The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS) has awarded a one-off grant of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) to the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), to support the organisation’s “Right to Reach: Expanding Access to Justice Through Tele-Legal Support” initiative. Right to Reach seeks to bring legal assistance closer to persons who may be unable to access traditional legal services because of distance, mobility challenges, stigma or safety concerns.
The grant was presented to Ms. Jennisa Nandoo, Executive Director, CCHR, by the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the organisation’s office at Plaza de Montrose, Chaguanas.
This support mechanism will provide confidential legal guidance and referrals through WhatsApp, telephone hotlines and virtual consultations, allowing persons to seek assistance without having to travel to a physical location. Legal Officers and trained support personnel will also provide trauma- informed and gender-sensitive assistance to persons seeking legal support.
The programme, which commences on October 1, 2026, is projected to reach approximately one thousand (1,000) persons across Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Mohit commended the organisation, stating that,
“The work of the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights is a powerful reminder that access to justice must never be determined by circumstance or geography. We recognise and commend CCHR for its continued commitment to protecting rights, promoting dignity and ensuring that people can access the support they need. Through this partnership, we are helping to bring justice closer to the people and creating greater opportunities for every citizen to have their voice heard and their rights respected.”
The initiative supports the Ministry’s broader commitment to strengthening social protection and addressing gender-based violence by helping vulnerable persons obtain timely legal information, guidance and referrals in a safe and easily accessible manner.