SOCIAL SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
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SUSTAINING GROWTH, SECURING PROSPERITY
CHAPTER 3: NATIONAL SOCIAL SITUATION
their fullest potential. The Disability Affairs
Unit (DAU) was established in 1999 and is
responsible for coordinating, developing and
implementing comprehensive programmes to
assist persons with disabilities in Trinidad and
Tobago. The work of the Disability Affairs Unit is
closely aligned to the UnitedNations Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. During
the period October 2012 to March 2013, the
major accomplishments in the area of disability
were as follows:
• Continued construction of the National
Development Centre for Persons with
Disabilities at Carlsen Field Chaguanas. The
centre is intended to be a multidisciplinary
facility, which would provide diagnostic
and rehabilitative services for persons with
disabilities. It will be equipped with therapy
rooms, fitness centre, day centre space,
occupational therapy kitchen and designed
to general accessibility specifications;
• Launched “Access T&T” on September 26,
2012, to improve access for persons with
disabilities to a wide array of Government
Services. This is a phased-initiative that will
provide: (i) access to free transportation;
(ii) a TT$5,000 scholarship scheme for
education and (iii) business development
and food support via the automatic food
card;
• Hosted ‘We Trini too’ in collaboration with the
Consortium of Disability Organisations, and
the University of Trinidad and Tobago to host
a music festival for the Disabled community
at the National Academy for the Performing
Arts, on May 12th, 2012 the MPSD;
• Celebrated the International Day for
Persons with Disabilities, under the theme:
“Removing Barriers to create an inclusive
and accessible society for all”;
• Established a Committee to select Social
Ambassadors. Social Ambassadors are
expected to provide awareness on disability
issues.
3. C
OMMUNITY
D
EVELOPMENT
Self-reliant and sustainable communities are as
equally important inattaining“asociety free from
poverty”. Sustainable communities improve the
quality of life of their residents. Having increased
access to recreational facilities also fosters
community spirit, empowers individuals and
communities and also provides an opportunity
to build social capital. The GoRTT therefore
recognises that strong self-reliant communities
are critical to building a stable society.
The Ministry of Community Development
(MCD) is the entity charged with developing
communities in Trinidad and Tobago. The MCD
embraces a philosophy to serve and positively
impact communities nationwide with a vision,
mandate, and portfolio of programmes for
a transformed community sector, which is a
proactive, self-reliant contributor to national
development as set out in its Strategic Plan.
Fundamental to this mandate, is the delivery
of innovative and sustainable development
programmes, projects, and services to
communities ensuring equal opportunity
access.
In fiscal 2013, the Ministry undertook the
following initiatives:
i. Construction of Community Centres
The Construction of Community Centres
Programme has been essential in building
capital infrastructure to support community
participation and involvement. For the fiscal
year 2012/2013, the Ministry constructed five
community centres in Jerningham Junction,
Talparo, Quarry Drive, Marac, and Sisters Road
communities.
ii. Refurbishment of Community Centres,
Civic Centre and Complexes
Under the Refurbishment of Community
Centres, eight communities benefitted from
refurbishment work. These are the Tunapuna,
Golconda, Carapichaima, Patna River Estate,
Cumana, Guaico, Manahambre, and Mendez
