SCARBOROUGH, Tobago, CMC – More than two months after he was charged with two sexual offences involving a child, the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), on Monday, confirmed that Hanif Benjamin is no longer affiliated with it.
The former chairman of the Children’s Authority in Trinidad is due to return to court on January 16 next year after he was placed on TT$170,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) bail after he was slapped with sex charges involving a minor.
Benjamin, a clinical and forensic traumatologist and clinical therapist, who served as chairman of the authority between 2017 and 2020, is accused of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and sexual communication with the child.
In a statement, the Division said that the action taken reflects its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and its commitment to integrity and accountability.
The People’s National Movement (NM) Tobago Council and the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) had called for Benjamin’s immediate dismissal, arguing that someone facing criminal charges should not continue to hold a leadership role in child protection and social services.
The Division said its main priority remains safeguarding vulnerable populations and taking decisive action when allegations arise.
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