The Port-of-Spain Gazette was first published on September 21, 1825 after the proprietors, John Holman and Company, purchased the rights to the Trinidad Gazette (1821-1825) from publisher William Lewer. The Port of Spain Gazette contains local and international news, editorials, letters to the editors, obituaries and shipping information for the period 1821-1956. The early editions of this paper contained articles in French and English. It was printed bi-weekly in the 19th Century and daily in the 20th Century.

Some of the Publishers/Editors were:

John Holman and Company, 14 Frederick Street Port-of-Spain (1825-1870)

Henry James Mills, 14 Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain (1823-1870)

Henry James Clark, 1 Chacon Street, Port-of-Spain (1871-1875)

Special Editions were sometimes published to commemorate particular occasions. Two such editions in our holdings are:

The Century Edition, September 1925

The Coronation Supplement, May 1953

The Port-of-Spain gazette chronicled the news of the day. There were advertisements from clothing stores to liquor shops. It also featured articles on changes in Legislation such as proclamations and new and amended ordinances. It is one of the oldest newspapers in our records

Excerpts from the Port-of-Spain Gazette showing examples of what was written in the newspapers during the time of slavery.

A large part of the newspaper consisted of notices placed by plantation owners for information on runaway slaves. It also featured announcements of slave auctions, sale and trade of slaves as well as other activities connected with slavery. Many of the advertisements for runaway slaves included their descriptions and rewards for their capture. 

Notices of runaway slaves and/or apprentices:

March 6, 1829

September 13, 1833

November 8, 1835

Horrible Transaction on Board a Slave Ship   - Commentary on the treatment of slaves on board a vessel which docked at Montego Bay, Jamaica - July 13, 1838

Proclamation - Declaration by the Governor that, as of August 1, 1838, all slaves and apprentices were completely free - July 31, 1838

To the Freed Men and Women of the 1st August - Address by Henry Light, Governor Guiana Public Buildings commenting on the behaviour of the newly emancipated slaves and apprentices - October 30, 1838