The Ministry of Culture and Community Development (MCCD) has announced the appointment of the new Board of Directors of the National Commission for Self Help Limited (NCSHL).
The members were formally presented with their instruments of appointment at a brief ceremony hosted at the Ministry’s Head Office on Friday September 5th, 2025. The event was presided over by the Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, alongside Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Narindra Roopnarine and other Ministry officials.
The newly appointed Board of Directors of the NCSHL comprises:
Mr. Vishnu Ramlakhan – Chairman
Ms. Betty Doolarie Ramnarine – Vice Chairman
Dr. Kerry Sumesar-Rai – Director
Mr. Ishwar Muttoo – Director
Mr. Nazeemool Mohammed – Director
Ms. Denesha Nicholas – Director
Ms. Vedya Mahabir – Director
Ms. Keris Braxton – Director
Mr. Elroy Brent Julien – Director
Mr. Kenwyn Phillip – Director
Mr. Alexei Julien – Director
Mr. Peter Nero – Director
Ms. Vidya Ramanand-Mohammed – Director
In addressing the new appointees, Minister Benjamin extended congratulations to the newly installed Board, expressing confidence in their ability to guide the Commission’s mandate saying, “The National Commission for Self Help Limited is a representation for empowerment, resilience and partnership within communities across Trinidad and Tobago. This new Board carries the responsibility of ensuring that the Commission continues to provide timely and effective support, especially to the most vulnerable. We expect hard work, dedication and a renewed commitment to service as each member takes up this important task.”
About the NCSHL
Established in 1987 as a wholly owned State Enterprise, the NCSHL is a Non-Profit Organisation mandated to mobilise physical, financial and human resources to support self-help activities across communities in Trinidad and Tobago. The objectives of the Commission include:
· Facilitating the promotion and implementation of self-help projects throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
· Stimulating the development of individual and co-operative community, industry and enterprise efforts.
· Receiving and prioritising proposals for self-help projects and activities.
· Assisting in the identification and mobilisation of resources required to undertake projects.
· Providing assistance on a matching-grant basis to community initiatives.
· Identifying and implementing programmes that expand opportunities for national involvement in self-help activities.
· Receiving aid from local and foreign individuals, institutions and donors to support its objectives.
The Ministry of Culture and Community therefore looks forward to working alongside the new Board to ensure that the Commission continues to fulfil its mission of improving lives, empowering communities and building stronger social infrastructure across Trinidad and Tobago.