The National Trust Responds to 1st March Sunday Guardian Article on Cedar Grove Sugar Estate Remains

Home » The National Trust Responds to 1st March Sunday Guardian Article on Cedar Grove Sugar Estate Remains

March 9, 2026

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago notes the article published in the Sunday Guardian on 1 March 2026, as well as the related news segment concerning the remains of the Cedar Grove Sugar Estate at Palmiste and the advocacy efforts of the Palmiste Historical Society.

The Trust’s mandate under the National Trust Act, Chap. 40:53, is to identify, record, conserve and promote sites and structures of architectural, historical and cultural significance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. In keeping with this mandate, the Cedar Grove Sugar Estate remains, including the chimney stack and associated factory elements, are included on the Trust’s Heritage Asset Inventory.

The site represents a well-preserved and tangible example of Trinidad’s colonial-era industrial landscape and sugar heritage. As one of the few surviving factory remnants of this type, it holds significant interpretive value for understanding plantation society, the evolution of sugar production, and the layered histories of enslavement, indentureship and post-emancipation labour systems in South Trinidad.

The Trust confirms that it is presently engaged in efforts to formally document the site with a view to pursuing appropriate legal protection. These efforts recommenced in August 2025 and remain ongoing. As with all heritage matters of this nature, there is an established statutory and administrative process. This includes consultation and collaboration with the property owners, the relevant Regional Corporation, and the wider community to ensure that any proposed protective measures are informed, balanced and sustainable.

Given the age and condition of the structure, the site presents inherent safety risks. Deteriorated masonry, unstable brickwork, concealed voids and overgrown surfaces may result in falling material or ground instability. For these reasons, unauthorised access to the site is strongly discouraged. Such access not only poses a serious risk to personal safety, but may also contribute to further structural damage or loss of historic fabric.

The National Trust commends the Palmiste Historical Society for its continued advocacy and for bringing public attention to this important heritage asset. The Society’s sustained work in Palmiste and the wider San Fernando area has contributed meaningfully to raising awareness of local history and fostering community pride in shared heritage. Such civic engagement plays an important role in the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural patrimony.

The Trust remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that sites of national significance are appropriately recognised and safeguarded for present and future generations.

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