Good day, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is both an honour and a privilege to address you today as we continue to advance the unwavering mission of the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services to uplift, empower, and protect the vulnerable and marginalized citizens of our beloved Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
At the heart of our Ministry’s mandate lies a deeply held conviction the people come first and every citizen matters. We believe that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has a role to play in shaping our national development. And it is this belief that underpins our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society.
As a Government, we are steadfast in our pursuit of policies and programmes that place our people first. Our focus is clear: to reduce and ultimately eliminate poverty, to break the cycles of inequality, and to ensure that every citizen can live with dignity and hope.
The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services serves as a strategic leader in the national effort to address poverty, social vulnerability, and economic exclusion. Our interventions are aligned with the Government’s people-centred development framework, and are designed to reach those most in need, those who too often fall through the cracks.
Ladies and gentlemen, today’s gathering underscores the power of social intervention and the Government’s deep-seated commitment to protecting citizens in times of crisis. The Ministry’s Disaster Relief Programme, administered through the National Social Development Programme, is an essential response mechanism that provides timely support to individuals and families affected by unforeseen hardships, whether natural or man-made.
The Ministry is a critical second responder in the recovery efforts in times of disasters, offering both financial assistance and psychosocial support to help families recover, rebuild, and regain their footing.
Today’s distribution exercise represents more than just financial assistance, it also represents our commitment to stand by you, the people affected. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that eight (8) deserving households will receive a total of over $82,000 dollars in assistance, as part of this effort.
These grants are more than just financial support, they affirm that, as a nation, we do not abandon our own in their time of greatest need.
Thanks to the dedication of our officers and support staff, the Ministry continues to meet the objectives of this programme—ensuring both transparency and timeliness in delivery, while also providing much-needed counselling and advocacy services to help affected families navigate their new realities.
In closing, let me reaffirm that this Ministry remains deeply committed to its mission. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the dignity of every citizen, to bridge the gaps that divide us, and to ensure that no one is left behind.
To today’s recipients, I extend my heartfelt congratulations, and assurance that these grants are not considered a hand out, but a hand up. Your resilience is inspiring and I want you to know that your Government sees you, hears you and is committed to walking this journey of recovery with you. May this support serve as a catalyst for continued strength and renewed hope, as you chart your course toward a brighter, more secure future.
Thank you.