Division of Health Director Hanif Benjamin Charged with Sexual Offences Involving Teen Boy Client

July 31, 2025 – A major investigation is underway involving Hanif E.A. Benjamin, a director of the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection. The T&T national, who is a US-trained and certified Clinical Therapist, Youth Development Specialist, and Clinical and Forensic Traumatologist, was charged yesterday with two sexual offences under the Children’s Act.

The charges were laid against the 47-year-old former Chairman of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago by the Child Protective Unit. They stem from an incident reported earlier this month, involving a 15-year-old counselling client during a virtual session. Benjamin reportedly apologised to the boy’s mother, calling it a mistake and an accident.

Benjamin is currently employed at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA)’s Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection as the Director of the Department of Social Protection.

The Division of Health, in a statement dated July 31st, stressed it has a “zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct” and is committed to protecting the well-being of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable. The media release stated that the Division will continue to monitor the situation and take all appropriate actions. Benjamin was expected to appear before a Couva Master’s Court today.