The Historic Road That Opened Northern Trinidad to the Nation

Few roads in Trinidad and Tobago carry as much history as the Arima-Blanchisseuse Road. Completed in 1931, the 24-mile route transformed travel across the Northern Range, linking the once-isolated coastal village of Blanchisseuse with the rest of the island.

The project was championed by Francis Hosein, who served as Mayor of Arima and recognized the need for improved access to the remote northeastern coastline. His vision helped create a route that not only connected communities but also unlocked some of Trinidad’s most spectacular natural attractions for future generations.

Today, the Arima-Blanchisseuse Road is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Along the journey, visitors encounter popular destinations such as Marianne Gorge, Sapphire Waterfall, and the Las Lapas Lookout, making it one of the country’s most picturesque drives and a favourite for hikers, photographers, cyclists and nature lovers.

Francis Hosein’s legacy extends well beyond infrastructure. He was a respected advocate for the rights of the First Peoples community in Arima and made history in 1901 as the first Indo-Trinidadian to earn an Island Scholarship to Oxford University.

Nearly a century after its completion, the Arima-Blanchisseuse Road remains more than just a transportation route. It stands as a lasting symbol of vision, progress and national development, connecting people not only to one another but also to the remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.