The Division of Health and Wellness

The Division of Health and Wellness (formerly part of the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection) is a restructured division of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) responsible for overseeing health services, public health, wellness promotion and related programmes across Tobago.

Our Secretary:

Dr. Faith Brebnor

Deputy Chief Secretary with responsibility for Health and Wellness

Background and Recent Restructuring

As part of the THA’s executive reorganisation for the 2026–2030 term (announced in January 2026), the division was refocused. The “Social Protection” portfolio was transferred to the newly created Division of Community Development and Social Protection (led by Secretary Ian Pollard). This change allows the Division of Health and Wellness to concentrate exclusively on health services, medical infrastructure, wellness and prevention.

Dr. Faith Brebnor (Assembly Member for Belle Garden/Glamorgan and Deputy Chief Secretary) serves as Secretary of the Division. Ms. Megan Morrison is the Assistant Secretary. The division works closely with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) for clinical and hospital-based care.

New Strategic Direction (Announced March 2026)

In a Post-Executive Council media briefing in early March 2026, Dr. Brebnor outlined a new direction for the division. Key elements include:

  • Strengthening the internal structure with new dedicated units focused on:
    • Public health
    • Prevention (especially lifestyle/chronic diseases)
    • Data management and analytics
    • Programme delivery
    • Strategic planning
  • Shifting from a primarily hospital-centric model to a more proactive, community-oriented system that emphasises prevention before treatment.
  • Building a stronger, more modern health system through better coordination, innovation and data-driven decision-making.

The goal is to tackle rising lifestyle diseases, promote overall wellness and create a more resilient health framework for Tobago’s population.

Core Responsibilities and Services

The division delivers high-quality, gender-responsive health and wellness services. Core areas include:

  • Health Services — Hospital care (via TRHA), dental services, epidemiology, family planning and primary/secondary care.
  • Wellness and Public Health — Prevention programmes, health promotion and community wellness initiatives.
  • Support Services — Substance abuse prevention, elder care, support for differently-abled persons, gender issues and broader community health education (social protection elements have largely moved elsewhere).

Vision: To be an innovative, responsive and well-respected institution delivering holistic, high-quality, client-centred health and social services. Mission: To manage and deliver high-quality health, wellness and (previously social care) services while protecting the vulnerable and promoting health, wellbeing and the preservation of life.

Contact and Location

  • Address: #7 Montessori Drive, Glen Road, Scarborough, Tobago
  • Phone: +1 868-639-3395
  • Working hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Official website: health.tha.gov.tt 
  • Facebook (@DHWSP) and Instagram (@dhw.tobago) for updates and programmes.