Rushworth Street, the longest street in the city of San Fernando, is a combination of dwelling houses and business places, some dating back to the late 19th century.
The total length of the street, which stretches from the San Fernando By-Pass to a point overlooking Lady Hailes Avenue, is approximately one mile, comprising of steep hills, where visitors can get panoramic views of the city.
From Lady Hailes Avenue, too, one can see the most magnificent view of the Gulf of Paria and the famous rock in the sea, which is called Farallon.
Rushworth Street was named after a former acting governor by the name of Edward Everard Rushworth who paid a visit to San Fernando on May 16, 1866. At the time of his visit, George Lambie was mayor (1865-1867).
Of Governor Rushworth's visit, the following was recorded in the San Fernando Gazette: "His Excellency, the Administrator of the Government, Edward Everard Rushworth, paid his first visit to San Fernando and Naparima on Monday last. On the arrival of the steamer, His Excellency proceeded to La Falaise, and rode up the zig zig path to the top of San Fernando Hill, where he remained for sometime enjoying the beauty and luxuriance of the view."
The exact date of the construction was unknown because it was built in two phases - a western end and eastern end. The western end was constructed first, But at the time of its construction, the areas around Rushworth Street were not part of the town. These areas were Les Efforts Estate and the Colonial Company Ltd.
A number of historic streets now intersect Rushworth Street. These were named after several past governors and monarchs. They are: Keate, Sutton, Lewis, Gordon, Harris, Irving and Freeling who were past governors, and Prince Alfred, Prince Albert and Prince of Wales, all monarchs of England.
The eastern end of the street was constructed later. It had stopped at point in Les Efforts Estate, but was later merged with the San Fernando By-Pass when it was constructed in the 1940s. This extension opened up new opportunities for housing developments in Les Efforts and Pleasantville.
At Les Efforts East and West there are a number of middle class houses. Along Rushworth Street, there are many small businesses which include supermarkets, phamacies, snackettes, travel agencies, restaurants, doctors offices, a bank, a gas station, travel agencies, all existing harmoniously in a residential environment, but contributing significantly to the economy of the city.
At the eastern end of the street is the San Fernando Girls' and Boys Government Primary Schools. At one time there was only one school in which both boys and girls attended. Today, however, there are two schools which are separated by a fence.
Both schools have earned a name for themselves by having a high rate of success at the Common Entrance Examination. Many leading citizens of San Fernando have attended these schools in the past.
The western wend of the street has some interesting buildings and activities that take place. There is the Vishwanath Mandir which is below the level of the street; its towering concrete embellishments cannot be missed.
Not far from this mandir is the Seventh Day Adventists Community Services Centre, which provides family services such as medical and dental care. At this centre there is also a health food store and a book centre.
Opposite this centre is the Seventh Day Adventists Church which is perched on a hill overlooking San Fernando. Opposite the church is a building which was formerly used as a secondary school. This school has been relocated to more spacious surroundings at Duncan Village.
As the street continues due west, it intersects Independence Avenue and continues towards the sea. There you will Court Shamrock, which was constructed in 1945. This rustic building houses a lodge. Beyond the lodge is the Southern Administrative Centre of the Works Division and the Southern Headquarters of the Girl Guides Movement.
The street ends abruptly in the midst of a number of government quarters.
But even some from that point there are lots to see because many have said that
it is the most prestigious place to witness the setting of the evening sun.
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