Editing Port of Spain (section)

== Culture and entertainment ==
Trinidad has a rich tapestry of cultures which create occasions for celebrations beyond many's expectations for a small Caribbean island; thus there is much to see and do after work hours in Port of Spain, even long after the annual Carnival celebration. While the popularity of the major shopping area around Frederick Street as a nightspot centre has remained steady or declined, expansion of entertainment venues into the malls and outlying towns has occurred. [[Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago|St. James]], 'uptown' Port of Spain ([[St Clair, Port of Spain|St. Clair]] and [[Woodbrook, Port of Spain|Woodbrook]]) have seen a boom in nightclubs, sports bars and fine dining restaurants as workers from government offices and large corporations disgorge on evenings from high-rise headquarters built in newly commercialized formerly upscale neighbourhoods.
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=== Sports ===
[[File:Port of Spain.JPG|thumb|[[Queen's Park Oval]]]]
Port of Spain hosts major sporting venues including the [[Queen's Park Oval]], [[Hasely Crawford Stadium]], the Jean Pierre Complex and various sporting fields on the [[Queen's Park Savannah]]. Port of Spain was among the host cities of the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]]. The city hosted the 2009 Pan American Junior Athletics Championship and the finals of the [[2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship|2001 FIFA Under-17 World Cup]] and [[2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup]].

=== Green spaces, squares and places ===
There are a number of well placed green spaces which have been preserved in Port of Spain. Many of them are referred to as squares or parks. Although some of the Squares have retained some of their "original framework" which consists of lengths of metal placed in concrete, which surround the exterior of the space, with each Square having at least four gates. These gates are positioned on the corners so as to allow the main paths of the Square to form an X. Some of the Squares have not retained nor do they give the appearance of having had the lengths of metal placed on its exterior points as lines of demarcation. By virtue of the gates to the Squares not being closed at any time and the lack of metal enclosures on others, there is the impression that these Squares and places are also open to the public at all hours. In some of the Squares, there are street lights to illuminate the interior of the square at nighttime.

Some of the more famous squares are as follows:

Lord Harris Square which is located between Pembroke, New and Abercromby Sts. was "established in the early 1900s, (and) is named as a tribute to Lord Harris, governor of Trinidad between 1846 and 1854".<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-04-19/lord-harris-innovator "Lord Harris, an innovator"]. ''The Trinidad Guardian''. (18 April 2013). Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

Woodford Square is located between Frederick, Abercromby and Hart Sts. It is bounded by the Old National Library, The Red House and the Trinity Cathedral. Woodford Square is sometimes referred to as "University of Woodford Sq because of its occasional use by soapbox speakers and gospel preachers, this is the symbolic center of downtown. Dr Eric Williams, Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister, lectured to the masses here about the importance of sovereignty, which later led to the country’s independence from Britain".
<ref>[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/trinidad-tobago/port-of-spain/sights/parks-gardens/woodford-square Woodford Square]. Lonely Planet. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

"Woodford Square was formerly known as Brunswick Square.".<ref>[http://www.viator.com/Trinidad-and-Tobago-attractions/Woodford-Square/d39-a15493 The 5 Best Woodford Square Tours, Trips & Tickets – Trinidad and Tobago]. Viator. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> However prior to 1808, "Woodford Square was first known as the Place of Souls by the native Indians who fought a bloody battle on this open space. ..... With the coming of the French settlers to the island, they called the Place of souls – Place Des Ames. Place Des Ames means Place of souls. Place Des Ames later became known as Brunswick Square. Brunswick Square was used as a parade ground for soldiers. Many of these soldiers were Germans. Brunswick is a German name, and so it is believed that this open space was named after the German soldiers who used it."<ref>[https://thinkinginsomniac.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/woodford-square-in-port-of-spain-trinidad-negative/ Woodford Square in Port of Spain, Trinidad (Negative) | The Thinking Insomniac]. Thinkinginsomniac.wordpress.com. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

Marine Square, while not a designated green space serves as a meeting place for many visitors coming into Port of Spain. "Plaza De La Marina was the name given to the area extending from the Wharf in the west to the Roman Catholic Cathedral to the east."<ref name="natt.gov.tt">[http://www.natt.gov.tt/node/55 Marine Square | National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago]. Natt.gov.tt. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> "When the British came in 1797 the name was changed to Marine Square.... In the 1880s a fountain was erected in the middle of the square."<ref name="natt.gov.tt"/> "1962: Marine Square becomes Independence Square."<ref>[http://trinidadandtobagofamilyhistory.org/port-of-spainstr.html Port-of-Spain Street Names, Old and New] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208024214/http://trinidadandtobagofamilyhistory.org/port-of-spainstr.html |date=8 December 2016 }}. Trinidadandtobagofamilyhistory.org. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> In the 1980s "this area was the site of the statue of Captain Arthur Andrew Cipriani (1875–1945), one of Trinidad and Tobago's celebrated political leaders and sportsmen......The area was then renamed the Brian Lara Promenade in honor of Trinidad and Tobago's most celebrated cricketer and record breaking batsman, Brian Charles Lara (1974–). The Promenade was completed in three phases and finally opened in August 1995".<ref name="natt.gov.tt"/>

A little more of the history on Marine Square is revealed in the following extract "the square was the early home of the Syrian/ Lebanese communities when they started to arrive in Trinidad during the early 20th century. They were fleeing from the harsh religious and political persecution of the Turks who had conquered their lands. The original number of these immigrants was small but it grew larger when a confrontation erupted between a Muslim religious sect and the Christian Maronites.

Annette Rahael, a third generation Syrian living in Trinidad explained, "when the early settlers arrived and saw the cathedral on Marine Square they immediately claimed it as the House of God and adopted Catholicism as their religious affiliation, since there were no churches in Trinidad celebrating the liturgy of the Antiochan Orthodox religion which they had practised in their country".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160603114016/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/History_of_Independence_Square-161747125.html Trinidad Express Newspapers: | History of Independence Square]. Trinidadexpress.com (8 July 2012). Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

Tamarind Square – This square is located between Nelson and George Sts.<ref>[https://foursquare.com/v/tamarind-square/4efe73568231bcb70294a1eb Tamarind Square – Plaza]. Foursquare.com. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> It is located in close proximity to one of the local banks which was established in Trinidad and Tobago, "Workers Bank". This bank merged with the Trinidad Cooperative Bank and the National Commercial Bank to form First Citizens' Bank.<ref>[https://www.firstcitizenstt.com/about/history.html First Citizens]. Firstcitizenstt.com. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

Victoria Square is located on Duke St. West, Park St, and has been categorised as a Park located in Woodbrook<ref>[http://tt.wowcity.com/portofspain/portofspain/gpid/110005102206714787115/victoria-square.htm Victoria Square in Port of Spain, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago | Port of Spain Local Shopping Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604101934/http://tt.wowcity.com/portofspain/portofspain/gpid/110005102206714787115/victoria-square.htm |date=4 June 2016 }}. Tt.wowcity.com. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> according to WOW City. However, because of its location on Duke St. West which starts on Wrightson Road and ends on Charlotte St, it is included here.

Kew Place is one of the smallest "squares" in Port of Spain. "Kew Place has a length of 0.12 kilometres"<ref>[http://tt.geoview.info/kew_place,100848685w Kew Place]. Tt.geoview.info. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> and is large enough to hold a statue of Gandhi. It is located just opposite the main entrance to Lapeyrouse Cemetery on Philip Street and is within walking distance of Victoria Square.<ref>[http://www.newsday.co.tt/commentary/0,185280.html Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday]. newsday.co.tt. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

=== Arts, entertainment, and nightlife ===
[[File:Carnivalgirls.jpg|thumb|Carnival 2008]]

==== Nightlife and restaurants ====
Port of Spain offers a range of nightclubs and entertainment complexes. International and regional performers such as [[Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé]], [[Chris Brown (American singer)|Chris Brown]], [[Sean Paul]], [[Rihanna]], [[Cascada]], [[Akon]], [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Maroon 5]], [[Kumar Sanu]] and natively born Trinidadian International Super Star [[Nicki Minaj]] to name a very few, have visited Port of Spain.

A great variety of restaurants including Italian, Mexican, Lebanese, Thai, Venezuelan-Panyol, French, Japanese, Chinese, Creole, American and Indian can be found in Port of Spain with many concentrated on Ariapita Avenue,<ref>[http://www.discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/Trinidad-Nightlife-Entertainment-Scene/66/3/29 Trinidad's Nightlife & Entertainment Scene | Discover Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide | Discover Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide]. Discovertnt.com. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> a popular entertainment strip, which also includes a Jazz Lounge and a Wine Tasting restaurant. [[MovieTowne]]'s Fiesta Plaza,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movietowne.com/ |title=Movietowne's Website |publisher=Movietowne.com |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref> a tribute to Bourbon Street New Orleans, on the city's foreshore, features many new restaurants, open air dining and a bandstand with live entertainment. Port of Spain's restaurants<ref>[http://www.cre-ole.com/display_restaurant.php?id=RES425A8A Trinidad and Tobago's online Restaurant Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708201256/http://www.cre-ole.com/display_restaurant.php?id=RES425A8A |date=8 July 2011 }}. Cre-ole.com. Retrieved 24 August 2012.</ref> provide a wide range of local and international cuisines, accompanied by the traditional fast food chains. Many of the city's restaurants can be sampled at the Taste T&T Food Festival hosted at the Jean Pierre Sports Complex annually in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/events/taste_tnt_2008.php |title=Taste T&T 2008 |publisher=Gotrinidadandtobago.com |date=15 April 2008 |access-date=26 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720171454/http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/events/taste_tnt_2008.php |archive-date=20 July 2008 }}</ref>

==== Arts ====
Port of Spain is also a cultural hub for the country. Regular dance and theatre productions occur at:
* The Little Carib at the corner of Robert and White Street which has provided a cultural centre for Woodbrook for the past fifty years. It is one of the oldest theatres in the country, established by local dance legend, Beryl McBurnie, in 1947.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080319143419/http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Places/places_Woodbrook.html A Brief History of Woodbrook]. National Library and Information System of Trinidad and Tobago: Sunday Magazine (6 June 1999) p. 13</ref>
* Queen's Hall was built in 1959 through the efforts of the music community led by Mrs May Johnstone, a music teacher and partially funded by the Government of Trinidad & Tobago. It is designed as a multi purpose facility to accommodate theatrical presentations and various community activities including sport and has seating for 782. The Hall is located on {{convert|3+1/2|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land in St. Ann's. Its eminent neighbours are the President's House on one side and the Prime Minister's residence on the other.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.patronsofqueenshall.com/ |title=Patrons of Queens Hall website |publisher=Patronsofqueenshall.com |date=11 May 2010 |access-date=26 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722014138/http://www.patronsofqueenshall.com/ |archive-date=22 July 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* The Central Bank Auditorium at the [[Eric Williams Plaza]] constructed in 1986 not only to serve the Bank's needs, but also as a civic contribution aimed at enhancing the performing arts in Trinidad and Tobago. The auditorium is located at the southeast corner of the Central Bank building. It has a [[seating capacity]] for 400 and provides computerised lighting and sound controls.
* The Port of Spain National Academy for the Performing Arts is the city's newests arts centre. The {{convert|429093|sqft|m2|adj=on|order=flip}} facility features a 1500-seat performance hall and a hotel for visiting performers. The performance centre was completed in November 2009 and hosted Queen Elizabeth II and other leaders of the Commonwealth for the opening of the Commonwealth meeting in Port of Spain.<ref>[http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/national_academy_for_the_performing_arts_port_of_spain/ Urban Development Corporation Of Trinidad And Tobago Limited] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130103310/http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/national_academy_for_the_performing_arts_port_of_spain/ |date=30 January 2011 }}. Udecott. Retrieved 24 August 2012.</ref>
* The proposed National Carnival and Entertainment Centre which is a locally designed 15–18,000 seat cultural centre to be built in the Queen's Park Savannah.<ref>[http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/national_carnival_and_entertainment_centre/ Urban Development Corporation Of Trinidad And Tobago Limited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022210024/http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/national_carnival_and_entertainment_centre/ |date=22 October 2008 }}. Udecott. Retrieved 24 August 2012.</ref>
Port of Spain is the centre of one of the largest Carnivals in the world, with tens of thousands participating in the pre-Lenten street party.

One of Port of Spain's most prominent artisans is [[Peter Minshall]], who creates 'mas' or masquerade costumes for Trinidad's annual carnival. Internationally, he helped design the opening awards ceremonies for the 1987 Pan American Games, the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the 1994 Football World Cup and the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

==== Museums ====
The [[National Museum and Art Gallery, Trinidad|National Museum and Art Gallery]] is the country's most important museum. It displays depictions of national festivals, Carnival, life during World War II and artifacts from the country's earliest settlers, the Amerindians. There are also displays by leading local and international artists, with exhibitions being mounted at various times during the year. The museum was established in 1892 and was originally called the Royal Victoria Institute, as it was built as part of the preparation for Queen Victoria's jubilee.

The National Museum has two smaller branch museums:

[[Fort San Andres]] which is located on South Quay,<ref>[http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,6260.html Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday]. newsday.co.tt (3 July 2003). Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> opposite City Gate. According to Geoffrey MacLean, in the Trinidad Express Newspaper in December 2014, "the fort, which replaced a mound of mud and wood that served as the only defence of Port of Spain, was, when completed in 1787, located offshore and linked to the mainland by a wooden bridge."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150530150158/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Real-story-of-Engine-D-285931141.html Trinidad Express Newspapers: | Real story of Engine D]. Trinidadexpress.com. Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref>

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Museum which is located at the Old Police Headquarters on St. Vincent Street.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080329150721/http://www.gov.tt/business/service.aspx?id=%7B160CDDEE-5FFB-47B7-9580-E1AD946B7947%7D The National Museum and Art Gallery]. Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (2008) gov.tt</ref> This Museum is in close proximity to the Old Cabildo Building, called the Law Museum as of August 2012 by the Guardian TT when it was reopened,<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-08-23/cabildo-building-now-law-museum "Cabildo Building now law museum"]. ''The Trinidad Guardian''. (23 August 2012). Retrieved 12 July 2016.</ref> the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Colonial Life Insurance Co Ltd building, known as CLICO, and opposite to CLICO is the RED HOUSE.

==== Crime ====
{{Further|Crime in Trinidad and Tobago}}

Port of Spain and its immediate environs have a higher crime rate than any other part of Trinidad. Homicides countrywide rose from fewer than 50 in the 1980s, to 97 in 1998, then to 360 in 2006 (30 murders per 100,000 persons). It rose to approximately 500 in 2008 but decreased significantly in 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ttps.gov.tt/Statistics/tabid/141/Default.aspx |title= Trinidad and Tobago Police Service website |publisher=ttpos.gov.tt |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref> For the year 2012, the rate reached 354 murders per 100,000 persons, but with a state of emergency being imposed by government for approximately three months. For the year 2013 the rate reached 407. Until July of the 2014, the number reaches 207 homicides.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ttcrime.com/stats.php |title= Trinidad and Tobago Police Service website |publisher=ttcrime.com|access-date=7 July 2014}}</ref>

Many murders are drug and gang related, especially in the depressed communities of East Port of Spain. The police administration has responded by improving the working conditions of officers, increasing the use of forensic evidence and surveillance technology (CCTV cameras) as well as hiring overseas experts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ttps.gov.tt/Media/PressReleases/tabid/70/Default.aspx |title=Trinidad and Tobago Crime |publisher=ttps.gov.tt |access-date=26 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009082823/http://www.ttps.gov.tt/Media/PressReleases/tabid/70/Default.aspx |archive-date=9 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Reports of kidnappings for ransom which were on the rise a few years ago have declined dramatically since 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctntworld.com/LocalArticles.aspx?id=27648 |title=Kidnappings for ransom down |publisher=ctntworld.com |date=13 May 2011 |access-date=26 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516221538/http://www.ctntworld.com/LocalArticles.aspx?id=27648 |archive-date=16 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12649870 |title= Police Tackle Kidnappings |publisher=NPR |date=17 August 2007 |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref> However, theft and violent crimes remain prevalent to this date, while crime and the perception of crime continues to hamper the economic prospects of the city.<ref name="ttparliament.org"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/We_must_get_serious_about_combatting_crime-124472079.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913055646/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/We_must_get_serious_about_combatting_crime-124472079.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2012 |title=We must get serious about combatting crime |work=Trinidad Express |date=24 June 2011 |access-date=26 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/10903343|title=A Caribbean crime wave |newspaper=The Economist|date=20 March 2008 |access-date=26 June 2010}}</ref>

In 2022, the U.S. Department of State updated the Trinidad and Tobago travel advisory first to Level 2: Exercise increased precautions and then to Level 3: Reconsider travel in November 2022. Violent crime was cited as the reason for this advisory, specifically kidnapping and terrorism as well as shootings in Port of Spain specifically. The advisory specifies that U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travelling to Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah; after dark, they are prohibited from travelling to Downtown Port of Spain, Fort George Overlook and all beaches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/trinidad-and-tobago-travel-advisory.html |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=travel.state.gov}}</ref>