Following a $15 million restoration, the Lopinot Historical Complex now stands renewed.
Phase 3 of the restoration saw improvements on the cocoa house, the jail, the count house, and more.
Project Manager Anil Jaimungal shared how the contracting company Fides Limited was able to restore the Complex: “A lot of work went into this, because we started from foundation restoring and fixing where necessary. The walls were dilapidated and falling apart because the walls of this building is made out of dirt so we had to restore it using back the same dirt and other mechanisms to fix it into position, also we did over the roof and all other exterior finishes.”
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell spoke on the significance of this Complex in preserving history that will be passed down to the younger generations.
“It is the preservation of our cultural history. For young children, the next generations, to learn about what this place was and where we have come from in Trinidad and Tobago, our colonial history, the history of those who were enslaved and the plantation-type economy that we once had.”
Minister of National Security and PNM candidate for Arouca/Lopinot Marvin Gonzales, while reflecting on his early days as the MP for the area, recalled the commitment he made to the residents on the restoration of the Complex. He said today he is proud to see the third phase of the project completed.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I must say, whilst I did not make a promise, but I gave a commitment that as a representative, I will work with the government to ensure that this site is returned to its pristine glory, I feel a sense of pride that this was accomplished and this was done for the people of Lopinot and surrounding communities.”
The Lopinot Historical Complex receives 75,000 visitors annually. Chief Executive Officer of the Lopinot Tourism Association Donna Mora shared some of the things that visitors could look forward to.
“They will be able to see the artefacts; they’ll be able to see some of the photos of our legends, Lopinot is the home of parang. They will understand that this was a cocoa plantation, they will get to taste the cocoa, they will get to dance the cocoa, they’ll get to go in the cocoa estate. We have a session where they get to make the chocolate. However, this estate has another side, they have the riverside. Thousands of visitors come to have a good time and make their curry duck and goat.”
The Lopinot Historical Complex is expected to generate local economic value and boost tourism in the area. Minister Mitchell said discussions are underway with the Emancipation Support Committee regarding the creation of monuments around the compound to honour those who died on the estate.