The Red House

The Red house of Trinidad and Tobago was originally constructed in 1844 by architect Richard Bridgens. The building was less artistically designed with only an archway present between two blocks compared to the present building. This red house however, facilitated the movement of people through the streets that were either walking or using horse-drawn carriages. It was painted red in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria giving it its name, however, it was destroyed by a fire during the water riots in 1903. The Red house was then later rebuilt from 1904-1906. This magnificent building that resides in the heart of Trinidad (Port-of-Spain) and faces Woodford Square was designed by German architect Daniel Meinerts Hahn. A Greek-revival architectural style can be seen with French designs incorporated in this structure through the use of Corinthian/ composite columns, pilasters, round-head and segmental arches, fluted jambs, balustrade, cupola and French-styled dormers. The design of the Red house is one of brilliance and awe that makes you sit and think about the building when it had now been created. The atmosphere at that time, the common people’s thoughts at seeing this building. There is so much to look at and think about such as the past and what had led to its development. Admiring this building brings up thoughts on all the struggles, riots and events that have led to its present conditions. There are thoughts on the future and what this once grand building in all of its glory would look like after renovations are completed. In 1990, members of the Jamaat-Al-Muslimeen tried to overthrow the government through what is infamously known as “the coup” making this the last assault till date that occurred in the Red house. The most recent article of the Red house was written in 2013 where indigenous bones dated 430AD-1390AD were found beneath the flooring. The Trinidad and Tobago’s First Nation Community descendants believes that the site of the Red house was built on either sacred burial or massacre grounds leading to the belief that restless spirits reside in the Red house.

The Red House stands as a pillar of democracy, it shows the battle for freedom from colonialism won by our forefathers. Although this building had British roots in terms of its architecture and purpose, it is now used as the Seat of Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. However, currently the Red House is under repairs, so Parliament was relocated to the International Waterfront Centre on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain. The irony that a building constructed for British desire is now used to keep this nation independent and stable is witnessed. What was symbolic for our oppression now represents our independence… But are we really independent if we still depend on a British colonial building to be our Seat of Parliament, the most esteemed form of independence?

The Post-Colonial theory is most suiting for the situation of the Red House. The battle of a nation, where there’s a desire to be an independent state while still having an inferiority complex. The Post-Colonial theory explains that although colonies gain physical independence, mentally, they are still dependent. This can be related to the concept of the Red house being used as the seat of Parliament. Even though we have become an independent nation, the British had influenced our ways of living that a unique cultural identity is hard to establish without the involvement of our colonial history.

The Red house stands today desolate and dreary as renovations are ongoing. Even though the building projects a bleak aura, its former glory can still be seen through its unique combination of architectural designs. However, the question remains, whether this gem of Trinidad and Tobago which has the stigma of Colonialism associated with it, be used as the platform where we as an independent nation make our most important decisions.

Bibliography

Boodram, Kim. The Colorful History of the Red House. July 26th, 2013. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/The-colourful-history-of-the-Red-House-217186311.html (accessed March 23rd, 2016).

Williams, Peter Childs and R.J. Patrick. An Introduction to Post-Colinial Theory. New York: Routledge, 2014.