Trinidad

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Trinidad TobagoPresentation on the Targeted
Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (TCCTP)
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Introduction

• The Targeted Conditional Cash Transfer Programme
  (TCCTP) was introduced in Trinidad and Tobago in
  August 2006
• The implementation of the Programme is in keeping
  with the Vision 2020 Developmental Pillar
  Nurturing a Caring Society.
• The specific goals of this developmental pillar
  to which the TCCTP applies are to Significantly
  reduce poverty and, to Build strong families and
  strong communities.

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Introduction

• The TCCTP can also be considered to be in tandem
  with ensuring social protection, since it
  provides the mechanism to support persons
  through, and take them out of their state of
  vulnerability to self-sustainability.
• There are currently approximately 19000 direct
  beneficiaries of the Programme.

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The Programme

• The TCCTP is informed by the Puente programme.
• TCCTP targets families who are unable to meet
  their daily nutritional requirements and to a
  great extent, those who are existing in
  conditions of poverty.
• The unit of focus is the family/household, and as
  such the intention is to treat with the need of
  all members of the family.

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The Programme

• The application for admission into the programme
  capture detailed information on the primary
  applicant as well as all members of the family
  unit/household.
• Based on an assessment of the situation of the
  family of TTCard recipient, the services of
  relevant divisions and agencies are bought to
  bear to ensure the strengthening of the family.

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The Programme

• Beneficiaries are provided with a TTCard via
  which they are provided with monthly cash credits
  of predetermined values, based family size, for
  the purchase of nutritious food items from
  participating grocers
• The value of the card is automatically credited
  on the 1st day of each month
• Beneficiaries are not allowed to use the TTCard
  to purchase cigarettes, alcohol, alcoholic
  beverages

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The Programme

• The conditional aspect of the programme requires
  that recipients of the TTCard participate in
  developmental Programmes that would allow them to
  become self-sustainable.
• The developmental aspect of the Programme
  includes access to technical/vocational skills
  and academic training, life skills training,
  financial management, family planning, parenting,
  small business development and entrepreneurial
  skills.

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The Programme

• Access to credit is also available to
  participants who have the capability and desire
  to establish their own business enterprises.
• As a condition for being a beneficiary of the
  TCCTP, participants would be required to contract
  with the Ministry of Social Development to engage
  in the developmental activities that would
  contribute to their empowerment and
  socio-economic well being.

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Reorientation of the Programme

• It is recognized that there is need for a
  reorientation of the programme to have it
  streamlined according to the Puente model.
  Accordingly, the following have been done
• Institutional strengthening of the TCCTP
  Division Staff numbers bought closer to full
  strength, efforts are also being made to built
  the capacity of staff.
• The use of IT Information on all the
  beneficiaries have been computerized this
  represent a critical phase in electronic case
  management. This would facilitate more effective
  tracking and monitoring the progress of
  beneficiaries of the Programme.