Shurwayne's Team A+ Offers Schools Across T&T A Chance to be Better
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - Selflessness is rare. When it’s coupled with celebrity, it triggers keen observation. Shurwayne Winchester is finally revealing what could very well be his most selfless commitment to Trinidad and Tobago – the land of his birth and the place he cherishes beyond measure.
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 Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser. 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.”
