Delay in funding for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is one of the many issues the government is working to improve.
While delivering an address at the World NGO Day Workshop hosted by the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services on Friday, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin reminded NGOs that they are valuable partners to the government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
She said training is essential to strengthening NGOs.
“We are here to strengthen organisations like yours, organisations that serve as the backbone of community life across Trinidad and Tobago – Non-Governmental Organisations. You are not just partners to us. You are the foundation sometimes on which we stand. You are the frontline agents of change, rooted in our communities and uniquely positioned to respond to persons that we don’t always reach and sometimes see.”
Minister Benjamin admitted that funding from the government to support the work of NGOs can, at times, be slow but revealed that efforts are being made for improvement.
“When I took office, the hurdles I saw and the delay in funding is something I’m trying to cure. So please have patience with us. I want to assure you that we are here to support you in a timely manner.”
According to the Minister, efforts are also being made to align NGOs with the government’s national development priorities.
“Sometimes NGOs get bad name because persons don’t always know what we do and how difficult it is to get it done. Through this collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, we are working also to align NGO sector more closely with our national development priorities. Improving service delivery to vulnerable populations depending on us as a government and you as an NGO and this allows us to reach them.”
The workshop was designed to equip NGOs with practical tools and knowledge in areas that are fundamental to effective operation, governance, and accountability, financial management, project planning, and navigating access to government funding.