One hundred and three vulnerable residents benefited from meals, medical checks, clothing and other essential services during the Arima Borough Council’s second Day of Dignity initiative for 2026.
The event was held on Saturday at the Arima Basketball Court on Hollis Avenue as part of celebrations marking the 138th anniversary of the Royal Chartered Borough of Arima.
The initiative, hosted by Mayor Balliram Maharaj and the Arima Borough Council, provided participants with a range of services, including meals, haircuts, showers, clothing, medical checks, counselling and spiritual guidance.
Maharaj said the initiative was intended to remind vulnerable members of the community that they are valued and supported.
“Day of Dignity is about showing people that they are valued, that we care about them and that they are not forgotten,” he said.
The mayor also encouraged residents to continue looking out for one another and to extend compassion and assistance to people in need.
The initiative was organised through collaboration between the Arima Borough Corporation, members of the Arima Borough Council, community and non-governmental organisations, volunteers and sponsors.
Among the organisations that supported the event were the Arima Municipal Police, Arima Lions Club, Arima Santa Rosa Lions Club, Bethel World Outreach Ministries, the Confederation of African Associations of Trinidad and Tobago, the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago – Arima Branch, the Fellowship of Arima Ministers and the Give a Gift Foundation.
Other partners included His Remnant Tabernacle, La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, Rotaract Club Arima, Rotary Club of Arima, Rotary Club of Piarco, Rotaract Club Piarco UWI, The Professional Barbering and Beauty School, Waymaker Charity Foundation and Young Emergents International.
The council also acknowledged the contribution of sponsors, including ADM Import and Export Distributors, Blue Waters Products, Fineline Distributors, Homes Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Malabar Farms and Pennywise Cosmetics.
The next Day of Dignity initiative is scheduled for November 28.
The council is encouraging members of the public to support the programme by donating non-perishable food items, clothing and care packages.
The council said the initiative forms part of its continued efforts to strengthen community connections and ensure vulnerable residents have access to care and support.
