Government funds Community Actions for Revival and Empowerment
The following is the speech delivered by the Honourable Nizam Baksh, Minister of Community Development at a cheque distribution ceremony today at St. Ann's, Port of Spain.
“It is my pleasure to host this cheque handover ceremony today in my capacity as Minister of Community Development. I extend a warm welcome to the representatives of the nine (9) Community groups present. These cheques are being funded from the C.A.R.E. programme – the Community Action for Revival and Empowerment.
The Community Action for Revival and Empowerment Programme was conceptualized and developed by the Community Development Division since 1992, to facilitate the development of a number of critical community intervention projects to address the basic needs and development aspirations of communities. The programme caters for projects of a developmental nature and supports investment in the community. It adheres to the principles of community development and promotes a mindset toward development, responsibility and partnership. Community Action for Revival and Empowerment is designed to “ensure expeditious action on community needs, while maintaining the consultative process and coordination among Ministries, in the delivery of services in the community.”
The programme provides assistance to Community Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals with special cases, in order for them to initiate action, which is designed to revive and empower communities and the people who live there. As a result, projects are implemented throughout all counties of Trinidad and Tobago. Community Action for Revival and Empowerment addresses a wide range of social, economic, cultural, sporting and other activities, which impact upon the lives of our citizens.
It is my hope that the projects we fund today will serve as a catalyst for communities to look insightfully at their needs and how they can partner with the Ministry and perhaps other Agencies to strengthen their communities, to become innovative, solutions-oriented and equipped to be fully integrated in the national development goals of Trinidad and Tobago.
My Government has placed a high priority on Poverty Eradication and Social Justice and the implementation of programmes and interventions to uplift the poor and disadvantaged in our midst. A Working Committee is about to be established to review all programmes targeted at poverty alleviation and social support and make recommendations to the Cabinet. Our ultimate goal is to help households in the step up to prosperity and a better quality standard of living and to reduce the number of people classified as “poor” by 2 % each year.
My Ministry will be playing a leading role in this effort and this is why this ceremony today is so significant.
Very shortly we will mobilizing our officers across the seven (7) Administrative Districts –
- St. Andrew/St. David
- Nariva/Mayaro
- Victoria
- St. Patrick
- Caroni
- St. George East
- St. George West
to work with villages and towns to identify projects for community enhancement and improvement, to develop project proposals and costs in consultation with community members and to bring these forward for consideration by my Ministry.
We, in turn, will monitor these projects to ensure smooth and efficient implementation and that value for money is received.
My Ministry is therefore very excited about the new vision and the prospects for developing all our citizens, community by community.
You will be hearing much more about our programmes in the months to come; so I am happy that you are here today, as we mark the beginning of this exciting journey of partnership with our communities.
I thank you very much".
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CREDITS:
- Photos courtesy Ministry of Community Development