Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association

​James Augustus Alves (born November 10, 1883, British Guiana, now Guyana) lost his sight after a childhood accident and later trained at the Royal Normal College for the Blind in England. Health challenges led him back to the Caribbean, where—beginning in 1911—he travelled across the English-speaking islands urging leaders to create services for persons who are blind. With a letter of introduction from a Methodist clergyman, he arrived in Trinidad (1912), met colonial and church leaders, and secured agreement for the first census of the blind, a decisive step that laid the groundwork for organized services in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Early Life and Education

James Augustus Alves was born in British Guiana (Guyana) on November 10, 1883. He completed elementary and secondary schooling locally. A schoolyard accident left him with an eye injury that eventually resulted in total loss of sight. As a teenager, he travelled to England to study at the Royal Normal College for the Blind, where he was exposed to emerging international approaches to education, rehabilitation, and independent living for persons who are blind. The English climate, however, affected his health, and physicians advised him to return to a warmer Caribbean climate.

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Regional Advocacy

In 1911, Alves toured the English-speaking Caribbean, meeting political, business, and civic leaders to make the case for establishing programmes and services for persons who are blind. He first tried to settle in Jamaica, but initial efforts stalled. A Methodist priest then provided a letter of recommendation that he carried to Trinidad in 1912.

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A Turning Point in Trinidad

In Port of Spain, Alves presented his proposals along with the recommendation letter to Sir Samuel Knaggs, the acting Governor. He was encouraged to submit his ideas to the Governor upon his return. Meanwhile, Alves sought the partnership of church leaders, engaging Bishop J. P. Dowling (Roman Catholic) and Bishop Welsh (Anglican). While the wider public met his ideas with understandable caution, given how novel they were, the clergy offered meaningful support. On the Governor’s return (Sir George Lee Hunt), Alves met with him and the two bishops. The meeting concluded with an agreement to conduct a census of the blind population before launching services. For Alves, this decision was a major breakthrough—a practical foundation for coordinated action on behalf of persons who are blind in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Mr. Alves traversed the island, moving from town to village by horse-drawn cart and by train, systematically gathering information on people who were blind. He travelled with a young assistant who served as his guide. By the end of the survey he had documented 533 individuals: 246 men, 287 women, and 11 children.

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In December 1913, the Government enacted legislation authorizing him to implement his proposals. His vision quickly took form and on May 18, 1914, the Institute for the Blind opened with six students, taught by Mr. Alves himself. The early curriculum combined Braille reading and writing, crafts, and recreational activities. The Institute began at 43 Edward Street, a short distance from what is now the TTBWA headquarters at 118 Duke Street. Governance was provided by the Board of Industrial Training appointed by the Governor.

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As demand grew, so did the need for residential support. In 1926, Miss Audrey Jeffers established the St. Mary’s Home for Blind Women and Girls on Frazer Street, Port of Spain. During the 1930s, Mr. Alves also strengthened the teaching staff by training a former student to assist him. Enrolment increased steadily. Among the first teachers was Miss Christabel Swanston; instructional duties were divided, with Miss Swanston teaching the female students and Mr. Alves teaching the male students.

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In 1937, Miss Florabell Swanston, sister of Miss Christabel Swanston, founded the Christabel Swanston Home for Blind Men. However, the men’s home ceased operations on May 4, 1978, after a fire.

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Building on James A. Alves’s groundwork, the organization entered a decisive period of growth and reform.

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After Alves laid the foundation, the organization entered a pivotal phase of expansion and change. The former Institute for the Blind was renamed the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) in 1947 by a law passed by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The Board of Industrial Training was replaced by a 30-member council of which 18 were chosen by the Association and 12 were appointed by the government. The Act also set the school apart from the Workshop. Teachers at the school were directly accountable to the Ministry of Education but the school was still administered by the Association. The Association’s services grew to include social support, education and rehabilitation under the direction of a revitalized mission. New branches San Fernando (1949) and Tobago (1953) followed regional expansion.

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The School for Blind Children was established in January 1952 on Charles Conrad Stollmeyers leasehold land in Paxvale Santa Cruz which it continues to occupy. Along with rehabilitation-led instruction in Orientation and Mobility, Everyday Living Skills and Home Management, the school provided a full primary curriculum that included Braille, Typing, Music and recreation. Additionally blind children from all over the English-speaking Caribbean were welcomed to the institution. An important step toward inclusive education was taken in 1965 when the first cohort of ten students started integrating into regular schools.

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Mr. Alves died in 1969 and was buried in Port of Spain’s Lapeyrouse Cemetery. The TTBWA honors his innovative leadership and lasting legacy annually.