National Trust adds 8 properties to list of protected sites

The Carnegie Free Library and Naipaul House are among eight heritage properties that the National Trust has successfully added to the group of legally protected heritage sites in Trinidad and Tobago. The eight properties have the new designation of “Listed Properties of Interest” status, which means the National Trust must be consulted on any plans for modification or renovation to the buildings before any work begins. Demolition of these sites is forbidden.

Notwithstanding the legal protections now applied to these properties, it should be noted that getting sites to this status is a collaborative process between the National Trust and property owners who often want the new status for their property. The new provision for 150% of investments in heritage conservation to attract relief on taxable profits has given further impetus to restoration projects for approved heritage sites.

The status of “Listed Property of Interest” is designated in the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago Act as an important safeguard used to protect historically important properties of interest. . The Trust partners with owners, managers and other institutions or community groups to ensure the Grade of protection afforded by the Act is adhered to. One of the goals of the National Trust is to identify and ‘List’ historically important tangible heritage assets so that these can be protected and provide access to a better understanding of the country’s history.

Listed Properties of Interest are distinct from other properties on the Inventory of Heritage Assets in that the latter do not yet enjoy the same protections. Properties are listed from the Inventory once a dossier has been created which justifies that they have met the national criteria in the National Trust Act and have been approved by the Council of the National Trust and the Minister of Planning and Development.

The full complement of newly ‘Listed Properties of Interest’ are:

1. Lopinot House

Lopinot House (Image Source: Omatie Asha Biroo)

2. Knowsley Building

Knowsley Building

3. Woodford Square

Woodford Square Fountain (Image Source: Denzel Reid)

4. Cabildo Building

Cabildo Fountain (Image Source: Juliette Mcawley)

5. George Brown House

George Brown House

6. Carnegie Free Library

Carnegie Free Library San Fernando

7. Naipaul House

Naipaul House

8. PTSC/ Trinidad Government Railway Building

Trinidad Government Railway Building

For more information on the “Listing” process and how to nominate properties see our official Listing Policy and Procedure document.