July's Publisher’s Letter

July Publisher's Letter

Community has always been one of our greatest technologies. Something deeply human connects us when we gather.

Long before we had conference rooms, social media, or coworking spaces, we gathered in yards, under trees, in churches, panyards, gayelles, classrooms, and street corners. We gathered to tell stories, solve problems, celebrate victories, mourn losses, and imagine better futures together.

At East Yard Enterprises, we often talk about creativity, commerce, community impact, and cultural exchange. But if I'm honest, community is the thread that binds everything else together. Creativity flourishes in community. Businesses grow because of community. Social impact happens when communities decide they deserve something better.

Last month, we experienced that firsthand with the inaugural AMPLIFY Connect: IRL. What began as an idea became an evening of honest conversation, thoughtful reflection, and genuine connection. Our first edition, Redefining Manhood, reminded me that when people are given permission to speak openly, listen deeply, and disagree respectfully, something powerful happens. Community becomes more than a collection of individuals. It becomes a place where transformation is possible.

That spirit continues this month as we prepare for the July edition of AMPLIFY Connect: IRL.

This time, our conversation turns to Carnival.

Under the theme Why We Play, we'll officially launch Flower Power: Hippie Sailors 2027, the next Carnival presentation from Joki One x East Yard. Before the costumes take the runway, we'll explore a question that sits at the heart of our Carnival traditions: Why do we play mas?

Is it for freedom? Identity? Joy? Resistance? Community?

Perhaps the answer is all of these.

Carnival has always been about more than costumes. It is one of the few spaces where art, entrepreneurship, history, performance, and belonging converge. It reminds us that culture is something we create together.

July also marks another milestone for our AMPLIFY Connect: Creative Social Enterprise Fellows, who will be exhibiting together at the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC). As one of the Caribbean's largest business exhibitions, TIC connects buyers and sellers from more than thirty-five countries, creating opportunities for partnerships, trade, and growth across the region.

For our fellows, this is more than an exhibition. It is an opportunity to introduce their social impact products to new audiences, build valuable relationships, and demonstrate that creativity belongs not only in galleries and studios, but also in marketplaces and international trade conversations.

Watching them prepare reminded me that community does not end in our YARD. It expands every time we share our ideas and invite others into the work we are building.

As we continue to grow East Yard into Arima's Creative and Cultural Campus, I hope we never lose sight of the simple truth that meaningful work is rarely done alone. Behind every successful artist, entrepreneur, nonprofit, or movement is a community that believed, encouraged, challenged, and showed up.

May we continue to build those communities intentionally.

Give thanks,

Kevon Gareth Foderingham

Amplify For Good: Spotlight Feature

Meet the 2026 AMPLIFY Connect Fellows: Building the Future of Creative Social Enterprise

We are proud to introduce the 2026 cohort of the AMPLIFY CONNECT: Creative Social Enterprise Fellowship, East Yard’s flagship training program for creative entrepreneurs building socially impactful businesses across Trinidad and Tobago. This is our third cohort, and it marks a turning point for the program. These six Fellows are not new to this work. They are returning, having already launched and tested their ideas in the 2025 cycle, and have been invited back not simply to participate but to expand and amplify their ventures.

This cycle of the program will run from January to November 2026 and is proudly funded by the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust I. This phase moves beyond frameworks and ideation into real-world social impact product development. Each Fellow is now designing physical products meant to generate positive change for people, communities, and the environment, while remaining financially viable and built to scale. This is not philanthropy. This is social purpose embedded into the entire product lifecycle, from concept to sourcing to delivery to what happens after the sale.

Here is a first look at who they are and how they’re expanding.

Deneé Thomas | Nextus

Product: Pieces of Paradise Puzzle | Sector: Creative Industries (Arts & Culture, Cultural Heritage, Creative Products)

NextUs Creative Enterprise was founded on the belief that creativity can inspire opportunity, connection, and positive change through arts and culture.

NextUs develops experiences that celebrate identity while empowering individuals to explore their creativity and potential. Each initiative is designed to foster cultural pride, meaningful learning, and a deeper appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s history and heritage.

Pieces of Paradise was created to transform original artwork into an interactive experience. Featuring artwork inspired by the people, culture, and heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, each puzzle invites you to slow down, connect, and piece together a story worth preserving. Once completed, the puzzle can be framed and displayed as a lasting work of art.

Deneka Thomas | The Bacano Bookshop

Product: Bacano Book Lover Bags | Sector: Fashion & Lifestyle

Every book deserves safe passage home. The Bacano Bookshop's Booklover Totes and Bags were designed for readers who refuse to toss their books unprotected into the bottom of a bag. These bags were born out of the Bacano Bookshop's ongoing mission to reduce waste at the landfill by reselling pre-loved books. The Booklover bags replace the plastic and paper waste that usually piles up after every purchase. The bags are functional, fashionable, and forward-thinking, reusable and offer light water resistance so your books stay dry and protected from everyday wear and tear.

What is beautiful about this product is that while they're called booklover bags (and totes), they're for everyone. Whether you're just packing your phone and everyday essentials, these bags are built for anyone who wants a cool, reliable bag to move through their day with. Book lover or not, there's a place for it in your rotation.

Keeron Isaac

Product: Canopy Umbrella | Sector: Tourism

More than just an umbrella, the Canopy Kingdom Ibis Umbrella is a wearable piece of environmental storytelling. Through thoughtful design, it transforms everyday protection from the elements into a celebration of nature, culture, and conservation. The Canopy Kingdom Ibis Umbrella invites you to carry a symbol of conservation wherever you go, proving that even the simplest objects can tell powerful stories.

Asher Bain | LA Designs

Product: Stitch Squad DIY Scrunchie Kit | Sector: Creative & Education

The Stitch Squad DIY Crochet Pack is designed for young women between the ages of 12 and 35 who are interested in learning crochet in an affordable and easy-to-follow way. It is especially suited to visual learners and people who learn by reading patterns, providing step-by-step guidance that makes learning simple and enjoyable, even for complete beginners.

Many young women want to learn a new craft, develop a creative hobby, or earn an additional source of income, but traditional classes can be expensive or difficult to access. The Stitch Squad DIY Crochet Pack addresses this challenge by offering a convenient, beginner-friendly learning experience that can be completed at the user's own pace.

Each pack includes the essential materials needed to get started, along with clear written instructions and video tutorials that build confidence, content knowledge, and practical skills. By making crochet more accessible, the Stitch Squad DIY Crochet Pack empowers young women to express their creativity, learn a valuable lifelong skill, and explore opportunities to generate income through handmade crochet products.

Jordan Smith | Accent Game Studio

Product: Mismatched Socks | Sector: Apparel & Fashion

Every year on March 21st, people across the globe celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing colourful, mismatched socks to champion unity and inclusion. But why should that spirit of acceptance only last one day?

At Accent Games, is extending this beautiful gesture year-round with our vibrant line of intentionally mismatched socks. Beyond making a colourful fashion statement, every pair carries a deeper purpose. Scanning the QR code on the packaging unlocks a special digital portal that spotlights an inspiring member of the Trinidad Down Syndrome Family network. While you are there, you can also download a copy of our engaging, locally made physics-based puzzle game, Socks!, keeping the fun and the message of inclusion going all year long!

Why This Cohort Matters

Globally, the creative economy contributes over $2.25 trillion to GDP and employs millions of people. But in the Caribbean, creatives have historically lacked access to the systems, capital, and mentorship that would let their work scale into lasting impact. AMPLYFY Connect exists to close that gap, and this cohort is proof of what happens when talented people are given the runway to grow.

Over the coming months, these six Fellows will be moving their ventures from concept into community-based product roll-out, mentoring the next generation of creative entrepreneurs along the way. We’ll be sharing their progress throughout the year, so consider this newsletter your front-row seat.

What's happening at East Yard!

Kids Summer Camp (July 2026) W.O.M.E.N is bringing creativity, confidence, and FUN straight to YOU this July with our KIDS SUMMER CAMP. ​ Let your child explore, create, and shine through: - Designing their own tote bag - Creative arts & crafts - Decorating their very own hat And so much more ALL materials included! ​ 📅 July 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th ⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍Amplify Studio Café, East Yard Cultural Centre, Arima 💲 $500 | Ages 7–12 ​ This isn’t just a camp — it’s a space for confidence building, hands-on learning, and creative expression ​ 📲 Call/WhatsApp: (868) 358-0111 to register

Cultural Exchange Corner

The Cultural Exchange Corner highlights offerings from resident embassies and high commissions, diaspora artists and international collaborations. We spotlight the bridges being built across borders. Expect guest essays, funding announcements, curated opportunities for travel, study, and artistic residencies, all designed to foster connection, creativity, commerce and shared social impact.

East Yard at TIC 2026 We’re excited to announce that this year’s East Yard Amplify Connect: Creative Social Enterprise Fellows will be showcasing at the Trinidad and Tobago International Trade Expo (TIC) 2026. Join us on Consumer Day, Saturday 11th July, and explore the innovative offerings from five of our six fellows as they showcase their creative businesses across fashion, tourism, art, and literature. Come discover, connect, and support the incredible work of: Accent Games NextUs Kingdom Ibis LA Designs Bacano Bookshop Whether you’re looking to shop, learn more about these ventures, or simply stop by to say hello, we’d love to see you! 📍 Find us at Tables 393 & 394 📍 Torrenia Hall, Centre of Excellence, Macoya

Bocas Couva 2026 Readings, discussions, spoken word, storytelling, music, art, and more, here's what's happening at Bocas Couva on Saturday 18 July! ​ Free and open to all, Bocas Couva 2026 is the first in a series of four one-day community literary and cultural festivals across Trinidad and Tobago, and readers and writers of all ages are invited to join us at the Lisas Gardens Community Centre, from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. ​ 🗓️ Saturday 18th July 🕞 10:30pm - 5:30pm 📍Lisas Gardens Community Centre