Story By Clayton Clarke – sharfusjournals@gmail.com
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: (Sun, Sep 27) The Trinbago Diaspora Outreach Network (TDON)’s 3rd Biennial “Diaspora Homecoming 2026” will run from October 15 to 18 under the theme “Across Oceans. Still Home. Rediscover, Reconnect, Rejuvenate.”
The activities will kick off on October 15 with Hampers of Hope, followed by the Diaspora Conference on October 16, and the Diaspora Patriotic Awards on October 17.
TDON Founder: T&T Diaspora Important as Ever
Founder and Chairman of TDON, Dr. Andre Phillips, emphasized that the role of the Trinbago diaspora remains as relevant as ever.
“Today, the diaspora represents remittances, investments, knowledge, professional networks, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, cultural influence, and international market access.”
Speaking at the launch of Homecoming 2026 at the Radisson Hotel in Port of Spain on September 22, Dr. Phillips added: “International market access is very important because we have nostalgia goods that we have been selling. If you leverage the resources of the diaspora, we are surely able to make market entry a little more meaningful.”
Dr. Phillips also expressed satisfaction with the passage of the “Grandfather Legislation” (The Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025), which allows more foreign-born T&T descendants to become legal citizens. “The Grandfather” Legislation has been approved in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. That means persons who are third generation living anywhere outside can apply for citizenship. This now grows the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora by a significant number.”
Canadian High Commissioner: Diaspora Maximizes Strengths Across Borders
Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Michael Callan, highlighted that the diasporic connection is key to making the best of bilateral relations between the two countries. ”Whether members of the diaspora are in Canada or coming back to spend time with us here in Trinidad and Tobago, I know there are advantages to both countries. It is through the strength of the diaspora that those advantages are really maximized for everyone’s wider benefit.”
Acknowledging that Canada is home to the second-largest T&T diaspora, Callan praised TDON for its strides: “I tip my hat to TDON for all of your efforts to organize communities around the world and make sure the beacon—the lighthouse—shines brightly so they always know the path to home.”
Belgroves happy to partner to support families
Belgroves Funeral Home has been a main sponsor of the event since 2024. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Belgrove stated that his establishment is pleased to help reconnect families.
”We see that so many Trinidadians and Tobagonians want to maintain links with home, and we thought this is a good organization to partner with in maintaining those links,” Belgrove said.
Belgrove explained that his funeral agency has been actively assisting relatives in bringing home loved ones for burial: “The process of coming home can be long and arduous, so we developed a company called Family Legacy. It is a membership organization offering services across the diaspora, including a funeral plan paid in Trinidad and Tobago to assist in bringing people home from wherever they are.”
Dr. Agard-We Are Not Doing This to Get Our Name in the Papers
One of this year’s awardees, Dr. Reynold Agard, expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
“Whatever we do, whether giving back to Trinidad and Tobago or assisting a friend’s family, we are not doing it to get our name in the paper or to receive recognition. But as the Bible says, ‘A good report makes the bones fat.’ I really want to give thanks to this organization for recognizing the candidates.”
Dr. Agard is the President of Hands International, a group of doctors who have performed over 4,000 free surgeries in Trinidad and Tobago.
”Growing up in Goodwood, Tobago, as a young child going to school barefoot, there were not a lot of fast-food outlets around—we succeeded by eating food from the ground and fishing,” Dr. Agard recalled. “Imagine, as a child, I looked forward to becoming a physician so I could help people in places like Africa or India. Now, God has blessed me so that I can give back right here to my own Trinidad and Tobago.”
Diaspora Homecoming 2026 Schedule
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, October 15 | TBA | Hampers of Hope | TBA |
| Friday, October 16 | 9:00 a.m. | 3rd Biennial Diaspora Conference | Radisson Hotel Trinidad |
| 5:00 p.m. | Pan Yard Lime | — | |
| Saturday, October 17 | 11:00 a.m. | Mas Camp Experience | Belmont |
| Saturday, October 17 | 7:00 p.m. | Diaspora Patriot Awards & Soca Dance Party | Radisson Hotel Trinidad |
Trinbago Diaspora Outreach Network (TDON), is dedicated to bridge-building initiatives between T&T nationals and diaspora groups to secure social, cultural and economic upliftment of communities and people in Trinidad and Tobago.
Our Focus
TDON is a bridge-building entity which spearheads efforts to locate and sustain diasporic connections between T&T and its overseas nationals.
Why Do We Exist
1. To engender social, cultural and economic upliftment in communities and with individuals residing in Trinidad and Tobago.
2. To initiate and sustain efforts to recognize patriotic endeavors undertaken by foreign-based Trinidad and Tobago nationals who can improve community and national wellbeing of Trinidad and Tobago.
3. To facilitate networking among overseas Hometown Associations of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our Objectives
• TDON commits to Research, Recognition and Engagement in executing its role.
• TDON commits to mainstreaming diaspora expertise in improving the overall wellbeing of T&T and its citizens.
• TDON commits to applying global best practice in locating and mobilizing the global diaspora associated with Trinidad and Tobago.
SPONSORS:
