LINKING TO OTHER BLOGS

An urban area can be simply defined as an area with a large number of people residing in it; an area that has been significantly developed, or an area where the distance between buildings is very small. Urban areas generally indicate high populations, developed infrastructure, increases in social services etc. When defining a city or urban area various aspects of the city’s morphology must be considered as the culture of the urban areas are very diverse. Our blog focuses on expression of urban art within Trinidad and the way in which both urban dwellers and individuals in authority voice relay messages. Similarities between posts in the blog, “The Voice of the Urban” and posts within three of our colleagues blogs.

In the blog entitled,” Architecture and Caribbean Urban Spaces” by Kimara Dyer and Jhon Pierre, an entry was made pertaining to the importance of the game of cricket to the Caribbean region. In the post, an image of a monument of Brian Lara was displayed. The entry spoke about the influence of cricket to society; in terms of bringing persons together through successes of the West Indies Cricket team.herefore, the statute can be seen a powerful social force. This can be related to a post done in the blog “The Voice of the Urban”, on Mahatma Gandhi as he was also an icon and advocate of unity and togetherness of people. A helpful tip could be linking the images and content to scholarly articles and readings pertaining to architectural designs within the urban and their influences.

http://architecturecaribbeanurbanspaces.blogspot.com/ (CLICK LINK TO VIEW BLOG)

Another blog which can be related to our blog is entitled, “Urban Wire” by Jewel Paul and Thalia Thomas. In this blog a post on Marcus Garvey was done but the aspect was slightly different to that of “The Voice of the Urban”. The statue was mentioned with a little background information which was similar. When they spoke about the monument of Marcus Garvey. Their aspect focused on the city of San Fernando, its development and the construction of the Harris Promenade. They spoke about the reason why it was constructed the way it was and the layout of the promenade’s features, such as benches and trees. The blog post done in “The Voice of the Urban” focused on Marcus Garvey as well, but spoke more about his legacy and the influence he had on the world. He created movements for freedom and empowerment of blacks. Overall the photos on the blog were interesting and their content was sufficient. However, the content could been more in depth and expanded a little more.

http://urbanwirett.blogspot.com/(CLICK LINK TO VIEW BLOG)

In the blog, “"The Magnificent Seven" - History and Architecture”, we discovered a link between the post of the Queens Royal College Ceiling to be somewhat of an architectural abstract. This concept of abstract art was similar to the graphite image were in Wood brook, Port-of-Spain. Both posts require a creative eye to see its beauty, as well as, to understand the message the artists are trying to say. Both pieces aimed at representing art that deviates from traditional and contemporary forms of representation.  The blog overall had great content that showed the architectural aspects within urban spaces and how they change over time. Ample information was given on the construction and the historical backgrounds of these different architectural features, such as the influence of the design, the materials used in construction and why they were constructed.

http://trinimag7.blogspot.com/(CLICK LINK TO VIEW BLOG)

The very famous whisper wall at the Student Activity Centre at the University of the West Indies captures one’s attention immediately with its bright colour, vibrancy and creativity. This creative piece was done by students and an artist, portraying the different cultures and aspects within the university. With a closer look at the picture, one can see elements of the university’s diverse student population. Starting from the left side of the wall, there are the letters “SAC” indicating the Student Activity Centre.

The shuttle service, one of the many services students depend on for transportation to and from school is portrayed on the wall by the painting of a bus. There is a shuttle stop located by the activity centre. There is then the painting of two students, a male and a female which shows that there is mixing of the school population as well as the interaction between the students. Beside this is the head of a Rastafarian individual, wearing a hat with the colours with Rastafari colours gold, green, red and black. This goes to show the incorporation of a cultural aspect within the institution where all cultures and races are seen as one and the equally accepted leading to peaceful bonds and relationships between each other. The musical note portrays the university’s involvement in music and the creative arts. UWI is known for having multi-talented students who are involved in different art forms, such as the performing arts or the creative arts who showcasing the university’s diversity. Cards are included as well on the wall, because at the activity centre it is a norm for students and their friends to gather for card games and other past time activities. Papers and pencils tell that students come here not only to relax and unwind their minds but to complete assignments and group activities together as well. The number of papers painted and the way in which they are scattered goes to show the nature of the typical student, who may be frantically working to get there assignments done on time. As we approach closer to right end of the wall we see a pool ball and a football, showing these 2 activities close association with the activity centre and the students. The football is seen with flames behind showing that this sport is highly favoured by students and if one looks observes its size, it is larger than many of the other figures. Another student is seen, with a book and an individual is seen behind. One interesting feature seen painted on the wall, was the painting of the legend Che Guevara, who was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, guerrilla leader, author along with many other posts and was seen as the symbol of rebellion and an inspiration to many. These students must be inspired by his work and hence decided that it would be a great idea to include his signature painting.

The students are really the main focus at the activity centre; it was created for them to engage in fun activities and interact and socialize with each other. This makes the university an even more interactive community. 

Photo taken by Regene Pope

Capitalism deals with production of goods for the purpose of profit and is based on the “free market or free enterprise”. Individuals, especially those who have power, benefit from those who depend on their companies and businesses.[1] Multinational and transnational corporations for example are features of capitalism, and actually impact on local production. These corporations lead to influxes of foreign goods and services, which causes competition within the local market. This may drive local competitors out of business, as persons may have a higher preference for foreign services and products based on the notion that “foreign is always better”.

A free spirit, left their opinion of capitalism at a bus stop, and spray painted the words, “Capitalism is slavery! Wake up! Resist! Revolt!” This is actually true in a sense, because it can be compared to that of slavery. Society is still being controlled by elites, they influence what we eat, wear, buy and who we are. These companies open subdivisions and hire labour within that country of establishment, and sometimes the workers are ill-treated and even under paid. The incomes these locals obtain make it hard to support their families especially in these times where prices of commodities, services and groceries are increasing. It’s more difficult to earn a living with these low income salaries. The MNC’s and TNC’s make huge profits from the countries where the subdivisions are placed and most of the profit goes back to them. So the fact that we are dependent on other countries for our livelihoods is the reason why the person says to resist the capitalist system and revolt. It would be wise that more support and focus be placed on local corporations which would be beneficial in the long run and make nations even more independent. This is just the economic approach of capitalism, but there are societal effects which can be linked to the economics.   

This individual’s placement of their message was brilliant. It is placed in a public space, where there is always a flow of people, the bus stop. Along the bus route there is dense settlement and therefore while people commute daily they will notice this message. The creator is trying to convey to the public and make them aware that we are under a capitalist system and wants others to come to the same understanding that we need to move away from it. This picture was taken while travelling along the Priority bus route, heading towards Port of Spain.

Graffiti may be seen as a degrading feature in society, especially within the urban where everything is expected to be of a certain standard. Jane Jacobs was an activist who had a strong influence on the study of the urban. Her view of graffiti was that it actually was a positive addition to society, by giving us a sense of place and allows the voices community to speak out by being creative and expressive in a non- violent manner.[2] It was also seen as a part of youth culture. Consequently, the individual responsible for this capitalism graffiti was expressing the way they felt about the issue and wants us the public to take hint and be conscious of the matter. When one looks at this message, it really makes one think about capitalism and its negative effects, which can contribute to backwardness or slowed development of a country. This graffiti in particular is sending a very real message about the world today. It indicates the influence and impacts of power and resistance.  

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[1] "American Capitalism and Its Effects." Capitalism. December 22, 2009. Accessed April 05, 2016. https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~waldr20m/classweb/worldpolitics/capitalism.html.

[2] Jacobs, J (1961), The Death and Life of Great American Cities, New York: Vintage Books.

PHOTO TAKEN BY MAKEELA ALEXANDER AT INDEPENDENCE SQUARE, PORT-OF-SPAIN

Arthur Andrew Cipriani was born in the year 1875. He was involved with recruiting soldiers at the outbreak of World War I and was subsequently made a captain in the British West India Regiment and left for the front in 1917. On his return to Trinidad, he became a leader not just to, the ex-soldiers but to labourers as well. He became known throughout Trinidad and Tobago as the champion of the barefoot man.[1] A memorial to Captain Cipriani was erected in the heart of the capital’s Independence Square; at the base of Frederick Street. This was done on the day of the 50th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago's Independence. the statue was covered with a lavish coating of black paint.

Cipriani lead the first important industrial strike which occurred in Trinidad, in November 1919, during a labour dispute on Port-of-Spain wharves. He was nominated president of the Trinidad Workingmen’s Association, at that time the country’s leading workers’ organisation and in 1925 became Mayor of Port-of-Spain, which propelled him to a seat on the Legislative Council in Trinidad’s first general elections. He was an advocate, who retired from public life having never lost his seat on the City Council since he has been first elected. Additionally, he had a record of eight terms as Mayor[2].

 He played a very instrumental role  in terms of upholding the interests of the “unwashed and unsoaped barefoot man” against those of big business and government, Cipriani fought tirelessly for workman’s compensation, old age pensions, an eight-hour day, minimum wage laws and compulsory education. He defended legislation to protect trade unions and in 1932 was successful in getting a Trade Union Ordnance enacted by the British government[3].

Therefore today persons are able to get shorter working hours, he also fought for compulsory education and he attempted to instill a feeling of pride within children; where they are proud of the land in which they were born. Also he battled to end to plantation child labour and the end of the Crown Colony System. Moreover, on the Legislative Council, he championed key issues such as “old age” pension, women’s rights and minimum wage. Consequently, his battles have afforded us the opportunities and rights we have today, which has greatly improved the lives of citizens. As a result, his name is also carried through the Cipriani Labour College and Cipriani Boulevard.

It can be said that Captain Cipriani was the pioneer of the nationalist movement of Trinidad and Tobago. By means of his memorial statue, we commemorate our own historical development, our own positive action, our own native history made by native hands, and the aspiration of our native peoples.” Cipriani Boulevard in Port-of-Spain and Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies are also named in his honour^[4]. Hence, its location in the heart of the city allows citizens to reminisce on the remarkable works this hero has done.

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[1] http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/Biographies/BiographiesAC/tabid/100/Default.aspx?PageContentID=260

[2] https://guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2011/06/19/legendary-labour-leaders

[3] http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/labour-day-menu/

[4] http://www.newsday.co.tt/day/1,60206.html#foto

PHOTO TAKEN BY MAKEELA ALEXANDER AT SAN FERNANDO TRINIDAD

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, more commonly known as ‘Mahatma’ (meaning ‘Great Soul’) was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in North West India, on 2nd October 1869, into a Hindu Modh family. His father was the Chief Minister of Porbandar, and his mother’s religious devotion meant that his upbringing was infused with the Jain pacifist teachings of mutual tolerance, non-injury to living beings and vegetarianism[1].

The memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is situated at the centre of San Fernando, on Harris Promenade. Ghandi was a great civil leader of India. His work and techniques of peaceful civil disobedience have been an inspiration to people not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also, worldwide. He was an advocate of the truth, nonviolence and peace. Additionally, he struggled against racial social, and economical injustice in countries such as Africa and India. Hence, he was very instrumental to India’s independence.  This is why he is referred to as the Father of that nation. This is why he is referred to as the Father of that nation. The monument consists of a bronze statue which was brought from India and erected in 1952 to a solid platform. It bears an inscription on the front and the monument stands at least 5 meters (15 feet) high[2].

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[1] http://uwispace.sta.uwi.edu/dspace/handle/2139/6302?show=full

Gandhi’s teachings still permeates through society today and the many positive quotes spoken by Gandhi can be considered very useful in the shaping of communities and areas today within the country. Examples of this include: “When it (violence) appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.” In urban areas crime is a social factor which is quite prevalent. Therefore, by evaluating this quote, we can see the misconception of violent acts as being good at first and may be very attractive initially but, in reality the permanency of it is evil. Hence, he calls upon us to partake in good deeds and make the areas we live with better places through our actions. Among the most popular, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”[3]. This quote basically gives the message that whatever changes individuals would like to effect in their society has to begin with them. Therefore, when this memorial is viewed persons are reminded of their ability to change and shape the world in which they live, and on a smaller scale in the immediate space in which they reside. We have the duty to make that first step of change. This may result in a wonderful experience by allowing persons to undergo a transformation process for oneself, which in turn would positively impact on others within person’s environment as well as in the environment itself.

Click the link below to view a video of the biography of Mahatma Gandhi, The Father of The Nation.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQBgy1yrdHg

           

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[2] http://www.history.co.uk/biographies/mahatma-gandhi

[3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140813120052-14431679-the-story-behind-you-must-be-the-change-you-wish-to-see-in-the-world

Photo taken by Makeela Alexander

Below is a little history of the steelpan and how it makes us feel as proud Trinbagonians. It is based on the statue above which states it was a tribute to the Steelband Movement by the San Fernando Borough Council, 23rd of December, 1977. This portrayal of art and creativity has a story to be told and when one looks at this, they should instantly be able to know this story. Which is the fact that experimenting led to innovation... Read on and enjoy!

Mr. Steelpan...

What is that I hear? The beating of a beautiful instrument…

Filling the atmosphere with happiness, reminding us of the beautiful culture we have.

It’s only fair that we take time to appreciate the story behind the steelpan.

Imagine, this magnificent creation started in TnT…    

Carnival, the greatest show on Earth led to its innovation,

As experiments were done to find a new instrument for the celebrations,

The oil drum was seen as the perfect item and “Tadaaaa”…It evolved into an instrument.

And to add, Port of Spain, the great urban centre was its origin,

Yes! The destitute urban dwellings of the Capital…Who knew?

This goes to show that within the urban are not only grand developments,

But their is creativity, innovation, and great intelligence.

And it's a global phenomenon to associate steelpan with Jamaica,

But it started and continues to play throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The steelband brings crowds of people of all walks of life together,

Especially around Carnival, where the place to be is Panorama.

Society becomes one, high class, low class, middle class, everyone unites...

Personally, the steelpan brings calmness, peace and joy,

It is one of the symbols of our culture and a symbol of self-expression.

Isn’t TnT sweet, “Ah man watch an oil drum and see music…”

According to David Rudder, “This is de land of… de land of oil and music!”

By: Regene Pope and Makeela Alexander

(Here's a link to experience the profound beauty of steelpan music and the joy it brings, just copy, paste and enjoy!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l9UUFoU9EU )

Photo Taken by Makeela Alexander at San Fernando

Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born in Jamaica, on the 17^th of August, 1887 and was a strong advocate for black power. He was the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) which was very successful in New York. Garvey’s aspiration was for African- Americans to go back to their homeland, Africa.

Alfred Graham designed the statue and monument of Garvey, located on the San Fernando promenade. Information on the statue states that he visited Trinidad in the year 1937 and spoke at the Gaiety Cinema, which was located on Mucurapo Street, San Fernando.  Along with this description on the statue were the words, “Dedicated to all Afrikans, By the Afrikan Advancement Association (A.A.A.).”

Marcus Garvey had an influence on reggae music, especially that of Bob Marley. The lyrics of “Redemption song”, by Marley, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” were taken directly from a speech given by Garvey in Nova Scotia in October of 1937.^[1] Marley was not the only reggae artist influenced by Garvey and his work. There were other artists and musicians such as Peter Tosh, The Mighty Diamonds, and Garnett Silk. Not only was Garvey an Influence to music, he impacted on Rastafarianism. He was seen as a very inspirational figure and it was stated that Garvey’s believers in Jamaica were the originators of the Rastafarian movement^[2].

Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association designed the Pan-African flag, which consists of the colours red, black and green, where according to the UNIA, red represents blood, black represents the race and green represents the lush vegetation of their Motherland, Africa. Marcus Garvey was a very wise and intelligent individual, and led one of the biggest black revolutions, giving a voice to blacks and empowering and inspiring those who believed in his work. Marcus Garvey passed away on June 10th, 1940 and was recognized as Jamaica's first national hero.

When the Marcus Garvey monument is viewed by the public, they are reminded of the notion of Black Awareness and the entire idea of being familiar with one’s culture, heritage and history^[3]; which has shaped us into the people we are today. It also reminds us of powerful words such as freedom, justice and equality; which are also influential factors of our lives. Garvey was fiercely proud of being black and although some of his goals were controversial, he helped us to understand concepts such as Black Nationalism which help evoke feelings of pride in us as “black” people. He particularly focused on African people because of his realization at the time, that they always occupied the lowest strata of society^[4]. However, his works have influenced the region of Trinidad as a whole; in terms of his ideologies bringing various communities together and making areas that was once segregated, united. The island, being a very multi-racial and culturally diverse, can relate to the message of Marcus Garvey as he encourages us to have self-pride i.e. pride in our race by embracing of “blackness”.

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[1]"Geoffrey Philp: Marcus Garvey's Influence." Marcus Garvey's Influence|Geoffrey Philp. June 8, 2011. Accessed March 29, 2016. http://geoffreyphilp.blogspot.com/2011/06/marcus-garveys-influence.html.

[2] Parmett, Meredith. "THE DREAD LIBRARY." Marcus Garvey Is a Man That Lived a Life with a Goal Many Thought Was Impossible, but His Ideals Were Many Peoples Dream. Accessed March 29, 2016. https://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/parmett.html.

[3]History.com Staff. "Marcus Garvey." History.com. 2009. Accessed March 29, 2016. http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/marcus-garvey.

[4]"Marcus Garvey: Fast Facts." History.com. Accessed March 29, 2016. http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/marcus-garvey/videos/marcus-garvey-fast-facts.

Photo taken by Makeela Alexander at Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

Senior Counsel Dana Saroop Seetahal was born on July 8^th, 1955 and was assassinated on the dawning May 4^th, 2014. She was a former Independent Senator in the Trinidad and Tobago senate and an attorney at law in private practice. She was also a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago.[1]

On May 4th, 2014, according to Trinidad and Tobago News Blog, she was assassinated just minutes away from her Woodbrook Place home. Investigations had discovered that Seetahal was actually followed after leaving the Ma Pau casino on Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, and was ambushed near the Woodbrook Youth Facility and killed.

Reports stated that a panel van had been parked nearby the Woodbrook Youth Facility, blocking her path. Afterwards, an armed male with an assault rifle and another with a handgun, paced up to her Volkswagen Touareg and there was a burst of gunfire.

The man with the machine gun fired several shots in the air while the other, stood near the driver’s door and fired continually at his target. Five bullets were pumped, at close range, into her head and body. Forensic investigation of the scene exposed that the shots were fired so close that gunpowder residue was found on Seetahal’s face and clothing[2]. Strangely, the reason for her assassination is still under investigation.[3] It can be said that the heinous act was a well-planned assassination.

The graffiti expresses the pain the community endured after their great loss. This creative artwork is the voice of the people of Port of Spain, expressing their emotions about this tragic accident. Trinidad and Tobago was shaken after news of the murder of this great icon surfaced. The region reeled from the assassination. It struck the heart of the city and sent shock waves across the criminal justice system, crippling the office holders with fear.

The colours portrayed and the angel in the image represents that the personality she possessed was a calm- spirited, easy going and humble one and that she is peacefully resting in the heavens. The love and warmth towards her is conveyed by the painted hearts along the wall and the flowers symbolises beauty and condolences towards her and her loved ones. When one passes and observes this creative piece it evokes feelings of grief, as they’re taken back to the memory of the tragic event.

In the urban, even though segregation remains an issue within society, there is still unity in times like these. Therefore, we all thrive to create safer environments for our communities.  

Her contribution will forever be a memory as she impacted on lives and sought justice for those who were deserving of it. This is what led to the creation of this memorial piece stating, “DANA… NOT GONE, NOT LOST”.

Her legacy remains…

The late Dana Seetahal.

(Source: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2014/news/regional/08/22/triggerman-dana-seetahal-murder-shot-dead-police-report/)

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[1] "Tribute to Dana Seetahal." Tribute to Dana Seetahal. May 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. http://www.guardian.co.tt/tribute-dana-seetahal

[2] "T&T in Shock and Disbelief after Fearless Prosecutor Dana Seetahal Gunned down - Latest News." Jamaica Observer News. May 5, 2014. Accessed March 12, 2016. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/T-amp-T-in-shock-and-disbelief-after-fearless-prosecutor-Dana-Seetahal-gunned-down.

[3] "Dana Seetahal Murdered." Trinidad and Tobago News Blog RSS. 04 May 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=8158.

Photo taken by Makeela Alexander at Port of Spain.

The Voice of the Urban... 

What is beautiful TnT evolving into?

A place where love, peace and unity,

Are no longer our main virtue.

Our flag red, white and black

Tells of our story,

One of dominance, hardships and battles

No more struggles and worry…

Unity is dividing us over time and space,

Sadly, people are losing their sense of place,

Unity speaks of people working to achieve a common goal

Unity speaks of togetherness of people, ultimately one soul.

Together we are achieving and aspiring,

Yet our country’s in a state of crumbling.

The cities are deteriorating, becoming alienated,

Our culture… is slowly but surely erasing.

Crime is the focus of our youths today,

The city’s minds are leaded astray.

Put down the weapons,  pick up your pencils,

Don’t let violence be your life’s stencil.

The urban city we perceive as perfect,

Masks the underlying features.

The truth behind this fast-paced life,

Is the creation of dehumanizing creatures.

The concrete jungles and high rise buildings,

Shadows the slums, and homeless dwellings.

The urban life may become too stressful,

Rural life on the other hand is much more peaceful.

Although rural areas are not highly developed,

There is the existence of warmth, peace and love.

The community is close, like one big family,

This is the state the urban should strive to be…

There shouts a cry for help,

The urban is speaking…

But in the end, who listens...?

Who will do the answering?

-by Régene Pope and Makeela Alexander

Photo taken by Makeela Alexander, at Anna Street, Port of Spain.

“The Voice of the Urban” is an incorporation of the elegance and beauty of nature, the serenity it brings, one’s inner being, mentality and character. This piece of street art in the photograph above as a whole symbolizes what the artist wants to city to become, a place of peace and love, where nature and the people can live in a balanced environment. Graffiti always convey the voices of artists and sends a message to those who take the time to observe and try to analyse them. It was widely used during the era of hip hop evolution, especially within music videos, where graffiti was actually an inspiration to music artists and helped spread their messages across to their audience. This in some cases led to inspiration of the audience which led to even more creative graffiti. With reference to the Widewalls website[1], on the history of graffiti, it was stated that this subversive culture was extreme within the 1970’s and 1980’s and is the earliest form of street art. It was done mostly by gangs in New York in the 1920’s and 1930’s as youths responded to the changing society. Another use of graffiti that is becoming more prevalent is where it is used to create tributes or memorials to commemorate special persons such as those who played a big role in society or are public figures, as well as victims of murder or tragic accidents. The photo above has three different aspects and each one has a different meaning.

 “The Serenity of the Urban” is demonstrated by the artistic expression seen in the image which portrays a figure seated in the Padmasana position; a meditative pose. It symbolizes the coexistence of nature and people not only within rural spaces and places, but also within our urban areas. Although there may not be a lot of nature in these concrete jungles, there can still be an existing bond. The day and night background depicts that balance is needed to maintain inner peace, tranquillity and spiritual growth.

“The Nature of the Urban” is represented by a variety of colourful flowers of different captivating designs that is guaranteed to capture the attention of the everyday urban dweller. The different colours were possibly utilised as to evoke emotions of bliss and deviate from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

“The Reality of the Urban”, is associated with ideologies of development, high rise buildings, concentration of wealth, mass production, high income populations and other aspects are not really taken into account. Factors like poverty, crime, the development of slums and “ghettos” which are all underlying aspects of urban areas. This relates to the lion in the image, which normally is perceived to have a fearless, brave, and tough character, but in the image, a different side is seen, a comical and playful side, which is the total opposite of our usual perception.

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[1] Marić, Bojan. "The History of Street Art." WideWalls. Accessed February 12, 2016. http://www.widewalls.ch/the-history-of-street-art/.

Tubal Uriah Butler- " A leader born to fight"

Tubal Uriah Butler- " A leader born to fight" Statue located in Fyzabad

Every year on June 19, Labour Day is celebrated which commemorates the contributions made towards the fight for workers’ rights as they are today.Tubal Uriah ‘Buzz’ Butler (statue) played a very important role in the freedom of workers and shaping their rights. Issues within the work force such as worker abuse, underpayment for labour, racism, economic depression, an uncomfortable standard of living and even inhumane treatment of the working class were widespread at the time.

Butler Oilfield Riots took place in 1937 and was declared an annual national holiday in 1973, which is termed “Labour Day”. [1]Angry workers were in agreement with Butler’s notion, and hence helped him in his fight. There was even an attempted arrest upon Butler, by Corporal Charlie King, who was off duty at that moment, during a sit-down protest in Fyzabad where the statue can be found today. The angry workers shielded him during this attempted arrest, which was unsuccessful.

Butler was born in Grenada on the 21^st of January, 1897 and died on the 20^th of February 1977, Carnival Sunday of that year. After serving in the First World War in the British West Indian Regiment Butler migrated to Trinidad, under Captain Arthur Cipriani.[2] As he became employed in the oil industry he became involved in the labour movement. It was stated that over 25% of Fyzabad was Grenadian.

In July 1936, he formed his own political party, the British Empire Workers and Citizen Home Rule Party (BEWCHRP). In 1937 he was the leader of several protests that proved to be successful to the development of the labour movement in years to come. Because of the active trade union work done by Butler, his statue is a monument erected at the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union Fyzabad/Forest Reserve branch office.

When this statue is viewed by the public it allows us to have greater appreciation for past heroes such as Butler and the battle he fought to afford us the privileges, and our rights we have today mainly in the workplace.

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[1] "Labour Pioneers Remembered Today." Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : Newsday.co.tt :. June 19, 2014. Accessed March 20, 2016. http://newsday.co.tt/features/0,196500.html.    

[2] Wilder, Ann Elizabeth. "Tubal Uriah 'Buzz' Butler Biography Butlera.html." Tubal Uriah 'Buzz' Butler Biography Butlera.html. Accessed March 20, 2016. http://www.thegrenadarevolutiononline.com/butlera.html.