Article written by Clayton Clarke – sharfusjournals@gmail.com
“The greatest contribution our diaspora can make is not simply sending something home. It is helping somebody at home go further.”
Those were the words of the Secretary of Education, Research and Technology of the Tobago House of Assembly, Orlando Kerr, as he spoke at the 3rd Biennial Homecoming Conference hosted by the Trinbago Diaspora Outreach Network (TDON) at the Radisson Hotel Trinidad, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, on October 16th.
Kerr highlighted the potential that Trinidad and Tobago nationals living and working abroad hold for national development.
“Our diaspora possesses something tremendously valuable, not simply financial capital. You possess knowledge capital, professional networks, access to institutions, industry experience, mentorship, technology and ideas,” he said.
Speaking during the panel discussion under the theme “Diaspora Investments – Catalysing the Service Sector,” Kerr challenged the diaspora to do more.
“One telephone call or introduction from the right person can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. What if ten professionals in this room decided today to mentor ten Tobago students? What if members of our diaspora created scholarships for young people pursuing areas critical to our future – engineering, education, technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, hospitality and the creative industries? What if our universities, companies and professional networks abroad opened doors for international internships and fellowships for our young people?” he asked.
Kerr offered specific suggestions. “I am here today to help you imagine a student from the small island of Tobago spending a summer inside a technology company in Toronto. A young engineer gaining international exposure in London. A hospitality student undertaking an internship with a world-class hotel brand. A teacher participating in an international fellowship and returning with new methods that can strengthen an entire school. A young entrepreneur being paired with a successful Tobagonian business leader living abroad.
“These are not impossible ideas. These are connections waiting to be made,” he said.
Kerr, a former secondary school teacher, added: “If you invest in one student, you may be developing a future teacher, a future engineer, entrepreneur, scientist, employer, a future leader.”
SPONSORS of Homecoming 2026: Tobago House of Assembly, Radisson Trinidad, Belgroves, Caribbean Airlines, Mind Your Life Global, Zinora Global Advisory, CANE Radio, Maranatha Properties Limited, Caribbean Showtime.
Article written by Clayton Clarke
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