A Holistic Approach Needed For Street Dwellers

The community needs to get more involved in the rehabilitation and reintegration of street dwellers from dwelling in public spaces. This was the consensus at a meeting with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, and the Business Community on Monday. According to statistics provided by the Ministry, in 2019 there were at least 441 street dwellers in Trinidad and Tobago. The cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando have the highest concentration of street dwellers. However the Ministry noted, this is not a city problem as there are street dwellers over several regions across the country. Minister Donna Cox said the problem of street dwelling cannot be wished away, or only be seen as a problem to be solved by the government. Among the top areas of priority for the MSDFS are; the Refurbishment/outfitting of facilities; Employment/Business opportunities; Appropriate and well-equipped vehicles; and the need for Service Providers for Security, Food and other supplies. The Ministry is also exploring the possibility of acquiring the compound of the Citrus Growers Association in Laventille to house street dwellers.