University of Woodford Square

Port of Spain without Woodford Square is like doubles without pepper...virtually incomplete! Without getting into the history, I can safely say how relevant and significant this place is to the city. But allow me to what Dr. Williams remarked, forewarning the struggles of constructing a post-colonial identity,

"There can be no Mother India, for those whose ancestors came from India.  There can be no Mother Africa, for those of African origin. There can be no Mother England and no dual loyalties.  There can be no Mother China, even if one could agree as to which China is the Mother; and there can be no Mother Syria and no Mother Lebanon.  A nation, like an individual, can have only one Mother.  The only Mother we recognize is Mother Trinidad & Tobago, and Mother cannot discriminate between her children.  
(History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago, 1962).

And thus began the re-identification of the square as a center of learning, a breathing manifestation of budding national identity, The University of Woodford Square. What has it grown into today? Today Woodford Square is an open space with beautiful shady trees, some over 100yrs old. Its well kept lanes with benches criss cross the grass. Its use has flourished from being singularly political to accommodating religious, business and entertainment purposes. Crusades have been held there, vendors sell there, artists drawing their models live and calypso and soca concerts are all frequent. 

But something quite common is what you shall see in the following picture:

Roaming in and around the Square, stooping on the sidewalks, leaning on the trees, so many homeless persons are found here. Infact, research papers have revealed that more important that food, homeless persons simply desire a place for rest, and Woodford Square provides that. So, what do you think should be invested into the Square? See if the following video is something realistic...