Why now.

Fellow Hilarian, I went back to Trinidad on July 4th for the annual Hilarians luncheon, and had a wonderful time. My love and appreciation for the school were rekindled. But I noticed the condition of the school grounds and buildings (see photos and video here), and as I spoke with others about what students actually need, I felt I should do more than reminisce.

My BAHS years were the foundation for everything that came after: an education at Harvard, professional roles at Google and in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, and a diplomatic post in Washington, D.C. Bishop Anstey gave me the confidence and drive to enter the US education system knowing I could achieve my goals and do whatever I wished. I wanted to find a way to give something back.

So I decided to do what I know best: create and launch a US tax-exempt entity to allow US donors — whether alumnae, friends, or family — to contribute to support the school and receive the tax deduction they're entitled to. I've launched tax-exempt entities before, and I currently advise clients on charitable giving strategy — this is familiar ground.

"In 2021, I searched for a Trinidad and Tobago nonprofit to receive my Google match. I found none. The $400 went to a charity in St. Vincent instead."

Two things made the timing right. First, the tax law: starting in 2026, even taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions can claim up to $1,000 in charitable donations, with higher limits for those who do itemize. Second, company matching, which may apply to many alumni and Trinis in the US: when I worked at Google, every employee had $400 a year to direct to a qualified nonprofit. I looked for one back home in Trinidad. There wasn't one that was positioned and qualified to receive that donation.

I do know that other companies — including Big Tech — will match their employees' donations of cash and appreciated stock. That gap is exactly what HAGE exists to close. I want to make it easier to channel US donor generosity to a school that will generate a significant societal ROI on that donation.

HAGE has a single mission: support Bishop Anstey's education mission through financial donations. We'll work with the school's Foundation Board to review capital projects, then make our own independent decisions about what to fund. This is necessary for IRS compliance — we must make our own independent decision on what to fund in an overseas organization. And my intention is only to get the donation engine started.

Once the school infrastructure is where it needs to be, we can decide, as a board, with our US donors, whether HAGE continues toward ongoing support, new programs like scholarships, or winds down having done what it set out to do. And we need to bring in younger board members who can ensure we are always current and relevant to the students and society.