In a move toward greater social equity, Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein is clarifying how the ‘Land for the Landless’ Programme will support persons with disabilities.
Responding to questions in the Senate on Tuesday, he confirmed that the programme includes special provisions for persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to State land for all qualified citizens.
He noted that application forms promote inclusivity through a user-friendly online platform, allowing applicants to indicate whether they or any member of their household is differently abled.
“We have five ICT centres in Arima, Lisas Garden, in St Joseph, in Tarodale, and in Mayaro to assist applicants. The second is, Mr. President, the programme utilises a structured, point-based evaluation system, incorporating social vulnerability indicators. These indicators ensure that households experiencing heightened socio-economic challenges, including those with differently abled members, are assessed with appropriate weight and consideration.”
He further stated that the evaluation process is based on the policy.
“We cover oral disability, visual disability, severe non-ambulatory, mental or cognitive disability, mid-moderate, semi-ambulant and mild-ambulant categories. Applicants who attain the highest rankings under this evaluation framework, that is, those identified as most vulnerable, based on the established indicators, are prioritised for the allocation of approved residential lots.”
He restated that the Land for the Landless programme’s core mission is to prioritise households facing severe socio-economic hardships, including persons with disabilities.
Minister Hosein also clarified the household income requirement for applicants.
“The applicants must be 18 years or older, be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, not be the owner, part-owner of property or land in Trinidad and Tobago, and the combined monthly income of the applicant and co-applicant, where applicable, must not exceed $30,000 per month. I think persons were getting a bit confused in the public. It’s not that you have to have a salary of $30,000. Your salary must be under $30,000 combined or if it’s a single applicant. And the person must not be the recipient of any government or State housing subsidy.”
The Minister was responding to a question posed by Independent Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne during Tuesday’s sitting of the Senate.