The Constituency Offices of Diego Martin West, Diego Martin Central and Diego Martin North East benefitted from an interactive and educational session hosted by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services earlier today, August 9. Led by Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Virtual Public Information, Education and Sensitization Series (PIES) delivered pertinent information about the Ministry’s suite of grants and services, with the aim of clarifying issues related to access and service delivery. The session included representatives of the core delivery units such as Social Welfare Division, National Family Services Division and National Social Development Programme, where the SEED Programme, as well as grants for housing repairs were highlighted.
Delivering her remarks, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services stated that the Ministry continues to place emphasis on developing and executing programmes and services that protect and assist vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.
Emphasizing on the importance of this PIES session, Minister Cox expressed that the Ministry remains committed to developing a more resilient and sustainable society through collaboration and deeper partnerships with non-governmental, faith-based and civil society organisations towards the achievement of human and social development. “We at the Ministry continue to prioritize engagement with key stakeholders. A major area of priority for me as Minister is to ensure that all our various stakeholders, including Members of Parliament and Local Government representatives, continue to hear from us and receive up to date information, so that you all can assist us in reaching those we are unable to reach” said Minister Cox.
Minister Cox also took the opportunity to shed light on a recently established service; the Citizens Engagement and Outreach Unit. She noted that the unit would allow for a more direct interaction and engagement with Members of Parliament and the public, understanding their needs and responding positively to their concerns, in an efficient manner. “These services will contribute significantly to the communication and engagement arm of the Ministry, which will grant greater access, build more positive, enduring relationships and facilitate the transformation of the image and delivery system of the organization” said Minister Cox.
Also in attendance was the Honourable Symon de Nobriga, Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central, who commended the PIES initiative. He stated “Residents would frequently visit my office asking for assistance. Therefore, I see this session as valuable, as the staff of the Diego Martin Central Constituency Office will be more equipped with pertinent information related to grants and services, to help those in need.”
In the closing segment of the session, various issues were raised by staff at the Constituency Offices concerning the eligibility for grants and pending cases in their respective constituencies. These concerns were all noted for follow up action to be undertaken.
The Ministry remains committed to collaborating with all sectors to ensure that no one is left behind. For more information on how a PIES session could be conducted for your NGO, FBO or CBO, persons may contact the Corporate Communication and Education Unit via email, cceu@social.gov.tt