Friendly Societies Division

WHAT IS A FRIENDLY SOCIETY?

A Friendly Society is an unlimited number of persons who join together to achieve a common financial and/or social purpose. The members voluntarily bind themselves to rules which are capable of variations in the future, subject to a majority of such members agreeing. A Friendly Society is commonly called an “Affordable Insurance”. It cultivates the practice of thrift, self reliance, self help, and assist in fostering community spirit, poverty eradication, and nation building.

Presently there are one hundred and fifty six (156) registered Friendly societies located in different geographical areas of Trinidad and Tobago. There is a membership of about thirty-thousand (30,000) and assets amounting to more than $30 million

THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES:-

1.	FRATERNAL ORGANISATIONS A Fraternal Organisation is a group of individuals who utilizes secrecy and ritualistic practice(s) to enable associations with persons of common goals and interests exclusively. Another function of this organization is to provide security through benevolent and protective activities, which are designed to provide aid to members in distress.
2.	WORKING MAN’S CLUB This Society is used for sporting activities, propagation of culture and social intercourse. Its origin can be traced to ancient Egypt.
3.	RETIREMENT BENEFIT As the name implies, members make contributions and a fixed amount is due upon retirement. Many variations to this Benefit are possible.
4.	JUVENILE SECTION Several Societies operate Juvenile Sections to cater for children less than sixteen years of age. These Societies provide continuity for the future of the Movement.
5.	YOUTH FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS This is aimed at encouraging a culture of saving, self reliance and thrift amongst the youth and promoting the other benefits of Friendly Societies to the next generation.

WHAT BENEFITS DO THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES PROVIDE?

Generally, the objectives of a Friendly ociety is to improve the economic well being of its members by providing :-

		For the relief and maintenance of the members and their dependants during sickness or other infirmity;
		In old age or widowhood or for the relief or maintenance of orphaned children or members during minority, during distress circumstance or in the case of loss or damage to their property;
		Ensuring money (to be paid) on: the birth of a member’s child; on the marriage of a member; on the death of a member; for the funeral expense of dependants’ relatives of the member;
		Providing insurance against fire on the property of a member;
		Providing credit and investment opportunities for its members;
		Planning and implementing social, cultural and recreational activities and leisure programmes for the benefit of members and their respective families and;
		To assist in the purchasing, acquisition of interest and in the ownership of freehold or leasehold lands.

BENEFITS

		Death benefit
		Sick benefit,
		Optical benefit,
		Dental benefit,
		Maternity benefit
		Retirement benefit
		Investment fund

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MEMBER OF A FRIENDLY SOCIETY?

Generally, a person wishing membership is recommended by a member. persons who have been convicted in the courts of Trinidad and Tobago cannot be accepted as a member. Every society’s benefits differ. As a result, members weekly or monthly contributions also differ.

WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO FRIENDLY SOCIETIES MAKE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES?

A Friendly Society helps in bringing a community together. It teaches thrift and self reliance. It assists in uniting all the people regardless of colour, creed, race and religion. It acts as a vanguard in fighting the social ills of the community.

For further information please contact:

The Office of the Registry of Friendly Societies, Level 4, Duke Place, #50 -54 Duke Street, Port of Spain.

Telephone Contact – 299--0300 Ext. 2056, 2001, 2115