Please give a brief summary of your literary or cultural career (no more than 10 sentences).
After a successful Banking career followed by another successful stint in the Insurance field, my life took a momentous turn after surviving an aggressive cancer that almost claimed my life. After that experience, I started writing books and began a prolific career as a writer and peace advocate.
My commitment to peace has led me to serve as a Peace Ambassador for the Iqra Foundation of India and, as President of CIESART Trinidad and Tobago, to lead initiatives that promote art, love, and humanity. I have created a digital platform through which my team and I extend CIESART's mission to thousands of readers and writers in the Caribbean.
How did you first get involved with reading or writing?
My love for reading was inspired by my father, a school principal with a large library, that awakened in me a love of books.
Have you published a book?
After my bout with cancer, I have published 64 books between 2013 and 2025, spanning genres as diverse as memoirs, science fiction, romance, self-help, children's literature, Christian books, thrillers, poetry, and essays.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of reading?
In my opinion, reading offers numerous benefits, including improved literacy, mental stimulation, stress reduction, and expanded knowledge. It also enhances vocabulary, memory, and analytical thinking skills, while also promoting better focus, concentration, and improved writing abilities.
Briefly describe your plans and contributions within CIESART, based on your current role, for the Convergencia newspaper.
Since assuming the Presidency of CIESART Trinidad and Tobago, we have undertaken the following projects:
1. Published an International Anthology of Poems – Creating a Better World
2. Published an International Anthology – Peace Begins with Us.
3. Published three International Magazines to promote CIESART’s initiatives.
4. Held a National Book and Arts Fair in Trinidad and Tobago to promote Literacy.
5. Donated books to schools, churches, libraries, and schools.
On May 10th, 2025, we fed the residents of the J. C. McDonald Home for the Aged in San Fernando, Trinidad.
A team comprising the President – Brenda Mohammed, Vice-President – Florabelle Lutchman, Director- Fiona Gobin, as well as members of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church - Rashiff Mohammed, Adrian Mohammed, and Chitra Badal-Mohammed, took boxes of delicious lunches for the twenty senior residents and six staff members.
It was a heart-rending and touching experience to listen to the plight of each one that caused them to spend their senior years in the home.
Florabelle Lutchman said a prayer for the well-being of the residents before lunch, and we took pleasure in serving them their meals.
We were invited to the Chairman’s quarters for a brief discussion of how the home was born.
Founded in 1931, the J.C. Mac Donald Home for the Aged is situated in the heart of San Fernando at Lower Independence Avenue.
Dr. Allan Mackenzie, former Principal of the Naparima Boys College in San Fernando, and now Chairman of the Home, was always a supporter of this initiative.
He recalled the days when they would gather homeless people from the street and take them to the location, where there was a humble dwelling, and provide them with food and lodging.
Over the years, it evolved into a retirement home, with a minimal payment from the residents’ old age pension.
From all appearances, the home seems comfortable, and the residents are happy.
They were very pleased with our visit, and we left there satisfied that we had warmed their hearts.
For personal and security reasons, we were not allowed to take photos with the residents.
2. Each year, we support the Animals Alive Sanctuary in Oropouche, Trinidad, with cash donations, dog food, and treats. In 2025, we attended a musical recital held by the Sanctuary at the San Fernando Community Centre to raise funds.
We do not ask for donations, and use our personal funds for our charitable endeavours.
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