Celebrating the Heritage, Heart and Home of the capital.
Several Religious leaders came together to bestow blessings on the City of Port-of-Spain, through an Interfaith service, followed by a procession, to commemorate its 112th Anniversary.
On Wednesday, the City of Port of Spain celebrated its 112th Anniversary with an interfaith service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where representatives from various religious bodies prayed for the city’s continued development.
Monsignor Father Martin Sirju, urged Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne, and members of the city corporation, to continue seeking God’s guidance in their decision making.
“When we look at the International and local economic climate, and when we look at where people are at present, it is a kind of wilderness, but what does the bible tell us, the wilderness is a time to go to your heart.”
Also in attendance was Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen,who encouraged council members to continue serving with pride.
“We are here to serve, and so it is my prayer for all of you, that you serve with distinction in the eyes of your God, which ever God you recognise, serve in distinction in his eyes, so that whatever service you give to the people, whether they thank you for it or not, whether they appreciate it or not, whether they remember it or not, you would have served to the best of your ability.”
Following the service, a joint military procession made its way through the streets of Port-of-Spain, where members of the Diplomatic Corps, arms of National Security, and the public observed the City Day Parade.
During a toast to commemorate the occasion, Mayor Alleyne reflected on those who played a major part in what the City has become.
“There was a time in the past when this space where we call the city of Port-of-Spain was a borough, and the borough lost its Borough status in 1899, and the residents of Port of Spain at that time fought valiantly and struggled for 15 years, in order to have a say in their own daily affairs.”
Also raising a toast was, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Ambassador of the Republic of Venezuela His Excellency Álvaro Enrique Sánchez Cordero, who shed light on Venezuela’s Influence in the capital, as he recalled the first mayor of the city was Venezuelan Dr. Enrique Prada.