Red Cross Board Responds to Media Allegations
November 10th, 2024
In recent weeks, the Trinidad & Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS) has been at the centre of media reports in which certain allegations have been made against the Society’s president. These reports have also suggested the Society has lost significant funding due to these allegations.
The Board of the TTRCS denies these allegations, and we take this situation seriously, as the allegations do not represent the values and principles upon which the TTRCS was built. As one of the oldest volunteer organisations in the country, operating since 1963, our values form the basis for the tremendous support we receive from our employees, volunteers, donors, partners, and the general public for our humanitarian works.
Recently, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) would have advised the Society of a temporary hold on the annual subvention pending the completion of the audit process. This follows ongoing communication with the Ministry on our efforts to bring these audits, outstanding since 2011, up to date. We are working assiduously to finalise this to ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance, and thank the Ministry for its continued support.
The Board has been working with Mrs. Jill De Bourg, since her appointment as president in 2018, to improve key systems and processes. The role of president is one of several volunteer positions in the TTRCS. The improvements include a review of the TTRCS’ constitution to bring it in line with current standards and practices of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), an audit of HR systems to ensure we are compliant with HR best practices, the development of new HR policies, and a digital transformation program to support the work we do in communities.
These comprehensive changes will make the TTRCS more efficient and effective as it delivers on its mission to provide humanitarian efforts that protect vulnerable communities and save lives. Both the IFRC and the Ministry support this transformation, and we have full confidence in the president’s leadership and her ability to successfully lead this transformation.
Since 1963, the TTRCS has been a partner in communities, providing humanitarian services and support in areas of health care, social services, and disaster preparedness. We work with multiple agencies, organisations, and individuals to be “more than a symbol”, and to positively impact lives and improve communities.
Our staff and volunteer team are committed to the principles of Red Cross and are dedicated to building an organisation that serves the people of Trinidad and Tobago with care, compassion, and pride. We thank our teams for their continued efforts.
We take our role and our work seriously, and we pledge to continue working with our external stakeholders as we help build a strong and sustainable future for Trinidad and Tobago.
