Global Change. Geography, 85, 121-133.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral. (2015). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://motherchurchtt.com/history.html.