Estrada to speak to at-risk youths

As part of that mission, he plans to visit children in the communities of Belmont and Beetham Gardens over the coming month.

Estrada, who was born in Laventille in 1955, left as a teenager to join the US Marine Corps and became a US citizen in 1988.

He served as the 15th sergeant major of the US Marines (2003 to 2007) and resigned after 34 years of service.

He was appointed ambassador to TT in March.

In a statement yesterday, The Children’s Ark, a non-profit organisation established in October 2013 and dedicated to helping children at risk, said the story of “Laventille’s ambassador” is heart-warming and encouraging, and the organisation is happy that children in disadvantaged circumstances can meet him.

Estrada will visit the Beetham Gardens Community Centre tomorrow from 4 pm. It is a coordinated effort with The Children’s Ark, the US Embassy, the Inter Agency Task Force and Wayne Jordan, principal of Each One Teach One Preschool in Beetham Gardens. Young people from the area are invited.

A visit to the St Dominic’s Home in Belmont will take place on October 12, from 11 am. Boys and girls from Sophia House, Marion House and the St Jude’s Home are expected to attend.

And on November 7, Estrada is also expected to visit the Port-of- Spain Prison.