Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – 02 April 2026 – Cristy’s Sweet Treats, a community-driven ice cream venture, officially opened its doors last week at the Cashew Gardens Farmers’ Market. 

Launched in partnership with the Cashew Gardens Community Council, the ice cream parlour was made possible through the Innovation Challenge, a grant award initiative by the Digicel Foundation and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) to support persons with disabilities in launching their business ideas. 

The welcoming, colourful shop offers handcrafted ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and speciality desserts made with fresh ingredients and inspired by unique local flavours. At the heart of it all is Cristy Bhagwandeen, a local entrepreneur who is determined not to be defined by her disability. Her vision, paired with the support of her community, has transformed a dream into a thriving small business.

“What we’re seeing today began just four months ago, and it has truly come to fruition through community partnership and shared vision,” shared Kwasi Cudjoe, Digicel Foundation Project Manager. “It’s important to recognise and thank GEF-SGP, our key partner in the Innovation Challenge, for making these inclusive opportunities a reality.”

Working closely with the Cashew Gardens Community Council, Cristy received hands-on support to bring her idea to life—from training in ice cream production to customer service and marketing. Cristy’s Sweet Treats stands as a shining example of what can happen when communities rally behind their own. 

“Thanks to the community, my family and the Digicel Foundation for the support to start my ice-cream business,” said Cristy Bhagwandeen. “This means everything to me.”

Launched last year, the Innovation Challenge for Persons with Disabilities has supported six organisations with funding to accelerate bold, innovative ventures, creating real opportunities through entrepreneurship.

ENDS

About Digicel

Enabling customers to live, work, play and flourish in a connected world, Digicel’s world class LTE, 5G and fibre networks deliver state-of-the-art mobile, home and business solutions. Serving 8.8 million consumer and business customers in 25 markets in the Caribbean and Central America, its investments of over US$6.4 billion and a commitment to its communities through its Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have contributed to positive outcomes for over 2.4 million people to date.

With the Better Connected ethos at the heart of everything, its 5,000 employees worldwide work together to make that a powerful reality for customers, communities and countries day in, day out.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more.