00:00 While many frequent Fort George for the panoramic views, this site holds much more than meets
00:07 the eye.
00:08 In fact, Fort George boasts a rich history, including one of the earliest connections
00:13 to the Ashanti Kingdom.
00:16 After 142 years, the Asante-Ene became the second person of Royal African Heritage to
00:22 grace Fort George, the first being Prince Kovienti of the Ashanti, who was brought to
00:27 Trinidad in the 1800s, and who designed the signal station, which remains standing today.
00:35 The two sons who were taken away, one died and then one, Kovinti, because of tuberculosis,
00:41 they decided to send him down to Trinidad because the weather was similar to Ghana.
00:48 And this is the edifice that I see here that he came to design and then construct.
00:58 So what the British thought they were sending him away, I get a benefit of my brothers and
01:05 sisters here in Trinidad with this edifice as I stand here.
01:10 So to me, it is gladdening for me to be here to see this.
01:18 The Asante-Ene says the signal station symbolizes not only the relationship between Ghana and
01:24 TNT, but also the strength of African people.
01:28 That goes to enure to the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana.
01:35 And this affirms the resilience of the black people that we cannot and we shall not be
01:45 conquered or subdued by any other race.
01:48 Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell, noted the inseparable influence
01:53 of African traditions and heritage on all culture.
01:57 This fort serves as a living testament to the unity of our past and the richness of
02:03 our shared heritage.
02:05 Let us join hands in celebrating the tapestry of our history, embracing our cultural diversity
02:12 and welcoming all comers to experience the magnificence of Fort George and the spirit
02:18 of Trinidad and Tobago.
02:21 The minister and the king then signed a commemorative card, which is on display at the fort.
02:26 Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
02:29 [BLANK_AUDIO]
