Prominent SDCH Alumni

The generosity of our benefactors and donors has, over the years, allowed us to support the career ambitions of some of the brightest children we have had the honour to care for and educate at SDCH. Many have gone on to become notable citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, contributing in various ways to the progress, recognition, and well-being of our nation. Some remained lowkey as they went about developing their careers. Others became high-profile and recognizable names in the mosaic of our society. 

We are pleased to share some of these success stories in our SDCH Featured Alum of the Month. We kickstart this endeavour with Mr. Ricardo Taylor, who tells his story in his own words.

Ricardo Taylor

– Probation Officer 11 (MSc. BSc. in Social Work) *

I think that the true testament of St. Dominic’s Children’s Home, is reflected in the character of children who pass through its doors and embrace the culture and meaning of the term “family”.

To give a fitting description of St. Dominic’s Children’s Home, is to describe it as a “Family”. This word has many meanings; of joy, sorrow, tears, fears, love, hate, compassion, togetherness, solitude and misunderstandings that lead to breakups and eventual make-ups. However, among these words, many of which rest heavily on emotions, is indeed, a burning desire to feel needed, appreciated and a sense of belonging. These, my friends are what we call “Family Dynamics”, the natural flow of life's ups and downs, within the natural family.

The drive to succeed was inculcated through the imparting of certain morals and values and other motivating factors. We must admit that not all experiences at the institution can be considered as good or ideal for one’s sense of self and development. They were either “makers or breakers”, but that will to succeed provided my brothers and sisters with the motivation for success that is evident in varying areas of professions and vocations.

While many inadvertently limit success to academic achievements, accumulation of wealth, and societal prominence, for me, it transcends beyond that scope. The vast majority of my brothers and sisters who have benefitted from “family life” at the St. Dominic’s Home have achieved great success which is demonstrated by their individual accomplishments. They have contributed anonymously and have become good and productive citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider world, to include raising families who are law abiding citizens, who contribute to the fabric that binds the socioeconomic wealth of our country.

In closing, I am happy to add that over the past one hundred and fifty years, the St. Dominic’s Children’s Home has given the country and the world, more than its fair share of strength and stability, through its dedicated administration, staff and the residents, whom I prefer to identify as “family”.

Other former residents of SDCH that made the Home proud who blossomed in the music industry are: 

Roy Cape

Anthony Prospect

Pedro Lezama