Port of Spain, Trinidad – The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development (MCCD), engaged in constructive dialogue with executive members of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Village and Community Councils (TTAVCC), reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening local governance and deepening community impact. The meeting was held on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.
In attendance at the meeting, representing TTAVCC was:
- Mrs. Genevieve Bernard – President;
- Mr. Edwin Noel – Vice President;
- Mr. Rajesh Ramsook – Vice President;
- Ms. Yvette Ravello-Pittie – Assistant Secretary; and
- Other members.
Accompanying Minister Benjamin from MCCD was Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Gwyneth Morris-Alexander, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), and other Ministry officials.
Leading the discussions, Minister Benjamin also signalled that communities across the country will soon benefit from greater access to newly established Village Councils, which are expected to be democratically installed in the coming months as part of a broader, results-oriented strategy to revitalise community development.
These Village Councils must operate in accordance with their established by-laws, including the stipulation under Section 16(b) of the TTAVCC Constitution, that, Annual General Meetings (AGMs) be held as prescribed. Minister Benjamin reiterated that the expectation is not externally imposed but rather a call to uphold the organisations’ own governance frameworks, ensuring action, accountability, transparency, and business continuity. The core focus, she emphasised, must remain on fulfilling the mandate and objectives of each organisation, in service to their respective communities.
By strengthening their internal systems and adhering to established procedures, Village Councils can enhance their effectiveness as advocates for community growth and development. This structured and transparent approach promotes collective decision-making and prevents the concentration of authority in any one individual. Most importantly, it reinforces the need for an open-door policy, whereby residents have access to their Councils and can engage with the leadership that represents them.
Other key points discussed at the meeting included:
- Creation of a Memorandum of Understanding between MCCD and TTAVCC;
- Youth-based initiatives such as, Home-Work Centres;
- The hosting of quarterly meetings between MCCD and TTAVCC; and
- Refurbishment of the existing centres.
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development, under the leadership of Minister Benjamin, remains committed to deepening its partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Village and Community Councils in working collaboratively to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Below are some photo highlights of the meeting.
Photo 1: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, welcomes members of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Village and Community Councils to the meeting held on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.
Photo 2: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, alongside Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine holds discussions with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Village and Community Councils on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.
Photo 3: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, poses for a photo with other Ministry officials and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Village and Community Councils after the meeting held on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Ministry’s Head Office in Port of Spain.