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The City of San Fernando is one of the two cities which exist in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is 18 km² in area. It is situated in the southwestern area of the island of Trinidad; bounded to the North by the Guaracara River, the south by the Oropouche River, the east by the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, and the West by the Gulf of Paria. The population was estimated to be 62,000 as of 2002, making it the largest city and second largest municipality in the country. The former Borough of San Fernando was elevated to the status of a city on November 18, 1988.
The motto of San Fernando is: "Sanitas Fortis" - In a Healthy Environment We Will Find Strength.
History
The Amerindians called present day San Fernando by the name 'Anaparima'. Translation of 'Anaparima' could mean either 'Single Hill' or 'Without Water'. The former is taken to be the translation in context, since San Fernando Hill exists in the center of the city.
The then town of San Fernando was christened San Fernando de Naparima by Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon in 1784, after recovering approval from the King of Spain. This was a gesture of respect to the infant son of the king. With the passage of time, 'de Naparima' has been dropped.
Expansion
Following the 1783 Cedula of Population, many sugar plantations were established in the Naparima Plains surrounding San Fernando. The town grew as this part of the country came to dominate sugar production. This growth continued throughout the nineteenth century as consolidation in the sugar industry led to the construction of what was then the largest sugar refinery in the world, the Usine, Ste. Madeline factory a few miles east of the town. The development of cacao cultivation in the southern districts and the development of the petroleum industry helped San Fernando grow since the town served as the gateway to these areas.
The growth of the town placed severe strains on the supply of water, especially during the dry season. Complaints by the Burgess of the town resulted in numerous reports by geologists and hydrologists throughout the later nineteenth and early twentieth century, but the problem was not solved until the Navet Dam was constructed in the 1930s.
The nearby oil refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre played an important role in San Fernando's development between World War II and the 1980s. The refinery was constructed by Trinidad Leaseholds Limited during World War II, and constituted one of the largest contributions to the war effort by a private company. The 'oil boom' of the 1970s and 80s led to the growth the suburbs of San Fernando, especially Marabella (to the south) and Gasparillo (to the east) of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery. In 1991 the boundaries of the city were extended, bringing the refinery (the largest in the Caribbean) immediatley adjacent to the City's northern boundary.
The extended City now includes the suburbs of Marabella, Bel Air, Gulf View and Cocoyea.
Scenery/attractions
When speaking of scenery in San Fernando, San Fernando Hill's view of Trinidad and the Gulf of Paria can be breathtaking. On a clear day it is possible to see Venezuela on the mainland of South America.
Harris Promenade, named after Lord Harris (Governor of Trinidad 1845-1854), houses City Hall, the Magistrates Court, Supreme Court, Police Station, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Methodist churches and two schools, St. Joseph Convent, San Fernando and St. Gabriel's Girls R.C. School. There is also a band stand, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the famous "last train" engine - the last train that was run in Trinidad. Usually referred to as simply "The Promenade" (or "The Prom"), this area plays an important role in the life of the city. It runs parallel to the main shopping district (High Street), but lacks the busy throngs of people. It also serves as an important Judging Point for the Jouvert portion of Trinidad's pre-Lenten Carnival. The eastern end of the Promenade is known as Library Corner after the Carnegie Free Library (a gift from Andrew Carnegie) which was opened in 1919. Seven roads meet at Library Corner (including Harris Promenade, High Street, Pointe-a-Pierre Road, La Pique Road, Coffee Street and Mucarapo Street). Although Library Corner was once the transportation hub of San Fernando, this is no longer the case at taxi stands have been moved away from the centre of town in an attempt to relieve congestion. The San Fernando General Hospital is located at the western end of Harris Promenade.
Skinner Park was given to the people of San Fernando for recreational purposes such as football, cricket and other athletic events and training. It is also an important part of Carnival, where historically bands are judged and has been the site of the Semi-Finals of the Calypso Monarch celebrations. The role of "The Park" as a sporting venue has largely been supplanted by newer Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, on the northern end of town.
Naparima Bowl is the performing arts center in San Fernando.
Government
The administration of San Fernando is done by San Fernando City Corporation. It is a corporate body, and the staff is instrumental in the exercise of the powers of the Corporation through the Council. Functions of this Corporation are delegated by the Central Government, and the Corporation itself is within the jurisdiction of the Minister of Local Government.
Local government administration starts in 1845 - when the Town Council was established and the Municipality of San Fernando came into being. Circa 1853, San Fernando was elevated to a Borough; the first Mayor was Dr. Robert Johnstone. From the simple start of a fishing village, San Fernando blossomed financially, and became "the Industrial Capital" of Trinidad and Tobago.
This crest incorporates the City motto, the sea, the hill, a fishing boat, sugar cane stalk, oil tank, house and two discs. The sea and boat represent the beginnings as a fishing village. The sugar cane stalk represents the Sugar industry. The oil tank represents productivity and the oil industry. The house represents shelter for all races. The sun-like disks represent Steelpan and Tassa, as well as togetherness.
During its first year as a city, San Fernando was twinned with the town of Trinite, Martinique. Ties with the French were re-established.
The City of San Fernando is divided into nine electoral districts, each represented by a Councillor. Three appointed Aldermen sit on the Council, which is chaired by the Mayor, currently Ian Atherley, an activist of the current People's National Movement government on trial for ballot-box tampering in the 2002 elections.
Prominent San Fernandians
- Noor Hassanali, President of Trinidad and Tobago (1987-1997)
- George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago (2003- )
- Jean Ramjohn-Richards, First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago (2003- )
- Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago (1995-2002)
- Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago (1997-1995, 2002- )
- Hasely Crawford, Olympic Gold Medalist (1976)
- Manny Ramjohn, Long-distance runner, 1930s-1940s
- Stephen Ames, PGA Golfer
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