Architecture Tour: The Lost Beauty of the Salamat Ali House

This house no longer stands, but for many, the Salamat Ali House remains a cherished memory. Once a well-known traditional home, it belonged to Salamat Ali, a former Town Clerk of Arima, a highly respected position during the colonial era. The house was a striking example of local craftsmanship, adorned with intricate fretwork, a porte-cochère, and a unique decorative feature—its exterior was embellished with shells. Sadly, this architectural gem was demolished in 2016.

I was fortunate to visit the property before it was torn down, though I couldn’t explore the interior or get close-up shots. Still, standing outside, camera in hand, I found myself filled with questions. Who was this man and the family who lived here? What was life like in Arima at the time? And the shells—who decided to decorate the house that way? Was it part of the original design, or did it evolve over time?

A quick online search didn’t yield much information, but I did come across a post on Angelo Bissessarsingh's Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page. It featured a drawing of the house and the caption:

"Another beautiful old house that’s no more—sad. Salamat Ali House, Arima by Zzoppyart. Now demolished, this house was located in Pro Queen St, Arima, and was known locally as the Salamat Ali House."

The comment section was filled with people reminiscing, asking about its history, and sharing what they knew. Some wondered who Salamat Ali was, while others fondly remembered or commented on the house’s beauty. A few commenters who had lived nearby or known the family offered insights, and one person even mentioned they had historical details saved and would share them when they found them.

According to the commenters, some of the key details shared were:

Salamat Ali was the original owner of the house, which stood on Pro Queen Street, Arima. He served as Arima’s Town Clerk during the colonial period, a role that made him the chief administrator of the town and a figure of great respect. He was known for his impeccable style, always dressed in a suit and tie as he walked to his office, earning him the affectionate nickname “D Governor” among Arimians.

It’s a shame that this house wasn’t preserved, even in part, to maintain some of its historical charm. I’m not sure what stands on the site today, but if you’re from Arima or have any insights, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment and let’s continue uncovering the stories behind these architectural treasures.