THE CITY LOGO:

Can represent either the Steelpan or Tassa. They also represent togetherness.

Nothing is insurmountable. Also the Hill around which the City is built.

Productivity and the Oil Industry.

Reflects shelter for all races.

Represents the Sugar Industry & San Fernando's historical & contemporary role as a centre of agricultural activity.

Represents the humble beginnings of the City as a fishing village.

In a healthy environment we will find strength.

POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION

The San Fernando City Corporation is a body corporate, and the powers of the Corporation are exercised by its Council through its staff. The functions of the Corporation are delegated by the Central Government.

The Corporation falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Local Government, to whom responsibility for Local Government has been assigned.

The history of local government administration dates back to 1845, when a Town Council was established and the Municipalities of San Fernando came into being. Some eight years later, she was elevated to a Borough and her first Mayor was Dr. Robert Johnstone. San Fernando continued to blossom and as a result of the income she generated, she earned the title of 'the Industrial Capital' of Trinidad and Tobago.

The City's wealth, together with the sustained level of economic activity, contributed to an increased sense of importance for San Fernando, culminating in its elevation to City status on 18^th November 1988. With this elevation, a new crest was designed for the City, incorporating all the major aspects of life in San Fernando. The crest includes the sea, the hills, a fishing boat, cane stalk, oil tank, house and two discs.

Within the first year of childhood, San Fernando was twinned with the town of Trinite, Martinique and once again, ties with the French were established.

The City is divided into nine electoral districts, each represented by a Councillor. The nine councillors and the (appointed) Aldermen all sit on the San Fernando City Council chaired by the Mayor.

HISTORY

The earliest inhabitants of the town (the aboriginal Indians) called it 'Anaparima', which some translate to mean a 'single hill' and others 'a place without water'.

Maybe the first translation 'single hill' is more appropriate, as there exists a hill in the centre of the City. This hill it is claimed, was once the home of the Waraho Indians. Legend also has it that one Waraho hero, Haburi who was fleeing with his mother from the frog woman of Orinoco, entered Trinidad, and they were transformed into the Mountain Anaparima. It is believed that this caused Warahos to continue visiting San Fernando until the 1900s.

The then town of San Fernando was christened San Fernando de Naparima by Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon in 1784, after recovering from the King of Spain. This was gesture of respect to the infant son of the King. With the passage of time, 'de Naparima' has been dropped.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The City of San Fernando is one of the two cities that exist in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is situated in the South Western area of the island of Trinidad and the Gulf of Paria gently washes upon its shores. The Gulf separates Trinidad from the South American mainland and on a clear day, one can see the coastline of Venezuela from San Fernando.

A significant feature of the San Fernando skyline is the San Fernando Hill, now a miniature of its former self, as eager quarry operators extracted her soil until 1977. As a result of this, her natural flora and wildlife was lost, but what remains today, offers one of the most panoramic views of the City, the Gulf of Paria and environs.

The Hill was declared a National Park in 1980, and attempts were made to restore some of the vegetation and install facilities for residents and tourists. These include a children's playground and picnic tables. During the months of January to May, it is indeed a pleasure to see people flying kites from its summit.

ECONOMIC HISTORY

Apart from generating considerable revenue on its own, most of the other income created in the southern areas of the island passed through San Fernando. For instance, many years ago, sugar produced at the Usine Ste. Madeline factory was exported via the Cipero Tramway in San Fernando. Other forms of agricultural produce grown in the rich and fertile southern districts also passed through this illustrious City on their way to North Trinidad and other Caribbean islands. It must be noted too, that San Fernando once had fertile cocoa and coffee fields.

SCENIC BEAUTY

Apart from the panoramic view extended from atop the San Fernando Hill, another scenic place to visit is Harris Promenade, named after Lord Harris. It houses City Hall, the Magistrates Court, Supreme Court, Police Station, three churches and two schools. The Promenade also has a cluster of flowering trees and, at certain times of the year it takes on the appearance of either a yellow or orange coloured carpet, created by fallen flowers. There is also a bandstand, a statute of Mahatma Gandhi and the famous 'last train' engine on the Promenade. The entire Harris Promenade will be refurbished in the new year. This is in keeping with the beatification of cities. It would resemble its sister Brian Lara Promenade in Port-of-Spain on completion.

The extreme ends of this area give two different views. The eastern end houses the Carnegie Library, which was opened in 1919. The Library stands in an area where seven roads met. This junction point is commonly called the 'Library Corner', and is full of life and movement. The western end hosts the San Fernando General Hospital with her imposing wings and breathtaking view of the Gulf of Paria.

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