The Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, has welcomed the decision of the Government, as confirmed in Gazette No. 146 of 2025, to reassign the National Commission for Self Help Limited (NCSHL) to the Office of the Prime Minister.
In a press release, the Minister stated that this move is in the best interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago as it ensures that the Commission, which is central to community relief and support, now benefits from direct oversight at the highest level of Government.
She also noted that in recent months, significant issues have come to light that demand decisive action. They include:
- Financial crisis: Outstanding liabilities of $19.45 million against available cash and anticipated releases of $8.62 million, creating a net deficit of $10.8 million.
- Contractor arrears: More than $16.2 million owed to contractors under the Infrastructure Development Fund, much of it overdue by more than 91 days, threatening vital community projects and livelihoods.
- Leadership instability: The former CEO, together with the Project Manager, Procurement Manager, and Executive Secretary, have been on administrative leave for over a year. During this time, the Commission paid approximately $1.37 million in salaries without receiving services in return.
- Legal costs: The Commission incurred an additional $833,325 in legal fees related to disciplinary proceedings for these officers.
- Investigative findings: An independent inquiry confirmed serious lapses in accountability, non-compliance with procurement rules, ineffective due diligence and breaches of confidentiality, all of which undermined the Commission’s governance framework.
- Irregular hiring practices: In the final days before the General Election, individuals were appointed to senior roles on salaries exceeding that of the CEO, raising legitimate concerns about transparency, equity and political expediency.
- Improper voucher distribution: Reports indicate irregular distribution of vouchers mere days before and on the General Election 2025, pointing to concerns of political gain and racketeering.
Minister Benjamin emphasised: “The Self Help Commission is too important to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to be undermined by weak governance and questionable practices. This Government has acted decisively by placing the Commission under the direct authority of the Honourable Prime Minister, ensuring that the urgent financial, legal and operational matters are addressed without delay. This is about restoring accountability, protecting taxpayers’ money and ensuring that the Commission fulfils its true mandate to serve our people in their time of need.”
The Minister further noted that her Ministry has been diligent in uncovering and documenting the extent of these problems and will submit all supporting evidence to ensure a smooth transition.
She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the broader cultural and community development agenda, while standing fully behind the Prime Minister in the steps being taken to protect the integrity of the National Commission for Self Help and restore public confidence.