Caption: Participants cheer during the R.I.S.E Fashion Show. Photo: Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services
By Sue-Ann Wayow
AT a fashion show showcasing female inmates, the women were encouraged not to let their past define their future.
The encouragement came from Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit who was the key speaker at the Re-Integration Support and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) Fashion Show.
The show was held on Wednesday at the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPrS) Recreational Sports and Cultural Club, Golden Grove, Arouca and was hosted by the ministry in collaboration with the TTPrS.
The fashion show marked the culmination of R.I.S.E. – Who Am I? pilot project, which is a multi-week programme geared toward preparing pre-release female inmates for successful reintegration into society.
Through trauma therapy, life skills training, and creative garment construction using recycled materials, the initiative empowered participants to reclaim their dignity and rediscover their potential.
The highlight of the day’s activities was a dynamic runway presentation by approximately 20 participants, who showcased self-designed pieces symbolising their growth, creativity, and readiness to return to society with confidence and purpose.
Mohit applauded the women for their resilience and personal growth.
“RISE is more than a programme, it’s a journey of healing and empowerment. Your past does not define you, your future is filled with hope,” she said, pledging the ministry’s mandate to help, empower and transform the lives of the most vulnerable.
The event was also attended to by the ministry’s Parliamentary Secretary Dr Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj, Permanent Secretaries Ryan Ramcharan and Wendy Guy-Hernandez, Deputy Permanent Secretary Vera Balkaran-Deonanan, Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe, as well as executive members of the TTPrS, and officials from the Ministry of National Security.
The ministry via media release stated, “Initiatives like R.I.S.E demonstrate the transformative power of rehabilitation, and the importance of second chances in building a stronger, more compassionate nation.”
