2009 Press Releases

August 12, 2009

Beyond the Horizons 2009

United States and Trinidad and Tobago Team up to provide Free Engineering and Medical Services

Beyond the Horizons 2009 is a humanitarian partnership bringing together T&T government agencies, civic organizations, local communities and U.S. Government entities that began on 28 May 28 and will end on Aug. 20 2009, which is now providing free Medical treatment at various locations including Tobago, Toco, Matura, Valencia, and San Fernando.

The medical treatment part of this great humanitarian joint exercise is being conducted until 20

August.  It started with free eye cataract surgery at Mt. Hope Hospital (13-24 July).

Currently, free general medicine, dental, and optometry (eye care) clinics are being conducted at

various School Treatment Sites during different dates. It is expected that between 500-800

People a day (about 10,000 People by the end of the mission) will be treated.

The Treatment Locations/ Dates are: (8:30 AM-5:30 PM) (Subject to changes)

Toco Region: Toco Composite School (27-29 July), and Matura Government Primary School (30 July-1 August)
Valencia Region: Valencia South Government Primary School (2-5 August)
San Fernando Region:  Woodland Hindu School (10-12 August), Bien Venue Presbyterian School (13-15 August), & Barrackpore East Secondary School (16-20 August)
Closing Ceremony will be on 20 August/ 3pm/ Barrackpore East Secondary School, San Fernando. 

The first part of this combined humanitarian service provided engineering renovation at 8 sites, including the following schools (Port of Spain): Prince Elizabeth, Eshe, St. Mary’s Children’s Home Angolan, Cascade for the Deaf, Sacred Heart Girls; St. Mary’s Orphanage, and an Arima Orphanage.

From the U.S. side, the mission will be sustained with personnel, comprised of U.S. Army South Staff (Texas), Engineers from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard; and U.S. Army Medical personnel (Doctors/ Nurses/ Others) from Walter Reed Army Hospital (Washington D.C.), Ft. Lewis (Washington), Delaware Army National Guard, and Utah Army National Guard.  A variety of T&T Civic Organizations are participating as partners.

Beyond the Horizons is a unique opportunity for us to learn and work together in providing engineering and medical services that hopefully will enhance the lives of the People of Trinidad & Tobago. This humanitarian operation aims to foster a strong partnership with the United States; assist in meeting common goals for peace, progress, democracy, and security of the Caribbean.  In the end, we should, together, make a peaceful collaborative effort for the future of the Families of the Americas.

For further information, please contact:

Lt. Colonel Dennis Freytes (Commander/ PH: 868-486-9161)
MAJ Wayne Guzman (XO/ PH: 868-721-9192)
U.S. Army South PACCE T&T Office, POS, Trinidad
MAJ Garret, U.S. Army South Public Affairs Office, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
  (PH: 210-295-6739)