Port-of-Spain, 10th July 2024: Last weekend the Trinbago Diaspora Outreach Network organized the 2nd Biennial Diaspora Conference and the Diaspora Dinner and Patriot Awards that took place on 5th – 7th July, 2024, in San Fernando, Trinidad.

The Conference, co-hosted by the Mayor of San Fernando, His Worship, Robert Parris, consisted of two days (5th & 6th) of workshops, lectures and discussions addressing issues such as brain drain; leveraging diaspora contributions including skills, opportunity, mentorship and remittances; as well as identifying areas of challenges for the diaspora and how relations can be improved. Bringing remarks at the Conference, Ms. Erica Fortune, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, stated that the diaspora “is a repository of knowledge and experience and we must explore not just the potential of our global Trinbagonian community but the active steps we are taking and should take to harness this powerhouse of resources.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Trinidad and Tobago coordinated United Nations (UN) interventions including technical support in collaboration with United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), and outreach by the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) at the two-day conference. Representing the IOM was Head of Office, Ms. Jewel Ali, who brought remarks and presented on IOM’s global efforts in Diaspora Engagement.

At the Diaspora Dinner and Patriot Awards on July 7th, Trinbagonian honourees residing in Canada, USA and the UK were recognized for their philanthropic work and for promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s culture abroad. The awards were presented as follows:

Continuous and Outstanding Philanthropy to Trinidad and Tobago

• Tringo Club Canada (Edwin Terry)
• Trinbago Progressive Association of the USA (Stephen Isaac)
• Coral Reef Experience New York (Angela Cooper)
• Trinidad and Tobago Independence Ball Committee (Gillian Smart)
• Trinidad and Tobago Association of North America (Lynette Richardson)
• Naparima Alumni Association of Canada (Peter Mohan)
• Trinidad and Tobago 50 Plus and Seniors Association of Canada (Shane Suepal)
• Dr. Noreen Johnson, Posthumous (Riva Robinson)
• David Frederick
• Vashtie Doorga

Preservation and Global Promotion of Trinidad and Tobago Culture

• Joel Connector Davis
• Richard Aziz
• Ansel Wong CBE

IOM was proud to support these events as the engagement of diasporas to leverage their potential for national development continues to be of critical importance. In the Caribbean, IOM has supported the mapping of diaspora communities, promoting their engagement, and supporting their contributions to their countries of origin (Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, OECS). IOM also works to build the capacity of diasporas to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, better address disasters and strengthen coordination with humanitarian actors.

For information on IOM and its work in Trinidad and Tobago, contact kserrant@iom.int

*This activity contributes to GCM Objective 19 which is connected to all 17 SDGs.