TSTT to fight crime with million dollar foundation

Built on the pillars of youth development initiatives in health, education, sport and culture, TSTT’s chief operating officer Bernard Mitchell said the company will invest more than $5 million annually into the foundation and assist other stakeholders "that share our passion for this very important segment of our society."

Addressing the launch of the foundation at the Fernandes Industrial Estate in Laventille yesterday, Mitchell observed that the launch came at a time when TSTT "is making an unparalleled investment in next generation communications technology for fixed line, broadband and wireless communications." Mitchell said it is the company’s intention "to leverage these technologies to support the country’s social development and in the process give young people the means to support TT’s goals for developed nation status."

He noted that one of the main reasons why young people are drawn into a life of crime is an absence of outlets for them to develop their full potential and this creates "a certain measure of frustration among them at not having sufficient opportunities to express themselves." Referring to the gallery of paintings (done by some of TT’s young aspiring artists) behind him, Mitchell declared that it was inspiring to see the type of positive vision which "our young ones want to see for TT" and TSTT was determined to help make that vision a reality.

"TSTT is of the view that there are many good organisations doing their best to provide opportunities through which young people can develop skills and abilities needed to positively shape their future," he said. Having interacted with many of these groups, Mitchell said TSTT decided to establish the youth foundation because it will develop the solid base on which TSTT and other stakeholders could implement comprehensive programmes and focus on youth development in certain key areas.