Trinidad is experiencing an unprecedented surge in requests for basic necessities as Christmas approaches, with Members of Parliament across the island reporting overwhelming demand for food assistance from struggling constituents. The situation has created a critical humanitarian challenge during what should be a season of celebration.
Opposition Leader and Arima MP Pennelope Beckles revealed that her office has received thousands of assistance requests, far exceeding normal volumes. “Constituents and citizens from all corners of the island have reached out seeking assistance,” Beckles stated, “many sharing painful stories of job losses in 2025 and the daily challenges they now face.” She attributed the increased visibility partly to her new role as Opposition Leader but emphasized that the scale of need represents a genuine crisis.
Multiple parliamentarians confirmed they are distributing food hampers and vouchers despite receiving no official allocations for such assistance. Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young connected the heightened demand directly to government workforce reductions: “Since June when the government fired Cepep workers and began firing other workers who are amongst some of the most vulnerable.”
The assistance requests extend beyond food to include rent, medical expenses, employment opportunities, and child support. Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland reported demand has doubled compared to last year, while Diego Martin West MP Hans De Vignes noted “significant and more than usual demand for assistance given all job losses.”
Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales highlighted the compounding effect of reduced donor capacity: “Traditional donors are unable to provide assistance and my constituency office does not have the kind of resources to meet the growing demand.” He emphasized that thousands who lost their jobs in government programs are facing “the worse Christmas of their lives.”
Government MPs including Oropouche East’s Dr. Roodal Moonilal and La Brea’s Clyde Elder are conducting distribution drives with corporate support, while Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo reported distributing food cards provided by the Prime Minister’s office alongside toy deliveries to children.
The crisis appears likely to extend beyond the holiday season, with Beckles noting she has historically continued support into January when financial pressures typically intensify for vulnerable families.