20 years of service in Trinidad and Tobago

Habitat Trinidad and Tobago celebrated 20 years of service in Trinidad and Tobago in March 2017.

The opening highlight of the celebrations was the 2017 edition of the annual Hunger Banquet, which took on special significance with the addition of the first distribution of the Spirit of Humanity Awards. Noted supporters, volunteers and donors were presented with small tokens of esteem and appreciation during the gala award dinner held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre on March 12. Two of the recipients, Former President George Maxwell Richards and Austin Peay State University of Tennessee, USA, were presented with their awards at private ceremonies.

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Group photo of Spirit of Humanity Award Winners

Standing: Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad & Tobago (T. Walker, Advisor to the CEO); TECU Credit Union Cooperative Society (B. Tangwell, GM); Chanka Seeterram; Former President Sir Ellis Clarke (post.) (J-P Clarke); National Gas Company (Mark Loquan, President); Ronald Harford (Derwin Howell, Ex. Dir. Republic Bank Ltd). Seated: BP Trinidad & Tobago LLC (R. Francis, Mgr Corporate Responsibility); C. Pantin-Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (E. Villafana, CEO); Coosal’s Group of Companies (S. Coosal, Chairman); Republic Bank Ltd (A-M. Garcia-Brooks, GM Group HR); Monica Ramirez, Dir. Housing & Human Setlements, Habitat Latin America & the Caribbean.

Derwin Howell, Chairman of the Board of Directors proudly announced Habitat’s achievements since its humble beginning in 1997 – 509 housing solutions and over 3,500 persons served provided with access to various forms of capacity building and community action.

Former President George M. Richards (with National Director J. Massiah)

“Your intervention, in whatever form, has transformed once distant dreams into achievable realities, and made it possible for homeowners throughout our country to create decent, adequate and safe places to be healthy; a place to be family, or simply – “a place to be.” he stated. “Let us today recommit to the Habitat mission to build safe homes, stable communities and self-reliant families through shelter and to make Trinidad and Tobago a safe place to be proud of. Our deepest gratitude to you, your families and your companies!”

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Matthew Kenney of Austin Peay State University, Tennessee, USA (with M. Ramirez)

After acknowledging the support of past and present Directors, the Chairman reserved his final remarks for a special group – the staff of Habitat for Humanity. “I wish to acknowledge the hard working, dedicated and committed staff at Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago, led by our venerable, National Director, Jennifer Massiah – not only for what they did to make tonight’s event happen but for all that they do on a daily basis in the name of humanity. Theirs is a constant battle against the odds, but by dint of determination, hard work and God’s steady hand, they deliver. ”

Guests at the Hunger Banquet enjoyed a simple meal of soup and salad, while being serenaded by Stephan Massiah on steel pan, and Raymond Edwards and Nigel Floyd of QED.

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