BHS Alumna, Lystra Antoine – Founder, Copper Canyon
On a hillside above Scarborough, Tobago, a massive cast iron pot greets visitors to the Copper Canyon Wellness Centre. Weathered by time but unyielding, the vessel once boiled cane juice into sugar and cassava into farine, feeding households across the Caribbean. Today it serves as a symbol: of survival, of heritage, and of the possibility of aging not as withdrawal but as renewal.
The symbolism is intentional. Founder Lystra Antoine grew up in the shadow of women who taught her both strength and vulnerability. Her grandmother embodied a wit and wisdom untaught by books. Her mother’s advancing years revealed the quieter lessons of isolation and dwindling choices. Antoine envisioned something different for Tobago’s elders, a place where they could live fully, not merely reside.
At Copper Canyon, the vision is clear. The Centre is not framed as an institution but as a community. Its philosophy is grounded in prevention, encouraging health, mobility, and companionship long before decline becomes inevitable. Residents stroll through gardens edged with medicinal herbs, share meals crafted with both science and tradition in mind, and join in programs that balance physical fitness with spiritual grounding.
Safety is built into the environment with non-skid floors, handrails, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and discreet monitoring. Yet the deeper infrastructure is social. Names are remembered, laughter is encouraged, and participation is expected. The atmosphere defies the quiet sterility often associated with elder care.
The living spaces reflect the same ethos of dignity and comfort. Each private en-suite room is tastefully furnished, with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Outdoor terraces offer space for reflection or conversation, while accessibility features ensure that mobility challenges do not limit independence. For those who prefer community while still valuing privacy, semi-private and suite-style accommodations provide flexible options. Pricing, Antoine emphasizes, is transparent and adaptable to individual needs.
Services extend well beyond shelter. Trained staff are available around the clock to assist with daily activities including medication management, bathing, dressing, and meal preparation while still promoting independence. Preventative health care is a cornerstone, with regular screenings, health education sessions, and targeted programs aimed at addressing concerns before they escalate.
A well-equipped gym provides structured exercise, from strength training to gentle yoga sessions surrounded by Tobago’s lush scenery. Nutritionists and dieticians work with residents on personalized meal plans and detox programs, making wellness a daily practice rather than an occasional intervention.
Equally important are the social and recreational offerings. A library and games room invite quiet engagement, while group outings, hobby clubs, and cultural events foster connection. Whether it is a fitness class or a sunset gathering on the terrace, the goal is the same: to create a rhythm of life that is active, communal, and meaningful.
In the shadow of its cast iron sentinel, Copper Canyon redefines what elder living can be. It is not decline but continuation, not withdrawal but reconnection. The pot on the hill is still, but within the Centre life unfolds steadily, joyfully, and with purpose.
