The Honourable Vandana Mohit
Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services
Disaster Relief and Home Repairs Grant Distribution
Wednesday June 24th 2026
10:30AM
PORT OF SPAIN AND DIEGO MARTIN REGIONS
Salutations
• Senator, Dr. Natalie Chaitan – Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services
• Mr. Ryan Ramcharan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services.
• Mrs. Vera Deonanan-Balkaran, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services
• Ms. Michelle Pierre, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services.
• Ms. Patricia De Leon Henry, National Director, National Social Development Programme
• Staff of the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services
• Esteemed Grant Recipients, Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning.
Permit me to acknowledge the hardworking staff of the Ministry, our regional teams, and most importantly, the families gathered here today.
Today is about restoring hope.
It is about reminding our citizens that when hardship comes, whether through disaster, damage to one’s home, or unexpected circumstances, the State must be present, compassionate, and responsive.
This morning, our Ministry is providing assistance to fifteen (15) households across the Port of Spain and Diego Martin regions. These grants will directly benefit sixty-two (62) citizens through Disaster General Assistance Grants and Home Repair Grants amounting to One Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Two Dollars ($139,872.00)
For some families, this assistance will help replace what was lost.
For others, it will help restore a safe roof over their head.
And for many, it serves as reassurance that they have not been forgotten.
When this Government assumed office, we made a commitment that social support would not remain confined to policy documents and announcements. We committed to bringing assistance directly to communities and to ensuring that people receive the support they need when they need it.
Since coming into office, we have not stopped.
Across Trinidad and Tobago, we have been consistently on the ground, assessing needs, processing applications, and delivering assistance to vulnerable citizens.
These grant distributions have continued month after month because our commitment to people does not pause after elections and it does not end after headlines.
The work continues. And it will continue.
Because social development is not measured solely by figures and statistics, but by the lives we improve and the dignity we restore.
We understand that many families continue to face rising costs, economic pressures, and personal challenges. That is precisely why the Ministry remains committed to strengthening the social protection system and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
I also wish to commend the dedicated officers of this Ministry whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes.
Their commitment, professionalism, and compassion make these programmes possible.
As Minister, I remain guided by a simple principle: people must always come first.
When families are in distress, Government must respond.
When homes are damaged, Government must assist.
And when citizens need support, Government must be present.
Today’s distribution is another example of that commitment in action.
To the beneficiaries, I extend my best wishes as you move forward. May this assistance provide some relief, some stability, and renewed hope for the future.
Together, we will continue building a Trinidad and Tobago where no family feels abandoned and where compassion remains at the centre of governance.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless each of you and our beloved nation.