The Notary Public

Hopefully by the end of this week Perfect Cup will be a fully registered company in the territory of Trinidad and Tobago. To register a company here, there are a few forms to fill out and a few Government and other offices to visit. I’ve already completed the name search and reservation and today I did my Declaration of Compliance, which required a visit to the Notary Public’s office. It was a very interesting experience.


Duke Street in Port of Spain is home to many a Notary Public / Commissioner of Affidavits. I needed one of these distinguished folks to vouch that my documents were indeed true and correct. At about 8:20 a.m., Husband and I finally arrived at 106-108 Duke Street after repeatedly circling the block in search of an elusive parking spot. I suppose we must have looked a bit odd standing around gazing at name plates on office buildings trying to decide which one to choose. I was just telling Husband that maybe we should try one of the offices whose not-so-worn name plate suggested it had been established sometime post World War II as opposed to prior, when we were approached by an elderly man offering assistance.
“Yuh looking for a Commissioner?” We must have stared at him blankly for a second too long.
“A Commissioner… to do ah AffidaviD?”
Husband nodded.
“Go on here.”
He not so ceremoniously ushered us into a not so well-lit, but large, doorway. Perhaps had it not been for the incessant flow of passers-by we would have been a tad more concerned for our safety. The gentleman disappeared as we started our way up what must have once been a rather grand staircase. At the top of the stairs we were greeted by an enormous, mostly empty, perfectly rectangular ballroom-type space. There was even a raised platform at the far end of the room which held an oddly dignified looking dining table. Dignified, I suppose, in contrast to the worn and battered carpet and discoloured, damp, drooping/ falling ceiling. There was a random collection of well-used office chairs hospitably displayed and laid out to form a waiting room of sorts, in one half of the expansive room. The ‘ballroom’ offered a very comfortable temperature. I could not decide if this was due to the high ceiling, rainy conditions outside or the seven fans surrounding the waiting area. What an interesting place.

Husband and I eventually ventured a seat on the furniture provided while we awaited our turn. Thankfully this was not long in coming. The Commissioner, Ms. Joseph, surfaced from one the ancient and battered offices facing the waiting area to summon her clients. She was quite a pleasant lady, even if just as ancient as the office and not quite what we were expecting. I had pictured a stern, elderly lady all French-rolled and suited up. Instead a sprightly Ms. Joseph greeted us in her floral pants suit and sneakers. Yes, nice bright white sneakers! I thought it was quite cute. However, with brilliant efficiency, the lovely lady had me signed up and out her office within a few short minutes. Short and sweet… could not ask for more.

Husband and I exited the building keeping one eye out for the gentleman, fully expecting him to ask for a commission of sorts for directing us to the Commissioner. We never saw him.

Next stop: Articles of Incorporation.