Anglican Bishop Calvin Bess said yesterday the restoration of municipal rights to the city of Port-of-Spain in 1914 was a “defining moment” in the city's history. Bess made these comments during his sermon at a thanksgiving service hosted by the Port-of-Spain City Corporation at the Trinity Cathedral, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. The service was held in recognition of the 99th anniversary of the restoration of municipal rights to the city.
Bess said “city dwellers” should “ponder the significance” of the restoration and think about what it means for Port-of-Spain in 2013 and the next decade. “It is a very important occasion in our understanding of where we are and who we are and needs to be viewed with the seriousness it deserves,” said Bess. The revocation of municipal rights in 1899, Bess said, spoke of a “failure to understand the inherent dignity of all mankind” and the “indomitable spirit of humanity.”
He added that he interprets that time period in Port-of-Spain's history as being written in blood. “It was written in the blood of those who perished during that difficult time, which makes it sacred...That sacredness was lost by the removal of municipal rights. Our city fathers were not seen as sacred,” he said. The city has a responsibility placed in its hands by God, Bess said. He added that people should take that God-given responsibility and be mindful of the environment.
People of the city should not only be concerned with the economic and social well-being of Port-of-Spain, said Bess, but the also the spiritual. He said policies, programmes and plans for the city should be made with human beings in mind. “Human beings are made in the image of God and it is through that spirit that we all arrive at a restored and renewed world,” he said. “Policies should have humanity at the centre.”
The service was followed by a reception at City Hall and was attended by city councillors, aldermen and deputy mayor Keron Valentine. Valentine said this week would be filled with activities to commemorate the restoration of municipal rights. A highlight of these activities would be an award ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday. Planning for the 100th anniversary would also begin soon, said Valentine.
About Port-of-Spain’s municipal rights
According to an article on the National Library Web site, A History of Local Government, the Borough Council of Port-of-Spain was established in 1853 by the then British colonial government under the Municipal Corporations Ordinance No. 10. The first mayor was Dr Louis de Verteuil. In 1899, borough status was revoked because of continued arguments over money between the council and British government.
From 1907 to 1914, Port-of-Spain was run by a Town Board. In 1914, under Ordinance No 24, Port-of-Spain became a city and a City Council was created with both appointed and elected members.