Minister of Social Development and Family Services Senator Donna Cox met with representatives from the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIBTT) at the Ministry’s Head Office, St Vincent Street Port of Spain on Wednesday 24th January.
The meeting focused on strengthening inter-organisational relations between the Ministry and NIBTT and, inter alia, fostering a secure digital environment for clients and the imminent digitalization of social services as the Ministry shifts its agenda towards an accessible and enhanced service delivery model.
Minister Cox was supported by Permanent Secretaries Lenor Baptiste-Simmons and Ryan Ramcharan, Deputy Permanent Secretary Wendy Guy-Hernandez, Director of Social Welfare (Ag) Ms. Elizabeth Villaruel, Director ICTD Aldwyn Hylegar and other key staff members of the Ministry.
Executive Director Niala Persad-Poliah, Chief Operating Officer Corporate Services Brendon Nelson and Chief Operating Officer Business Services Andy Edwards joined the discussion from the NIBTT.
During the meeting Minister Cox re-expressed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the Ministry’s digitalization agenda as the timely delivery of grant support to the vulnerable remains a priority.
As a key stakeholder in the delivery of social welfare grants including Senior Citizens’ Pension, Disability Assistance and Public Assistance Grants, process improvements was also discussed. Data sharing and maintenance of client confidentiality were also tabled for discussion as well as the reconciliation of expenditure related to grant administration.
In closing, Minister Cox thanked the NIBTT for their continued support and both parties agreed to remain committed to working closely to ensure efficacy in the social protection system.