ACHIEVEMENTS: Ministry of the People and Social Development
SOME ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE MINISTRY OF THE PEOPLE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
Ministry of the People and Social Development has
embarked on an URP funded project to upgrade 52
neediest household from 13 communities.
Launched the “People’s Card” which enhances food
security via a cash transfer system, imple¬mented
through a Trinidad and Tobago Debit Card.
$8 million allocated by Government to the rebuilding
of the Credo Drop-In and Development Centre for
Socially Displaced Boys.
The Regional Micro Project Fund (RMPF) provides
micro-grants to Community Based Organisations
(CB0s) and Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs) to implement poverty reduction projects in
the communities they operate.
During the period October 2010 to September 2011,
twenty one (21) grants were approved under the
RMPF in Arima, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego
Martin, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, and Port of Spain.
The Micro-Enterprise Training and Development
Grant (MEG) assists persons in need who would want
to undertake a micro-project (small business venture
or skills training). During the period October 2010 to
September 2011 243 MEG projects were approved
in areas including San Juan/Laventille, Diego Martin,
Chaguanas and Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo.
Launched the Utilities Assistance Programme (UAP)
on the 8th December, 2010. The Programme is
designed to provide financial assistance to lower
income persons who are customers of WASA and
T&TEC.
Increased State grants given by the Ministry of the
People and Social Development.
Housing grant – to purchase building materials for the
construction/repair for homes – increased from
$10,000 to $15,000.
Household items grant – to purchase furniture and
appliances – increased from $4,500 to $6,000 (accessed
only once in a three-year period).
Medical Equipment grant – in order for persons to
receive wheelchairs, commodes, special beds and other
similar items – increased from $6,000 to $7,500.
Domestic Help grant – Part-time domestic help for
three months to clients who are unable to perform
normal household chores and are unable to afford the
cost of domestic assistance – increased from $1,600 to
$1,800 per month for a 3-6 month period.
Funeral grant – has been increased from $3,450 to
$7,000.
Special child grant – for parents who are unable to
financially provide for their special child – the grant
was recently reviewed and a Public Assistance grant
will be given.
The Pharmaceutical grant – allows persons not
enrolled in the CDAP Programme to get their
medicine – increased from $900 for a three-month
supply to $2,500.
The House Rent grant – for persons who are unable
to temporarily pay their rent or those in need of new
accommodation – increased from $4,500 to $7,500 for
a three-month period.
The School Supplies grant – disburses a sum of $500
per child (to a maximum of four children) which can
be accessed by the parents whose school books and
other school supplies have been destroyed by fire,
flood or other natural disasters – increased to $1,000
when the child is in secondary school and to $750 for
primary school children.
The Education grant – increased from $300 to $500
per child per month.
Housing Assistance grant – for those whose homes
have been affected by natural disasters, there was an
increase to $20,000 and $10,000 for damaged basic
household items.
Launched the Rio Claro Social Services Centre. This
will bring social services to areas in the South East.
Launched the Telecentre in Tunapuna and the
Mediation Centre in Cunupia.
Turned the sod for the centre for persons with
disabilities in Couva.
Launched the Utilities Assistance Programme (UAP)
on the 8th December, 2010. The Programme is
designed to provide financial assistance to lower
income persons who are customers of WASA and
T&TEC.
336. Secured a US$50 million (TT$320 million)
loan from the IDB to assist in the Neighbourhood
Upgrading Programme (NUP). The loan will cove
programme administration, squatter regularisation,
family subsidy for home improvement and new
housing, sector and institutional strengthening,
financial costs and credit commission. The NUP will
impact more than 25 sites throughout the country and
benefit more than 50,000 people.
Introduction of the RISE UP (Rights of Individuals
to Social and Economic Security, Universal Prosperity)
component of the Food Card, which provides
developmental support to those most in need in terms
of health, income, housing, education, safety and
security, family dynamics, employment and personal
identity. The RISE UP Secretariat is partnering
with other private, public and non-governmental
organisations to secure employment and skills
Training for more than 800 clients. Many RISE UP
participants have been returning their People’s Cards
as they become self-reliant citizens.
The Temporary Food Card, valid for three months,
now available through Members of Parliament’s
offices, ensuring that persons living in dire poverty can
enjoy immediate relief.
housands of hampers distributed over the Christmas
period to families across the country to ensure that the
underprivileged were provided with immediate relief.
The Direct Impact Outreach programme provided
social services to over 50,000 citizens as compared
to an average 3,000 per year under the previous
administration.
The Direct Effect (DE) programme takes social
intervention into the East/West Corridor and at-risk
communities. DE visits have led to the building of
52 starter homes and several community projects by
unemployed youth who receive construction training
for this initiative.
Social Outreach in Coastal Areas (SOCA) programme
takes all services of the Direct Impact Outreach to
coastal areas with Ministry staff also engaging in
clean-up activities.
The Direct Deposit Initiative will allow the elderly
to access their pension cheques directly from their
accounts using their debit cards.
The minimum National Insurance Retirement Pension
was increased from $2,000 to $3,000 per month with
effect from February 1 , 2012.
What do you think are the responsibilities of the Minister and the Government if not to do what you have listed? Would you like a list of things they have not done?
Definitely one of the most hard-working ministers and ministry.Never mind the here-say and dey-say recently by that tyrant Jack,certainly the work of this ministry is noted and applauded by all.Never before was there a ministry for the people that targeted social issues as this…I commend the KPB administration for wonderful governance!