Latest Embassy News

June 10, 2009

Beyond the Horizons 2009

Chargé d'Affaires Len Kusnitz

MSgt. Dave Thompson

Young artists from the Princess         Elizabeth Home

Beyond the Horizons 2009, which provides free engineering renovations and free medical treatment at various locations, is being conducted until August 20 by the combined partner forces of the Trinidad and Tobago government, T&T Defence Force and Regiment, civic organizations, local communities, and the United States Army South with units from different regions of the U.S.  300 public servants and volunteers are working together for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

U.S Mission Commander Lt. Colonel Dennis Freytes said, “We appreciate the invitation to cordially work together with Trinidad and Tobago Region Members of Parliament, government ministries, mayors, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force/Regiment, civic organizations, and local communities.  We are committed to sustaining a long-lasting friendship and partnership for the prosperity and good of all.”

In the first phase of the combined humanitarian mission, schools in the Port of Spain area will be renovated from June 2 – July 1.  The project includes Princess Elizabeth Home, Eshe, St. Mary’s Children’s Home, Cascade School for the Deaf, Sacred Heart Girls’ School, and St. Mary’s Orphanage.

From July 6-August 20, the mission will focus on medical treatment, beginning with free eye cataract surgery at Mount Hope Hospital from July 13-23.  This will be followed by free general medicine, dental, and optometry (eye care) clinics at treatment sites located at different schools.  Beyond the Horizons plans to treat 500-800 people a day – by the end of the mission, approximately 10,000 people. 

Treatment locations are:

• Toco:  Toco Composite School (July 27-29) and Matura Government Primary School (July 30-August 1)
Valencia Region: Valencia South Government Primary School (August 2-5)
San Fernando Region: Woodland Hindu School (August 10-12), BienVenue Presbyterian School (August 13-15), and Barrackpore East Secondary School (August 16-20).  The closing ceremony will be held on August 20 at 3 p.m.

Civic organizations, local communities, parents, students, and others are cordially invited to participate in this community mission.  Volunteers can help paint, assist with patients, become involved, and make the community a better place to live.  For more information please call the schools above.

On the U.S. side, the mission will be sustained with personnel from the U.S. Army South Staff (Texas), engineers from the Puerto Rico   Army National Guard, Delaware Army National Guard, Utah Army National Guard, and U.S. Army doctors and nurses from Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C.

Local civic organizations participating in the mission include the T&T National Red Cross Society, Rotary Clubs, Members Only Taxi Service, and local NGO Creative Development. 

Lt. Colonel Dennis Freytes adds, “Beyond the Horizons is a great 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 and Tobago.  This humanitarian operation will help to foster a strong partnership with the United States and 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:

• Major Wayne Guzman (868) 721-9192
• Lt. Colonel Dennis Freytes (868) 486-9161
• U.S. Army South Public Affairs Office, Fort Sam Houston, Texas (210) 295-6739