Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698831950165.pdf (Trinidad and Tobago)
T H E N A T I O N A L T R U S T O F T R I N I D A D & T O B A G O 68-70 Sackville Street, Port of Spain │ Phone: 225-4750 │ Email: nationaltrust.tt@gmail.com ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 2016 The commencement of fiscal 2015/2016 saw the departure of the Council appointed in November 2014 without any replacement.
This resulted in limitations as to the fulfillment of the mandate, given the role of the Council in the key function of protection.

However under the capable management and leadership of Valerie Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Interim, and with the support of Mrs. Joanne Deoraj, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development, the National Trust was able to actively pursue heritage development activities in performance of its role.
The Trust addressed the critical area of heritage education and awareness, raised the profile of the Nelson Island Heritage Site, commenced training in restoration skills, developed its Website, operated its Gift Shop and focused on collaborations with partner agencies for a greater understanding of the need to safeguard heritage.

Importantly the status of achieving recognition under the World Heritage Convention for Trinidad and Tobago was made a priority.
Cultural heritage events were also introduced as a means of income generation, and the Trust additionally provided support to the film industry.

The National Trust achieved its objectives with a small staff complement functioning tirelessly, given the passion and genuine interest in the preservation of our heritage.
HERITAGE EDUCATION The National Trust is cognizant of the need to stimulate and educate about the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, and firmly believes that every child of school age must be exposed to the history of Nelson Island.

Through an arrangement with the National Infrastructural Development Company Limited and the Water Taxi Service, a concerted effort was made to bring awareness to the school population through the Nelson Island Schools tour.
The Trust absorbed the cost for schools primarily from low income areas with others contributing to the cost of visiting the island.

The purposeful focus on primary and secondary schools students was geared to sensitize and lend to a greater appreciation of events that impacted our development in keeping with the school syllabus.
The Nelson Island Heritage Site affords the opportunity to gain a complete perspective of the Amerindians, the colonizers, Indentureship, the Labour movement, World War II and the 1970 Revolution, it is where “history comes alive.” Students were able to participate in guided tours, view films, be engaged by dramatic performances highlighting events that took place and basically experience an on-site education.
This is an exciting cultural exposure and a realistic history lesson that is invaluable for our education system for students and teachers.

During the fiscal year, 829 students representing 18 schools visited the Nelson Island Heritage Site, and a list is attached at Appendix 1.
The approach adopted for sharing information and engaging the general public was a variety of fora including lectures, Nelson Island tours, land and sea tours, films, exhibitions and cultural events, as well as information dissemination by way of social media platforms.
The hosting of regular lectures introduced perspectives by renowned authors and experts on topical matters including traditional mas, Amerindian literature, Indian artefacts collection, the labour revolution, Cazabon’s student and the underwater archaeological heritage.

A Carnival film and discussion was also held to raise awareness as to the spirituality of playing traditional mas.
Recognising that the Trust role must also address the citizens on the island of Tobago, a lecture was held in conjunction with the Tobago Museum for the members of the Trust on the sister isle.

A list of lectures can be found at Appendix 2.

Given the Trust’s jurisdiction of Nelson Island, and recognising the need to share information on the history of the gateway of the peopling of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trust saw it necessary to promote the island for its history and beauty.
The marketing of the island considered introducing cultural events to support the promotional efforts that were already in place.

Initial efforts were directed to cleaning the island and landscaping to develop a park, where visitors could truly appreciate the natural features, also revealing the ruins all around the island.

The exhibitions were reorganized to showcase Indentureship, Tubal Uriah Butler and the 1970 Black Power Movement.
The addition of audio visual equipment afforded the showing of films on the history of the island, and the Trust set up glass towers to display the artefacts found on Nelson and the Five Islands, as well as introducing its Gift Shop.

With these improvements, there was now the opportunity to further enhance the Nelson Island experience.
Cultural events related to national celebrations namely Vintage Calypso during Calypso History Month and Traditional Mas performances during Carnival were successfully held.

This lent to interest by other organisations in hosting events on the island, and the Trust facilitated tours for two private groups and a visiting US school.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts also hosted an event on Nelson Island in celebration of Patriotism Month.
As part of the Tourism Development Company’s Stay to Get Away promotion the National Trust hosted six Western Isles Tours.

The tours departed from the port of Port of Spain and provided information on the islands in the Gulf of Paria ending at the island of Chacachacare.

These tours were oversubscribed which pointed to the significant interest by the general public to learn about the islands and the associated history.
In preparation for land tours, site visits were undertaken to Gran Couva, Palmiste, Princes Town, Rancho Quemado, Cedros, Chaguanas, Chacachcacare and Tobago as the Trust planned future tours for its members.

A railway tour was facilitated by railway historian Glen Beadon from Port of Spain to East Trinidad and ended at San Fernando.

Two tours were undertaken to the San Antonio Cocoa Estate and surrounding villages to explore the agricultural heritage.
In support of the Carnival heritage, the Trust facilitated a Port of Spain Historic Carnival Tour with visits to Kitchener and Sparrow exhibitions, a pan yard and a wire bender.

Participation was also arranged to view the Canboulay celebrations.

An exhibition was held at the office of the Trust which featured the Perry Gateway, a landmark unknown to most.

Thereafter a “Landmarks” exhibition of historic buildings and sites were displayed at the office of the National Trust.
These varied events were patronized by 3,807 persons who were highly enthusiastic and supportive of the work of the National Trust.

A list of these events can be found at Appendix 2.

The National Trust lent support to the promotion of the film industry which showcased the history of calypso and stories of African societies that are similar and impact the development of its people.
The Trust is working towards finalisation of a heritage DVD and book which will feature the natural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Trust continued to enhance its collection of publications and DVD’s for its Resource Library, to ensure that research material is available to its members and the general public.

These heritage education activities ensured further learning for children and adults, gained new membership to the Trust and garnered support for the preservation of our patrimony.
The engagement on heritage therefore took on new momentum with many requests about Nelson Island and approaches to preserve our archaeology, raising the profile of the National Trust significantly and bringing greater recognition to importance of the preservation of heritage in Trinidad and Tobago.

OFFICE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Prior to February 2016, the National Trust occupied premises at Wrightson Road at the then Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration.
The Trust used the office facilities of the Ministry taking care of minor needs where necessary.

With relocation, the Trust became responsible for handling all office requirements and related services, therefore acquiring necessary equipment and securing services for office cleaning.

While the Trust hired services for the cleaning of the Nelson Island Heritage Site, the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration addressed all building and equipment maintenance on the island.
The National Trust was thereafter assigned under the Ministry of Planning and Development and became responsible for the maintenance of Nelson Island.

The Trust therefore acquired the necessary equipment to bring the island to a satisfactory state of upkeep, conducted regular clean up exercises, undertook removal of old material and equipment, cleaned a hazardous spill and improved the storage systems.
The Trust also engaged in significant maintenance activities related to the generator, water pumps and minor construction works.

Efforts were also made to improve the conditions for the resident personnel on the island.

The end result ensured that visitors to the Nelson Island Heritage Site enjoyed surroundings acceptable to such an historic site.
BANWARI TRACE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE The National Trust also has responsibility for the Banwari Trace Archaeological Site which is on the Tentative List of the World Heritage Convention.

To move this project forward, esteemed archaeologist Dr.

Basil Reid was engaged to complete an assessment as to the further development of this heritage site.

This served to inform the way forward and to determine the necessary funding required for the advancement of this project.
2ND ANNUAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL TRUST AND PRESERVATION SOCIETIES The National Trust was co-host along with Citizens for Conservation for this 2nd Regional Conference, which sought to bring together organisations in the region, to advance the work of the preservation of heritage.

This allowed for a dialogue on heritage approaches in the Caribbean and beyond, and lent to an exchange of ideas as well as served to foster cooperation towards this goal.
The many initiatives discussed were useful to the paths and interests that can be pursued in the growth of heritage tourism.

The Trust rendered support for the visit by one of the keynote speakers, Ms. Patricia Green of Jamaica and absorbed the registration fees for twelve presenters.

The Trust was responsible for hosting a workshop and reception on Nelson Island which “addressed the topic of “Layering History, Multi-Cultural Sites That Spans Generations of Historic Importance”.
This allowed the promotion of the island to regional and international visitors in attendance at the conference.

The Trust was able to feature its “Landmarks” Exhibition for the visiting conference delegates throughout the three days of deliberations and showcased 29 sites.

Additional support was provided for the purchase of items for the event and to advertise the conference in the daily newspapers.

This event was well attended by approximately 130 plus persons on average daily.
OPERATION REBOOT Under an European Union technical cooperation programme, the National Trust was able to benefit for a project titled “Operation Reboot”, geared to entrepreneurship which advanced a sustainable approach for the Trust.
This resulted in the development of the Website to further promote the Trust, and to advance the interest in the heritage of the country through identification and mapping of sites, and a focused pursuit for the growth of the Trust gift shop, dedicated to the sale of local publications and products.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS The National Trust recognized that nominations were made to the Tentative List of the World Heritage Convention and that immediate attention was needed to address the completion of dossiers.

The Trust undertook to commence discussion with the Trinidad and Tobago National Commission for UNESCO to advance this process.

Towards this end preparations began for a workshop with UNESCO experts to advise Trinidad and Tobago on the World Heritage Convention.
This was done in collaboration with the Tourism Development Company which was following on the La Brea Pitch Lake as a world heritage site.

The importance of engaging stakeholders and interest groups was seen as key to gaining the support for nominations.
As a precursor to this workshop, the National Trust hosed a breakfast seminar entitled “Preservation is Local” to inform of the role of the Trust, address the responsibility of the Commissioner of State Lands, advise on restorations issues and World Heritage submissions.

Regional corporations and other relevant agencies and interest groups including the churches attended this seminar and were enlightened on the preservation of heritage.
The National Trust had meetings with the Siparia Regional Corporation in relation to the Banwari Trace Archaeological Site, and with the Couva Tabaquite Talparo Regional Corporation in relation to tourism development in the districts under its purview.

A meeting was held with the Tobago House of Assembly which led to arrangements for the hosting of a seminar to inform stakeholders on the island of the World Heritage Convention and the role of the Trust.
An introductory meeting was also held with the Mayor of Chaguanas.

RESTORATION TRAINING In pursuit of its mandate, the National Trust sought to address training in restoration skills as an aspect of heritage development.

This led to the Trust facilitating a Lime Mortar workshop with Andy De Grunchy of Lime Works US, who conducted the training at St. Francis Assisi Church at Belmont.
The workshop was oversubscribed and participants expressed interest in learning more of the skills to restore old buildings.

This initiative revealed the dire need to bring more restoration training initiatives to Trinidad and Tobago.

STAFFING Staff of the National Trust have been overextended given the substantial amount of work in which the Trust is engaged.

The staff complement was improved with the addition of an Outreach Officer in February given the numerous events hosted.
An OJT completed her assignment in August, however the Trust was able to benefit from the support of five interns during the period June to September, who worked in the areas of administrative, research, archaeology, tourism and communications.

The National Trust continues to work towards building a cohesive team with heritage skills, who will share the passion for the preservation of our patrimony.
CONCLUSION The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago in fulfillment of its role has brought history to the forefront in the last year.

Nelson Island Heritage Site has come into greater prominence with increased visits by students and adults and the introduction of cultural events.

This is only expected to grow, especially as it is proposed to have Nelson Island be nominated to the Tentative List of the World Heritage Convention.
The Trust continues to manage with a small core of staff and with limited funding but lots of enthusiasm.

Importantly as information is shared on the heritage of the country, we find a growing membership and a people who are keen to learn of their history.

The road before us is full of possibilities for advancing the work of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago.
APPENDIX 1 Schools which participated in the Nelson Island tours: • Don Miguel Hindu Primary • Iere Government Primary • Diego Martin Government Primary • Arima Girl’s Government Primary • Hope Academy Preparatory • Beetham Government Primary • Mayaro Government Primary • Happy Hill Hindu • Bethlehem Girls R.C.
Primary • Laventille Girls Government Primary • National Mentorship Programme • St. Joseph’s Convent • Boissiere Village R. C. Primary • Tortuga Government Primary • Bon Accord Government Primary • Scarborough SDA Primary • Bishop’s Junior School • Barataria AC Primary APPENDIX 2 Heritage Activities held during the fiscal period: Event Title Film and Discussion Our Soul Turned Inside Out Lecture the Indian Caribbean The Amerindian Narrative in Trinidad and Tobago Literature Collection of Museum Reclaiming Rebellion Letters of Margaret Mann Tobago’s Underwater Archaeological Heritage Tobago’s Underwater Archaeological Heritage Southern Railway Tour Gran Couva Cocoa Tour Port of Spain Historic Carnival Tour Canboulay Perry Gate Collection Lime Mortar Preservation is Local Western Isles Tour Vintage Calypso on Nelson Island Traditional Mas on Nelson Island 2nd Annual Conference of National Trust and Preservation Societies Celebration of Patriotism Month Nelson Island Tour Nelson Island Tour Trinity College, USA Facilitator Dr. Kim Johnson Dr. Selwyn Cudjoe Dr. Kumar Mahabir Dr. Earl Lovelace Ms. Danielle Delon Mr. Derek Chung Mr. Derek Chung Mr. Glen Beadon National Trust, Mr. De Verteuil National Trust National Trust National Trust Mr. Andy De Grunchy National Trust, CFC, Commissioner of State Lands, UNESCO National Trust Lord Superior and Band Traditional Mas Characters National Trust, CFC National Trust National Trust African Association National Trust Women’s Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture – Tobago Lecture – Trinidad Tour Tour (2) Tour Tour Exhibition Workshop Seminar Tour (6) Tour Tour Conference Tour Tour Tour Tour 31.03.2017