by Abe Uccello
Special to the Tribune
PORT OF SPAIN—On the corner of Wrightsville Road and Sackville Street here in the capital, the breathtaking sight of local trees, called “poui,” were in full bloom, as if to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of the new SGI-USA Trinidad and Tobago Buddhist Center. Nestled on the northwest coast of the island, this new center, opened on April 6, 2025, is the only center of the 21 island nations that make up the SGI-USA Caribbean Region.
A beautiful carpet of pink and white petals welcomed 103 attendees, whose joy overflowed the main Gohonzon room into the lobby. The celebration began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and, despite a forecast of rain, the skies remained clear. Attendees enjoyed the event, savoring handmade snack bags made by members who began preparations as early as 2 a.m.
Inside the center, a spirited future division emcee set a vibrant tone for the meeting, followed by a moving message from Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada. In the message, President Harada recalled how Ikeda Sensei warmly watched over his “fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth” in the Caribbean, expressing his hope that this new “castle of justice” would radiate waves of joy to every island in the region. President Harada further encouraged everyone to regard the opening as a fresh departure for the country, and to move forward harmoniously with Sensei in their hearts.
Trinidad and Tobago Chapter leaders shared their personal determinations, followed by an inspiring awards presentation for fostering youth. The meeting also featured lively cultural presentations, including a Caribbean steel drum performance by a young women’s division member—marking the beginning of the Ikeda Youth Ensemble in Trinidad and Tobago. Then, two heartfelt experiences from a pioneer member and district women’s leader inspired the audience.
In his closing remarks, SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss emphasized the power of Buddhist practice in transforming the world, starting within our local communities, and he asked the members to awaken to their personal missions for kosen-rufu.
The members of Trinidad and Tobago Chapter departed with renewed determination to shine brightly as radiant suns of Buddhism across the Caribbean Sea.
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