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US Southern Command (Southcom) US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, PoS mayor Chinua Alleyne and US Ambassador Candace Bond, along with other members of the US Navy and the Pos Spain City Council at the Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry gate at the Lapeyrouse Cemetery on Tragarete Road after the ribbon-cutting on December 10, 2024. - Photo by Paula LindoThe Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry Gate to the Lapeyrouse Cemetery has been fully refurbished, through a collaboration between the US Embassy, the TT Coast Guard and the Port of Spain City Corporation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on December 10 for the gate, on the north side of the cemetery, on Tragarete Road, opposite Stanmore Avenue.
The gate is wrought iron, flanked by two stone pillars and a plaque on either side. The plaques read, "Perry Gateway, presented by Americans in Trinidad in 1925. In honour of that illustrious hero and Christian gentleman who died in Port of Spain (on) August 23, 1819, and who was interred in this cemetery until removal of his remains to Newport USA by the USS Lexington in 1826.
"In appreciation of the chivalrous kindness shown by the people of Port of Spain on the occasion of his funeral. In hopefulness that peace and goodwill between the United States and the British Empire may forever endure."
US Ambassador Candace Bond said the ceremony not only marked the refurbishment of the gate, but paid tribute to a remarkable figure in US naval history.
“Commodore Perry, a hero of the war of 1812, is best remembered for his valour and leadership in the battle of Lake Erie, where his famous declaration, ‘We have met the enemy and they are ours,' became a rallying cry for American naval forces. His legacy of courage and determination continues to inspire.”
According to Britannica.com, the War of 1812 was between the US and Britain over British violations of US maritime rights. The battle of Lake Erie was a major US naval victory during the war, when Perry's fleet of ships engaged a British fleet. His victory reversed the course of the northwest campaign and forced the British to abandon Detroit.
US Southern Command (Southcom) US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey said the event marks a significant milestone in the US’ partnership with TT.
“Commodore Thomas Perry is a national hero in the US who distinguished himself in the war of 1812. One of the flags we have here is a direct representation of his courage.
Port of Spain mayor Chinua Alleyne shows the plaque marking the Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry gate at the Lapeyrouse Cemetery on Tragarete Road to US Southern Command (Southcom) US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey and US Ambassador Candace Bond after the ribbon-cutting on December 10, 2024. - Photo by Paula Lindo
It is a duplicate of the flag that is set at the US Naval Academy in Memorial Hall with the words, 'Don’t Give Up the Ship.' It was Commodore Perry’s battle flag during the battle of Lake Erie.
He explained Perry's connection with TT.
“He was called upon in 1819 to sail to a small town in northern Venezuela named Angostura (where Angostura bitters were first made in 1830) to negotiate an anti-piracy agreement with the liberator of South America, Simon Bolivar. On his return trip down the Orinoco River to meet his flagship, the USS Constellation, at Port of Spain, he contracted yellow fever and passed away.” Perry was 34.
Holsey said thanks to the kindness of the Trinidad governor and people, Perry was laid to rest with ceremonial honours in Lapeyrouse Cemetery, where he remained until 1826, when he was disinterred and moved to his final resting place in Newport, Rhode Island, where he was born.
Bond said in 1920, one of her predecessors, American consul Henry Baker, wrote to the US Secretary of State recommending that a memorial, tablet or stone be placed at the cemetery to make reference to Perry having been buried there and removed to Newport in 1826.
"So you see, this gate stands as a long-standing symbol of respect and remembrance, honouring the sacrifices made by Commodore Perry and countless others who have served their nations with distinction.
“We have history with this gate. In 2012, the embassy worked alongside the Port of Spain corporation, the Works Ministry, the Tourism Ministry and the crew of the US naval ship Grapple to repaint this storied gate. With the tremendous efforts by the corporation, the TT defence force and the US Southern Command, we are re-dedicating the Perry Gate after a complete refurbishment and repair.”
Holsey said the project delivered a message of hope and solidarity.
“The US and TT have a rich history and in times of need, our shared commitment is unwavering. This gate refurbishment is not just a repair project, it represents enduring friendship for the hardworking people of the PoS city corporation, the defence force engineers, and the team at the US Embassy Southcom who found a way to assist with funding.”
Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne said the gate represented the full embodiment of the relationship between the people of the US and the people of TT.
“We of the council of the city of Port of Spain are very proud of this monument within our city. We are very proud to collaborate with the US Embassy and the defence force in this restoration project.
“We look forward to next year as well, when this monument turns 100 years old, as it was erected on Easter Monday, 1925, so next year this monument will be celebrating a century. It stood and will continue to stand the test of time, where it will continue to represent the growing relationship between our two peoples.”
English (US) ·