Makeshift Garbage Dump

As is the case in many urban areas, litter is a problem in Gasparillo. This is a makeshift garbage dump on the foundation of an old building in Gasparillo. I must say I'm appalled at the sheer irresponsibility an lack of consideration of Trinidadians. They destroy the environment without a second thought. Sights like this in addition to being aesthetically displeasing this sort of dumping creates a health hazard. We need to take more pride in our surroundings than this.

Gasparillo Junction

Although legally classed as a rural area, the, "city centre," of Gasparillo (Gasparillo Junction) seems to be always congested with traffic, a trait which can be attributed to many of the urban areas in Trinidad. It can sometimes be very frustrating to a motorist. This is traffic in non-peak hours (midday on a Saturday). The old wooden building to the right is being demolished to make way for a new shopping mall. Additionally you can see four eating establishments (KFC, Royal Castle, Burger King and the Zhong Shan Chinese restaurant (white building behind the cement truck) ) in the picture. There's also a nightclub on the second floor of KFC. One should note the contrast between the newer, purely commercial building to the left of the picture and the older, mixed-use (commercial and residential building) to the right of the picture.

The Beginning

Gasparillo has its origins back in the days of the plantation society. The main town and surrounding areas like Parforce, Reform and Caratal were driven by the sugar cane plantations surrounding it. After independence, agriculture continued to play a large part up until the dissolution of Caroni 1975 limited. Many of the Canefields are still visible, however are earmarked for conversion to some other type of activity. This particular field is to be converted to an industrial park. One has to question the wisdom of the powers that be in this case however. Is it really a wise idea to build on agricultural land given the massive food shortage we have in this country?