Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase One of the Accessibility Plan at Mille Fleurs Heritage House, marking an important step toward greater public access and inclusion at one of the nation’s most significant heritage sites.
This phase includes the installation of a wheelchair-accessible ramp, enabling persons with varying mobility needs to access the ground floor of the historic residence. The intervention was carefully designed to respect Mille Fleurs’ Grade 1 heritage status, ensuring that accessibility enhancements were achieved without compromising architectural integrity.
“Heritage must be protected, but it must also be experienced,” said Graeme Suite, CEO of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago. “This milestone reflects our belief that preservation and accessibility are not opposing goals, but shared responsibilities.”
A Living Heritage Space
Constructed in 1904, Mille Fleurs was built by George Brown of the Trinidad Trading Company under the guidance of Dr. Enrique Prada, Trinidad and Tobago’s first Mayor of Port of Spain. Funded by Mrs. Prada as a gift to her husband, the house served as the family’s residence for 19 years and was named Mille Fleurs—“a thousand flowers”—in tribute to Mrs. Prada’s love of gardening and the lush grounds she cultivated.
Over the decades, the property passed through several owners before being acquired by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 1979. It later housed a range of state programmes and served as the headquarters for CARIFESTA V in 1991, before falling into serious disrepair.
Following extensive restoration completed in 2020, Mille Fleurs was handed over to the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2023, the former Mews were refurbished to serve as the Trust’s Headquarters, transforming the site into both a preserved landmark and an active public heritage space.
From Preservation to Participation
The completion of Phase One of the accessibility plan signals a broader shift—from preservation alone to participation. As accessibility improves, the National Trust is encouraging members of the public to visit, engage, and experience heritage firsthand.
Mille Fleurs will soon host the Trust’s upcoming cultural showcase, Tiny Mas, Big Heritage, an immersive Carnival heritage experience that activates the site through music, traditional characters, craft, storytelling, and performance. The event reflects the Trust’s commitment to keeping heritage alive, relevant, and accessible across generations .
Visit Us & Become a Member
Members of the public are invited to visit the National Trust Headquarters at Mille Fleurs, located at 23 Maraval Road, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
By becoming a member of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, individuals directly support the preservation of historic places and natural heritage sites across the country.
Membership Benefits Include:
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Access to the Trust’s Resource Centre
- Participation in governance through elections
- Discounts on Trust events and programmes
Preserving heritage is a shared responsibility—and everyone has a role to play.
About the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago
The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago is dedicated to the preservation of the nation’s built and natural heritage. The Trust works to protect historic places, promote access for all citizens, and foster a deeper appreciation of the stories that shape Trinidad and Tobago.