Dr. the Honourable David A. Lee, Minister of Housing, and Senator the Honourable Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing, today met with representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), led by President of the Association, Mr. Ishmael Pitt, to advance discussions on housing support for members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, as part of the Ministry’s Housing Policy for members of the Protective Services.
The meeting centred on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and the Association, with particular focus on emergency housing arrangements for officers who are members of the TTPSSWA. Discussions explored the provision of short-stay housing units to support officers requiring temporary accommodation, as well as officers experiencing financial hardship or domestic challenges, with the objective of ensuring safe, secure and dignified transitional housing during periods of reassignment or personal difficulty. The dialogue also addressed the importance of increasing the percentage of housing allocations to members of the Protective Services, thereby prioritising the welfare of officers within the State housing sector.
Also, in attendance at the meeting were: Mrs. Shanmatee Singh Ng Sang, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Mrs. Lena Hanooman-Boodram, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Housing and Mr. Feeroz Khan, Chairman, Housing Development Corporation (HDC). For the TTPSSWA were: Sergeant Jason Johnson, Trustee, Mr. Nazir Mohammed, Chairman of the Housing Committee, and Ms. Nathalie John, Secretary.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continue working collaboratively with key stakeholders to explore practical mechanisms within existing housing programmes, as well as potential tailored solutions that respond to the unique needs of the protective services.
The Ministry of Housing remains steadfast in its mandate to provide equitable, responsive and sustainable housing solutions for all citizens, including those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our communities. Through continued engagement and partnership with the TTPSSWA, the Ministry looks forward to advancing initiatives that enhance housing access and support for police officers, thereby contributing to stronger institutions, safer communities and a more resilient nation.
Left to right: Ms Nathalie John, Secretary, TTPSSWA; Mr Ishmael Pitt, President, TTPSSWA; Senator the Honourable Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing; Dr the Honourable David A. Lee, Minister of Housing; Mrs Shanmatee Singh Ng Sang, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Mr Feeroz Khan, Chairman, HDC; Mr Nazir Mohammed, Chairman, Housing Committee, TTPSSWA; and Sergeant Jason Johnson, Trustee, TTPSSWA