Akennie Mc Leod, a father of six from Beckles Trace, Esperance Village, San Fernando, earlier today received a life-changing boost from the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services, as the Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit, presented him with Home Repair Grants at the Ministry’s Head Office, St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain.
Mr. Mc Leod’s emotional story captured the hearts of many after it was shared in sections of the media in May of this year. Determined that his children would never feel the absence of a father’s love, he has worked tirelessly alongside his wife, Linda Lima, to raise their family in a makeshift home built from galvanised and salvaged material, despite facing severe financial hardship.
With little access to steady employment, Mc Leod turned to small-scale farming and poultry rearing, but continued to struggle to provide a safe and dry home for his family.
Minister Mohit, moved by his unwavering determination, ensured swift support through the Ministry’s National Social Development Programme (NSDP) was delivered to the family. The grants that Mr. Mc Leod received included:
- Minor House Repairs
- Sanitary Plumbing
- House Wiring
In addition, Mc Leod was referred to the Ministry’s Social Welfare Division for further assistance through the Household Items Grant and Food Support Grant, aimed at furnishing his home and easing daily burdens.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mohit underscored the Ministry’s commitment to “helping, empowering and transforming lives”, and reaffirmed that no one should be left behind. “It is not just about giving grants—it’s about giving hope and dignity,” she said. “I urge Mr. Mc Leod to make the best use of this support to bring comfort to his family and continue striving for a better tomorrow.”
Also present at the ceremony were Senator Dr. Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary; Permanent Secretaries Mr. Ryan Ramcharan and Ms. Wendy Guy-Hernandez, and Ms. Patricia De Leon-Henry, National Director of the NSDP.
Mc Leod expressed heartfelt thanks to Minister Mohit, the Ministry, and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, saying, “this is the opportunity we have been praying for.”
This initiative reflects the Ministry’s continued efforts to empower vulnerable families, provide targeted support, and build stronger communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
