Final Reflection

Review of course colleagues' blogs as they relate to themes displayed here and are recommended for additional interrelated reading.

Homelessness In Chaguanas & Port of Spain 
Daniella Ramdeo, Rosa Ramkissoon & Saffiyah Mohammed
http://chaguanas-pos-homlesspeople.blogspot.com/

As it stands this blogs seeks to investigate homelessness in the urban places of Port of Spain and Chaguanas.The themes of this blog are closely tied to that of Surviving on the Streets of the Urban Trinidad. This blog explores the integration of homelessness to the culture of  an urban place and the exclusion that the homeless face in these spaces.It confronts underlying problems that continue to exist in the scheme of homelessness ; homelessness of women, governmental intervention and mitigation, public stigma and the contribution to pollution by the homeless.

In its assessment the expository has cited theories by Pacione ( 2008)  and has included relevant, but spare, references to the local media and commentary of the homeless.The use of visual aid were true to the realities of street dwelling in the city, and were a focal point in the expository.In their approach to photographing the homeless the contributers were honest about their reluctance and this was amusing.

A more immediate linkage to theories of the geographies of homelessness, and that of research of the Trinidad experience would have been enhancing to this expository. It would have also been interesting to include a more personal reflection or socialization with the homeless persons of Port of Spain and Chaguanas to speak to the realities of the being without a home.

Prestige and Position in Port of Spain 
Jeaninne Wilson and Letesha Charles

http://prestigeandpositioninpos.blogspot.com/

This blog dealt with gender inequality, education, ethnicity, economic status and luck in relation to prestige and position. The blog also includes a post on social stratification which is directly linked to socioeconomic status that was also explored in Surviving  the Streets of Urban Trinidad blog. In assessing prestige and position the socio economic classes are encased in that they are closely linked and influential to the other.

While pictures were somewhat difficult to comprehend (a description explaining the image and how it links to the theme would make the blog more coherent ) the topics discussed in each post were informative. The assessment was presented in an enhanced and appealing way to the reader. Use of theories such as Burgess' model of concentric zones as well as articles from newspapers were included in its application to furthur localization of the hierchical framework.



Integrating Disabilities Through Infrastructure

Paulette Nanda and Jonathan Ramnarine

http://integratingdisabilities.blogspot.com/

The blog Integrating Disabilities through Infrastructure is about how the disabled are accommodated within cities. Anyone can have a disability no matter their level of education, income background and so on. Disabilities are limiting and in Trinidad the disabled are inadequately facilitated. Mentioned were measures already taken to facilitate the disabled.

The above blog relates to Surviving on the Streets of Urban Trinidad's post on Disabled in Trinidad’s Urban Space. Common to both is the social exclusion of persons with disabilities in these urban spaces. The only difference though is the focus on streets and its accommodation of the disabled. Individuals no matter what their stratified position are affected by the infrastructure and facilities provide or not provided for their use.

The blog was very interesting and the points made were easily understood. Most of the pictures at first glance convey what the blog is about and the main issue of lack of or inadequate infrastructure for the disabled was reflected. They pictures were also interesting to look at. Other pictures required an explanation to be fully understood. There was not much use of theories however reference of personal experience were used. The latter made the blog more empathetic towards the disabled.

Urban Spaces

Photographed by: Stephen Broadbridge
(Source: http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com/localfilms.asp)

(Source: http://chaguanasborough.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/chag-town-460x332.jpg)

The street network in Urban spaces is what connects it. There is a certain street lifestyle that predominates cities. Port of Spain and Chaguanas are both urban areas but within these similar spaces are differences. Port of Spain is a politically defined city while Chaguanas is not. They both feel like a city but the size of each differs. Port of Spain is larger therefore disparities within are more clearly visible.

Informal Vending and Street Disparities

 Image 1(Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment: An Introduction to Urban Geography)

On some streets in Port of Spain the sidewalks are packed with vendors. The picture above was taken of Henry Street sometime around February. 

On Chaguanas main road the sidewalks are almost always filled with vendors. There is just barely enough space for single file two way pedestrian traffic and in some areas there is only enough room for one. 

Image 2 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - An Introduction to Urban Geography)

Image 3 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - An Introduction to Urban Geography)

A solitary vendor located on Edward Street.

Are the streets of Port of Spain and Chaguanas public space or private space? Public! The streets are public with only a few that are private. What defines these streets as public is that it is accessible to all and no one is supposed to be excluded from these spaces. Additionally there is no monetary cost incurred for using these spaces.

Many people who are of lower socioeconomic status or have failed to obtain a formal job take advantage of these public spaces. Employment on the streets consists of informal jobs and the most visible is informal street vendors. Functions of the Streets also includes: walking or exercising space, sleeping place, waiting area for transportation, entertainment, toilet and as a reflection of the city. The concentration of informal vendors are around the CBD-Central Business District because this is where the consumers are most concentrated. Vendors are also concentrated along routes that pedestrians frequent and transportation stops and drop-offs.

Along these public streets are no sitting areas to sit or relax on and all there is are businesses lined along the streets. This reflects the streets as a transition zone, a space meant for people to pass through and not stay for lengthy periods. Despite this street vendors do not feel out of place but forms a natural part of the urban lifestyle in Trinidad. Green spaces and parks were designed in Port of Spain for this purpose while in Chaguanas the only visible sitting area is opposite busy corner.The differences between both places are the former is more inviting and well utilized while the latter is uninviting and underutilized. 

The people in the transportation business sometimes find difficulty in theses spaces because of limited parking as well as the road policies. The cost of using parking facilities are high on the other hand illegal parking would be met with some form of legal punishment such as a fine or one's car wrecked. It would seem that the streets are more readily available for pedestrian use than vehicles. Nevertheless the majority of streets in Port of Spain and at the centre of Chaguanas vehicles are parked. On the Chaguanas main road and streets such as Henry and Charlotte Street in Port of Spain are congested with traffic. These are only certain areas, in other areas there is rarely a car driving by or pedestrian in sight. This is however rarely the case for Chaguanas because of its small size. The roads there are almost always busy during daylight hours. There are also many people occupying the roadways.Port of Spain is much larger and therefore the contrast is even greater. For instance Edward Street and St. Vincent Street along the twin towers (Ministry of Finance and Central Bank) has only a few cars parked at the side and very few vehicles driving on it. The further away from the twin towers the more vehicles there are parked along the road and driving on it . These are the disparities seen between urban areas and within them.

Indicators of Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Image 1 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog
Assignment - Intro to Urban Geo)    

This picture was taken at Fredrick Street. 
 
Hierarchies may also be extremely multidimensional and complex, such as contemporary human societies, with innumerate subgroups and subcultures, and with stratification built along many lines including intelligence, appearance, talent, experience, age, pedigree, language accent, work ethic, and so forth. Relatedly, the level in inequality within and between dimensions of SES varies as well (Smith et al. 2011).

This picture was taken in Chaguanas next to the Chaguanas gas station. 

I maintain that SES is a construct that reflects one’s access to collectively desired resources, be they material goods, money, power, friendship networks, healthcare, leisure time, or educational opportunities (Oakes and Rossi 2003).

Image 2 (Source: Phang. 2015.

             Blog Assignment - Intro to Urban Geo)

The above images were taken at two locations. The first was taken at Port of Spain along the shopping district. The women shown were fashion forward and stood out. They without a doubt at first glance look like they are on this particular street to shop and entertain themselves. They're dressed casually and very possibly comfortably. The second image shown was taken in Chaguanas. The woman in particular wasn't in Chaguanas to shop but to do business or for entertainment. She's a walking salesperson and sustains her family and pays rent this way. She's also dressed comfortably and in both images flat footwear is worn as it is much more comfortable for long periods on the feet. There's a common saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." At first glance a person's income, bank account, state of health, level of education and job cannot be determined therefore how could one know their SES?

Socioeconomic is defined according to Merriam Webster dictionary: of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors. According to Michael Oakes in EHow, Socio economic status is lifestyle components and measurements of both financial viability and social standing. Social privilege and levels of financial independence are influenced by this. The factors listed below are studied by psychologist in order to determine the affect it has on human behaviors and circumstances. He goes on by stateing "as lifestyle measurements, they are believed to be directly correlated to patterns of drug use, food choices, migration, disease prevalence and rates of mortality in human populations." He strongly believes that one's economic status is heavily influenced by one's level of education as well as one's social status and to be trusted in one's particular field.

Factors associated with Socioeconomic Status (SES)

• ·         Education
• ·         Income: influences spending capacity, neighborhood choices, living conditions, higher educational pursuits, lifestyle choices and poor people making alternative choices.
• ·         Health: definite measurement of socio-economic status can hinder progress in education and employment options, affects mobility and the ability to socialize.
• ·         Environment as it reflects the socio-economic status of the person or persons.

 It has so far become obvious that SES "indicates one's position in a social hierachy or stratification" (Oakes, Michael). Social hierarchy, or stratification, appears to be intuitively recognized by most everyone everywhere (Smith et al. 2011). It is stated as well that there are various indicators during social interactions which convey one’s SES to other members of the social group.

Although there is no set definition for socioeconomic status and the variables used are always changing and the factors used to determine one’s SES is politically defined the above listed factors are what is used presently to determine one’s SES. There Is one thing that should be made aware with the use of socioeconomic status and that is status or position.  According to Professor Michael Oakes in  Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, socioeconomic status indicates one’s position in a social hierarchy or stratification. Social hierarchy, or stratification, appears to be intuitively recognized by most everyone everywhere (Smith et al. 2011). It is stated as well that there are various indicators during social interactions which convey one’s SES to other members of the social group. These indicators can be clothing, accessories, makeup, house, car, table manners, codes of humor, knowledge and so on.

They used the term caste as it conveys one’s social class, status or position however someone’s socioeconomic status can change because the factors used to measure namely income, education and health in most cases can change. This therefore would result in the rise or fall in a persons or person’s socioeconomic status. There are exceptions to these factors as not everyone who are rich completed their education or not all that have completed their education are rich. These factors are necessary to quantify if not understand the level of stratification or inequality in or between societies; capture and understand changes to the structure of a society; and it relates to the higher the rank or status of a person or group the better the chances for a long and healthy life.

Homelessness in Port of Spain and Chaguanas

Image 1 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - Introduction to Urban Geography)

This photo was taken at Tamarind Square Port of Spain. Tamarind Square is located between George Street and Duncan Street as well as Independence Sq. N and Independence Sq. S. The name of the homeless person is Lorde and he has been on the streets for over 20 years. He even smiled when the picture was taken.

In addition to a previous post on Homelessness, there are slight variations between the homeless due to their geographical setting. The quantity of homeless is significantly greater in Port of Spain than that of Chaguanas. According to an article written by Geisha Kowlesser Port of Spain holds the largest proportion of homeless with 307 out of a total of 534 in an 2011 census. A characteristic of the homeless is they tend to migrate therefore the quantity of homeless in each location varies. There is a wide gap in the ratio of homeless men to homeless women. This attribute can be seen in both Port of Spain and Chaguanas. Approximately 279 of the 307 street dwellers in Port of Spain are male, on the other hand only 28 of that number is female. 

Clothing and hygiene are seen on different levels for both areas. Some of the homeless maintain their hygiene somewhat while others completely neglect their hygiene and live in their own filth. Amount and type of clothing also varies. There was one instance in Broadwalk Port of Spain whereby a vagrant man removed all his cloths, leaned against the wall of Republic Bank of Canada (RBC) and was very vocal. There are others whose choice of clothing are a pants or jersey alone. Others are fully clothed and even go as far as expressing their fashion sense. The homeless in Port of Spain can be seen as more fashionable. 

                                               
Source: Lois M. Takahashi 1996 pg301

In the continuum of stigma diagram to the right homeless persons fall short in all three criteria and therefore are the most stigmatized. It seems dismal for the homeless in particular but their socioeconomic status is not static thereby they can move up the social ladder. There are homes and shelters in Trinidad that can help the homeless become integrated within society. Illegal immigrants are similar but an important difference is that they seek a better life. Homelessness as a choice is debatable. Those who enter street life because of abuse, drugs and other social pressures, as well as economic and political pressure are not there by choice. They were in some way forced into homelessness. Can someone freely choose street life as their only lifestyle? 

Disabled in Trinidad's Urban Space

 Image 1 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - Introduction to Urban Geography)

 This picture was taken on Fredrick Street. The man in the picture suffers from dwarfism and due to certain ailments is confined to a wheelchair.


The physical and spatial configuration of the built environment suggests that urban design practices are inattentive to the needs of disabled people (Imrie. R. 2000)

Image 2 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - Introduction to Urban Geography)

This picture was taken in front of RBC Bank located along Broadway. The man in the picture has only one leg as the other had undergone amputation. Next to him barely visible is his walking crutch used to support his weight on one side. He is sustaining himself by selling small trinkets, souvenirs and other goods.

This picture was taken on Queen Street. At the forefront of the picture is a parking sign which indicates times parking is allowed. Parking for the disabled was mainly seen in areas where there were high status high paying jobs such as by the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank and privately owned compounds and businesses.                                                                                                                                                             

Disabled people are marginalised and excluded from'mainstream'society (Kitchin. R. 1998).        

                                                                                                            Image 3 (Source: Phang. 2015. 

Blog Assignment - Introduction to Urban Geography)                             

                   

Image 4 (Source: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - Introduction to Urban Geography)

This is a picture of a curb in Port of Spain designed to facilitate the disabled. It represents Chaguanas as well. These urban areas were not properly designed to assist the disabled. These areas on the contrary exclude the disabled. The side walk ramps are either too high, too steep or completely absent from the sidewalk. Within one block there are sometimes only one ramp, therefore those bound too wheelchairs have to travel that one ramp to get up or down from the sidewalk. 

Urban design plays a vital role in all who occupy these spaces. Both Port of Spain and Chaguanas are inadequate to properly accommodate the disabled. It can however be seen through the above photos that the disabled still occupy these spaces despite the difficulty of "getting around. The following are key components of socioeconomic status and should be taken into serious consideration. Within SES privilege, power and control are emphasized. As one goes up the hierarchy the more these characteristics increase and the more influence they have on the structure and design of urban spaces. They have the power to change. 

People with disability have limited opportunities and this would therefore affect their socioeconomic status. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) defines disability as an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions (WHO 2014). Housing Census of 2000 indicated that there were 45,496 persons with disabilities living in
Trinidad and Tobago (Huggins. J. 2012). Social and economic mobility are limited due to educational barriers, income, medical expenses, health and well-being which hinders quality of life, emotional state, poor quality of life, and other problems depending on the type of disability present.

 Increasingly, research on disability has been guided by a definition that focuses on the interaction between the individual and the environment and by a minority-group perspective based on the propositions that discriminatory attitudes are the primary source of the problems of disabled citizens, that the environment is shaped by public policy, and that policies reflect prevalent social attitudes and values (Hahn. H. 1986).

Geographies Of Homelessness (Port of Spain)

(Photo Reference: Phang. 2015.Blog Assignment - An Intro to Urban Geography)

Walking past such a scene on Independence Square is not uncommon to Trinidadians.The same can be said for the neglect that the homeless receive in most urban spaces. Cities are characterized by movement ; particularly a constantly fast paced lifestyle as persons move to and fro with urgency.Within the urban setting this factor contributes to the invisibility and exclusion that is associated with homelessness. However, there is a reason for the convergence of the homeless in the Urban place. In Port of Spain alone, there is a large population of the homeless that occupy Tamarind Square ( east of Brian Lara Promenade)  typically referred to by some as “vagrant square” which in its appearance is somewhat of a campsite for these street dwellers.The homeless recognize the opportunities of charity and a greater chance of survival in the urban setting as opposed to a more rural or residential area.  In the image above, a homeless man lays asleep along a walkway in broad daylight. His presence here may only affect the route in which some pedestrians may take, the one furthest away from where he lies because of the general stigma that is attached to homelessness.

The geographies of homelessness is a field  in which has not been fully explored by human geographers, past and existing censuses on the homeless population may never be precise to actual numbers as the geographies of the matter is complex. Through the investigation of the American experience with homelessness (Takahashi,1996) conflicting theories exist on the root causes of homelessness; while some geographers  would like to lay the blame on structural changes or circumstances  beyond the control of those who become homeless (global economy, increasingly competitive markets and the saturation of particular disciplines that result in unemployment others) social scientists argue the individual vulnerabilities or deficits constitute the primary cause for example the choice to indulge in drugs and other substances that lead to their downward spiral. Further exploration of the causes of homelessness can only be done on a personal level, research must progress in the direction of personal cases and social work.

Particular to the Trinidad experience with homelessness, the situation is driven by the lost of home rather than that of persons willingly wanting to be homeless. According to a local study,40 percent of the homeless have nowhere to live, were thrown out of their home or their home was destroyed, 25 percent stated that their parents were deceased and there was no one to care for them, 21 percent had drug and alcohol problems and 14 percent were hospitalized, in prison and/or unemployed  (Grant 2008).

The public stigma created whether intentionally or unintentionally by the media and governmental bodies do not aid in the efforts to assist the homeless.The homeless are humiliated and ostracized, scorned and ignored by those who cannot fathom or will never know what it is like reach a junction that leads to being without a home.Homelessness, with direct ties to poverty, is difficult to escape and barriers of home making and “the process of home” exist in an effort to transition. In supplying the homeless with a connection to a residential place that they may have familiarity to, home making may face several constraints. One of the major problems is in establishing what is the true nature of “home” and how this can be differentiated from the concepts of a "shelter" ( Rivlin and Moore, 2001). 

While non governmental organization in the form of humanitarians and religious bodies have made an effort to house the homeless temporarily and nourish them, the government of Trinidad and Tobago should make a greater effort toward incentives that curb the numbers of street dwellers within these urban spaces with the aid of explorations of the geographies of homelessness.

Vending in the Urban Scheme. (Port of Spain)

(Photo Reference: Phang. 2015. Blog Assignment - An Intro to Urban Geography)

In many Urban settings, the participation and placement of informal vending along roadways and pavements is a source of conflict among vendors and those in authority.The same can be said within the urban areas of Trinidad and Tobago. Vendors have had several showdowns with police officers as they requested for them to refrain from selling their products on the roadways. The challenge of informal vending exists in that these vendors are not licensed sellers, and set up to sell their produce rent free in cities in an effort to otherwise earn income. Street vendors in this setting are typically lower class citizens who have resorted to vending after being unable to secure employment in the city. Some of whom may even be present in the city as a result of migration, settling on the outskirts of the central business district.

Street vending also threaten the flow of urban movement as it is associated with congestion and traffic in pedestrian pile ups, to urban planners they may threaten urban development and vending in certain settings may be deemed unsightly and unsanitary. In the city of Port of Spain, especially along the east side of Brian Lara Promenade, where this photo is taken, street vending is very prevalent. It is important to note that street vending is an phenomena associated with urban places all over the world (Weng, 2013).

Governments all over the world have found varying ways to regulate street vending so that they can accommodate the lower class while catering to the standards of urban design and landscape that some planners wish to maintain. In most cities this is done by issuing vending licences, designating vending zones, and regulating the amount of informal vendors that are present on streets and roadways. Urban powerhouses. such as New York City have allowed for the accommodation of  vendors by taking the licensing approach, the generic vending stalls are evidence of governmental control as they are specially placed on street corners and near public spaces.

Street Vending adds character and identity to the urban setting. In several international cities street vendors are immigrants and people of colour, who contribute something of their unique backgrounds and cultures with the products that they sell, some cities even have organizations that aid street vendors in becoming licensed and provide further aid and assistance.

While issues with street vending are ever prevalent, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has provided solutions to curb conflicts in the matter. Ironically, across the street from where this photo was taken there is evidence of a government initiative for the demand of street vending placement in the presence of a vending zone.The zone is noticeable by its tent like " flee market" appearance. Another, familiar in nature, exists in Chaguanas  after major conflicts with vendors and police official on the streets of the borough.The vending zone was established in place of Chaguanas' old health center, which has been relocated and upgraded.

The video below showcases the vending issue in Chaguanas following a zero tolerance policy to street vending after a permanent facility was provided for vending on  December, 2010.

In the short documentary below, the challenges and constraints of street vendors in New York as it applies to the urban landscape.

Socialization on the Promenade ( Port of Spain)

(Photo Reference: Neils.2015. Blog Assignment -  An Intro to Urban Geography )

Brian Lara Promenade is ideally a place in which all of the masses converge as they make their way into the city of Port of Spain. Hence this area is a synonymous social hub, an open space within the complex urban zone  that allows for socialization. Here another facet of an urban place is displayed.This photo above epitomizes this facet,  showcasing a group of gentlemen as they share this space together on a Saturday morning, utilizing the calm atmosphere before the city begins awakening with life and the bustle of commuters and pedestrians, as they welcomed their documentation and involvement in this commentary.

We are introduced to another class of persons ( socio- economic class)  and the way in which they utilize the urban place. We can assume that these are middle class senior citizens and this may reflected the way they choose to use the urban  space, as a social gathering on a Saturday morning, in a more isolated area of the city that allows for a serene atmosphere.

Such spaces and their uses are directly tied to Urban Geography in its analysis of urban spaces. Open spaces can be assessed under the theories of Banerjee ( The Future of Public Spaces, Banerjee 2001). With contemporary trends of globalization, urbanization and the resulting modernization within societies, the value of public spaces as stated have deteriorated as city scapes  no longer hold open spaces in high regard due to public needs and demands.

This brings forth the question of the public’s regard for open spaces in Trinidad’s capital of Port of Spain. Are these spaces truly utilized and appreciated ? Are they just spaces that persons move through in the motions of their daily routines ? Or are they accepted as transient zones ? In the place of Brian Lara Promenade and the atmosphere of Independence Square, as well as Woodford Square, not too far away, this may not be the case for those who are familiar with its historical significance to the country’s political and colonial history. On this basis of assumption, we can look at this public space from the perspective of those who typically dwell here by choice, and as a means of  a social gathering ( as pictured above) that they recognize this significance as they are present and embracing.

The shift of public lifestyles through concepts of globalization , changing in ideals in social value shape public spaces and the future demands . With the inclusion of increased cultural erosion and public vs private land, urban landscapes are becoming increasingly chaotic and transient in their growth.The priority of planners in the future will hold no value to the social appreciations of the past as they indulge in a capitalistic frame of mind.

In Amanda Bruden's " How Public Spaces Make Cities Work" for TED Talks, the New York based Urban Planner professes her passion for tiny pocket parks in New York City, and indulges viewers on why they make the ever growing city more livable through examples such as her involvement in the development of Manhattan water front parks and New York's ever popular 1.45 mile long elevated railway park ; The Highline.

She questions in the essence of the chaos of an urban place : How do you turn a park into a place that people want to be?

In her closing statement she ties the public space to the urban space, in a way that all urban planners should heed for future development :

  

" No matter how popular and successful a public space may be, it can never be taken for granted. Public spaces always need virulent champions, not only to claim them at the outset for public use, but to design them for the people that use them, then to maintain them to ensure that they are for everyone ; that they are not violated, invaded, abandoned or ignored.

If there's any one lesson that I have learned in my life is a city planner,it is that public spaces have power; it's not just a number of people using them, its the even greater number of people who feel better about their city just knowing that they are there. Public space can change how you live in a city, how you feel about a city,  whether you choose one city over another.Public spaces are one of the most important reasons why you stay in a city.

I believe that a successful city is like a fabulous party, people stay because they're having a great time. "

Disparity & Urban Lifesyles (Port of Spain)

(Photo Reference: Phang 2015. Blog Assignment - An Intro to Urban Geography)


The disparity of those who could afford to commute on a daily basis into the city, and those who live on the fringes as the only means of sustaining life is striking.

The Urban place is usually characterized by a central business district which has given it its form and can account for its urban network.The Central business district can also account for all outlying land use and settlement surrounding the urban place.It is responsible for how the city had taken its form.Urban Geographers are more than familiar with the concentric model of Burgees, who in his theory sought to account for the spread and plan of a city around its central business district.A city or any urban hob is formed by the activities and opportunities provided by what these business districts supply.

While Burgees' model was simplified, clear cut in its concentric rings and far too distinct to apply to the urban systems of cities today, it is still very much relevant in the case of urban development, especially since it has encouraged and given way to theories that have refined it. Burgees Model of Concentric Zones, Hoytt's Sector Model , as well as The Multi-Nuclei Model of Ullman and Harris are all used in comparisons within urban land use modeling.The aborigines of city forms date back to pre-industrial times, and were mainly reinforced by security, religion as well routes of transportation and communication, mainly for trade. Evidence of these are still prevalent in many spaces, although the concentrations of city forms have varies.

The increasing growth and urbanization of cities is particular driven by rural to urban migration.As analyzed by many geographers, for example Pooley's case on Residential Mobility in the Victorian City (Pooley, 1879) urbanization is built on the concepts of mobility,more so that of long distance mobility. This is very distinct in the spacial layout of Port of Spain and environs, where the picture above has been taken.The outskirts and fringes of the city are inhibited by the lower class, who have undergone this type of mobility to access the city and its resources ; a better way of life by seeking out employment opportunities is one of the most popular in this long term mobility.

As the Cental Business District, Port of Spain is frequented with the heavy workday traffic as commuters go in and out of transit, from home to work on a daily basis. The disparity pictured above exists because of the circumstances of an urban place. We can observe that a car is pictured, bearing the brand in which is expected of an affluent person to own, in a part of the city in which "belongs" to the lower class, near a square that is the home to many of the homeless , east of the  main placemarks of the city.

No Parking! ( Chaguanas )

This blog seeks to explore how people of different socio-economic status survive in urban areas within the island of Trinidad. Urban relates to towns and cities. Survive in this context mean how those who exist whether wholly or partially within an urban setting cope with the hardships that are synonymous with urban areas. Socio-economic status (SES) is defined as “an individual’s or group’s position within a hierarchical social structure. It depends on a combination of variables, including occupation, education, income, wealth, and place of residence. Sociologists often use socioeconomic status as a means of predicting behaviour.” (Dictionary.com)

 

(Photo Reference: Neils 2015. Blog Assignment - An Intro to Urban Geography)

What do you see when you look at the picture above? A street with no cars, electrical wire posts and light poles, a wall, behind it trees and a peek at Centre City Mall, Chaguanas. Almost at the very centre of the photo are two grocery trolleys covered in tarpaulin which are tied by ropes, further covered by a sheet of galvanize and a thin piece of wood. Next to it is a fold in chair. What you don’t see is the owner of the trolleys. The trolleys belong to a man who’s home are the streets. His age, how he ended up there, what’s contained within the trolleys are all unknown just like the people we see while we ourselves walk the streets of Urban Trinidad.   

A city is characterize by its population size, economic base, administrative criteria and functional definitions, as well as its social and cultural milieu. There are urban places that feel like a city but are not, as they lack the administrative criteria i.e. it is not legally defined as a city. The three urban areas to be examined consist of Port-of-Spain (which fulfills the administrative criteria)  and Chaguanas which does not. On the other hand, the city lifestyle is present alongside service provision and the population in which these services are made available to. By administration Chaguanas, in which is central in its locale, is a borough.

Homelessness is very much evident in the urban setting.It is integrated into the socio-economic workings of the society.The homeless are a body that cannot be excluded when analyzing a metropolitan place.The homeless, like several other socio-economic groups flock to such spaces in an attempt to survive.Hence in  representing Survival in Urban Trinidad, the homeless cannot be eliminated.They are a quintessential element in what it means to truly surviving the urban place.