Community Development Minister, the Honourable Nizam Baksh (at right, Minister Baksh and PS Angella Jack), joined officials and staff of the Ministry at the Barrackpore Regional Complex this morning, in solidarity with the rest of the country for the Clean and Beautify Trinidad and Tobago initiative.

The event commenced at 9:30 am as members of the Barrackpore community gathered with the Ministry for an official tree planting and clean up exercise which included the distribution of 500 plants - 250 fruit trees and 250 flowers to villagers. According to Minister Baksh, "The Ministry of Community Development will continue to play a leading role in the C&B T&T campaign as the Ministry's focus and emphasis will be on planting trees and flowers and general beautification of open spaces in communities.

During the programme Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Angella Jack indicated that the Ministry was happy to champion this initiative. Director of Community Development, Susan Corbett pledged the support of the Community Development District Officers in ensuring that this project remained sustainable.

Minister Baksh delivered the keynote address and following this, the Minister planted a fruit tree and flower plant on the compound. This was followed by the Minister clearing a portion of grass on the street with a tractor and later on, he joined contractors at a dump site and assisted with loading rubble unto a truck.

Canadian High Commissioner, Her Excellency Karen L. Mc Donald paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Nizam Baksh, Minister of Community Development at his Port of Spain office today.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner indicated that both Trinidad and Tobago and Canada share a similar colonial background, and have a lot in common. She pledged Canada’s continued support for Trinidad and Tobago.

Discussions in the meeting focused on the Canadian High Commission’s Small Grant Programme from which NGOs, charitable organisations, and others could benefit.

The Minister raised the issue of training for Community Development personnel and the High Commissioner indicated that a range of such opportunities are available in Canada.

Public Service Association President Watson Duke met Community Development Minister, the Honourable Nizam Baksh at the Ministry’s head office on Jerningham Avenue, in Belmont this morning. It was the first visit by Mr Duke since Mr Baksh assumed the portfolio of Community Development Minister in the People’s Partnership government of Prime Minister, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

After his brief meeting with the Minister, Mr Duke addressed workers at the Ministry on the PSA’s way forward in the quest for improvement in the salaries and working conditions of public servants.

He extended an invitation to the Ministry’s staff to apply for membership in the PSA, in order to benefit from the association’s representation on various industrial relations issues which may affect them in the workplace.

Mr Duke said his visit was part of the PSA’s overall communications drive targeting public servants in all Government Ministries across the country.