“In Honour of Sugar” The formal opening of the Sugar Archives Centre and Sevilla Sugar Museum
The Sugar Archives Centre and the Sevilla Sugar Museum was formally opened at the Sugar Heritage Village, Brechin Castle, Couva on Wednesday 5th August, 2015 under the theme “In Honour of Sugar”.
Hosted by the Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration, Dr. Rodger Samuel, the grand event was attended by Minister of Tourism, Mr. Gerald Hadeed, Minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Joan Mendez, Chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation, Councillor Henry Awong, and Former Chairman of the Sugar Village Project Steering Committee, Professor Brinsley Samaroo.
The Sugar Heritage Village was born out of a need to preserve the memories of one of the most important industries of our country, Trinidad and Tobago’s sugar industry.
The Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration is one of the key partners on this project with representation by the National Museum and Art Gallery and the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago. These agencies have key responsibilities for the implementation and coordination of the Sevilla Sugar Museum and the Sugar Archives Centre.
Located on the former premises of the Caroni Brechin Castle Medical Clinic, the Sugar Archives Centre stands as the repository of the documentary heritage of the sugar industry of of Trinidad and Tobago. It currently houses the records of Caroni (1975) Ltd and those passed on from its predecessor Caroni Ltd. It is expected that the collection will expand to include other records of significance to the industry through acquisitions from individuals and organizations. Through the Centre's collection of minutes, annual reports, photographs, blueprints, oral histories and audiovisual media, the evidence of our 'bittersweet' past is preserved - in particular the voices of those who have toiled tirelessly in the cane fields, factories, clinics, laboratories and offices.
The Sevilla Sugar Museum is located at the Sevilla House – the beautiful abode constructed in the 1940s by a former general manager of Tate and Lyle, the company which ran the industry before its takeover by Government in 1975.
The Sevilla Sugar Museum will house artefacts from the Brechin Castle sugar estate such as tools and machinery, parts of transportation equipment, and registers. Donations from former Caroni (1975) Ltd employees and the general public will be welcomed.
Public tours by advanced bookings only, will begin on Friday 14th August, 2015 to run until Saturday 14th November, 2015 during the hours of 10:00am – 2:00pm from Monday to Saturday. For bookings, please call 625-2689 or 636-1885. Bookings must be made one week in advance.
Viewing of the Brechin Castle estate register at the Sugar Archives Centre's inaugural exhibition "The Rise and Fall of King Sugar." In photo, right to left are: Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration, Dr. Rodger Samuel, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Gerald Hadeed, Minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh, Coast Guard Lieutenant Kirk Jean-Baptiste, Government Archivist, Ms. Avril Belfon and Adviser to the Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration, Dr. Nurah Rosalie Cordner.