Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago and Proman Foundation Sign Three-Year Partnership to Strengthen Community Resilience

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (Habitat TT) and the Proman Foundation have signed a new three-year partnership agreement valued at over USD 700,000 to support disaster resilience, housing, and community development initiatives nationwide. The initiative, titled PRO-TT: Promoting Resilient Opportunities in Trinidad & Tobago, will run from 2025–2028 and deliver direct benefits to more than 2,350 people across the country.

This agreement marks the next phase in the partnership between the Proman Foundation and Habitat TT, which has spanned more than 15 years. Since 2011, Proman has invested close to USD 2.7 million in Habitat TT initiatives, ranging from the construction of new homes to post-disaster recovery and building resilience projects. This sustained commitment reflects a shared focus on delivering practical, long-term solutions that strengthen resilient housing and build stronger communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

The signing ceremony in Port of Spain was attended by Claus Cronberger, Non-Executive Chairman of Proman Trinidad and Chair of the Proman Foundation; Anand Ragbir, Managing Director of Proman Trinidad; Giselle Thompson, Deputy Managing Director of Proman Trinidad and Derwin Howell, Chairman of Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago.

Also present were Jamel Fraser, Programme Manager, Habitat for Humanity TT; Sapphire Ramsoomair, Programme Officer, Habitat for Humanity TT, Hanna Sukhu-Maharaj, Proman Foundation Board Member; and Terrence Panchoo, Chairman of the Proman Foundation CSR Committee.

Building Resilient Communities

Through a mix of housing resilience, water security, skills training, and community-based preparedness programmes, PRO-TT will focus on long-term, systemic support for vulnerable communities. Key interventions include:

• Housing Resilience: Repairs, retrofits, and rainwater harvesting systems for 40 households, alongside 30 interventions to strengthen vulnerable homes.
• Community Preparedness: Four community-led micro-projects and disaster simulation exercises to boost response capacity.
• Skills Training: Over 500 participants to be trained in construction technology, financial literacy, and disaster risk reduction.
• Employee Volunteerism: Six volunteer activities engaging Proman employees, from senior leadership to frontline staff to deliver direct impact.

Derwin Howell, Chairman of Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors, said, “Habitat TT is proud to deepen our partnership with the Proman Foundation. Together, we are strengthening housing, expanding skills training, and supporting community preparedness. This initiative will deliver lasting benefits for families across Trinidad and Tobago and demonstrates the impact of committed long-term collaboration.”

Claus Cronberger, Non-Executive Chairman of Proman Trinidad and Proman Foundation Chair, said: “This initiative highlights the power of partnership to deliver tangible, long-term benefits. With its focus on housing, water security, and sustainable agriculture, it directly supports national development priorities. Through this partnership, we are also expanding skills, and equipping families with the tools they need to build a secure future.”

Anand Ragbir, Managing Director of Proman Trinidad, added, “As one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest investors and employers, Proman understands our responsibility to stand with our communities. Proman employees, from our leadership team to our frontline staff, are actively involved in driving these community initiatives through volunteer activity. That spirit of shared responsibility is what gives this initiative its strength.”

Beneficiary Testimonials

Annette Majeed, Beneficiary: “In 2017, my husband and I were at home with our three children when heavy rains caused the riverbank behind our house to collapse. Within moments, we lost everything. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, we were able to rebuild and complete our home. Today, we are safe again and moving forward with hope.”

Victoria Francis, Beneficiary: “After days of heavy rain, our house collapsed. We lost the place we had called home for years. Habitat for Humanity helped us rebuild. They gave us back our home, our dignity, and our peace of mind.”

Elizabeth Francis, Beneficiary: “My family needed a new home, and I did not know how we would manage on our own. Habitat for Humanity gave us the support to rebuild. Now my children have a safe place to grow, learn, and dream.”

Erica Lamy, Beneficiary: “Our house was falling apart, and we urgently needed a new home. Habitat for Humanity repaired and strengthened it. For the first time in years, we feel secure and proud of where we live.”