On August 17, 2026, the Ministry of Finance convened the second meeting of the Women’s Health Fund Committee, with the Honourable Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, participating in discussions on the continued operationalisation of
the Fund and its interventions to address period poverty and improve menstrual health outcomes for women and girls throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
“Today we took another crucial step in improving the health, dignity and educational outcomes of women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable communities,” Minister Tancoo said following the meeting. “I am honoured to be part of the Kamla PersadBissessar Administration pioneering this much-needed initiative for disenfranchised girls and women in Trinidad and Tobago. With support such as this, we are positioning them to continue to excel at every level.”
Through the Women’s Health Fund, under a Pilot Programme, menstrual kits will be distributed to educational institutions, complemented by menstrual health education and public sensitisation initiatives for various groups, including men and boys, to
promote inclusiveness and reduce stigma.
The Committee will provide oversight of the Fund and make recommendations to the Minister of Finance regarding the disbursement of funds to support period poverty interventions. This oversight role will ensure that resources are directed toward
meaningful interventions that advance the Fund’s objectives and deliver tangible benefits to women and girls.
In carrying out its mandate, the Committee will promote transparency and accountability, monitor implementation of approved initiatives, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of programmes supported by the Fund.
The Committee comprises:
▪ Ms. Kumarie Hanslal-Ali, Director of Budgets, Ministry of Finance – Chair;
▪ Dr. Seon Raymond, Adviser, Social Services Sector, Ministry of the People,
Social Development and Family Services – Deputy Chair;
Ms. Shelley-Ann Hart, Director, Gender Affairs Division, Ministry of the People,
Social Development and Family Services – Member;
▪ Dr. Jeanine St. Bernard, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health – Member;
▪ Dr. Matthew Desaine, Education Medical Officer, Education Health Services Unit,
Ministry of Education – Member; and
▪ Dr. Nadira Rambocas, President, Crown Her Trinidad and Tobago – Member.
At the second meeting, members received updates on the operationalisation of the Women’s Health Fund, including the opening of the Central Bank account and the Government’s initial TT$5 million contribution. Discussions also focused on the receipt
and administration of donations, including procedures for donation receipts, recordkeeping and auditing, as well as consultations relating to donor due diligence.
“We have created the mechanism for private sector participation, which will enable the Fund to have greater impact while ensuring its long-term viability,” Minister Tancoo said. “I have no doubt that the business community will respond positively.”
The Finance Act, 2026 (Act No. 16 of 2026) introduced tax incentives to encourage individuals and companies to make contributions to Funds established under Section 43 of the Exchequer and Audit Act. Individuals who make bona fide monetary contributions to eligible Funds may claim a deduction in determining their chargeable income of up to the lower of 20 percent of their total income or TT$20,000, while companies may claim a deduction in determining their chargeable profits of up to the lower of 15 percent of their chargeable profits or TT$100,000.
Individuals and companies may support the Women’s Health Fund through monetary contributions. The banking details and procedures for making contributions to the Fund will be made available to the public in the coming weeks. Contributors will be provided with the appropriate documentation to support the administration and recording of their contributions, as well as the filing of their respective income tax and corporation tax returns.
The Committee also advanced work on the development of the Fund’s Operational Framework, including application and eligibility criteria, due diligence and assessment procedures, documentation requirements, monitoring and reporting, and policy
considerations relating to in-kind donations.
The Honourable Minister of Finance underscored the importance of ensuring that the Women’s Health Fund is implemented in a transparent, accountable and effective manner, with resources directed towards interventions that respond meaningfully to the
needs of women and girls. The Ministry of Finance will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to advance the implementation of the Fund and improve access to menstrual health products, education and support throughout Trinidad and Tobago