By: Paul Sarran
June 23, 2026
The future of any city depends on the leadership that is willing to listen, innovate, and respond to the needs of its citizens. The City of San Fernando, being the second city of Trinidad and Tobago, holds a significant role in the country’s social and economic development. The vision for a modern, safe, and sustainable San Fernando requires commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to place community development above political differences.
The Mayor of the City of San Fernando, Robert Parris, has consistently expressed publicly his desire to advance the city through practical and innovative solutions. His focus has included transforming older buildings into modern spaces, creating cleaner and safer communities, improving road safety through repairing damaged roads and potholes, establishing proper vending spaces, and strengthening the overall environment of the city.
These priorities reflect the everyday concerns of residents who want a city that is functional, attractive, and safe. Development is not only about major projects; it is also about addressing the smaller issues that directly impact citizens’ daily lives.
Across Trinidad and Tobago, following the 2025 change in administration led by the UNC, thousands of workers previously employed through CEPEP and URP lost their jobs. These programmes historically played a role in maintaining communities, public spaces, drainage systems, and other areas requiring regular upkeep. The transition created challenges in ensuring essential maintenance work continued at the same level across many communities.
As a result, concerns were raised by citizens about the condition of public spaces, including sidewalks, recreational areas, drains, highways, and community facilities. When proper maintenance is lacking, the consequences extend beyond appearance. Poorly maintained environments can affect the quality of life for families and communities.
Within this national context, the San Fernando City Corporation implemented a drainage programme aimed at assisting communities requiring significant cleaning and maintenance. This initiative sought to address areas where additional attention was needed and ensure residents continued receiving necessary services.
On June 19, 2026, Labour Day, Mayor Robert Parris and his team visited the Marabella Recreational Grounds to engage with community members and assess concerns surrounding the facility. This visit highlighted an important aspect of public leadership: being present where issues exist and engaging directly with the people affected.
Effective leadership is not measured by speeches alone but by the ability to identify problems and work toward solutions. The Mayor has become known for addressing community concerns and focusing on completing projects rather than engaging in unnecessary controversy.
I applaud Mayor Robert Parris for his professionalism and patience in this matter. In public life, leaders will always face different opinions and criticism, but the ability to remain focused on the work required is a true reflection of leadership. His approach demonstrated the importance of keeping the interests of the community as the priority.
Many residents have expressed that Mayor Parris is an on-the-ground leader who wants the best for the people and the continued development of the City of San Fernando. His willingness to visit communities, listen to residents, and observe challenges firsthand has contributed to the belief among many that he remains connected to the people he serves.
However, in modern politics, disagreements are inevitable. A healthy democracy allows different perspectives, but there must also be recognition that certain moments should be dedicated to service, collaboration, and community advancement.
The concerns raised by a UNC Alderman regarding the Mayor’s visit to the Marabella Recreational Grounds created public discussion. The Alderman suggested that the visit was politically motivated and raised concerns about interactions at the event. However, based on discussions with community members and those present, there were residents who viewed the visit differently.
The caretaker of the community reportedly welcomed the Mayor’s presence and expressed appreciation that a municipal leader was engaging directly with residents. The concerns surrounding the recreational grounds were not limited to appearance but included maintenance, sporting activities, and ensuring the facility continues serving the community.
This moment represents a wider issue in public life: the need to separate political competition from community development. A recreational ground belongs to the people, not a political party. Any effort to improve such a facility should be welcomed because the benefit goes directly to residents.
The Mayor’s response emphasised unity and service. He stated that residents, volunteers, workers of the San Fernando City Corporation, and community stakeholders came together with one common goal: serving the community. He highlighted that the focus should remain on teamwork, volunteerism, and improving the lives of citizens.
The message is clear: communities benefit when people work together. Political differences will always exist, but they should not prevent progress. Citizens expect elected representatives to focus on results and practical solutions.
San Fernando faces challenges like every city. Roads require attention, public spaces require maintenance, and communities require continued investment. These issues cannot be solved through political disagreements alone. They require cooperation between elected officials, residents, businesses, and community organizations.
The call for a united council is therefore important. A divided council may create unnecessary tension, but a united council can create meaningful solutions. Leadership should be judged by transparency, accountability, and the ability to improve the lives of the people.
At the end of the day, residents will remember the condition of their communities, the safety of their neighbourhoods, and the opportunities created for future generations. The development of San Fernando must remain bigger than politics.
The author holds a BSc in Political Science from The University of the West Indies.
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