The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ National Enrichment Centre (NEC) was officially declared open by Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn during a re-commissioning ceremony on Wednesday 12th December, 2018. The Centre which is located at Carlsen Field, Chaguanas was launched in July 2015, but remained non-operational due to extensive remedial works required to bring the facility to obligatory standards and lack of statutory approvals for the facility.
In her address to attendees, Minister Crichlow-Cockburn said that the facility is a first of its kind in the country and is greatly symbolic of Government’s continued commitment, to the provision of modern and quality asssts and facilities for all citizens; in keeping with the country’s development agenda by the year 2030.
Minister Crichlow-Cockburn during her remarks reminded participants of promises made at a press conference earlier in July where she provided a public update on the status of the NEC, which included a projection for the completion of works on the swimming pool area, replacement of floor tiles, as well as, roof repairs. Minister Crichlow-Cockburn was proud to say that the Ministry kept its commitment stating “today’s opening is proof of this Government’s resolve to ensure that we not only provide much needed facilities but ensure that we secure value for public funds expended.”
Minister Crichlow-Cockburn’s address was followed by a dedication featuring Imam Shawn Tackie, Father Jesus Latan and Pundit Indra Persad, Ph.D.
Several organizations representative of the community of persons with disabilities were present to witness the re-commissioning including the Cerebral Palsy Parents Association, Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired, Persons Associated with Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy Society of Trinidad and Tobago, National Centre for Person Disabilities, and the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of Disabled Peoples’ International.
Participants were also able to tour the facility which is now available for use by NGOS working for and on behalf of persons with disabilities and treated to a Christmas Flea market where persons with disabilities exhibited and sold their products.
The purpose of National Enrichment Centre is to provide diagnostic and rehabilitative services to persons with disabilities; offer opportunities for vocational training and employment; facilitate independent like skills programmes and socially interactive activities through a Day Activity Centre. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services remains committed to providing an enabling social and physical environment, which promotes the inclusion, accessibility, integration and full participation of persons with disabilities.