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Washington: A permanent center was inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago to provide artificial limbs to people who have lost their legs below the knee. This step can make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities in the Caribbean region. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to the Caribbean country Trinidad and Tobago, inaugurated the ‘Jaipur Foot Prosthetics Centre’ established by non-profit organization ‘Jaipur Foot USA’ on May 9. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Prasad Bissessar was also present on this occasion.

Jaishankar termed this center as a boon in the direction of restoring the mobility of disabled people in the wider ‘CARICOM’ region comprising Trinidad and Tobago and more than 15 island countries. ‘Jaipur Foot USA’, a sister organization of Bhagwan Mahavir Handicapped Assistance Committee, will provide 600 artificial limbs to this center established in Pinal Nagar, South Trinidad.

The US-based non-profit has also deployed a highly skilled prosthetist from Jaipur to the Trinidad center to train local technicians. The establishment of this permanent center in the Caribbean country follows the success of the 50-day Jaipur Foot Camp held in Port of Spain in October last year, which benefited over 800 people.

“This permanent center will not only restore people’s ability to walk, but will also provide dignity to persons with disabilities in the Caribbean region,” Jaipur Foot USA President Prem Bhandari said in a statement here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced organizing an artificial limb transplant camp in the island nation during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago in July last year.