OPPORTUNITIES, SAFETY AND COMFORT FOR DISPLACED MEN

MONDAY JUNE 21, 2022: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Vulnerable groups in Trinidad and Tobago continue to struggle to meet the needs of their clients since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic.  The need for financial and technical support has been further exacerbated with little opportunities for organisations and clients to generate revenue.  Court Shamrock, a centre for socially displaced men in San Fernando received TT$66,000 from the Digicel Foundation, to tighten the security and make the environment a more comfortable space for the male residents.  

During project implementation, Hydra HSE Contractors, the vendor that was given the responsibility to conduct the minor upgrades, hired three of the residents to work on the upgrades.  Kile, one of the clients at Court Shamrock shared, “I appreciate the new gates, windows, and of course, the stairs.” In sharing his pride to be directly involved in the project, he said that he was happy to know that he helped with the upgrades.  He said, “They treated us like family, and that made the difference.”

Manager at Court Shamrock - Gloria Coombs shared, “We always look for ways to improve the living standard of our clients and yet again, the Digicel Foundation answered our call.”

The Digicel Foundation has been supporting Court Shamrock since 2019.  Over the years, the home received over TT$200,000 toward upgrades to the residential home and the night shelter.  Staff at Digicel also donated clothing to the men and the group received grocery vouchers at the beginning of the pandemic. All of which were in the attempt to assist with the men’s rehabilitation and their eventual reintegration into society.   

Court Shamrock Centre for Socially Displaced Persons was established over 21 years ago by the San Fernando Regional Corporation and presently serves as a home for 22 men.