In last Saturday’s newspaper, the Prime Minister has reassured us citizens that the newly restored Stollmeyer’s Castle “is a piece of our legacy”, and that each and every one of us should know the significance and history attached to all historic buildings, and especially the Magnificent Seven buildings around the Queen’s Park Savannah.
As of now, when T&T is serious about diversifying our economy, tourism is being placed at the forefront and these building, when restored and opened to the public, can bring in well needed foreign currency.
The Tourist Board, through cruise ships, can advertise onboard, (for US$70) a visit to these historic buildings, which are so close to the Port that tourists can visit them before they go off to the Pitch Lake, Temple on the Sea, Maracas Bay etc.
Other parts of the world, including neighbouring Barbados, there are open house days. Francia Plantation House in St George, Barbados, where the original family still lives, allows tourists access to certain rooms, as is done in England also. This gives the visitors an opportunity to witness the charm of a past era and the stories attached to the owners who came to T&T from another country, and brought their families to live here.
In the garden, on these “Open House Days” of these Magnificent Seven Buildings, we can show case the best of T&T souvenirs with only well-made products, T-shirts, chocolate, tea, cocoa, soap, arts and craft, steelpans, post cards etc, for the tourists to take back home.
Refreshments like, a mauby, sour sop drinks, sorrel, tea and coffee along with our local rum cake and fare, can be served at a price of around US$25, for an afternoon tea or coffee morning, allowing us locals to bring our friends to visit also.
PATRICIA BLADES,
Bayside Towers, Cocorite
