The Evolution of Employment in Port of Spain

While walking through the streets of Port-of-Spain we noticed many different types of employees; the enthusiastic self employed (vendors and taxi drivers), the serious and suited administrative and corporate workers, the busy and uniformed franchise workers and the free-spirited labourers. While we also observed diverse industries (manufacturing and service), we recognised that this city is dominated by service industries. Our previous knowledge on the city and our curiosity in finding out about how employment evolved in Port-of-Spain led us to the port.





Photograph of the Port
 ( Taken by Sybastian Manners at the Waterfront April 9, 2015)

Photograph of the Port
 ( Taken by Sybastian Manners at the Waterfront April 9, 2015)

The picture above depicts the port of Port-of-Spain. In his linear model of development Walt Rostow posited that infrastructural and transportational developments play a key role in the advancement of an economy. Many Caribbean capital cities were established around ports in coastal areas to facilitate trade. We believe that this was the case in the city of Port-of-Spain. The port has played a key role in the evolution of employment in this urban center.

The area currently known as Port of Spain was once an Amerindian fishing village surrounded by coastal wetlands and mangrove forests (Byer 2014). At this time jobs in the society were centered around the primary industry, fishing. Moreover, since this area was a natural harbour the Amerindians would anchor their canoes in this area after their journeys from neighbouring Caribbean islands  (Byer 2014).

In 1757, under the Spanish governor Don Pedro de la Moneda Port of Spain was made the capital and a landing where Spanish ships would 'stop-over' was built. This governor compelled the island's governing council to the city and so administrative employment in the city was introduced (Tripso 2011).

Figure 3: Showing Early Port of Spain with Spanish Ships in Port (Byer 2014)

In 1783, after the Cedula of Population there was a great increase in the population of the city as persons had migrated from French colonies including Guadeloupe and Martinique. The immigrants brought a spirit of festivity with them and commerce flourished as night clubs and dance halls flourished in the city (Besson 2011).

As time progressed, the port developed in size and function. During the 1800s, Port of Spain began to grow southwards, this was facilitated by the reclamation of land in the foreshore mudflats in the area that is known as Sea Lots.  In 1935 a deep water harbor was constructed to facilitate larger ships and road networks were developed to enhance to support the harbor’s activities. These infrastructural developments coupled with the strategic location of the Port of Spain along the Gulf of Paria were conducive to an advanced form of economic activity.

The need for the port was validated by the shift in focus from agriculture and fishing to light manufacturing and international trade. As a result, the job market expanded in manufacturing, transport, communication, planning, housing and public works (Byer 2014) The Port of Spain grow into a major hub exporting agricultural and manufactured products while importing raw materials such as bauxite and iron. 

Figure: Showing Gulf of Paria. (Stabroek News 2011)

After independence in 1962, there was a greater need for administrative service within the city. Furthermore, as an independent nation Trinidad established wider trading links and this is facilitated by the Port. 

The service sector has also grown due the technology driven globalisation phenomenon. Since the population has a greater demand for international products many multinational corporations such as The Hyatt and franchises such  KFC and subway have been allowed to operate within the city.


The port is an avenue for great capital accumulation and employment. However, it is ironic that for the past few years port workers have been experiencing challenges in being renumerated for their work. The importance of these workers was magnified when their protest action led to millions of dollars in losses by business person in Trinidad. This is further discussed in the article below:

http://www.caribbean360.com/business/millions-lost-in-trinidad-port-industrial-action

References:

Besson, Gerard. 2011. “The Caribbean History Archives.” Paria Publishing Co. Ltd., August 12.          Accessed March 24, 2015. http://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot.com/2011/08/port-of-              spains-early-city-life.html

Byer, Hillis. 2014. 2014. “The History of Port of Spain.” Tedx Port of Spain. Septermber 23.              Accessed March 24

Byers. J. 1998. “Privatization of Downtown Public Space: The Emerging Grade-Separated City in        North America”. Accessed March 16, 2015.

"Millions Lost In Trinidad Port Industrial Action". 2011. Caribbean 360, December, 15. accessed        April 1, 2015.http://www.caribbean360.com/business/millions-lost-in-trinidad-port-                      industrial-action

Stabroek News. 2011. “Strong earthquake off the coast of Venezuela felt here” Accessed March           24, 2015. http://www.stabroeknews.com/2013/news/stories/10/11/strong-quake-in-gulf-of-             paria-felt-here/

Triposo.nd. " Where Do You Want To Go." Acessed April 1st,                                                        2015. http://www.triposo.com/loc/Port_of_Spain/history