The Royal Borough of Arima (population 35,000) is the fourth largest town in Trinidad and Tobago. Located 26 km (16 miles) east of the capital, Port of Spain, Arima supports the only organised indigenous community in the country, the Santa Rosa Carib Community and is the seat of the Carib Queen (currently Valentina Medina). Arima was founded in 1757 by Capuchin friars as a mission to convert the Amerindian population to Christianity. The name is reported to mean 'water'.
Arima petitioned Queen Victoria for municipal status as part of her Golden Jubilee in 1887. This was granted the following year and Arima became a Royal Borough on August 1, 1888. Historically the third town of Trinidad, Arima has slid into fourth position as Chaguanas has boomed into the largest town in the country.
The calypsonian Lord Kitchener (1922-2000) was a favoured son of Arima. His remains are interred in the Santa Rosa Roman Catholic Cemetery, Arima.
Culture and entertainment
Arima hosts annual Borough Day anniversary celebration in August. The celebration incorporates Carnival-style street parades and usually coincide with the staging of the Santa Rosa Carib Community annual festival. The annual Arima Carnival includes street parades of masqueraders on Carnival Tuesday, J'ouvert bands on Carnival Monday as well as a local calypso competition.
Attractions
Asa Wright Nature Centre
Located in Arima Valley, you can enjoy a nature walk or a refreshing swim in the freshwater pond.
Santa Rosa Carib Centre
View items from Arima's native history and interact with the ancestors of the Caribs in Arima. Native items also available for purchase.
Cleaver Woods
Nature walks and Amerindian exhibits make this attraction a favorite with school tours.
Education
There are several primary (private and public) and secondary educational institutions in Arima, and some post-secondary level technical training institutes. St. Joseph's Convent, Arima was closed many years ago and the building now houses a retreat centre called Emmaus Centre.
Arima Schools
Primary
- Arima Girls' Roman Catholic
- Arima Boys' Roman Catholic
- Arima Girls' Government
- Arima Boys' Government
- Arima New Government
- St. Hilary's Private
Secondary
- Arima Government Secondary
- Arima Senior Comprehensive
- Holy Cross College</nowiki>
Post-secondary Institutions
- Ambi's Career Institute
- College of Professional Studies
- Zenith Educational Institute
References
- Anthony, Michael (2001). Historical Dictionary of Trinidad and Tobago. Scarecrow Press, Inc. Lanham, Md., and London. ISBN 0-8108-3173-2.
