Be The Change
Shurwayne’s Team A Plus Remains Focused, Collaborating for Better Tools in Schools, One Event at a Time.
With unity and a goal, societies can prove unstoppable. This is what Soca artiste, Shurwayne Winchester has recognized three years after establishing Team A Plus, a group that effectively collaborates with parents and staff at willing educational institutions, to elevate their respective school environments. On Saturday, June 6th, ‘The Vineyard’ will ultimately offer students of St. Xavier’s Private Primary School a refreshed reading and learning environment when their school library is upgraded.
“The goal for the Vineyard this year is the enhancement of the library at St. Xavier’s,” said Shurwayne. He says the library requires structural upgrades, identified by officials at the school. “These upgrades will create a more inviting experience for the children. We want the children to come into that space and enjoy the books. We’ll also be adding a touch of technology, because of the times we’re in,” he explained.
This year’s food inclusive event is being hosted at the school, along Richmond Street in St. Joseph, and will feature artistes like Vaughnette Bigford, Terri Lyons, Nisa, Destra Garcia, Tony Paul, and Shurwayne with his band, YOU. “This is not about me. I am no hero. I am just the face and the voice. We are a small team, committed to a cause,” he said, highlighting that the artistes, service providers and the support of parents and school staff, ultimately brings success to each effort. “The artistes who offer their performances at a discounted cost, are the real heroes. The service staff who negotiate payment plans with us and of course, the parents and school staff who work with us to bring success to their events, these are the people who must be credited for understanding the goal.”
Already committed to 5 events annually, Shurwayne says three additional school projects have been added to the team’s calendar for 2027. Following Saturday’s event, ‘Just the Two of Us’ will be hosted in Sangre Grande in aid of the development of a playing field area for the students of the Cunapo RC Primary School. “As children they should have an area where they can play. They need grass beneath their feet to play football and cricket, if they so wish. There is access to a piece of land through the school, and we’re going to backfill the land and fence it,” said the entertainer, explaining that the event is being held on July 11th as a Parang in July themed event.
A father himself, Shurwayne understands the importance of education and an environment that is conducive not only to learning, but growing holistically. “On October 3rd, we’ll be hosting Sunset on the Hill in Signal Hill Tobago. That event will support the needs of two schools at home in Tobago,” he shared, pointing to the Signal Hill Primary and Secondary Schools. “We’ll be building a covering for the steelpan area at the Signal Hill Primary School so that the students can practice even when there’s inclement weather, and at the Secondary school, funds will be donated for much needed technical equipment like printers and computers,” he said.
Two events to close off the year in November and December ultimately capture the hope of a group of dedicated adults who understand the need for unity, and seeing the bigger picture. “If we can give our children more opportunities and show them that they have a choice, offer them the opportunities to choose what they would like to do, whether it’s sports, information technology, whatever it may be, while delivering the right classroom environment to them, then maybe we can create the change we’d like to see; Maybe we can save a few of our youths from falling through the cracks,” said Shurwayne. “Some schools just don’t have the budget to give the students the best opportunities and then we look at those schools and say the children are bad, but often time, there’s a bigger issue at play. Sometimes the schools just cannot afford to give the children what they need to think bigger.”
Team A Plus’ year will end with sweet Parang music and efforts to help Bishops Anstey Junior School and St. Benedicts College in San Fernando. “On November 12th, we’ll be hosting Pepper Pot Parang in aid of repairing a walkway covering at Bishops Junior School, and then on December 5th, Parang Down South will assist another school in covering their pavilion,” said the artiste.
Shurwayne knows he is doing exactly what he is meant to, and believes that at the helm of everything stands God. “We’re doing this through God’s grace. Some of the things we’re getting through with, there’s just no way possible that we could have done any of that. I am grateful to the team of people in my corner, the artistes who are giving their support, the service providers and the people who allow me to barter my performances with them to make this happen for the children. I’m also grateful to the sponsors who’ve come on board. They are the stars. I just do what my heart tells me to do.”
Be The Change
Destra Returns to Queen’s Hall for Reflections II in March.
On Monday, Soca star, Destra Garcia said, “Today I begin my spiritual journey back up to the mountain as I begin my annual Lenten cleansing, reflecting and renewing with fasting and prayer with my family.” She shared the expression in the aftermath of Carnival 2026, having enjoyed an exuberant season of revelry, performing her hits ‘Happy People’ and ‘Free Again,’ for fans at various events. Now, as the female soca powerhouse retreats to restore and refresh, she announces the second edition of her Gospel concert in Trinidad and Tobago.
‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender’ will be hosted at Queen’s Hall on Saturday, March 28th. The live gospel concert brings together testimony, worship and a collective moment of prayer for Trinidad and Tobago. The event is described as a deep personal journey of faith and will offer the audience an intimate and honest expression of Destra’s walk with God.
“No matter what time of year it is, whether it’s Carnival or Lent, trust that I’m always walking after the Holy Spirit, who guides all my steps,” said Destra. “It may not make sense to everyone, but I am on my own path. I can only be myself. I may not be perfect, but I love God, and I have so much to be grateful for. My blessings keep overflowing.”
For more than 30 years, Destra has observed a sacred personal tradition following Carnival – 40 days of fasting and prayer to reset her heart, mind, body and spirit. “This is why I take this time every year after the Carnival season to cleanse and realign through fasting and prayer,” she explains. “I acknowledge the source of all goodness in my life – my ultimate love, the giver of gifts, the Almighty, the One who has set me free.”
Last year marked the first time she shared that private devotion publicly through Reflections. “After doing this quietly with my family for over 30 years, I opened up and revealed that side of myself for the first time to my fans with Reflections The Album and Concert, and I felt whole,” she said. “On Saturday 28th March, the day before Holy Week begins, join me as I take that journey again. Together we brought to life, a part of me that’s usually hidden. I’m ready to do it all over again with you,” said the entertainer.
Last year’s inaugural concert drew an overwhelming response from patrons who came seeking something deeper than entertainment. This year, Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender builds on that foundation with an even more personal focus – creating space for positive, purpose-filled music that strengthens families and lifts the nation in prayer.
According to a media release, those attending the event can expect powerful live vocals, heartfelt moments of reflection and a carefully curated musical journey centered on resilience, grace and purpose. Within the iconic setting of Queen’s Hall, the evening promises artistic excellence and emotional intimacy, where music becomes both celebration and prayer.
“Queen’s Hall is truly honoured to welcome back Destra Garcia to the Winifred Atwell Auditorium on Saturday 28th March 2026,” says Garfield George, General Manager of Queen’s Hall. “Last year’s Reflections concert was more than a performance – it was a transformative experience that demonstrated the power of music to uplift, inspire and unite. Destra’s artistry, courage and spiritual depth resonated profoundly with our audiences, and we are proud that Queen’s Hall continues to be the stage where such meaningful cultural moments unfold. We eagerly look forward to hosting her once again for what promises to be another unforgettable evening of excellence, inspiration and world-class production.”
Tickets for Reflections are available online at queenshalltt.com and at the Queen’s Hall Box Office , Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm.
Be The Change
Delivering Events With Purpose, Soca’s Shurwayne Winchester Partners With Schools for Better.
Trinidad and Tobago artiste, Shurwayne Winchester has revealed that over the past couple years he’s been hosting events alongside schools partnered with, with proceeds going towards bettering the environments students enjoy.
A few years ago, the artiste says he visited a school for the usual interaction with students. His talk started as it typically did, with him explaining to the students that the institution passed for, shouldn’t determine their success. He encouraged the youths to focus on the work and be committed to succeeding on their journey. “One of the students at this particular school was straight. He looked at me and in not so many words, he said there was nothing at the institution to be encouraged by.”
The teenager argued that as students of that particular school, they felt ‘less than’ as compared to students of other schools where there were better resources for learning. Shurwayne said he left the school that day, awakened to the reality that’s felt by many youths in Trinidad and Tobago. “That day, those students told me they felt forgotten because while some schools had comfort, they didn’t. I knew I had to do something to change that,” he said.
An idea, born from the bosom of one young man’s honesty, has since positively impacted two schools in Trinidad. “I had done events to help schools raise funds before, but not like this. I wanted to do something where I could be directly involved. I didn’t want the funds to be redirected if placed directly in the schools’ hands. I really wanted to help,” said the artiste. With that his mission, Shurwayne first approached St. Xavier’s and partnering with the school’s principal, his team at SW Limited hosted The Vineyard with all proceeds aiding the school’s infrastructural needs. “The template is basic. I ask the school what they need. I then get a quotation from a registered contractor for the project and SW Limited builds an event, investing 100% of the finances. The school and the parents are responsible for pushing out the tickets. That’s the only thing we ask of them,” he said, emphasizing the importance of parents’ involvement. “You must have an active and involved group of parents who really want to see that change for their children. We then take away the headache of delivering the show and overseeing the school project’s completion. Everything is documented for complete transparency and accountability.”
Shurwayne says his heart is extremely full, knowing that this initiative is helping others to see their full potential. “My mom and dad always said, “use the gifts you have and give back,”” he recalled, pondering the humble teachings of his parents who passed away earlier this year. In November, a third school will benefit from this initiative. Shurwayne says the overall goal is to raise funds to help other schools that may not be in a position to get the assistance of sponsors. “We’re willing to work with any school that’s willing to agree to the template we’ve created. We’ve built Team A+ under the SW Limited banner, and we’re now moving from school to school. Interested schools can email SW Limited at swlimited@gmail.com with details about their school and what they’d like to have addressed,” said the artiste.
Extending his gratitude to fellow artistes and musicians, suppliers and others who have shown their support for the effort, Shurwayne says he is extremely thankful to everyone who’s made a difference in the lives of the children, whether directly or indirectly. “I believe I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing because as an entertainer, these people give their support to us in a way that I can’t even thank them enough for. Many of the parents have supported me over many years so if I can now support their children in this way, I’m here to do it. I’m not doing for the school. The school is doing for me, because the school allows me to remind myself of what my responsibility is to my country, my fanbase and the responsibility of carrying on my parents’ names – Codrington and Linda Winchester. I want to do great things and everything I do has to be great,” he said.
‘Just The Two of Us’ is yet another event created to fulfill the needs of students. It will be hosted in January 2026 with Team A + promising an enjoyable experience for all who attend. This week, Shurwayne and his team will give insight into two of the completed projects. “We’ll be showing the full scope of the projects – from planning to completion, on my YouTube channel. Anyone who’s interested in getting involved, whether directly or indirectly can take a look at what we’ve committed to and reach out. As one nation we can do great things. All it takes is love and commitment.”