The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services brought assistance directly to communities across South Trinidad on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, presenting $44,892.00 in grants under its Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Programme and distributing two wheelchairs to recipients of the Disability Assistance grant.
According to a media release issued Friday, the outreach forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to delivering people-centred services.
Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, led the initiative across the communities of Rio Claro, Moruga, Penal and Palo Seco. Three entrepreneurs benefited from the SEED Programme during the outreach, with grants supporting businesses in food sales, hairdressing and beauty services, and baked goods production.
Minister Mohit said the grants are aimed at providing recipients with the resources needed to strengthen and expand their operations, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities for individuals and families to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Every grant we provide and every service we deliver represent an investment in people,” Mohit said. “By supporting entrepreneurs and ensuring that essential assistance reaches those who need it most, we are strengthening families, empowering communities and creating opportunities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.”
As part of the outreach, the Minister also presented wheelchairs to Disability Assistance Grant recipients Brian Rampat and Victor John, both of Rio Claro. According to the Ministry, the assistive devices are expected to improve their mobility, promote greater independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
Rampat, a Social Worker with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, received his wheelchair in the presence of the Honourable Wilfred Morris, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Mayaro, and Mr. Ryan Ramcharan, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry.
Victor John’s wheelchair presentation was attended by Ms. Keisha Dumant Bryant, Social Welfare Officer; Ms. Patricia De Leon-Henry, National Director of the National Social Development Programme; Mr. Ryan Ramcharan; Mr. Shaffik Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation and Councilor for Ecclesville; and Mr. Glen Ram, Manager of the Mayaro Constituency Office.
The SEED grants were presented to entrepreneurs across the four communities visited. In Moruga, Minister Mohit presented a grant to Ms. Valerie George, with a representative of the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development and MP for Moruga/Tableland, among those in attendance, alongside SEED Project Officer Ms. Akilah Bobb and other Ministry officials.
A SEED grant was also presented to Ms. Bindra Dookie, attended by representatives of the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Finance and MP for Fyzabad, and the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister and MP for Siparia.
In Palo Seco, Ms. Opal Alleyne received a SEED grant in the presence of the Honourable Clyde Elder, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities and MP for La Brea, along with Ministry officials.
The Ministry said the initiative reflects its holistic approach to service delivery, combining economic empowerment with social assistance. Whether supporting entrepreneurs with the resources needed to grow their businesses or providing essential mobility aids to persons living with disabilities, the Ministry said it remains committed to delivering meaningful assistance that improves the lives of citizens.