Urban Exclusivity

Throughout the world most rural environment involves the exploitation and extraction of natural resources within the primary sector of the economy, for example fishing and agriculture. The primary economic sector plays a key role in developing the activities to which rural communities are centered, and it influences the types of jobs that are created and available. The urban environment on the other hand is mainly related to activities associated with secondary and tertiary sector of the economy, more so the tertiary sector than secondary in the city of Port of Spain, Trinidad. The city is saturated with white collar type employment. There is stark contrast between the activities of rural and urban areas. The urban city of Port of Spain displays evidence of both the wealthy minority and the lesser fortunate majority.  Certain parts of the city showcase material extravagance and are stigmatized as being upper-class, for example St. Claire and West-moorings.

Over time lifestyle expectations have changed drastically and alternately influenced the livelihood of many persons. The dominance of the secondary and tertiary sectors has led to the growth of urban gentrified communities. Within those communities what you tend to find is a culture of exclusivity exist due the abundance of wealthy influences (Hall and Barrett 1998). 

On the island, the majority of companies have their headquarters based in Port of Spain with smaller branches dispersed throughout the island. Consequently some of the highest paying jobs are concentrated within the city. The advantage of this is that it provides permanent well-paying jobs that persons can take advantage of. However it creates exclusivity and only the wealthy are able to afford the more extravagant things in life, the lesser fortunate doesn't get a slice of the pie. 

In an article by BBC on Trinidad and Tobago it states that:

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, the exploitation of which dominates its economy.

The availability of oil and gas has paved the path for the great success and concentration of wealth that the country enjoys. Take a look at the photo below. 

The photo above shows a combination of different corporate companies that are located within the city of Port of Spain and provides enticing employment opportunities for the well-educated and advantaged population of the country. The Royal Bank of Canada, Tatil Insurance Co, UDECOTT, BHP Billiton, British Petroleum headquarters and Eric Williams Financial Complex. Employment with such or similar companies dispenses a more than satisfactory salary that allows people to afford the luxurious things that life has to offer.

 The photo above displays some of the material things that persons are able to obtain as a result of having high paying jobs. These material items have become part and parcel of the livelihood of rich urban dwellers. The photo illustrates a formal work outfit, an expensive executive range rover, the 12th floor of 'The Renaissance Tower' at Shorelands, Port of Spain, one of the most expensive but finest restaurants in Port of Spain 'Prime' and lastly a yacht sailing off the coast of Chaguaramas. Sadly they are available exclusively and not everyone are able to enjoy such luxuries. The urban life displays great disparity between the rich and poor. 

Reference

Hall, Tim, and Heather Barrett. 1998.Urban geography. London: Routledge.

"Trinidad and Tobago profile. 2007. " BBC News. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-20072231 (accessed April 8, 2014).