San Fernando Waterfront Development

What has really happened with Trinidad's San Fernando Waterfront Development Project by UDECOTT since its announcement in 2019. This project promised great things for San Fernando Trinidad with the allure of an economic boost to San Fernando Trinidad. Apart from an area enhancement for the citizens of San Fernando, it touted a tourism benefit with things to see and do for tourists. So what is the status of the San Fernando Waterfront Development Project, where has it reached.
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[@johnboi42]

The waterfront is happening in 3 phases, with phase one being heavily interrupted by Covid which also coincided with the global drop in both oil and gas prices which severely hampered funding for the project. Another one of the biggest keep backs with the project has been the CECs (certificates of environmental clearance) which were finally approved in dec 2023 I believe. The Thorpe’s Garage next to the Rodriguez building is privately owned at the moment so the government doesn’t have jurisdiction over that, but the San Carlos plaza phase is the final phase of the project. The next major phase is the construction of the coastal sea wall and land reclamation. Phase 1 was the upgrade of the road from the gulf view link road down to the fish market. It hasn’t been fully completed as some more final infrastructure work has to be completed before the roadway can be completed. But if the work done or in progress is to be quantified it would be: road widening, relocation and demolishing of the pts garage, preliminary work on the mixed use condos at the site of the old ptsc garage by a private developer, construction of the parkade at the hospital, relocation of WASA’s water filling facility, relocation and construction of the customs house, construction of the new fishing facility / fish market (ongoing) and the clean up of the old TGR station. Ongoing is the relocation of squatters and residents in the area north of the former PTSC garage.

[@pointboy12]

Thank you very much for that detailed breakdown of the project phases.

[@johnboi42]

No problem, the thing is there are many necessary moving parts to this project that have to work in sync for speedy execution. You made mention that a resident in the area could show they have been there for 60 years and that is true so they would get an offer by the government to compensate. But there are other people who have been there for less than ten years that will get compulsory acquisition. They may put up a legal challenge, which would then stall the project further. Long story short, Udecott and by extension the government have to proceed cautiously AND correctly or they could face a lot of legal challenges that could stall the project. A perfect example would be the new fish market. I was there for the public consultation, and an owner of boats, who does not live in San Fernando more or less promised to stall the project if he did not get his way. Whether politically motivated or personally driven, the shear size of the waterfront project presents lots of opportunities for persons to intervene and hinder progress

[@johnboi42]

Also, with regards to the boardwalk area, the pavement is part of the primary infrastructure. The boardwalk and cycle lane cannot be constructed until the seawall and costal defense system built. This section will go out about 30 meters from the shore to include the footpath three nodes jutting out into the sea and landscaping. The green spaces will be in the areas north of the current fish market and the existing fish market along with some of the other buildings in the area will be designated as historic building and listed with the national trust, based on a study that was carried out 6 years prior by the National Trust and an external agency.

[@matelanmungal9807]

U have 2 b d project manager good job

[@pointboy12]

@@johnboi42 Thank you for the additional information.

[@victordoom7629]

Its very easy to understand my friend. PNM = 0 progress

[@judy-annmcneill1037]

I love the optimism with which you approached your journey. Moreover am thankful that you highlighted the plans the Government had or has for this area. Good know your country tour.

[@pointboy12]

Thank you

[@YTChiefCritic]

Harris Promenade was originally called 'Plaza San Carlos' before being named for Lord Harris who said of Trinidadians, 'their greatest pleasure is in being idle'. An observation that has changed little today.

[@bushman.22]

Nice video & good info also , well done .

[@pointboy12]

Thank you

[@michaelboodansingh1773]

those fish vendors is some menace during the morning period, literally vending on the left lane causing a bottle neck

[@pointboy12]

I can imagine the traffic it causes.

[@anderson8601]

The PNM San Fernando waterfront project 2050.

[@kennedywong9854]

I am originally from San Fernando and wish waterfront development can be build and finish rapidly. 😢

[@jeanelaine]

How much luxury housing does tnt need why not affordable housing????

[@pointboy12]

I wonder the same thing.

[@claryInTn]

15 minutes cities coming. This govt sell.out to the W.E.F.

[@scotts5886]

its a good idea but these guys cant really implement it without spending 4 to 5 times what it should really cost...

[@camilledwarika8207]

Awesome video as usual nice seeing you too

[@pointboy12]

Thank you

[@matthewtrin]

It [seems to be] that the residents are keeping back the pace of the project substantially. You can also see this with aspects of the project that are nearly done, like the road widening project. There is a house/shop literally on the roadway itself making it impossible for two cars to traverse (this part of the road is closed even).

[@mrrjonathanh]

That has been so since the original plan for the development was rolled out.

[@jesusislove328]

Hey you saw the news that they just started reclaiming the land? Finally.

[@pointboy12]

@@jesusislove328 Yes I saw that they started.

[@Anthony-un3vy]

The PoS Coach I took was headed from San Fernando to Erin for a day return trip. Everything looks the same at the bus terminal. The plans for that small beach to accommodate high rise condo owners...Oh well...looks like Westmoorings without shopping area potential or rec area to offset no beach access

[@marciagibbons3981]

It would be a positive mode and progression for the people in the area. Hopefully the displaced individuals will be compensated or moved to an area where they can cont thriving.

[@pointboy12]

I know that the movement of the people is one of the things that is moving slowly as the people are not happy with what is offered.

[@musfazahosein7463]

My friend you appear to be a stranger to the politics of the pnm. When they announce a project, don't expect to see it in your lifetime. If it is started, it usually takes forever to complete with over-runs and delays, and plenty people getting rich. So you have to live long enough to see the completion of such. Check the age of the Point Fortin highway. pnm highjacked that project and is now spending three times more to finish it in 2045, even though it was almost finished under the previous government.. So good luck my friend, if you live long enough you may see it halfway finished before you pass on.

[@magikindian]

We love the PNM. When you ride with those boys, you get rich fast. But when you ride with the UNC people, you are playing with your life.

[@Ach1mW]

Forget the political party thing but it is true, they have been advertising that for a minimum of 1 decade now. I know and remember because I saw the billboard almost every day on my way home, not to mention they did talk about it way back then but if the people are still looking forward to the type of development they expect.....then they have no clue.

[@claryInTn]

Are there any plans for refurburbishing Flat Rock. As this once was the place to be on Fridays & Saturdays. As well as the place for reception up to the 1950s.

[@Donvey]

I also want to know what happened to the Tobago bridge that Rowley promised so much😂😂 These politicians are stupid

[@magikindian]

They are not politicians. Trini people will fall for any scam

[@packagepally8233]

Thank you for the update on this project,..!👏🏿It does seem like it's taking a long time... Hope progress speeds up as time goes along. Great job 🥰

[@pointboy12]

Thank you

[@teddeonarine6281]

I remember an article in the newspaper with a guy living on the waterfront who had a Date Palm tree growing on "his" property. I believe that is the article you spoke about.

[@pointboy12]

Correct, that was the article

[@anthonymohammed5014]

That was the article sir date palm trees

[@mrrjonathanh]

Is there a link to the article? My uncle planted that tree when he was with Forestry.

[@brandonar868]

EVERYBODY UNCLE DOES BELIEVE THEY PLANT A TREE 😂 Gullible ​@@mrrjonathanh

[@shqa574]

This is what you might term, "Very Slow Progress in Motion". Unfortunately, with development, there will be displacement. This sounds like some well-to-do individuals invented the development plan.

[@pointboy12]

I like that term

[@matelanmungal9807]

O yeah boy u from carenage,Diego Martin ,pot ah spain maracas curepe ,arima sangre grande,manzanilla,mayaro Rio claro,princesstown,point fortin cedros couva,an tabaquite u is a boss u from all over LOL

[@jeanelaine]

Hopefully these historic bldgs will be preserved and restored and not torn down!

[@pointboy12]

I really hope so.

[@kevangildharry3884]

I really wanted to see a boardwalk but it looks like they not doing that.

[@pointboy12]

It certainly looks that way.

[@mauricehalfhide3982]

They don't want the boardwalk activity to bother the luxury people.

[@ricko2301]

@@mauricehalfhide3982 y'all just making up all kind of stupid talk. The boardwalk will be built

[@mauricehalfhide3982]

@@ricko2301 k dude

[@victorsooknarine7471]

Thank You For The Information Dear Sir ..🖖

[@pointboy12]

@@victorsooknarine7471 You are welcome

[@allisonchevalier3656]

Left south 34 years ago, I see no change.

[@pointboy12]

There has been little change in that area.

[@olivewilson6636]

You should make a trip because I'm much younger and ive seen soo much change. I think people get use to the now that they forget what was. I stayed north for 7 years and south seemed so different. Im not saying some stuff isn't the same but to say it's completely the same would be wrong. There are many stalled pieces of the waterfront but there has been slow progress on it. I'm not sure exactly why but it seems the road has stalled out and it's unclear if its because the owners don't want to move or not.

[@magikindian]

​@olivewilson6636 that's absolute rubbish. You are impressed by a few new buildings and a ton of new facades? Please dude.

[@olivewilson6636]

@@magikindian usually I don't reply because I think everyone has a right to feel however they want but im feeling to reply today. Maybe it's because I've learned to appreciate every moment, even the small things, that even the small changes in sanfernando I appreciate. Small things eventually become large things and since I love seeing how places look,Ed I know what sanfernando use to look like in past. And I acknowledged that many things haven't changed but that many things have. This is the problem with trinidadians, too busy focusing on the negative that they have no time to see any positives, like someone too busy worrying about clouds on the horizon that they can't enjoy the sunlight shinning on them.

[@1rockfantic]

Good video. And by the way... everything you mentioned as being what you expected to see on the waterfront , boardwalk, etc., are actually part of the waterfront development....

[@pointboy12]

Glad you liked the video. I know they said they would be putting in these hings but I had hoped to see more progress.

[@darthmanymen]

i live in San Fernando and i didnt know this beach was there

[@pointboy12]

I am glad I was able to show it to you.

[@tropics8407]

Yeh boy. Me too. 🧐😳 That could be a beautiful and functional beach. Squatters have claimed the entire place though. 🫤 What is further south from there ? Mangrove ?

[@pointboy12]

@@tropics8407 Unfortunately I do not know.

[@matelanmungal9807]

Boy Alice in wonderland project u might cry and flood out sando

[@burtonsankeralli5445]

Its hard in PNM country.

[@matelanmungal9807]

What fish market u talk bout boy in meh dream

[@terrysookhoo2528]

Everything in tnt will fade away jus lik d trains we had

[@Rman775]

The 'trains' in T&T were old and inefficient ones from the 1800's that had no place in a modern state.

[@skylimitone]

I won the high school design competition for this project in 1997. LOL I had the same reaction to the sidewalks, disappointing to see. Even if they plan to widen later, widen it now so that people could walk to the ferry etc.

[@pointboy12]

@@skylimitone I agree about the sidewalk. 1997 to now, they have taken a long time.

[@matelanmungal9807]

Dong deh go b ah small Wes mooring

[@darthmanymen]

do a video on farallon rock

[@pointboy12]

@@darthmanymen That is a good idea

[@dondavid3818]

As long as the citizens keep voting PNM this will be the result

[@matelanmungal9807]

U from pat ah spain

[@pointboy12]

Actually I am from all over Trinidad. I have lived in Rio Claro, Tableland, San Fernando, Penal, Point Fortin and Port of Spain. I went to primary school in San Fernando and Point Fortin and secondary school in San Fernando. So I am truly from all over.

[@FIRSTWORLDSTATUSBY]

we should never build any waterfront in Sando... for the simple reason that we have to BORROW money for this... and all this government is doing is borrowing and borrowing for our fcking children and grandchildren to pay... if they had to take out money from their pockets they ain't doing shit.... we only going deeper and deeper into debt... and people should start to question these planned projects.... we simply DON'T HAVE THE MONEY to waste on stuff like this until we can do it without borrowing....

[@ricko2301]

Everything done by governments is with borrowed money sir

[@FIRSTWORLDSTATUSBY]

@@ricko2301 and you are good with that? - no wonder we are a shithole.....

[@raw0001]

You have a point FIRST, but so does ricko. Governments simply have to borrow, to invest. It's a matter of monitoring and insisting that they ain't investing in themselves. But instead on infrastructure, healthcare, energy/water supply, housing, even such projects as this. But we also depend on the government to foster and promote a national and cultural evolution, to engineer a civilised' society/social identity. The question is what are WE doing to encourage and ensure that they are doing what is effective and beneficial in achieving that evolved, civilised society that is productive and beneficial to US ALL..

[@FIRSTWORLDSTATUSBY]

@@raw0001 you have to understand that when you don’t have money and you need to do a hundred things, you have to PRIORITIZE using urgency and necessity and other parameters to determine what needs to be done first and foremost- just look at the state of our water supply and road conditions- clearly you are a supporter of the current government - i just hope you are not up to your throat in debt !!!

[@raw0001]

​@@FIRSTWORLDSTATUSBY.. clearly you're not very bright, if, having read my response, that is what you address me with. Instead of simply acquiescing to reason. You seem to simply want to argue/insult instead of promoting understanding and accord. I acknowledged your point, what point did you think, but suggested that government borrowing was an economic inevitability, that should be protected from corruption and urgently prioritised necessary expenditure for the collective benefit of the nation, and we concur with some of those national priorities. We are in accord here. I am not your average follower, to be led by the machinations of corrupt, incompetent deceivers .. the only government I'll support is the government that fulfills the requirements as previously stipulated. Because I also stated that good governance of a notion also included facilitating a valid national identity and a civilised society that works for all.. You could of been much supportive of that notion, or you could of made a valid argument in disagreement. Thus we forward our understanding. So that we can simply accept that government is not like a household on a budget, but like any household on a budget, it has to borrow to provide some of the urgent necessities that cost beyond the monthly budget, like a house/car or a new dam/railway/coastal development. What do you not understand/disagree with..!!? Thus we further understanding and accord.. if we continue to argue, even when in accord, that's the recipe for misunderstanding and chaos. REPENT..!!!

[@patriciamathison5426]

Excuse me as i know it works like this gov't come & go it is the same way but pls . It is nice to see some history off Trini. Is still there.

[@ianbynoe6515]

Trinidad broke, buddy. They ain't got money for big projects. A big board walk will cost a lot of money. 😅😂😢😅

[@nphipps9406]

everything takes a long time in most places

[@pointboy12]

Very true

[@Kimmy_95]

Most places.....in Trinidad & Tobago

[@nphipps9406]

@@Kimmy_95 😅😅😅

[@jackedup2007]

At this rate, the PNM will have completed this in 2045. Thankfully we will have an election soon and finally get this project finished or at least redesigned and completed by the new NTA/UNC government.

[@HimSelf-g2o]

I all for not voting for this inadequate government but THE UNC is not better option. I will be voting for the nta, unc have no REAL PLAN FOR THE COUNTRY as history have shown. that is why they loose election

[@Ach1mW]

Promises, promises and distractions as the world gets worse every month, its not going to happen, and if it does folks wont be enjoying it.....

[@burtonsankeralli5445]

The idiots mash up what they had there I know the area.

[@vidninjah]

wishful thinking!

[@ricko2301]

You talking as if things can just be spoken into existence, things take time

[@pointboy12]

I agree. It is just that I thought some of the developments would be further along.

[@vadecheddie9880]

Yeah, it takes time like 100 years

[@ricko2301]

You don't even know what's going on, you're just running your mouth. Create your own project the way you want na

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

I feel like somebody already left with the bulk of money, so the project wouldn't get going for a while.