Was it truly named for St John the Baptist? That’s a question many ask when they first arrive in San Juan-Laventille. San Juan-Laventille stands as a testament to Trinidad’s rich history. It is a vibrant region that has evolved from a small village to a bustling hub.
Established around 1790, San Juan initially bore the name San Juan de Aricagua. This name was derived from a nearby river or stream. Long before its official founding, Capuchin missionaries had erected a mission church in the area. They dedicated it to San Juan Bautista.
When Governor José María Chacón arrived in 1784, the mission might have disappeared. However, he recognized the strategic importance of the region. Chacón constructed a six-mile carriage road linking Puerto España and San José de Oruña. He envisioned a settlement midway between these two towns to enhance communication.
The influx of immigrants under the Spanish Cedula of Population further spurred Chacón’s decision. These French-speaking estate workers transformed San Juan into an area of high productivity. However, they struggled with the Spanish pronunciation. Locals often referred to the village as “Seh War.”
From its inception, San Juan thrived as a busy mart. It served as a gateway and carriageway for regions east of Puerto España. By the 19th century, both San Juan village and Aricagua had their own Commandants. Francis Derieux oversaw the village. De La Haute Belisle was responsible for the rest of Aricagua.
Following Emancipation in 1834, freed people flocked to the old village. San Juan gained a police post. Constable Charles Mason was stationed there in 1851.
A significant moment in San Juan’s history occurred in 1876. The railway train made its grand arrival. San Juan became the first station on the line connecting Port-of-Spain to Arima. Crowds cheered as the steam engine rumbled by.
The area known as the Croisee became a bustling center. It throbbed with life. However, San Juan remained a small village. Nearly a century later, in 1968, the Trinidad Government Railway withdrew the Port-of-Spain to San Juan leg. By then, San Juan had grown from a few hundred residents to a population of 30,000.
Today, the San Juan-Laventille Regional Corporation is headquartered in Aranguez. Other important urban areas include Barataria, Laventille, and Morvant. San Juan-Laventille is the smallest region in Trinidad. It stretches from Port of Spain in the west to St Joseph in the east.
The region encompasses diverse areas. These include Maracas Bay, Santa Cruz, Morvant, Barataria, and Petit Bourg. San Juan-Laventille serves a population concentrated along the East-West corridor. Its boundaries extend from Maracas to La Fillette in the north. The southern boundaries include Sea Lots, Beetham Gardens, and the Caroni River.
San Juan-Laventille is more than just a geographical location. It embodies the spirit of Trinidad. Its history is etched in every street and building. From its humble beginnings as a mission site to its role as a railway hub, San Juan-Laventille has always been a place of activity and growth. Its strategic location and diverse population make it a vital part of Trinidad and Tobago.