The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services on Monday, July 27, 2026, marked its 40th Disaster Relief and Home Repair Grant Distribution, under the leadership of the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, providing critical assistance to seventy (70) households from the Tunapuna/Piarco and Arima Regions.
Today's distribution benefited a total of two hundred and twenty-three (223) persons, with grants valued at nine hundred and thirty-six thousand and forty-five dollars (TT$936,045.00), reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and families as they recover and rebuild following times of hardship.
"People cannot put their lives on hold while bureaucracy catches up. We have worked diligently to clear long standing backlogs, improve access to assistance through initiatives such as the Revised Standard Means Test and ensure that support reaches families when they need it most,"
The distribution included:
- Disaster General Assistance Grants: Forty-four (44) grants benefiting one hundred and forty-two (142) beneficiaries, valued at three hundred and ninety-seven thousand, nine hundred and twenty-three dollars (TT$397,923.00).
- Home Repair Grants: Twenty-six (26) grants benefiting eighty-one (81) beneficiaries, valued at five hundred and thirty-eight thousand, one hundred and twenty-two dollars (TT$538,122.00).
Delivering the feature address, Minister Mohit emphasised that the assistance provided represents more than financial support, noting that it reflects the Government's ongoing investment in the wellbeing of citizens and communities. "The grants we distribute today are not acts of charity. They are investments in people, investments in safer homes, stronger families and more resilient communities. When families receive support during their most difficult moments, they regain the confidence to rebuild and move forward," Minister Mohit stated.
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Minister Mohit reasserted the Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening the nation's social protection system.
"Forty distributions, countless lives touched and millions of dollars invested in the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Today's distribution is living proof of this Government's commitment, and we are only getting started. We will continue clearing backlogs, modernising social services and standing with families because this Ministry does not simply distribute grants. We restore dignity, rebuild lives and strengthen families, ensuring that no deserving citizen is left behind,"the Minister stated.
The Minister also highlighted the Ministry's continued efforts to modernise the delivery of disaster relief assistance through digital technology, improved assessments and more efficient payment systems, ensuring that support reaches affected families promptly and with greater care.
"We are transforming the way disaster relief is delivered by embracing modern technology, improving transparency and accelerating the delivery of assistance. Our goal is to ensure that help reaches families faster, more efficiently and with greater accountability,"she said.
Minister Mohit urged recipients to utilise the grants for their intended purpose, reiterating that responsible stewardship of public funds ensures the continued sustainability of programmes that assist vulnerable families across the country.
The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services remains committed to delivering people centred programmes and services that improve the lives of citizens, strengthen communities and ensure that vulnerable individuals and families receive the support they need in a timely manner.