Govt continues to support NGOs

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan says the Government will continue to forge links with lobby groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to encourage volunteer work in T&T. Speaking at the 86th anniversary celebrations of the East Indian Friendly Society in Gasparillo yesterday, Rambachan said the spirit of volunteerism was alive in T&T and that was evident by the number of NGO’s involved in service type work.

Saying one of the goals of the PP Government was to forge strong links with such organisations, Rambachan said the Government recognised that a large measure of the social transformation work required commitment and community knowledge. He urged the East Indian Friendly Society to partner with the social services of the Ministry of the People, as well as the Ministry of Community Development and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. “Members must visit the Ministry of the People and work with Dr Glen Ramadharsingh to establish an activity centre for retired and aged persons in the community,” Rambachan said.

He assured them that the Government was prepared to listen and partner with the people for a happier society. Rambachan also urged the group to get involved in the Government’s mentoring programme. He urged the president and executive of the society to bring young people and groom them for leadership of the society. “If not the absence of leadership succession could lead to the demise of the society,” Rambachan said.In addition to the East Indian Friendly Society, Rambachan also paid tribute to the Orion Club and the Baden Powell Club, which were established more than 50 years ago.