Our third episode of TDON Vignettes highlights an inspiring story of excellence, purpose, and giving back. This edition features renowned heart surgeon Dr. Daniel L. Beckles, whose journey from Pleasantville, San Fernando to international recognition is as heartwarming as it is impressive.
🇹🇹 Rooted in Trinidad, Thriving Abroad
Dr. Beckles, born and raised in southern Trinidad, migrated to Long Island, New York at the age of 17. Though the move was difficult, he channeled the emotional upheaval into academic ambition — earning a bachelor’s in biochemistry, a master’s in chemistry, a medical degree, and a PhD in molecular biology. His surgical training took him through Texas and Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, eventually becoming a board-certified expert in both general and cardiothoracic surgery.
“I didn’t let anything stop me… I took it full speed ahead,” said Dr. Beckles, reflecting on his rapid academic climb.
🏥 Giving Back to the Homeland
Unlike many who leave Trinidad and never look back, Dr. Beckles remained deeply connected to his roots. Since 2009, he has held a medical license in Trinidad and Tobago and has returned several times to volunteer. Notably, he contributed to open-heart surgeries at Port of Spain General Hospital and collaborated with the Ministry of Health on plans to establish a national cardiovascular care system.
“Trinidad is very dear to me… Every opportunity to come back and help, I take it.”
🌍 Diaspora Leadership and Medical Missions
As Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer of the Trinidad Progressive Association (TPA) in New York, Dr. Beckles has extended his outreach beyond national boundaries. His work includes:
- Scholarships for students in pre-med and nursing fields.
- Mentorship programs to cultivate success-oriented communities.
- Health missions in Trinidad, Guyana, and beyond — reaching over 3,000 individuals in 2024 alone.
During a recent mission in Trinidad, his team provided:
- Dental care to 800+ people
- Screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV
- Cardiovascular and nutritional counseling
“Health is wealth,” he emphasizes, urging a national focus on prevention, education, and lifestyle changes.
🏆 A Diaspora Patriot Honored
Dr. Beckles’ tireless dedication has earned him multiple awards, including the prestigious Caribbean Life Award and peer-selected recognitions in Texas and New York. Yet, he considers the greatest reward to be patient impact — helping people feel heard, healed, and hopeful.
In recognition of his unmatched service, he will be one of the honorees at this year’s Diaspora Patriot Awards on October 18th — a moment to celebrate the kind of visionary leadership that bridges worlds.
💬 Final Thoughts
Dr. Beckles’ story is not just about surgical excellence; it’s about purpose-driven legacy, community empowerment, and a belief that Trinidad and Tobago can lead the Caribbean in health outcomes — if we dare to try.
“Our goal is to help in a country like Trinidad and Tobago… We can be the healthiest in the Caribbean.”
Check out the Trinbago Progressive Associations website by clicking here.
See our previous Vignette episode by clicking here.