The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, delivered critical financial assistance to families in the Siparia and Penal/Debe regions, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting citizens in times of hardship. A total of fifty-four (54) households, representing one hundred and eighty-seven (187) beneficiaries, received grants amounting to six hundred and thirty-eight thousand, six hundred and ten dollars ($638,610.00).
Home Repair Grants were distributed to twenty-two (22) households, benefiting sixty-one (61) persons, valued at four hundred and thirty-three thousand, four hundred and thirty-one dollars ($433,431.00) and Disaster General Assistance Grants to thirty-two (32) households, supporting one hundred and twenty-six (126) beneficiaries, totalling two hundred and five thousand, one hundred and seventy-nine dollars ($205,179.00).
Speaking at the distribution, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, emphasised that the initiative reflects a people-centred approach to governance, one that ensures the ministry steps forward to support citizens during times of vulnerability.
“Today is not simply about figures. Behind every dollar is a decision to restore dignity. Behind every grant is a family reclaiming stability. Behind every intervention is a government choosing people, every single time,” the minister stated.
The distribution forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the delivery of disaster relief and home repair assistance across Trinidad and Tobago. The minister highlighted that significant reforms have been implemented to improve efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness within the system. Over the past year, decisive action has been taken to address longstanding delays and administrative backlogs, including enhanced collaboration with key agencies such as the National Insurance Board and the Immigration Division. These measures have streamlined processes and ensured that citizens receive support in a more timely manner.
In addition, the government is advancing further reforms to modernise social support systems, including a comprehensive revision of the Standard Means Test to better reflect current economic realities and the lived experiences of citizens. The minister also underscored the broader commitment to strengthening social protection systems, including increased investment in programmes such as the Disability Assistance Grant and the expansion of initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable populations.
A key milestone in strengthening service delivery is the deployment of Social Services Delivery Officers across communities. Following the completion of an orientation and training programme, these officers will be assigned to local boards beginning March 31, 2026, ensuring greater accessibility, accountability, and on-the-ground support for citizens.
Minister Mohit reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind, noting that continued reforms will focus on strengthening systems, restoring public trust, and delivering measurable results to communities across the country.
Services and other officials with recipients at the grant distribution.