In a vibrant display of courage, creativity and transformation, the R.I.S.E. Fashion Show showcasing female inmates of the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPrS) was held yesterday, Wednesday July 30, 2025 at the TTPrS Recreational Sports and Cultural Club, Golden Grove, Arouca. The event was hosted by the Gender and Child Affairs Division of the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS) in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service.
The fashion show marked the culmination of the Re-Integration Support and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) – Who Am I? pilot project, which is a multi-week programme geared toward preparing pre-release female inmates for successful reintegration into society. Through trauma therapy, life skills training, and creative garment construction using recycled materials, the initiative empowered participants to reclaim their dignity and rediscover their potential.
Delivering the feature address, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, applauded the women for their resilience and personal growth. “RISE is more than a programme, it’s a journey of healing and empowerment. Your past does not define you; your future is filled with hope,” she said, affirming the Ministry’s mandate to help, empower and transform the lives of the most vulnerable.
The event was graced by several special guests, including Senator Dr. Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry, Permanent Secretaries Ryan Ramcharan and Wendy Guy- Hernandez, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Vera Balkaran-Deonanan, Carlos Corraspe, Commissioner of Prisons, as well as executive members of the TTPrS, and officials from the Ministry of National Security. The highlight of the day’s activities was a dynamic runway presentation by approximately twenty (20) participants, who showcased self-designed pieces symbolizing their growth, creativity, and readiness to return to society with confidence and purpose.
The Ministry remains committed to fostering inclusive social development, ensuring that no one, regardless of their circumstance, is left behind. Initiatives like R.I.S.E demonstrate the transformative power of rehabilitation, and the importance of second chances in building a stronger, more compassionate nation.