18/08/2025
Moruga/Tableland—Once known as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most overlooked rural constituencies, Moruga/Tableland is today gaining new life under the stewardship of its Member of Parliament, Michelle Benjamin. Since first being elected in 2020, Benjamin has made her mark as a tireless advocate for cultural preservation, community empowerment, and improved security for her constituents.
Now serving as Minister of Culture and Community Development in the United National Congress (UNC) government, Benjamin has carried her grassroots activism into national policy, becoming a strong voice for rural communities often left behind.
Born and raised in St. Mary’s Village, Moruga, Benjamin’s journey into politics was shaped by her deep connection to the people she grew up among. A former councillor for Hindustan/St. Mary’s, she has long been known for her commitment to social programs, youth development, and empowering women in local leadership. Her background in Environmental and Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies further grounds her advocacy in sustainable community growth.
In her current ministerial role, Benjamin has emphasized the need for cultural development beyond Carnival, calling for stronger investment in the arts, heritage preservation, eco-tourism, and culinary tourism. “Our people have so much to offer the world,” she recently declared, “and it is time that investment in culture becomes more than token gestures. Culture must be a pillar of national development.”
She has also been outspoken about the importance of functional infrastructure in her constituency, drawing national attention to projects like the agro-processing park and fishing depot that remain underutilized. Her push is not only about accountability but also about unlocking opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners across Moruga/Tableland.
Her leadership has extended to public safety. Following recent violent crimes in rural districts, Benjamin has pressed for stronger police presence and more consistent patrols, particularly in vulnerable villages. Her insistence on action, rather than “old talk,” has resonated with constituents fearful of increasing insecurity.
Despite challenges on the campaign trail—such as vandalism of her election banners earlier this year—Benjamin has remained focused on the bigger picture. “Democracy must always win,” she said after the incident, urging for a respectful electoral process.
As the first woman to represent Moruga/Tableland in Parliament, Benjamin continues to inspire a new generation, especially young women, to see politics not as a distant arena, but as a space where real change is possible.
For many in Moruga/Tableland, Michelle Benjamin is not just a politician but a community leader who understands their struggles and speaks their language. With her hands-on approach, she is reshaping what representation means in one of the nation’s most contested constituencies.
