Lead Editor - Politics
akash.samaroo@cnc3.co.tt
The future of the Book Grant and School Supplies Programme is uncertain, as Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath has confirmed the initiative is under review and received no funding in this year’s national budget.
The disclosure came during a late-night session of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) on Tuesday, where the Ministry of Education’s $5.2 billion allocation for fiscal 2026 came under scrutiny.
St Ann’s East MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly asked why no funds had been set aside for the popular programme, which supports thousands of financially challenged students across T&T each year.
“Mr Chairman, through you, this grant—we will look at it for the mid-term review,” Dowlath responded.
Seeking clarity, Gadsby-Dolly pressed further:
“So, when you say you will look at it for the mid-term review, is it that you will allocate funds then, or are you determining whether or not you will allocate anything at all?”
Dowlath repeated, “Chairman, through you, it’s presently under review.”
Unconvinced, Gadsby-Dolly sought to pin down the minister’s response.
“So, it’s currently under review. I’m just trying to be very clear—is it under review whether or not you are going to supply money to this item, or is the amount under review?”
At that point, SFC Chair Jagdeo Singh intervened, saying the minister had already answered sufficiently.
“I think you have to be fair in your interpretation of the answer. The minister has said it continues to be under review, and that is the interpretation,” Singh said.
Still seeking a definitive answer, Gadsby-Dolly asked directly, “Will the book grant be given in this fiscal year, or will it not be given?”
Dowlath again maintained, “As I indicated, Chairman, through you, the book grant is under review.”
Gadsby-Dolly replied, “I will take that to mean that you’re not sure, minister,” prompting murmurs from the Government benches and another intervention from the Chair before the discussion moved on.
The Book Grant Programme received a $20 million allocation in the 2025 budget. In August, the Education Ministry reported that 5,248 grants had been disbursed, with the remaining 14,752 payments expected by September 5.
The initiative provides a $1,000 grant for school supplies and textboos to 20,000 eligible primary and secondary students, identified through a means test targeting families in financial need.
President of the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA), Walter Stewart, described the lack of funding for the programme as “highly unfortunate” and urged the Government to find a way to reinstate the assistance.
He said the grant was “not only an incentive, but in many instances, a lifeline for numerous households,” especially as families continue to face difficult economic conditions.
“It is a vital support, and without it, parents, guardians, and students face frustration and financial stress,” Stewart said.
He also appealed to Corporate Trinidad and Tobago to prioritise education and offer support where possible, ensuring that children can continue their studies without the burden of financial uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Dowlath also addressed questions about the promised laptops for Form One students, confirming that the devices—originally expected in September—will now be distributed by December.
“Chairman, through you, the laptops will be delivered by the end of this academic term,” he said.
“When does the term end?” Gadsby-Dolly asked.
“December 11,” Dowlath replied.
“So, August to September, October to December, okay. Thank you,” Gadsby-Dolly responded pointedly.
The Government has pledged to supply 18,000 laptops to incoming Form One students during the current academic year.
