In the inaugural episode of the Trinbago Diaspora Vignettes, we sat down with Ingrid Jean-Baptiste—community leader, humanitarian, and long-serving president of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa (TTAO). Her story reflects not only personal perseverance but also decades of giving back to Trinidad and Tobago from abroad.
🌍 Rooted in Home, Reaching Abroad
Ingrid was born in Point-a-Pierre, Trinidad, and spent her early years surrounded by the coastal calm of Vessigny village. After completing her studies at UWI, she began her teaching career before eventually relocating—first to the Bahamas, then finally to Ottawa, Canada, where she has lived for over 50 years.
✨ A Life of Service in a Foreign Land
Ingrid arrived in Canada nearly nine months pregnant but determined to build a life of purpose. She enrolled in teacher’s college, gave birth, and returned to class just weeks later. Her journey took her into government service, where she became the first woman fleet manager in her department.
But her most enduring legacy lies in her decades of community work. A tragic incident involving a young widow from Trinidad spurred her into diaspora activism—leading to fundraising, mobilizing support networks, and eventually becoming a central figure in the TTAO.
💖 Building Bridges Through Social Remittances
As Ingrid explains, financial remittances are only one part of diaspora contribution. Social remittances—the cultural, emotional, and service-based exchanges—are just as impactful, if not more. Under her leadership, TTAO has:
- Donated funds and supplies to schools in Trinidad and Tobago
- Supported disaster relief efforts (e.g., flooding in 2018)
- Raised $33,000 TT to outfit 40 schoolchildren with uniforms and supplies
- Provided direct support to medical patients flown to Ottawa for surgery
- Hosted cultural events with artists like Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool and author Samuel Selvon
In January 2018, made a formal presentation to Sister Greenidge of St. Dominic’s Children’s Home in Belmont, Trinidad, providing financial support for critical infrastructure improvements at the facility.
🏥 The Role of Diaspora Medical Champions
One of the most moving elements of Ingrid’s story is the partnership with Canadian-based medical professionals who supported patients from Trinidad and Tobago. She highlights the contribution of Dr. Gyaandeo Mahara, a surgeon of Trinidadian origin, who performed life-saving procedures for patients who were flown to Ottawa for care. Dr. Mahara not only provided the medical expertise but also worked with Ingrid to ensure patients had accommodation and support during their recovery, demonstrating the power of diaspora collaboration.
🏆 Leading with Legacy
Ingrid has served as TTAO president across multiple terms since 1983, giving over 20 years of leadership to the organization. Though membership dues have been a challenge, the organization remains a pillar of community support, drawing strength from dedicated volunteers and an active support base.
She proudly recalls the help extended to children and adults from Trinidad needing life-saving medical care in Ottawa—coordinating housing, meals, and emotional support in partnership with local medical professionals and host families.
📣 Looking Ahead
This interview marks the beginning of a 12-part video series by the Trinbago Diaspora Outreach Network, leading up to T&T Homecoming 2025 and the Diaspora Patriot Awards. Through these vignettes, the organization aims to spotlight unsung heroes like Ingrid who make a difference not with fanfare, but with faith, consistency, and love for country.
Learn more about the TTAO by visiting their website @ www.ttao.com