The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to citizens in their most vulnerable moments, delivering timely assistance to families affected by recent disasters.
On Saturday, September 20th, 2025, the Ministry distributed sixty-five (65) Disaster Relief Grants valued at more than $269,000 to over forty (40) households, representing one hundred and sixty (160) beneficiaries across Penal/Debe, Siparia and surrounding communities. The ceremony, hosted at the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation on SS Erin Road, Penal, was not just about financial aid, but a heartfelt assurance that the Government stands firmly beside its citizens in their time of need.
The Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, spearheaded the distribution exercise and reaffirmed her Ministry’s pledge to deliver faster, fairer, and more compassionate service. Minister Mohit explained that too many families have faced the hardship of waiting and the pain of uncertainty, but this Government is determined to change that reality. She reminded the recipients that the grants are more than dollars and cents; they are a tangible expression of solidarity and a renewed investment in dignity, recovery, and hope. “Far too many of you have endured the frustration of waiting, the anxiety of not knowing when relief would come, and the challenge of stretching one dollar to cover many needs. Today we change that story, because the vulnerable cannot afford to wait,” the Minister declared.
In extending congratulations to the recipients, Minister Mohit also praised their resilience, noting the courage it takes to rebuild after loss. She assured them that the Government’s support will not only help cushion the effects of disaster-related hardships, but will also ensure that no one is left behind, particularly in times of crisis. She underscored that this initiative is part of a wider vision to reduce poverty, tackle inequality, and strengthen the social safety net across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Disaster Relief Grant Programme, delivered through the National Social Development Programme (NSDP), continues to be a cornerstone of the Ministry’s mission to support families in rebuilding with dignity and hope. By expediting relief and cutting through delays, the Ministry has shown that compassionate governance is not merely a promise but a practice.
