Enterprise, Chaguanas is an important region in Trinidad. Recently, criminal activity and murders have drastically increased due to a turf war among local gangs. The area accounts for the largest number of killings per capita throughout the entire country and poses a great threat to counterterrorism efforts. The increase in violence has gained national attention, leading the Minister of National Security and the Defense Force to have a more continued and positive reactive presence. Their goal is to bring peace, stop crime, and bring unity to the community.

A US Army team is currently working to help cultivate that peace and stability along with their local partners. They identified a local nonprofit, Ryu Dan Dojo, as a progressive pillar in the Muslim community. The nonprofit supports education opportunities and after-school activities for struggling youth and parents in the region. One of the more successful programs they host is a karate class specifically geared toward vulnerable youth with the goal of preventing them from slipping into a world of extremism or crime.

The US Army team and Ryu Dan Dojo is preparing to host a karate and sports/education fair and tournament in the neutral zone of this turf war to help bring an end to the criminal activity. In collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, Ryu Dan Dojo, The Trinidad Defensive Forces, the Mayor of Chaguanas, and the US Embassy, they determined that t-shirts and bags would be the best way to promote strategic messaging and peace, with phrases like “Stronger Together” and “Unity Within the Community.” They lack the resources to do it alone.

With your support, SoA can fully support this fair and tournament – an incredible opportunity to compete, expand job opportunities, stop the momentum of crime and illegal activity, and highlight the importance of community.