The Children’s Life Fund Authority (CLFA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), marked a significant milestone in the delivery of lifesaving care to children with life-limiting illnesses on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The milestone follows critical amendments made by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in July 2025 to broaden the scope of the Children’s Life Fund Act.
For the first time, the CLFA has facilitated the participation of an international specialist in providing a specialised procedure here in Trinidad and Tobago, rather than sending the child overseas for treatment. In this instance, the clinical circumstances supported the involvement of the international specialist, and the procedure was undertaken at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) with the necessary local medical team and facilities.
On Friday, the Honourable Dr Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health, joined the CLFA and NCRHA on a visit to the Wendy Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital, where he met with one of the Life Fund’s beneficiaries and witnessed firsthand the impact of the expanded legislation.
For the CLFA, the beneficiary’s care represents more than an individual medical intervention. It is a tangible demonstration of what can be achieved when legislation evolves to respond to the realities faced by children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The government’s amendment to the Act fulfils a key objective of broadening access to treatment and ensuring that more children can receive specialised care by giving the CLFA greater flexibility in how it responds to the medical needs of children.
“The Board was honoured to welcome the Honourable Minister and to have him witness firsthand the impact the Life Fund is making in the lives of our beneficiaries and their families,” said Dr. Kevon Dindial, Chairman, CLFA. “This decision represents not only a commitment to improving health outcomes for children, but also a promise fulfilled. It reaffirms our pledge to bring hope, relief and real possibilities to families who have long awaited expanded support.”
The CLFA facilitated the involvement of Dr. Francisco Suarez Anozrena, Interventional Hepatobiliary Specialist, Fundación ETHE, to execute the beneficiary’s specialised medical care alongside local specialists and the care team of the EWMSC which included Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Sherman Soman, Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Robbie Rampersad, Paediatric Intensivist, Dr. Sushil Devashetty, and Adult Intensivist, Dr. Kevin Khan-Kernahan.
Mrs. Vernessar Cummings, Chief Executive Officer, CLFA, said: “The amended legislation provides the CLFA with greater flexibility to facilitate appropriate medical care, including innovative arrangements that allow specialised expertise to be brought to Trinidad and Tobago where clinically appropriate. There is also an important benefit to our local healthcare professionals, who have the opportunity to work with international specialists and engage in knowledge and skills transfer.”
The CLFA will continue to work with families, medical specialists, and its local and international partners to
advance its mission and ensure that the Children’s Life Fund remains a beacon of hope for those facing lifelimiting illnesse