CKFTO expands access to therapy with Chaguanas satellite clinic

Bright colours, soft mats and neatly arranged toys welcome visitors into the therapy rooms at the Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation (CKFTO) satellite clinic on Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas. While the space may resemble a cheerful playroom, it is in fact a carefully designed therapeutic environment where children with disabilities, along with their families, are supported as they work towards stronger, more independent futures.

Opened in April 2025, the Chaguanas clinic is CKFTO’s second location and represents a significant expansion of access for families in Central and South Trinidad. Previously, many families travelled weekly from communities as far as Mayaro and Moruga to receive specialised care at CKFTO’s St James clinic. Today, more than 300 children nationwide rely on CKFTO’s subsidised services, which include occupational, speech and physiotherapy, art therapy, and psychoeducational assessments addressing a wide range of developmental needs.

Following months of procurement and installation, the clinic welcomed sponsors and partners in December 2025 for a walkthrough of its fully equipped therapy rooms. Among the key contributors was Marubeni Power International Inc, which donated US$10,000 towards outfitting the clinic with paediatric rehabilitation tools.

“At Marubeni, we were pleased to support the establishment of the satellite clinic in Chaguanas, helping to ensure that children across Trinidad have equitable access to the international standard of therapeutic care provided by CKFTO,” said Mo Majeed, COO and Managing Director, Caribbean Operations, Marubeni Power International Inc.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in meaningful, long-term community partnerships that create real impact for families.

“By contributing to the clinic’s specialised equipment and resources, we hope to help remove barriers to care and support children as they build the skills and confidence needed to thrive.”

Marubeni Power International has partnered with PowerGen in Trinidad and Tobago for more than 18 years and continues to support local social development initiatives.

CKFTO General Manager Krista Hamel-Smith said the donation has strengthened the organisation’s holistic, family-centred approach to therapy, enabling the purchase of a full suite of traditional physiotherapy tools, specialised Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) equipment, and sensory-friendly resources for the Chaguanas location.

“Our team is passionate about maximising each child’s progress while providing a friendly, enjoyable environment grounded in best practice,” Hamel-Smith said. “We also recognise the importance of supporting a child’s wider network, which is why we host family support groups and offer training sessions for parents, caregivers and teachers.”

Beyond in-clinic services, CKFTO also delivers critical community outreach initiatives aimed at closing gaps in care. These include occupational therapy programmes for migrant children and services for abandoned children with disabilities living at the Mt Hope hospital.

The CKFTO Chaguanas Clinic was made possible through the support of several generous benefactors, including Shamshad Ali, director of Price Club, and the Digicel Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago. CKFTO looks forward to continued support from the public and Corporate Trinidad and Tobago as it works to ensure that children with disabilities can access the care they need, closer to home.