FORT GEORGE AND THE AFRICAN CONNECTION

CCNTV6

Ghanaian King, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was brimming with emotion upon visiting Fort George in St. James on Wednesday. As he noted one former Ghanaian Prince's contribution to our historic site, he said, the site reaffirms the relationship between Ghana and T&T, as well as the resilience of Black people. Rynessa Cutting reports.

Transcript

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]

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