Homeless Men in Chaguanas - A Part of the Urban Space.

     
As stated by Michael Pacione in Urban Geography, A Global Perspective:

 “Place is a unique and special location in space notable for the fact that the regular activities of human beings occur there. Moreover, because it is a site of such activities and all that they entail, place may furnish the basis of our sense of identity as human beings, as well as for our sense of community with others. In short, places are special sites in space where people live and work and where, therefore, they are likely to form intimate and enduring connections” (p.28.)  

The city of Chaguanas can therefore be described as a bustling business and administrative place, always teeming with human activity, where citizens come from both North and South of Trinidad to shop and conduct business.

As the sun rose on this place, I came across two homeless men walking along the streets in search of a quick morning meal or some other paraphernalia. As it was only 6 am in the city, there were few pedestrians and commuters on the streets as well as vehicles on the road. However, the homeless were present, perusing the streets. These two men were seen in the centre of the city freely roaming. They seemed to be donning all the clothing they possessed. As, they strolled along the streets the few people that were about their daily business paid no attention to them. It was as if they were a part of the eclectic culture of the city, a part of the natural ambience of such an urban place, just a normal occurrence in the city centre.

I admit that I stood at a distance to take the photographs because I could only imaging what odour would be emanating from the men and did not want to them to become aware of that their photograph was being taken, in fear of retaliation. However, I was surprised that other persons passed alongside them as though they were invisible and paid no attention that they were a part of an urban area where they shopped and conducted business. These street dwellers had a share of the urban area of Chaguanas. These two homeless men, were actually at home in the urban area. They have become a biotic part of the place of Chaguanas; a part of the culture of the urban space.

Reference:

Pacione, M. (2005). Urban geography: A global perspective. Psychology Press.

Photo taken on Wednesday 1st April 2015 By Rosa-Marie Ramkissoon.