COVID-19, crime, suicide driving rise in widows, says support group

COVID-19, crime and suicide have taken a heavy toll on married men, leaving behind a growing number of widows across the country.

This was underscored by Soraya Nanan, president of Widows Support TT, during an interview with Guardian Media yesterday, as her organisation partnered with the Office of the Councillor for St Mary’s/Carlsen Field to host a back-to-school distribution at the Cashew Gardens Homework Centre. Nanan explained that since 2020, her organisation has seen a sharp increase in membership.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we had many widows join after losing their husbands. Then, more came because of the crime scourge, and recently, there are many joining because their husbands committed suicide,” she said.

She noted that the group, which began in 2011, will focus on the theme “Orphans in Need” for 2025. The organisation also provides regular grief counselling to help members cope with the challenges of loss.

Meanwhile, councillor Vishan Mohammed said the event marked the ninth annual back-to-school drive, aimed at supporting less fortunate children. Over 100 packages—containing book bags, stationery, and textbooks—were distributed.

He added that funds for the initiative were raised through several community fundraisers and urged businesses to lend their support in the future.