The St James Park and Amphitheatre, a historic cultural hub in Trinidad and Tobago, is currently undergoing a significant restoration effort led by the St James Community Improvement Committee (CIC). Once a vibrant venue for events like WeBeat St James Live, the space had deteriorated over the years, becoming overgrown with vegetation, a refuge for the homeless, and a dumping site for waste. Under the leadership of President Maurice Simpson and Vice President Keron Moraldo, the CIC has initiated a comprehensive cleanup project to revive the area and restore its former glory. The first phase of the restoration involved removing the fence separating the park from the amphitheatre, which has been repositioned to the curb. Volunteers, including Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne, have joined the effort, using tools like weedwhackers and cutlasses to clear overgrown bushes. The committee aims to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment while fostering community pride and nostalgia. The CIC has also called for partnerships with corporate Trinidad and Tobago to support the ongoing restoration, refurbishment, and revitalization of the space. Originally part of a 1995 ‘master plan’ for tourist development by the then Tidco, the site was envisioned as a cultural corridor within the town center, with plans for improved infrastructure, landscaping, and amenities. The restoration project seeks to breathe new life into this vision, ensuring the park and amphitheatre remain a cherished community asset.
