After eight weeks of dynamic engagement across Trinidad and Tobago, the UNDP’s “We Ting Community Caravan” culminated in a vibrant finale at Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne, Port of Spain, on Saturday, December 7.

Launched on October 19 at the Siparia Deltones Pan Yard, with the stellar participation of cultural icon Machel Montano, the We Ting Caravan, an initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, journeyed through diverse communities, creating waves of inclusion and collaboration. Stops included Arima’s Velodrome, where Minister Penelope Beckles and His Worship Balliram Maharaj, Mayor of Arima, showed their support, as well as Diego Martin, Chaguanas, and the Canaan/Bon Accord Multipurpose Facility in Tobago.
 

Fostering Unity and Empowerment

The We Ting Community Caravan is an innovate initiative to promote social cohesion, youth empowerment, and gender equality through a series of interactive and inclusive activities. Over its eight-week run, the Caravan reached diverse groups—young people, senior citizens, women, and marginalized communities—through initiatives like gaming tournaments, talent competitions, fashion showcases, and community dialogues, the initiative set a goal to inspire intergenerational collaboration and highlighted the creativity and resilience within our communities.  

The grand finale at Fiesta Plaza, Movie Town Port of Spain, brought together all the winners from the previous weeks for final performances. The four winners received prizes from Bmobile, Royal Castle, The Unit Trust Corporation, Regal, and Bermudez.  

Coming out of the finale, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Community Development David Roberts noted, “Minister Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis is very pleased

with the community aspect of the caravan. The turn out shows that the way to create peace and equality in Trinidad and Tobago is through community. We look forward to more such activities with the UNDP.”

A Celebration of Partnership

UNDP Resident Representative Ugo Blanco reflected on the initiative’s success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “In times of uncertainty and polarization, our communities and youth are the cornerstone of our social fabric, yet they often feel unheard and disconnected from the spaces shaping their future. The 'We Ting Community Caravan' was a journey of inclusion, creating inspiring spaces for connection, collaboration, and co-creation. Together, we’ve seen the power of unity, creativity, and resilience in shaping the Trinidad and Tobago we all aspire to build. This is more than a Caravan—it’s a movement, a testament to what is possible when we empower voices and work together for a brighter, and inclusive tomorrow”

The success of the We Ting Caravan would not have been possible without the unwavering support of a multitude of committed and generous partners. UNDP and the Ministry of Sports and Community Development joined forces with other Government Agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Ministry of Youth Development and National Service. Special thanks also to the civil society organizations, and private sector partners such as Massy, Bmobile, Playable Caribbean and many more. We also thank the United Nations agencies, including UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF and UNFPA, for their invaluable contributions.

Special thanks go to the communities and individuals who embraced this initiative with open hearts and minds. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication have set the stage for lasting change.

A Commitment to Lasting Impact

Though the Caravan has come to an end, the work continues. UNDP remains steadfast in its commitment to building on the momentum of We Ting, ensuring that the dialogues and connections fostered translate into sustainable actions and continued community engagement.