The Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, today presented a one-off grant of $10,000.00 to the Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) in support of its upcoming World Down Syndrome Day Conference, scheduled for March 19, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. The brief event took place at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.
Minister Mohit met with Mr. Glen Niles, President and Founder of the DSFN, along with Ms. Lisa Ghany, DSFN Honorary Board Member and WDSD Conference Chairperson, to formally present the grant and reaffirm the Ministry’s support for organizations dedicated to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The Down Syndrome Family Network is a non-governmental organization committed to empowering families to champion the needs of children and adolescents with Down Syndrome. The organization plays a vital role in strengthening support systems for parents and caregivers by providing access to critical resources, guidance and information.
The annual World Down Syndrome Day Conference brings together parents, caregivers, teachers, healthcare professionals and government specialists, creating a unified voice to advocate for inclusion and legislation that protects the rights of persons with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. The event also provides a platform for international and local experts to share best practices while allowing persons with disabilities to network, share their experiences, and celebrate their achievements.
Minister Mohit commended the Network for its continued advocacy and dedication to empowering families and promoting inclusion. She also encouraged the organization to explore additional community-based initiatives that expand opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in social, educational, and cultural activities beyond the annual conference.
Support for organizations such as the DSFN forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the NGO community, in order to advance its mandate of assisting and empowering the most vulnerable members of society.
The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services remains committed to working alongside civil society partners to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive society for all citizens.