Trinidad warns of fraud in COVID-19 support programme

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government Saturday said it had uncovered a plot by persons to defraud the state and that a new mechanism would be put in place Monday in providing rental assistance to people impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Social Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, speaking at the daily news conference of the Ministry of Health regarding the COVID-19 measures, said that in one instance, an applicant indicated that he was living at a location for a period of 10 years.

However, the person who gave a recommendation on the applicant’s behalf said the person was living at the address for seven years, while the landlord stated that the applicant has only been at the location for six months.

“In reviewing the applications of many persons who requested the rental assistance grant, the Ministry unfortunately identified several persons who were attempting to commit fraudulent acts,” Robinson-regis said.

“In keeping with the need for accountability and to ensure the most judicious use of the state’s resources, at this time a mechanism will now be implemented from Monday to ensure only valid claims are entertained and payments to such persons will, therefore, commence during next week,” she said, adding that all fraudulent activities will be reported to the police.

She said no “smart man” or “smart woman” tactics will be allowed during a time where many people are in need.

“Persons who are found to be involved in fraudulent acts will be immediately reported to the police and please note that payments will be made to the landlords and the applicant will then be duly notified,” Robinson-Regis said, adding that the government had also become aware instances of food card fraud.

She said that people have also been trying to ‘double dip’ by applying for assistance to both the National Insurance Board (NIB) and the Social Development Ministry.

She said rental assistance will be provided to the value of TT$2,500 per month for a period of three months initially, and up to six months as required to those who are unable to make payments due to the COVID-19 situation.

She noted that if the support is required beyond the six months, the rental assistance grant will be reduced to TT$1,500 and then a further reduction to TT$1,000 for any additional months required, adding that the total period of rental assistance must not exceed twelve months.

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