Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

25/07/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services' participates in the first day of a two-day Community Enhancement Drive hosted by the Manzanilla SDA Church,Manzanilla.
Today, several persons are in attendance, and are eagerly engaging Officials of the SocialWelfareDivision, the National Social Development Programme (NSDP),the Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Unit, the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit, the Disability Affairs Unit,the Division of Ageing and the Citizens Engagement Unit who are present, to share information about the Ministry's grants,services and programmes available to the public.

25/07/2024

Check out today's advertorial to read about the Ministry's latest news and initiatives!

23/07/2024

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
PRIORITY: HIGH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Government Representatives Receive Instruments of Appointment to serve on TTBWA Board
Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, earlier today, appointed two members who will serve as government representatives to the Board of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA). Mrs Monique Changa-Forde of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and Mr Gabre-Jesu Mc Tair, Esquire of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development. They will join four other government appointees who were appointed on April 19, 2024 to serve on the Board.
The presentations were made at the Ministry’s head office on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain. Minister Cox encouraged the newly appointed members to serve with distinction and reminded them that their input can impact the lives of persons who are visually impaired and blind.
The other members who were previously appointed to the Board to serve for a period of three years are:

o Mrs. Lenor Baptiste Simmons -Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services;
o Mrs. Satie Jamraj-Marimuthu-Director, Research and Planning, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts;
Ms. Omalisa Baldeo-Director, Research and Planning (Ag.), Ministry of Labour;
o Ms. Delisier Blackman-Legal Counsel I, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs

-END-

Senator the Honourable Donna CoxTrinidad and Tobago NewsdayT&T GuardianCNC3 Television, Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad Express NewspapersCCN TV6: Trinidad and TobagoTTT Live OnlineTrinidad and Tobago Government Communications

20/07/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services' participates in a Youth Career and Education Caravan hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS),at the Lisas Boulevard Community Centre, Lisas Gardens, Couva.
Today, several persons are in attendance, and are eagerly engaging Officials of the National Family Services Division, the National Social Development Programme (NSDP),the Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Unit and the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit who are present, to share information about the Ministry's grants,services and programmes available to the public.

19/07/2024

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, July 19, 2024
PRIORITY: HIGH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Amendment to the Public Assistance and Senior Citizens’ Pension Acts

The Public is advised that Legal Notices Nos. 125 and 126, made by the Minister of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS), under section 10 of the Senior Citizens’ Pension Act, Chap. 32:02 and section 16 of the Public Assistance Act, Chap. 32:03, the Senior Citizens’ Pension (Amendment) Regulations and the Public Assistance (Amendment) Regulation, 2024, were published on 18th July, 2024.

These Regulations were amended to limit the encashment of all Public Assistance Grant and Senior Citizens’ Pension cheques exceeding the value of $3,500.00 at supermarkets, groceries and shops throughout Trinidad and Tobago with effect from 18th July, 2024.

This measure seeks to deter fraudulent activities, mitigate risks and reduce financial losses to the Treasury. The Public is asked to note that grant cheques exceeding the sum of $3500.00 must be encashed at banks or other approved financial institutions, since they are legally bound to utilise stringent verification measures to ensure the validity of cheques and beneficiaries before payment.

Recipients who access these grants via the “Direct Deposit” system will not be affected by this measure.

Therefore, any grant cheque which value exceeds the sum of $3500.00 must be encashed at banks or other approved financial institutions, as such institutions utilise more stringent verification measures to ensure the validity of cheques and beneficiaries before payment.

The Ministry has indicated that these amendments to the Regulations seek to ensure that allocated funds are efficiently and effectively administered to whom they are intended, namely the poor and vulnerable. The Ministry assures that every step is being taken to ensure that Public Assistance Grant and Senior Citizens’ Pension reach those households who are truly in need, aligning with its commitment to helping, empowering and transforming lives.
For further information about the Ministry’s grants and services, persons are encouraged to visit the Ministry’s website at https://social.gov.tt/grants/ or call the MSDFS’ Toll-Free hotline at 800-1MSD (1673).

-END-

Grants Food Support Programme (Food Card)Minor House RepairsSanitary Plumbing AssistanceElectrical House WiringSEED GrantDisability Assistance Grant for ChildrenDisability Assistance Grant for AdultsSenior Citizens PensionPublic Assistance GrantGeneral Assistance Grants

19/07/2024

Mental Health tips for children during Vacation

When the school year pauses, and children are away from their peers and daily school routine, the transition may hinder their socialization skills. Here are some tips that parents can use to monitor their children’s mental health during summer break:
Listed below are some tips from NFSD’s Parenting Unit.

REFERENCES
• Rogers Behavioral Health. (2018, April 10). 5 ways to keep kids mentally healthy during summer break. Rogers Behavioral Health. https://rogersbh.org/about-us/newsroom/blog/5-ways-keep-kids-mentally-healthy-during-summer-break

• Gwoodixl. (2021, May 13). 4 ways to support your child’s mental health this summer. Education.com Blog. https://blog.education.com/2021/05/13/4-ways-to-support-your-childs-mental-health-this-summer/ #:~:text=4%20ways%20to%20support%20your%20child%E2%80%99s%20mental%20health,schedule%203%20Get%20them%20outside%204%20Embrace%20community

18/07/2024

MEDIA RELEASE

Minister Cox, Mayor of Port of Spain and key stakeholders to tackle street dwelling frontally

“The issue of street dwelling in Port of Spain and environs must be dealt with in a firm and serious manner, through a collaborative and unified effort to yield effective results.” This is the view of Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox. Minister Cox made the statement at a meeting held with Port of Spain Mayor, His Worship Alderman Chinua Alleyne and a team of officials from the Port of Spain City Corporation, North West Regional Health Authority’s (NWRHA) Mental Health Unit, officials from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service(TTPS), the Public Health Division and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS). The meeting was held at the Ministry’s Head Office on St .Vincent Street, Port of Spain on Wednesday 17th July, 2024.

Minister Cox indicated that the issue of street dwelling is a serious one that requires urgent attention. She lamented the fact that even though the staff of the Social Displacement Unit of the MSDFS monitors the homeless persons across in the capital city, they are unable to take real action as they cannot move them voluntarily. This combined with the fact that they are not trained to deal with persons who suffer from mental health issues, has made their task a daunting and somewhat dangerous one. However, the Minister is currently working on legislation to enable them to do so, as the MSDFS is presently overseeing the construction of an assessment centre for homeless persons at South Quay, Port of Spain.

Mayor Alleyne, concurred that this ongoing issue is indeed a worrying one and indicated that while the Port of Spain City Corporation is currently engaged in some initiatives that assist in alleviating some of the issues, he stands ready to collaborate with the MSDFS and other stakeholders to ensure that an enabling environment is created so that the capital city can become attractive to investors, visitors, and the general public. He stated that a street washing programme is in effect between 2 a.m and 5.a m on a daily basis, and that the City Corporation is looking to further expand this initiative. Also high on the agenda to mitigate the problem is to urgently secure a temporary location in the city to serve as a common area for the street dwellers, where they can access the convenience of showers and toilet facilities, so that the streets can be cleaner.

Meanwhile, the Mental Health Unit of the NWRHA, suggested that a “day of engagement” be held to assess and test the street dwellers, so that they can be placed in institutions relevant to their needs, such as rehabilitation centres, mental health facilities, homes for older persons and places for persons with disabilities. This would be done in collaboration with the MSDFS, the TTPS, the Port of Spain City Corporation, the Public Health Division and all the stakeholders involved to ensure that the exercise is a fruitful one.

Several other issues and suggestions were discussed and Minister Cox expressed her delight with the enthusiasm and commitment of all involved to address the long-standing issue of street dwellers. She stressed that legislative reform is absolutely necessary to deal with the issue, and hopes that it comes in effect by the time the new assessment centre is opened. She reiterated her commitment and mandate to addressing the problem, and immediately convened another meeting with the team and their technical personnel on 24th July, 2024.

-END-

Senator the Honourable Donna CoxTrinidad and Tobago NewsdayT&T GuardianCNC3 Television, Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad Express NewspapersTTT Live OnlineCCN TV6: Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago Government CommunicationsTTT Live Online

18/07/2024

MEDIA RELEASE

Minister Cox receives Courtesy Call from Her Excellency Maria Elisa Teofilo de Luna, Brazilian Ambassador

Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, received a courtesy call from Her Excellency Maria Elisa Teofilo de Luna, Brazilian Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, at the Ministry’s Head office on St Vincent Street, Port of Spain on Tuesday 16th July, 2024. The meeting included cordial discussions on ways in which the Ministry and the Embassy can collaborate to improve the social services offered to citizens in Trinidad and Tobago.

Both Minister Cox and Ambassador Teofilo de Luna, discussed existing social programmes and services in both Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago and discovered very similar initiatives adopted and implemented by the both countries. Like the Senior Citizens Pension, Disability and Public Assistance Grants in Trinidad and Tobago, the elderly, persons with disabilities and those who live below the poverty line in Brazil, receive cash transfers to assist them under a programme known as the Cash Benefit Programme.

Additionally, Brazil’s Single Registry for Social Programmes (Cadastro Unico) which offers free professional courses, entrepreneurial support, financial assistance and employment opportunities reflects similar elements of the MSDFS’s Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) programme and the Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme – Uplifting People (STEP-UP), where focus is placed on the empowerment and graduation of poor and vulnerable citizens out of poverty.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for discussions on proposed areas for a mutual partnership, such as study tour opportunities for suitable representatives from the Ministry to visit Brazil to participate in capacity building and knowledge transfer on best practices and standards in the delivery of social services.

Minister Cox took the opportunity to expound on some of the Ministry’s ongoing and upcoming projects, particularly the National Register for Vulnerable Persons, which will be used to collect, store, and process vital information on vulnerable persons across Trinidad and Tobago. She also informed Ambassador Teofilo de Luna of the Ministry’s upcoming establishment of three transitional facilities, as well as a therapeutic centre, which are all aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable persons.

Her Excellency Teofilo de Luna was quite pleased to learn about the Ministry’s various programmes and services and looks forward to maintaining an excellent working relationship with the Ministry. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services remains committed to proactively exploring opportunities to help, empower and transform lives, and to ensure that no one is left behind.

-END-

Senator the Honourable Donna Cox Trinidad and Tobago Newsday CNC3 Television, Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad Express Newspapers CCN TV6: Trinidad and Tobago TTT Live Online Trinidad and Tobago Government Communications

16/07/2024

Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, today received a courtesy call from Her Excellency Maria Elisa Teofilo de Luna, Brazilian Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, at the Ministry’s Head office on St Vincent Street, Port of Spain ,to discuss matters of mutual interests.
The meeting included cordial discussions on ways in which the Ministry and the Embassy can collaborate to improve the social services offered to citizens in Trinidad and Tobago.

12/07/2024

During the school closure, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services Division offers these healthy family tips.

REFERENCES

-Aplesset, & Aplesset. (2023, August 24). What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children’s Brains? NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

-Unicef. (n.d.). How to raise a healthy eater. UNICEF Parenting. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/how-to-raise-healthy-eater

10/07/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services' participates in the inaugural launch of the La Brea Economic Day hosted by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development at the Vessigny Secondary School,La Brea.
Today, hundreds persons are attending this exciting event and are eagerly engaging Officials of the National Family Services Division, the National Social Development Programme (NSDP),the Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Unit, the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit and the Division of Ageing who are present, to share information about the Ministry's grants,services and programmes available to the public.

09/07/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) recently welcomed two more persons to its centenarian club in the month of June. Mr. Fitz Brown of Daily Road, New Grant, Princes Town was born on 7th June, 1924 and Ms. Lucille Christian celebrated her 100th birthday on 24th June, 2024. She still lives in Norfolk Street, Belmont, where she was born.
Officers of the Division of Ageing of the Ministry visited both Mr. Brown and Ms. Christian on behalf of Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services and the Executive of the Ministry, and presented them with Certificates of Honour and Achievement, cakes courtesy the KISS Baking Company and hampers courtesy the National Flour Mills and VEMCO Ltd, all of whom have graciously agreed to collaborate with the MSDFS to celebrate the centenarians who have achieved this milestone.
To register for the National Centenarian Programme, please visit the Ministry's website at www.social.gov.tt to complete the online form. For more information, persons may contact the Division of Aging at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009, or 800-OPIC (6742).

05/07/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services now invites sealed tenders from eligible bidders for the following tenders:

• 50/10/86: Operationalisation & Management of the Carapo House Transitional Facility
• 50/10/87: Operationalisation & Management of the Hernandez Place Sanctuary.

Further information can be obtained from the office of the Procurement Unit at 623-2608 ext. 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054 or by emailing a request to [email protected]

28/06/2024

“Popo” celebrates her 100th birthday

Staying away from meat, eating lots of fish and provisions, and maintaining a strong prayer routine is what Ms. Evadnie “Popo” Gopaul credits as her secret to longevity. On Monday 24th June, 2024, Ms. Gopaul celebrated her induction into the centenarian club. When asked about her proudest achievement, she simply smiled and said, “My age.”

Despite her remarkable achievement, Ms. Gopaul expressed concerns about the negative changes in the world today. “We need to go back to the olden days when we lived together as one. People were quite friendly everyone was family. Persons walked the streets and were safe, no one interfered with them,” said Ms. Gopaul. She further strongly advised the youth to steer clear of crime. “Keep away from crime. Do a lot of reading; - the Bible, Readers Digest, times magazine. Go to church,” said Ms. Gopaul.

Ms. Gopaul however shares a message of hope advising everyone “to live well with everyone regardless of conflicts."

The mother and grandmother of two was visited by Mr. Lester Thom, Inspector II of the Ministry’s Division of Ageing on behalf of Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, to warmly welcome her to the centenarian club. Mr. Thom presented with Ms. Gopaul with her Certificate of Honour and Achievement as well as a birthday cake courtesy of the Kiss Baking Company, and a food hamper courtesy of VEMCO.

To register for the National Centenarian Programme, please visit the Ministry's website at www.social.gov.tt to complete the online form. For more information, persons may contact the Division of Aging at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009, or 800-OPIC (6742).

-END-
For more information:
Communications Unit
Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
(868) 623-2608; Ext 5400-5411
[email protected]

-END-
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28/06/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) wishes to advise recipients of Social Assistance Grants (Senior Citizens Pension, Public Assistance and Disability Grants) that they will receive their respective grants for the month of July, no later than Tuesday 2nd July, 2024.

27/06/2024

We're excited to share the inspiring stories of dedication, resilience, and innovation from our SEED Programme recipients. Their success is creating positive change in our community!

27/06/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services acknowledges the significant impact and contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium- sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to the growth of our national economy and addressing the multifaceted nature of poverty. In solidarity with the United Nations, we commemorate this year's Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day on June 27, highlighting the vital importance of MSMEs in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

25/06/2024

Ms. Julia Mills-Anderson and Ms. Christine Tyson celebrate their 100th birthdays

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services is pleased to welcome Ms. Julia Mills-Anderson and Ms. Christine Tyson to the illustrious centenarian club. Ms. Mills-Anderson and Ms. Roach officially marked their 100th birthdays on June 18 and 19, 2024, respectively.

"Have an attitude of gratitude," says Ms. Tyson.
Gold, black, and white were the theme colours for Ms. Tyson's celebration, held on June 22, 2024, at Queen's Royal College, Port of Spain. Ms. Tyson, or "Chris" as she is fondly called, credits her longevity to trusting in God and maintaining an attitude of gratitude. The mother of eleven (11) further believes that family is everything, a sentiment evident from the massive turnout at her celebration, which included several of her thirty (30) grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

The former student teacher and evening news reporter also met her husband at a job interview in 1959. They were married for fifty-seven (57) years until his passing in 2016.

"Life is my favourite memory," says Ms. Mills-Anderson.
Ms. Julia Mills-Anderson also celebrated her birthday with a gold and white themed event held at the JRD Convention Centre in Princes Town. The new centenarian credits her longevity to hard work, taking care of herself and others, and adds that she is proud to celebrate her 100th birthday with her nine (9) children. The former seamstress is also the grandmother of thirty-nine (39), great-grandmother of forty-two (42), and great-great-grandmother of one (1).

Ms. Mills-Anderson also reflected on witnessing the most devastating event she has seen: "9/11. I was vacating Trinidad and had to return to Philadelphia via New York. Seeing the destruction from 25,000 feet in the air was a very impactful moment," she said.

She also shared how she met her husband: "I met my husband Fedo Mills through his sister, Lotte Mills. His sister and I were friends. We were married for thirty-seven (37) years until Fedo passed away on February 25, 1975. Together, we have nine (9) children, thirty-nine (39) grandchildren, forty-two (42) great-grandchildren, and one (1) great-great-grandchild."

Ms. Julia Mills-Anderson and Ms. Christine Tyson were visited by Ms. Crystal Felix, Inspector II and Mr. Anderson Cyrus, Inspector I, both of the Ministry's Division of Ageing, who extended congratulations on behalf of the Minister, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox. Both centenarians were presented with a Certificate of Honour and Achievement in recognition of their valuable contributions to Trinidad and Tobago as well as a birthday cake courtesy of the Kiss Baking Company, and food hampers.

To register for the National Centenarian Programme, please visit the Ministry's website at www.social.gov.tt to complete the online form. For more information, persons may contact the Division of Aging at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009, or 800-OPIC (6742).



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23/06/2024

Today, June 23, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services joins the global commemoration of International Widows’ Day 2024. On this occasion, we are called upon to spotlight the voices and experiences of widows and to confront the challenges they encounter.

On this day, let us unite in supporting this vulnerable segment of society and celebrate their enduring strength and resilience.

22/06/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services' participates in a Youth Career and Education Caravan hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS),at Pier Road,La Brea.
Today, several persons are in attendance, and are eagerly engaging Officials of the National Family Services Division, the National Social Development Programme (NSDP),the Sowing Empowerment through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Unit and the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit who are present, to share information about the Ministry's grants,services and programmes available to the public.

21/06/2024

Mr. Herman Joseph and Mr. Lionel Nicholas Celebrate Their 100th Birthdays on June 11th and June 12th, respectively.

Herman Joseph and Lionel Nicholas were recently celebrated by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services for reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years on June 11 and June 12, respectively. The recognition was done through the Mini

21/06/2024

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services now invites sealed tenders from eligible bidders for the following tenders:

• 50/10/85: External and Miscellaneous Improvement Works for the Couva Transitional Facility
• 50/10/88: Ground Maintenance Services for the Ministry of Social Development and Family
Services (MSDFS)

Further information can be obtained from the office of the Procurement Unit at 623-2608 ext. 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054 or by emailing a request to [email protected]

20/06/2024

MEDIA RELEASE

Minister Cox lauds Charitable Initiatives at Beauty With A Purpose Segment of Miss World T&T competition

Fifty years ago, the Beauty With A Purpose segment was established to motivate young women to create or support significant charitable causes, emphasizing that the pageant transcends mere beauty and intelligence.

On June 19, 2024, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, participated as one of the esteemed panelists judging this segment of the Miss World Trinidad and Tobago competition where seventeen delegates presented on causes close to their hearts as they vie for the esteemed title of Miss World Trinidad and Tobago.
Delivering remarks as the judges’ representative, Minister Cox told the delegates, supporters and other attendees that each "Beauty with a Purpose" project presented by the seventeen (17) delegates clearly embodies what the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services stands for: helping, empowering, and transforming lives.

“From projects that support families and persons with disabilities, to initiatives that promote the protection of the environment and our furry friends, I am deeply proud as Minister of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Our mission is to coordinate the government's delivery of essential, high-quality social services, and these projects align perfectly with our goals” said the Minister.

She further added that she looks forward to seeing the projects make a significant impact on the national landscape, contributing to the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago.

Miss Gasparillo, Kayla Alexander, Miss Toco, Hannah Roberts, Miss Bon Air, Kirsten Bleasdell, Miss Pax Vale, Anna-Lise Nanton, and Miss Gulf View, Jordanne Steele, excelled in this segment of the competition. The winner of the Beauty With a Purpose will be announced at the Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Grand Finale which will be held on June 23, 2024 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts.

Senator the Honourable Donna Cox Trinidad and Tobago Newsday T&T Guardian CNC3 Television, Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad Express Newspapers CCN TV6: Trinidad and Tobago TTT Live Online Trinidad and Tobago Government Communications

20/06/2024

The MSDFS is currently participating in the Public Service Expo 2024 being hosted by the Ministry of Public Administration . The expo highlights projects and programmes of ministries, departments and agencies across Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹.

19/06/2024

Mr. Herman Joseph and Mr. Lionel Nicholas Celebrate Their 100th Birthdays



The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services is pleased to celebrate two centenarians through the National Centenarian Programme: Mr. Herman Joseph and Mr. Lionel Nicholas, who reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years on June 11th and June 12th, respectively.

The celebratory activities to mark Mr. Herman Joseph’s momentous milestone took place on June 15, 2024, at the beautifully decorated La Horquetta Community Centre themed in black, white, and gold. Mr. Joseph arrived at his birthday celebration dressed impeccably in an all-white suit and a black and white chequered tie that complemented the décor.

During the ceremony, the younger generation was quizzed about their knowledge of the family patriarch including his place of birth, number of siblings and the year he married his wife.

Mr. Joseph, fondly called “Monty,” nodded in response to the correct answers confirming that he was born in Union Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has ten (10) siblings, and married in October of 1954. The retired “jack of all trades” which includes carpentry, now enjoys relaxing and playing dominoes.

When asked about his secret to longevity, the father of ten (10), grandfather of twenty-six (26), great-grandfather of sixteen (16), and great-great-grandfather of four (4) attributed it to “doing the right things.” Keeping his body active and “eating the right foods” such as provision, fish, and coo coo was also credited.

On the other hand, Mr. Lionel Nicholas’ key to longevity is “Trusting God in everything” and advises that this generation should “Follow Jesus and let Him guide you in everything.” Also known as “Lio”, Mr. Nicholas enjoys spending time with his wife, watching the news and sports, praying, and sleeping.

Both centenarians were visited by Mr. Anderson Cyrus, Inspector I, of the Ministry's Division of Ageing, who extended congratulations on behalf of the Minister, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox. Both centenarians were presented with a Certificate of Honour and Achievement in recognition of their valuable contributions to Trinidad and Tobago as well as a birthday cake courtesy of the Kiss Baking Company, and food hampers.

To register for the National Centenarian Programme, please visit the Ministry's website at www.social.gov.tt to complete the online form. For more information, persons may contact the Division of Aging at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009, or 800-OPIC (6742).