T&T govt launches programme to build homes for the elderly

TIMES INT'L

From left: Minister of Tobago Development Vernella AlleyneToppin, Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills, and Miss World Africa Emma Waraeus chat with Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh

Trinidadian pensioners are to benefit from a new programme, called Direct Construct, initiated by the People and Social Development Ministry. This announcement was made by Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, the People and Social Development Minister, at the Scarborough Esplanade in Tobago during a two-day “Direct Impact” programme on Trinidad’s sister isle. Ramadharsingh said the programmme should get going in as little as a month’s time, and it would see the resources of the state and partner agencies working together to build or repair the homes of the elderly. Ramadharsingh said the beneficiaries would be elderly people who are receiving assistance from the state.

He said many of T&T’s older folks live in run-down houses, and many have children abroad or who are otherwise unable to assist them to live with some measure of dignity and to age gracefully. Ramadharsingh called on all nationals to start looking out for their neighbours’ children and other vulnerables in the community. The people and social development minister said he was deeply saddened and distressed by the death of Gasparillo youth Daniel Guerra. He said it was time members of the community started keeping a close eye on each other, in a bid to prevent any similar situation from recurring. The 500-plus people who attended the function got an additional treat. They were greeted by Miss World 2010, Alexandria Mills, and Miss World Africa, Emma Waraeus. Both ladies greeted Ramadharsingh and Minister of Tobago Development Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, and TOP Leader Ashworth Jack. The beauty queens also expressed their desire to assist in the development of Tobago. (T&T Newsday)

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