The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services hosted a Legal and Governance Compliance Workshop on Friday, March 27, 2026, for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in commemoration of World NGO Day 2026, under the theme “Partnerships for Progress – Strengthening NGO Capacity for Sustainable Development.”
The workshop brought together NGO leaders and stakeholders from across Trinidad and Tobago for a day of engagement focused on enhancing governance frameworks, strengthening accountability, and building sustainable organisational systems.
Delivering remarks at the opening, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services underscored the vital role NGOs play in national development, describing them as “the quiet force behind hope” and “the bridge between hardship and possibility” for many vulnerable citizens. The NGOs were commended for their unwavering commitment to service, often working behind the scenes to uplift individuals, families, and communities across the country.
Minister Mohit emphasised that while compassion and dedication remain at the heart of civil society work, sustainable impact requires strong institutional frameworks. Participants were encouraged to view compliance, transparency, and good governance not as administrative burdens, but as essential pillars that safeguard credibility, strengthen operations, and ensure long-term impact.
The cohort of officers represents a strategic investment by the Government in strengthening the delivery of social services across Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister emphasised that the officers are now positioned at the frontline of engagement with vulnerable citizens and are expected to embody the values of empathy, professionalism, and integrity. “You are not just entering a job. You are stepping into a role that places you at the frontline of dignity, hope, and human resilience,” she told the participants, charging them to serve as “ambassadors of the poor and the vulnerable.”“As we continue to address complex social challenges, purpose must be supported by structure, and passion must be strengthened by accountability,” the Minister noted. “When your systems are strong, your impact becomes unstoppable.”
The workshop forms part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to building the capacity of the NGO sector. Through the NGO Unit and targeted initiatives such as this workshop, the Ministry continues to invest in the development of civil society organisations. This includes annual financial support of approximately TT$98 million, aimed at empowering NGOs to expand their reach and deepen their impact.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable development, calling for partnerships that are not merely transactional but transformational, grounded in trust, shared responsibility, and measurable results for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Special commendation was extended to The Cropper Foundation and Veni Apwann for their leadership in advancing the ‘IGNITE CSOs Project’, a key initiative supporting innovation and growth within the NGO sector. Participants were encouraged to embrace the workshop as an opportunity to strengthen their organisations, refine their systems, and enhance their service delivery, recognising that every improvement made translates into better outcomes for the communities they serve.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside NGOs as key partners in development, noting that their contributions continue to shape a more inclusive and compassionate society.