Several families from across the country, received grant assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, under its National Social Development Programme (NSDP). The grants which amount to up to $15,000.00 for materials were distributed in a brief ceremony held at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain on Monday 3rd September, 2018. Among the twenty-one (21) recipients were also victims of natural or man-made disasters resulting from flood or fire damages.
The grant funding which amounted in total to just over TT$300,000.00 was distributed by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Natasha Barrow, to assist vulnerable households with minor structural repairs to their homes, such as the roof and flooring, as well as sanitary plumbing for new or improved water supply and the construction of indoor washroom facilities. Some persons also received one – time assistance for rewiring of their homes.
Director of the Ministry’s National Social Development Programme, Patricia De Leon-Henry, during her welcome remarks indicated that the Ministry was pleased to be able to provide the assistance to applicants who either were referred from the Social Welfare Division, or who would have applied as a result of a natural or man-made disaster. She indicated that the NSDP Grant funding is aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, which is consistent with the Ministry’s commitment to providing safe housing and building resilient families. De Leon-Henry stated that the Ministry will continue to work with the recipients towards an enhanced standard of living and their overall well-being.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, following the distribution, Selwyn Joseph-Clarke of Petit Bourg, who acquired a disability and is unable to work, expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministry for the assistance, as he looks forward to addressing some critical sanitary plumbing repairs at his home.