The Silver Lining Foundation - Addressing Violence and LGBT Youth Support in Trinidad and Tobago

No More ‘Playing Politics’ With People’s Lives

According to Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad and Tobago is not yet ready to decriminalize homosexuality. Additionally, she states that it is not an issue for the Government to decide but one the people must decide. This statement brings to light an abdication of responsibility by the Prime Minister. Is Trinidad and Tobago willing to let the majority decide whether the minority gets fundamental rights or not? Rights are not given to citizens based on whether or not the majority…

Activists Condemn Commonwealth

Posted on November 11, 2013 by admin

T&T activists condemn Commonwealth refusal to discuss human rights for LGBTI citizens Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bisessar should ‘lead a movement for change’. Commonwealth urged to listen to all its people. Human rights defenders in Trinidad and Tobago have called on the Prime Minister, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to speak out in favour of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this week. The activists, from the Silver Lining Foundation, said the…

“Safe Space” Initiative Pilot Programme

Posted on October 1, 2013 by admin

Frustrated with unanswered questions about your sexuality or other LGBT youth issues? Got Questions that you demand answered or concerns that you would like to discuss in a supportive, discrimination-free, Safe Space? The Silver Lining Foundation is a local, youth led NGO focused on anti-bullying and anti-discrimination among youth. The Silver Lining Foundation and the Counselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at the UWI are working together to introduce a Safe Space initiative on campus this semester. With trained facilitators who…

US Embassy awards $9400USD to The Silver Lining Foundation The U.S. Embassy has disbursed over TT$485,000 (US$77,000) in grants to several local NGOs in the last three months. The grants will be utilized for a variety of projects to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. At a signing ceremony presided over by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Margaret Diop at the U.S. Embassy, she said “I’m very impressed with how dynamic and active the NGO community in…

Letter to Belize PM

Dear Prime Minister Barrow Re: Independence Day message Greetings to you, your Government and the people of Belize from The Silver Lining Foundation, an organisation born out of passion of young people of Trinidad & Tobago to highlight, promote and advocate the elimination of bullying and violence within the framework of sexual diversity. We were extremely heartened to learn of your Independence Day message to the nation and the bold and noble stance taken on LGBT rights and freedoms. The…

Sexual Assault Is No Laughing Matter

Posted on April 14, 2013 by admin

The Silver Lining Foundation pleads for sensitization training and a special victims unit among an insensitive police service in order to effectively deal with the increasing number of sexual assaults cases, and regain the faith of Trinidad & Tobago’s youth. Recent report from CNC3 news showed a young man who has lost faith in an insensitive police service after he desperately reported being sexually assaulted many times by a known male drug pusher in his area, only to be laughed…

On the passing of Dominic Matouk

Posted on December 12, 2012 by admin

It is with great sadness that the Silver Lining Foundation learned of the tragic death by suicide of young Dominic Matouk over the weekend. The Foundation takes this opportunity to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dominic’s family and friends in their time of grief.Dominic’s father described him as a well-rounded, talented young man with many friends and said, ” He was a brilliant guitarist, an excellent rugby player and a half-decent football player.” While the reason may not be clear…

Anti-Bullying Campaign: The Ripple Effect

Posted on October 10, 2012 by admin

The END of bullying begins with YOU: The Silver Lining Foundation (Trinidad & Tobago) and PACER (Minnesota, USA) in a UNITED stance against bullying. Our Foundation was founded in response to a tragedy that was a result of bullying. It seemed fitting then that we partner with a longstanding organisation committed to bringing about the end of bullying. We found one in PACER who has been committed to the fight against bullying for the past six years when they first…

A day of silence against Bullying

Posted on April 18, 2012 by admin

Melissa Doughty Published: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 More than 20 people are expected to join the Silver Lining Foundation on April 20 at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus to protest against the bullying and harassment of teen lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT). Although Minister of Education Dr Tim Gopeesingh has announced general plans to address the issue of bullying in schools the Silver Lining Foundation thinks the public needs to become more aware of the…

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