Draft 7

COMMON COUNTRY ASSESSMENT REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (December 2006)

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) Trinidad and Tobago, December 2006

I have made human rights a priority in every programme the UN launches and in every mission we embark on. I have done so because the promotion and defense of human rights is at the heart of every aspect of our work and every article of our Charter. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, 1997.

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The framers of the UN Charter decided to create an organization to ensure respect for fundamental human rights, establish conditions under which justice and the rule of law could be maintained, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. Our guiding light must be the needs and hopes of peoples everywhere Larger freedom implies that men and women everywhere have the right to be governed by their own consent, under law, in a society where all individuals can, without discrimination or retribution, speak, worship or associate freely. They must also be free from want so that the death sentences of extreme poverty and infectious disease are lifted from their lives and free from fear so that their lives and livelihoods are not ripped apart by violence and war. Indeed, all people have the right to security and to development. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, 2005

Table of Contents
ABBREVIATIONS v

SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND......................................................................................8

1.1 Preparation of the CCA.........................................................................................................................8 1.1.1 Purpose and Background of the CCA............................................................................................8 1.1.2 Nature and Scope of the CCA........................................................................................................8 1.1.4 Structure of the CCA ...................................................................................................................10 1.2 Profile of Trinidad and Tobago ..........................................................................................................10 1.2.1 The Population............................................................................................................................10 1.2.2 The Economy..............................................................................................................................11
SECTION TWO: A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF KEY DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND CHALLENGES......14

2.1 Introduction: Causal Analysis of Governance and Poverty Alleviation Issues..................................14 2.2 Freedom from Want.............................................................................................................................17 2.2.1 Poverty and Hunger.....................................................................................................................17 2.1.3 Education.....................................................................................................................................19 2.1.4 Gender..........................................................................................................................................20 2.1.5 Health ..........................................................................................................................................21 2.1.6 HIV/AIDS ...................................................................................................................................25 2.1.7 Environmental Sustainability ......................................................................................................26 2.1.8 Global Partnership for Development...........................................................................................27 2.3 Freedom from Fear.............................................................................................................................27 2.3.1 Judicial System............................................................................................................................28 2.3.2 Political System............................................................................................................................29 2.4 Freedom to Live in Dignity..................................................................................................................29 2.4.1 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights..............................................30 2.4.2 International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination..................30 2.4.3 Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women ............................................31 2.4.4 Convention on the Rights of the Child.........................................................................................31 3.1 Vision 2020 and the Five Pillars of Development...............................................................................35 3.1.1 Developing Innovative People.....................................................................................................35 3.1.2 Nurturing a Caring Society..........................................................................................................36 3.1.3 Governing Effectively..................................................................................................................36 3.1.4 Facilitating Competitive Business................................................................................................37 3.1.5 Investing in Infrastructure and Environment ..............................................................................37 3.2. Areas for UN Intervention .................................................................................................................37 3.2.1 Ensure Effective Public Participation in Governance Structures at All Levels...........................37 3.2.2 Implement Inclusive Human Rights-Based Policies to Protect and Empower Vulnerable Groups ...............................................................................................................................................................38 3.2.3 Cross-Cutting Themes: Data Collection and Government Capacity...........................................39
Goals and Targets......................................................................................................................................................... 40 Indicators...................................................................................................................................................................... 40 Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.........................................................................................................40 Goal 2: Achieve universal primary and secondary education...................................................................................40 Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women............................................................................................40

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality....................................................................................................................................41 Goal 5: Improve maternal health................................................................................................................................41 Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Dengue, Diabetes & Hypertension .................................41 Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability.............................................................................................................42 Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development* .........................................................................................42 Appendix 1: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AT A GLANCE......................................................................................44 Appendix 2: HUMAN RIGHTS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ...........................................................................45

ABBREVIATIONS
CAS CCA CPD CPAP CPO CSO ECLAC EIU FAO GDP GoRTT ILO MDGs M&E NACC NALIS NCC NGO PAHO RHA TCPR THA UNAIDS - Country Assistance Strategy - Common Country Assessment - Country Programme Document - Country Programme Action Plan - Country Programme Outcome - Central Statistical Office - Economic Commission for Latin America & the Caribbean - Economic Intelligence Unit - Food and Agriculture Organization - Gross Domestic Product - Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago - International Labour Organization - Millennium Development Goals - Monitoring & Evaluation - National AIDS Coordinating Committee - National Library of Trinidad and Tobago - Net Contributing Country - Non-Government Organization - Pan American Health Organization - Regional Health Authority - Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review - Tobago House of Assembly - United Nations Joint Programme on HIV & AIDS

UNCT UNDAF UNDP UNESCO UNFPA UNIC UNICEF UNIFEM UWI

- United Nations Country Team - United Nations Development Assistance Framework - United Nations Development Programme - United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization - United Nations Population Fund - United Nations Information Centre - United Nations Children Emergency Fund - United Nations Development Fund for Women - University of the West Indies

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

National development priorities have been used as the cornerstone to prepare the Common Country Assessment (CCA) 2008-2011 for Trinidad and Tobago. In 2005 the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago completed a comprehensive and highly consultative long term development plan to achieve developed country status by the year 2020. This plan is referred to as the draft National Strategic Plan (NSP), or Vision 2020 and it is at the core of UN planning1 for the forthcoming programming cycle. The formulation of the CCA 2008-2011 has ensured the full alignment of the UNs business plan with the governments national priorities. Notably, the Government also mainstreamed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into its planning for Vision 2020, thus these were slated as the minimum acceptable standards for measuring the countrys progress to developed country status. The MDGs embody the Millennium Declaration which commits world leaders to halve global poverty levels by 2015 whilst providing a unifying framework for the UN system to work coherently toward a common end. In keeping with mandates to work towards UN Reform, every effort was made to ensure that the recommendations of the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR), and later, those of the High Level Panel on UN Reform were reflected in the CCA process. These recommendations included UN assistance to the Government in strengthening all partners engaged in the development process the United Nations development system, civil society, national non-governmental organizations and the private sector, with a view to seeking new and innovative solutions to development problems in accordance with national policies and priorities. The CCA also laid the foundation for development of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) which emphasizes the strengthening of national capacities. The CCA was a collaborative effort of all UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes operating in Trinidad and Tobago and it benefited from advice and recommendations
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This process was initiated in 2002 and the draft National Strategic Plan was officially presented to the government in 2006.

made by representatives of the Government, the private sector, academia and civil society. Its formulation built on the UN Secretary Generals concept of a larger freedom comprised of freedom from want, freedom from fear and freedom to live in dignity.2 The section on freedom from want reviews efforts aimed at reducing poverty, improving educational and health services, and expanding employment and housing availability; a second section addresses freedom from fear in terms of improvements to the judicial and legal infrastructure to ensure an adequate level of human security; and the third section on freedom to live in dignity assesses Trinidad and Tobagos compliance with its international human rights obligations. Efforts made in pursuit of these freedoms will not only help Trinidad and Tobago achieve the Millennium Development Goals, but also place it on track to achieve its goal of developed country status by the year 2020. This CCA therefore aims to (i) analyse the development context in Trinidad and Tobago to identify the root causes of the challenges faced; (ii) determine where UN agencies can best help the Government reach its national long term development goals while ensuring respect for human rights; and (iii) highlight areas where the UN system may strengthen national capacities for analysis and policy making. The country has benefited from sustained economic growth over the past ten years largely because of increased revenues from its oil and gas industry, currently funding over 90 percent of its national development. However, there are continuing challenges in meeting the needs both of vulnerable groups and of the population at large. Income and wealth disparity remain largely unaffected by the Governments redistributive policies and pockets of poverty endure, especially affecting women, youth and the elderly. In rural areas, the evidence suggests that lower standards of living and higher poverty rates persist. However there is a general lack of reliable data that impedes deeper analysis. With respect to education, the government has embarked on a policy of encouraging lifelong learning. This is evidenced by the steady improvement in infrastructure and facilities being provided to all schools nationwide through Early Childhood Centres, the Secondary Education Modernization Programme (SEMP) and free or highly subsidized education at tertiary levels. Nonetheless, though enrollment rates are high, so too are dropout rates, especially for boys. While the prevailing paucity of reliable data hinders complete analysis there appears to be an increasing number of youths who choose criminal activities instead of pursuing the educational opportunities available to them, resulting in a range of social problems including crime and violence. The young people of Trinidad and Tobago must be empowered and motivated to access information and resources to encourage them to seek the educational opportunities and skills development processes available to them, so that they can explore opportunities for personal development as the best way to benefit from the prevailing national economic prosperity.

Report of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, to the 2005 World Summit, UN headquarters, New York.

Despite attempts to stem the spread of communicable diseases, including HIV&AIDS, incidence rates are high. Outside Africa, the Caribbean region has the highest HIV& AIDS prevalence rates, and the regional spread of the pandemic poses a range of developmental problems which far exceed the traditional health area. The spread of HIV&AIDS threatens to impact and retard economic growth broadly defined, as well as the generational development of Trinidad and Tobagos most valuable commodity its people. Despite some progress in stabilizing the infection rate in general and positive efforts by the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) in executing strong advocacy programmes with a deliberate focus on edutainment to encourage behaviour change among the youth as well as securing government support to scale up a multi sectoral response to HIV&AIDS, access to health services, awareness, treatment and stigmatization remain a challenge. There is also the need for research and surveillance tools to facilitate proper reporting on the epidemic. In addressing the challenges of ensuring that the people of Trinidad and Tobago can achieve their freedoms, the CCA recommends proper governance structures which encourage empowerment of vulnerable groups; proper systems to help institutionalize basic standards to facilitate poverty eradication as well as to respond to threats to human security; and support with international instruments and conventions to address human rights issues. The CCA concludes by identifying broad areas for future cooperation between the UN system, the Government and Civil Society for the period 2008-2011 which will form the basis of the UN Development Assistance Framework for Trinidad and Tobago. The five pillars which constitute the national priorities elaborated in the Governments National Strategic Plan set the framework to develop UN cooperative interventions to be undertaken collaboratively. Within this framework, the UN Country Team recommended two important areas where the UNs comparative advantage could be maximized. Firstly, the UN should work to ensure effective participatory governance structures primarily at the local level. This would address the need for greater mobilization of poor, vulnerable and underprivileged communities (claim holders), educating them adequately about the full range of human rights claims to which they are entitled, and encouraging their energetic involvement in social and political life at all levels, so that government representatives (duty bearers) are energized to meet their obligations with greater efficacy. Secondly, the UN should seek to implement a range of inclusive, human rights based social and economic policies which effectively empower and protect vulnerable groups. Underpinning these two goals are the dual needs to improve data collection/ analysis and to build governmental capacity, particularly given the brain drain and declining competitiveness of the private sector. The scope of the problem posed by the systemic lack of reliable data hampers the depth of the analysis of development and growth, inclusive of that which follows in this CCA, and can impair efforts at development programming in Trinidad and Tobago.

SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.1 Preparation of the CCA 1.1.1 Purpose and Background of the CCA The CCA is intended to analyze national development and identify key development issues. It is an important tool of the UN reform process dating from 1997, which called for the formulation of a planning framework and strategy common to all UN agencies. The CCA indicates areas of potential cooperation among UN agencies, Government and Civil Society to inform development planning for the period 2008-2011. 1.1.2 Nature and Scope of the CCA This CCA embodies the Governments national development plan Vision 2020, a significant strategic planning effort involving substantial national public consultation and reports from twenty-eight (28) multisectoral sub-committees. Plan Vision 2020 is set of national development goals and strategies which will take the country to developed country status by the year 2020. The UN system aims to complement and assist the Governments development programming where possible, seeking to maximize the UNs comparative advantage in pursuit of shared development goals. Following on decisions on UN reform to ensure a more coherent, efficient and effective UN according to the Triennial Comprehensive Panel Report as well as the High Level Panel, integrated into the scope of the CCA is strengthening development partners to seek new and innovative solutions to development problems in accordance with national policies and priorities, whilst the UN also provides support to achieve internationally agreed development goals. Importantly, the Government intends to measure its achievement of the MDGs as an indicator of its development success. These goals form the basis for the Millennium Declarations commitment to achieving development, good governance, peace, security and human rights. This form of inclusive development entails economic growth founded on human rights benefiting all segments of society and which prioritizes the elimination of structural, institutional and cultural obstacles to participation in national development and the realization of an individuals full human potential. In ensuring that proper analyses are undertaken, it is important to focus on the complete range of economic and social conditions. Inclusive development also respects the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society and emphasizes human dignity, and equality across geographic regions, ethnic groups, social strata, both genders, and all ages. Development is therefore measured by the extent to which all members of society benefit from the goals and principles enshrined in the Millennium Declaration and does not simply use national averages as indicators. The latter inevitably tend to obscure the range of experiences they summarize. The UN organizations in Trinidad and Tobago have endorsed the position

MDGs and Human Rights Since human rights and the MDGs share the ultimate objective of fostering human freedom and well-being, a human rights-based strategy provides an effective and sustainable framework for the achievement of MDGs. Human rights standards and related principles sharpen strategies for achieving MDGs by addressing discrimination, lack of voice and accountability failures that lie at the root of poverty and other development challenges. The normative concept of human rights assists in identifying duty bearers and rights-holders, with a view to informing the development of appropriate assistance strategies to strengthen the capacity of duty bearers to meet their national obligations to protect and to empower rights holders. Human rights provide universally accepted minimum standards to substantively complement the numerical targets set by MDGs and a tool to achieve development goals. MDG targets represent national averages, whereas human rights are entitlements for each and every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on the eradication of discrimination and prioritizing action in favour of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized. Whilst it might be difficult to fully meet the targets set by the MDGs, the fulfillment of human rights is actually a process where the maximum available resources are to be allocated to take appropriate measures towards the progressive realization of human rights, and in particular economic, social and cultural rights (ref. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights). that sustained and equitable achievement of the MDGs at both national and sub-national levels is a meaningful approach to assess development. 1.1.3 Approach to the CCA Preparation of this CCA began in December 2005 with the UNCT Retreat. This preparatory process relied heavily on the Governments then recently concluded long term development plan as well as on lessons learnt from the previous programming cycle. It was not an attempt to complete a new CCA, but rather to identify the UNs comparative advantage or niche within an already agreed long term development planning process. The support of all resident and non-resident UN organizations (especially Theme Groups), government representatives, civil society and academics, was important to completion of the process. Methodology The work involved several major steps: 1. Sub-groups (UN Organizations) compiled data and information on the national development situation and identified major problems as detailed in officially published documents used to prepare the draft national Strategic Plan; 2. A Technical Working Group was established by the UNCT to review these findings and eliminate duplication; 3. An orientation workshop, facilitated by DGO, was held for UN and non-UN personnel at which the Government officially presented its national priorities; 9

4. The Technical Working Group undertook a deeper analysis of the reduced number of problems, establishing their immediate, underlying and root causes and identifying individuals or groups whose rights were not being met; individuals or groups responsible for taking action, and their ability to do so; 5. A draft report was prepared for the consideration of a Writing Team which met several times with representatives of Government, civil society and academia to review the plan and ensure that the human rights analysis and other cross-cutting themes were fully elaborated; and to select the initial areas of cooperation. 1.1.4 Structure of the CCA This document follows UNDG CCA/UNDAF Guidelines. This first section explains the CCA process and presents a brief country profile. Section 2 examines progress in meeting the MDGs, other national development issues as well as development trends and evident development capacity gaps. Although there is as yet no published MDG report, there are documents which address the prospect of reaching the MDGs, governance issues and development issues more generally. Section 3 discusses possible key areas of cooperation and strategic intervention by the UN; and Section 4 presents an indicator framework linking national development strategies (as presented in Vision 2020s National Strategic Plan) with the MDGs. 1.2 Profile of Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island unitary state situated at the southernmost end of the Caribbean chain of islands covers 5,128 square kilometers (Tobago is 300 square kilometers). The islands were under British rule in the 19 th century but became independent in August 1962, and the country became a republican parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth in 1976. Tobago is administered separately by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), established in 1980. 1.2.1 The Population

The population of Trinidad and Tobago is 1.3 million according to the 2000 national census and is primarily of African, East Indian, and Chinese origin. Several religions are represented. Over the past 30 years, the rate of population growth has been declining, averaging less than 1% annually. This slowing of the populations growth is attributed to declines in the total fertility rate, currently 1.77, and crude birth rate which was 19.7 in 1990, but fell to 15.5 in 1995 and 12.75 in 2004. The death rate was 6.7 in 1990, 7.1 in 1995 and 9.02 in 2004. There is significant problem with brain drain emigration as Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest per capita levels of migration in the Caribbean region3. With respect to the population structure, 21.4% of the population is under 15 years, 70.6% is between 15 and 64 years old and 8.1% is over 65. Young

Dr. Bhoendradath Tewarie, Prinicipal, University of the West Indies Address to the Chamber of Commerce. January 2006

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people (aged 10-24 years) comprise about 30% of the population. population lives in urban areas.

Nearly 65% of the

Trinidad and Tobago is grouped in the High Human Development category and ranks 57 on the Human Development Index 2006.4 In 2003 the adult literacy rate was 98.5% and average life expectancy was 70 years. 91% of the population has access to improved water resources and 100% have access to improved sanitation. The country is ranked 17 on the UNDPs Human Poverty Index (HPI), 61 on the UNDPs Gender-related Development Index5 (GDI), and 22 on the Gender Empowerment Measure6 (GEM). However, according to a European Commission (EC) study on poverty in Trinidad and Tobago, 21% of the population fell below the national poverty level in 1990-2002 7 with 12.4% living on less than one U.S. dollar per day. Preliminary findings from a recently concluded and yet unpublished Survey of Living Conditions (2006) of the Ministry of Social Development, estimated 17% of the population to be living below the national poverty line. Additional data from the EC study showed that approximately 12% of the population was undernourished; the infant mortality rate per 1000 live births was 17 in 2003; 23% of infants born from 1998 to 2003 had low birth weights; 7% of children under age 5 years were underweight and 5% were under height (1995-2003). It is noted that the infant mortality rates in other Caribbean states are below 15 per 1,000 live births8. Challenges also exist with respect to income inequity: the richest 20% of the population earned 45% of national income compared with 5.5% of national income earned by the poorest 20%. The HIV&AIDS prevalence rate in the 15-49 years age group is 3.2%, with 45% of new infections occurring in women, and the population of people living with HIV & AIDS estimated at 29,0009. 1.2.2 The Economy

Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and is one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Since 1913, the petroleum industry has been the most significant economic sector.10 In 2004 the oil and gas sector accounted for 37%
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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development Report 2006; UNDP, New York, 2006. 5 The GDI is the gender disparity adjusted HDI. A good ranking on this index means that basic human capabilities are more equally distributed between men and women in Trinidad and Tobago than in an average country. 6 The GEM attempts to measure the participation of and opportunities for women in selected economic, political and professional domains, such as the share of administrative, managerial and parliamentary positions held by women. 7 Mullen, Joseph, J. St. Cyr and T. Paccoud, EU Study on Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago, 1999. According to Vision 2020, poverty entails more than merely satisfying ones needs and addressing low incomes. It also concerns access to health and educational services, lack of knowledge and communication skills, the ability to exercise human and political rights and the absence of dignity, confidence and selfrespect. 8 Central Intelligence Agency World Fact Book 2005. Comparative infant mortality rates in lesser developed island states in the Caribbean are as follows- Jamaica -16.3; St. Vincent 14.8; Grenada- 14.6; St. Kitts- 14.5; St. Lucia 13.5; Netherlands Antilles -10 9 UNGASS HIV & AIDS Report, 2006 Pg. 3

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of GDP, and 37%11 of government revenue. In contrast, the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors contributed 1%, 7% and 55% to GDP in 2004. But the oil and gas sector provides relatively few jobs. Only about 4% of the workforce was employed by the petrochemical industry in 2004, compared with 5%, 10% and 80% for agriculture, manufacturing and the service sectors respectively.12 And there may be need to initiate greater economic diversification since petrochemical resources are finite and the oil fields are maturing. Although energy continues to dominate the economy, there have been significant changes within the sector. Most of Trinidads oilfields are mature, and as a result crude oil production, which once dominated the economy, has slowed in recent years, with a decline of 10% in 2004.13 In contrast, gas production is rising rapidly. Abundant reserves of natural gas and government incentives have encouraged huge inflows of foreign direct investment. Investment in the energy sector has stimulated growth in other sectors such as construction, distribution and transport, which combined to account for 31.2% of GDP in 2003. Local manufacturing (excluding oil-refining and the petrochemical industry) which employs 10% of the labour force, accounts for approximately 7% of GDP, whereas government services in recent years have contributed an average of almost 11% of GDP. Agriculture accounts for less than 3% of GDP14. Because the economy is so concentrated it is susceptible to exogenous shocks. Trinidad experienced an oil industry-related boom in 1974-1981, when annual growth rates ranged from 12% to 64%, but a difficult period of recession followed in 1983 to 1994 with nominal GDP growth rates of -5% and 17%. A recent oil industry-related boom which began in 2000 produced GDP nominal growth in 2004 of 14. % (6.50% real). Unemployment rates have fluctuated with the fortunes of the oil sector the unemployment rate was 9.9% in 1980, 22.2% in 1987 and 7 % at the end of 2006. The government has targeted full employment within the next two (2) years. There are two notable differences between the first and second petroleum booms: i. The second boom has been accompanied by relatively low rates of inflation (5.6%, 4.2%, 3.8% and 3.7% between 2001 and 2004), and ii. The petroleum industry is becoming more diversified, having shifted from primarily oil-based to more natural gas-based 15 production with an expanding petrochemical industry. But what the two booms do have in common is the concurrent decline of the manufacturing and agriculture sectors with the expansion of the petroleum sector. This decline is of concern since the performance of non-energy sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture can help shield the economy from the energy sectors cyclical
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Gelb, Alan, and Richard Auty, Trinidad and Tobago: Windfalls in a Small Parliamentary Democracy in Oil Windfalls, Blessing or Curse. 11 Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago: Economic Bulletin, May 2005, Vol. V11 No 1. 12 Ministry of Finance, op. cit.
13 14 15

IMF: 2004 Article IV Consultation 2005.

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performance. Agriculture has been declining for several decades. Between 1984 and 2004 the agriculture sectors share of GDP fell from 4.% to 1. % and the proportion of the workforce in agricultural employment fell from 12.% to 5%. On the other hand, while overall Trinidad and Tobago describes itself as an oil and gas driven economy, Tobago has positioned itself as a tourism-driven economy. A recent study of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) found that 57 % of employment and 46% of GDP in Tobago are tourism-related. 16 Between 2001 and 2004 the number of visitors to Tobago more than doubled. The WTTC has also estimated that nationally tourism provides 34,000 jobs directly and 96,000 indirectly equivalent to more than 60% of the labour force in Tobago. 1.1.3 Continuing Challenges In spite of the economic boom, the country faces significant challenges including poverty, unequal distribution of incomes, unemployment and under-employment, low productivity and low personal income. Social and physical infrastructure need attention and service delivery is often inadequate. The country continues to be at risk from natural disasters and disaster preparedness and readiness measures need to be improved. In order to achieve developed nation status, Trinidad and Tobagos national policy must emphasize the development of a civic political culture, reform of the public sector to strengthen national capacity, growth of a range of economic sectors in addition to energy, the accumulation of foreign exchange reserves earned during the boom period, the development of physical and economic infrastructure as well as social development (in particular tertiary education and vocational training for youth). 1.1.4 Outlining National Priorities National planning will involve a development strategy which addresses the uniqueness of Trinidad, and of Tobago and whose slogan is Clean, Green, Safe and Serene. The draft National Strategic Plan, Vision 2020 envisions development built upon the following five pillars, its national priorities to the year 2020: 1. Nurturing a Caring Society 2. Governing Effectively 3. Facilitating Competitive Business 4. Improving Infrastructure and Environment 5. Developing Innovative People

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SECTION TWO: A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF KEY DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND CHALLENGES 2.1 Introduction: Causal Analysis of Governance and Poverty Alleviation Issues During the six years since the last CCA, Trinidad and Tobago has undergone important political, economic and social changes: the General Elections of 2002 resulted in a change of Government; the draft National Strategic Plan, Vision 2020, has been completed; Trinidad and Tobago has signed the Millennium Declaration and will report periodically on progress towards achieving the MDGs; and increases in the prices of oil and gas have caused an economic boom. But key challenges remain. There has been little progress in public sector reform, and challenges remain in terms of improving the efficacy of governmental structures and their ability to both correctly perceive and adequately respond to the needs of the public. This is manifested in over centralization at local government levels, limited implementation capacity of local government, mechanisms which do not encourage popular participation, ignorance of human rights, lack of information and the right to it. Additionally, there is need to develop and implement based policies to protect and empower the most disadvantaged groups of society, and so contribute to poverty alleviation. 2.1.1. Governance Governance can be defined as the vehicle through which individuals, institutions, rules and political processes contribute to economic growth, the realization of rights and the alleviation of poverty. It is one of the five (5) pillars in Vision 2020 where the government defines and addresses these challenges in Trinidad and Tobago. These include implementation of programmes and projects already initiated in 2006, related to modernization of the public sector, radical reform of the public sector procurement regime and ratification of the UN Anti-Corruption convention. Public participation is also a very important aspect of governance. It is recognized that democracies only flourish when citizens are willing to take part in public debate, elect representatives and join political parties. Without this broad sustaining participation, democracy begins to wither and become the preserve of smaller select groups. However, an Opinion Leaders Panel Survey and the Office of the Ombudsman which facilitate citizens feedback on a range of service delivery issues and national development priorities have reported a perceived lack of response on citizens feedback/ complaints 17. Therefore there is need for initiatives which are designed to identify and address the issues which serve as access barriers, inhibiting more widespread involvement. The challenges to encourage greater public participation therefore include innovative systems of improving the delivery of public services, Rule of Law (including access to justice, human rights, accountability/ transparency), and creation of a safe and secure environment for the enjoyment of life and property. Through Country Programme
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Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Vision 2020 Operational Plan 2007-2010.

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Outcomes identified, the wider population, as claim holders, will be encouraged to participate in governance-related activities, and programs will be implemented so that government as duty bearers will be increasingly willing to listen to their constituents and act responsibly. The UN will support capacity development initiatives to strengthen Local Government, and from the point of project conception, a gender focus will be adopted to ensure that womens rights are addressed. With governance, areas requiring specific focus include; Access to information: developing an information society, empowering citizens to become more involved and aware of their individual roles and responsibilities in a modern democracy. Participation: encouraging greater involvement and ownership of affected stakeholders; Accountability: working with the relevant authorities to establish systems whereby public officials, elected as well as appointed, are responsible for their actions and responsive to public demands Fairness: Ensuring that rules apply equally to everyone, (men and women) in society regardless of status; Transparency: Ensuring that decisions made by public officials are clear and open to scrutiny by citizens or their representatives; Efficiency: Monitoring that government plans are implemented in an effective manner. As a result, support will be provided to achieve the following Country Programme Outcomes: Governance structures and practices are more decentralized and responsive to needs at the local level. Information systems established which provide quality data and support the monitoring of evidence-based public policies, programmes and reporting obligations Creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development Implementation of Tobagos development strategy, Clean, Green, Safe and Serene. There will be strong reliance on partnerships with the NGO community and select government Ministries Local Government, Community Development, Social Development and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in particular, to achieve these Outcomes. 2.1.2 Poverty

Poverty in Trinidad and Tobago manifests itself in income inequality, health and education challenges and a continuing inability to develop an adequate safety net to protect children, youth, women and vulnerable groups from threats to their personal and physical security, particularly in the context of rapidly changing family relations, and in the structure of communities influenced by urbanization and rapid economic growth. The

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reality is that in a society which is experiencing over ten (10) years of economic growth and high per capita income, poverty is at 17%18. The CSO has also reported an unemployment rate of 5% or near full employment19. A larger concern therefore is widening social and economic disparities coupled with a seeming powerlessness among the needy to access a range of programmes and services which have been implemented by the GoRTT to alleviate poverty. Challenges include how to provide incentives for the creation and maintenance of sustained and diversified economic growth; how to prioritize social development initiatives to effectively address the needs of the poor, the marginalized and the more vulnerable in the society. The evidence also shows that HIV & AIDS is greater than 3%20 and poses a significant development challenge since it can be considered generalized to the population and will therefore impact negatively on the labour force and productivity levels. In all areas indicated, there is continuing need for improved data collection, management, monitoring and evaluation designed to correctly assess the scope of poverty-related problems and the effectiveness of measures taken to bring about improvements. UN interventions therefore seek to support implementation of a range of human rightsbased social and economic policies to effectively protect societys most marginalized groups, and to reduce the impact of poverty in all its facets. These policies must address efforts designed to advance educational and other opportunities to improve the quality of life of all citizens, which include ensuring the level of protection and security guaranteed by public authorities. HIV & AIDS will be addressed within the context of the Three Ones with institutional strengthening and capacity building of the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) and appropriate advocacy programmes. Work in the area of poverty will necessarily depend on the development of appropriate systems and the availability of adequate data to inform evidence-based socio-political and economic decision-making. The Country Programme Outcomes to address these challenges are: 1. Legislative and policy frameworks are strengthened to support a rights-based approach to development 2. HIV response is fully mainstreamed in all sectors. 3. The protective environment for children, women and other vulnerable groups is strengthened. The UN will partner with several government Ministries and NGOs to achieve these outcomes. They include the Ministries of Education, Health, Social Development, the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC), the Network of NGOs as well as other development partners.

18 19

Ministry of Social Development. Unpublished report 2006. Central Statistical Office. Survey of Living Conditions 2006. 20 UNGASS HIV&AIDS Report 2006.

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In his In Larger Freedom report to the World Summit, 2005 the UN Secretary General called for renewed efforts to improve security, development and human rights, saying Humanity will not enjoy security without development, it will not enjoy development without security, and it will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.21 In the following three sections, discussion of the manifestations and underlying and root causes of continuing development issues facing Trinidad and Tobago is organized in the following three broad categories: Freedom from want Alleviating poverty in all its dimensions Freedom from fear Improving human security Freedom to live in dignity Assuring human rights for all 2.2 Freedom from Want 2.2.1 Poverty and Hunger The UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human rights, and other UN declarations envision economic, social, political, civil and cultural rights as the goals of poverty eradication. Human rights include the right to an adequate standard of living, food, shelter, education, health, work, social security and a share in the benefits of social progress. Poverty is the denial of human rights. Poverty alleviation is a central MDG and is also at the heart of GoRTTs Vision 2020 development strategy spelt out in the section entitled Nurturing a Caring Society. The Government pledges to nurture and develop a healthy society in a sustainable environment where citizens are well educated, embrace diversity, have their basic and special needs adequately and consistently met, and in which the national development process is further informed by these well articulated needs. And in the Developing Innovative People pillar, GoRTT promises to develop a highly skilled, well-educated people aspiring to a local culture of excellence that is driven by equal access to learning opportunities. Our people acknowledge and actively pursue the development of self and country by being socially responsible and contributing to economic development. Eradicating poverty and reducing the inequality gap in Trinidad and Tobago requires more than increasing incomes. The challenge is to improve access to health and educational services, and to help remove barriers to the development of knowledge and skills so that people may exercise their human and political rights with dignity, confidence and self-respect. The only available analyis, although obsolete, provides a good basis for discussion.A 1997-98 analysis of household budgetary survey data concluded that 21% of the population lives in poverty and 8% live in extreme poverty.22

21 22

Op cit. GoRTT,,Social Sector Investment Programme 2006, Addressing Our Basic Needs

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Poverty has slightly different characteristics on each of the two islands: in Trinidad the poor are essentially characterized as persons who are uneducated or undereducated, unskilled or semi-skilled workers, female-headed households, single parent households, unemployed or under-employed, or persons who earn an average monthly income ranging from TT$500 to TT$1,000 (US$84.00 US$167.00). In Tobago, on the other hand, the poor tends to be unmarried, elderly and uneducated. Overall, women tend to be poorer than men, and are more likely to be unemployed (or under-employed), and victims of physical and other forms of abuse. Poverty is higher among the elderly, 15% of whom are poor as well as the young (28%). Data on child labour is not readily available, but to adhere to ILO conventions, legislation on the minimum working age must be reviewed and harmonized, and there is a need to provide children with sufficient legal protection. A closer examination of aggregate poverty data reveals geographic concentrations in need of special attention. 86% of the extreme poor live in Nariva/ Mayaro, St. Andrew/ St. David, St. Patrick, Victoria and St. George, 43% of whose residents are considered poor, as are 19% of the residents of Victoria, and 15% of those in St. Patrick23. Other vulnerable groups include the disabled where it is estimated that 10% of the disabled population is usually marginalized and is extremely vulnerable to poverty. Prisoners, and, an emerging group -deportees are possibly also in need of attention, but there is inadequate data for analysis of their experience). Hunger in Trinidad and Tobago is not the severe problem it is elsewhere in the world but there are incidences of malnutrition and obesity. Families in the poorest quintile have poor diets. Food security and nutrition as a Public Health issue are emerging as the main challenges. In the last three years the government has embarked upon a major housing development programme, since demand for shelter is estimated to be more than ten times the available supply. The Government is prioritizing low cost housing to ensure that shelter is provided for all in the next five years, and as part of its attempt to reduce squatting. To eradicate poverty the GoRTT must focus on the recommendations made in the ICESCR response to the countrys second report (2002) and must see that economic, social and cultural rights are incorporated into national legislation. With respect to Childrens Rights, an important need continues to be the establishment of an independent monitoring system either in coordination with the office of the Ombudsman or independently, as well as a need to allocate public funds for programmes aimed at securing child rights. The Government must formulate and implement a comprehensive national plan of action for the protection and promotion of human rights and provide its Ombudsman with powers to deal with all human rights issues, including economic, social and cultural rights. Since 1977, Trinidad and Tobago has had an Ombudsman whose main role is the investigation of maladministration complaints. On average, 1,120
23

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Report of the Vision 2020 sub-Committee on Poverty. 2005.

18

complaints per year have been recorded.24 This underscores the need for strategies for socio-economic development capable of building citizenship, increasing inclusion and building social cohesion. The Government has made and continues to make large investments in community (and personal) development with revenues accrued from the energy sector boom, and has also made significant investments in education, health, housing, and infrastructure. Over fifty new national programmes have been implemented which include subsidized training and re-training programmes for all ages, entrepreneurial development, health and wellness, social displacement initiatives and community development. The states capacity and institutions to conceive and promote these strategies are in place, however the implementation capacity, monitoring ad evaluation remains the mains obstacles to reap the benefits from those policies. 2.1.3 Education Trinidad and Tobago expanded upon the MDG of universal primary education to include secondary education, consistent with one of Vision 2020s five pillars --Developing Innovative People. The GoRTT seeks to develop a highly skilled, well-educated people aspiring to a local culture of excellence driven by equal access to learning opportunities. In Trinidad and Tobago primary and secondary education is compulsory for all, and the Government also offers free or highly subsidized tertiary education to its citizens. Presently 95% of school-aged children are enrolled in school, and attendance at university has almost doubled within the last three years. Trinidad and Tobago is also pursuing Universal Early Childhood Care and Education targeting 3-4 year olds, by the year 2010. Because of universal primary and secondary education, the youth literacy rate is 97.5% and adult literacy is 93 %. Within the school system, there are a number of programmes that allow students to actively participate in democratic governance, leadership and community enhancement. These include UNESCOs Associated Schools Project, Girl Guides, Student Councils and the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobagos Young Leaders. The Ministry of Education intends to launch an Education for Democratic Citizenship programme to improve the comprehension of pre-school, primary and secondary school students as well as citizens of all ages, on issues concerning the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. The two year pilot programme will emphasize: The development or enhancement of civic education instructional programmes in pre-school, primary, and secondary schools in order to promote civic competence, civic responsibility, and the widespread participation of youth in the social and political life of their schools, communities, and nation.

24

GORTT- 25 years of Ombudsmanship, 1987 2003.

19

Establishing school and community-based projects and activities and coordinating structures to ensure sustainability. Careful monitoring, evaluation and recording of results, enabling replication. Safety and security in school environments so that the programmes activities can be carried out in an atmosphere of peace and civility.

The National Youth Policy for Trinidad and Tobago provides a framework for coordination of youth development initiatives intended to empower young people to make informed choices. The policy puts non-government youth organizations at the forefront of the delivery system for youth programmes and services across Trinidad and Tobago, and has is being implemented through a National Youth Council Task Force established in September 2006. Challenges in the system however, include the fact that roughly 11,000 school-aged children do not attend school and 4,000 of these children drop-out before age 12. And of the 19,000 students who sat the CXC examinations 25 only 6,000 (31%) passed more than four subjects and only 35% passed mathematics. 26 The drop-out rate is higher for secondary school-aged students than for primary school students and a significant portion of the population do not possess minimum entry-level qualification for employment. 60% of the poor have no qualifications and 77% of heads of poor households are unqualified --8% having no school leaving certificates. The literacy rate for women is 97.8% (higher than that of women in the developing world), but one of the challenges facing young men is their failure to complete secondary school. Very important considerations as well include the need to ensure the relevance and quality of the education system as well as effective administration to advance the country to developed country status. Trinidad and Tobago aspires to a relevant and seamless world-class, self-renewing education system. There is a need to re-conceptualize educational curricula at all levels to meet the needs of a modern labour market, and the dynamics of a rapidly evolving society, and to address human rights, conflict negotiation and sexual education. 2.1.4 Gender The GoRTT aims to promote gender equality by eliminating educational gender disparities and encouraging greater female involvement in leadership, decision making and politics at senior administrative levels. While empowerment of women cuts across all MDGs, a severe lack of data impedes measurement of progress in this area. Currently, women in Trinidad and Tobago tend to be underrepresented in decisionmaking and are disproportionately employed in low paid occupations. Women are also

25 26

Secondary school leaving examinations taken at age 16. Draft National Strategic Plan Vision 2020, Report of the Poverty Alleviation and Social Services Subcommittee, GoRTT.

20

subject to gender-related violence.27 Their participation rate in the labour force is 48% compared with 73% of men. Men tend to be employed in more formal sectors, and consequently their earnings are more than twice that of women. The GDP per capita is USD $12,614, while that of women is USD $5,645.28 see HDR 2005 data TT. In line with the goal set by the Commonwealth Womens meeting and adopted by the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 1999, the GoRTT aims to see women hold 30% of seats in Parliament. Presently, 19% of seats are held by women. Development goals must target equality and justice for women consistent with both the Beijing Platform for Action for Women Framework and the MDGs. The Vision 2020 plan recognizes the need for supportive social and economic policy frameworks coupled with a gender strategy in which gender is clearly conceptualized. As well, there is a need for institutional reform to encourage both the participation of women and the systematic inclusion of gender equality perspectives in decision-making, and a commitment to improved accountability in implementing the national gender policy.29 The GoRTT has made efforts to reduce violence against women by establishing the Domestic Violence Unit within the Ministry of Gender Affairs, as well as introducing more focused programmes targeting both males and females. However gender stereotyping persists and there is a significant number of households headed by single women who receive insufficient protection. But there is inadequate gender disaggregated data to permit further analysis. It is noted though that gender equity goals will be relevant to men as well as women. Just as there are cultural norms and expectations about womens roles, there are also cultural norms and expectations of men as leaders, husbands, sons and lovers that shape their behaviour and opportunities. Important concerns are that young males are not completing secondary education and that relatively more males engage in juvenile criminal activity. The failure to complete education may be a contributory factor here. 2.1.5 Health Expenditure in health is an investment in human capital and although much progress has been made in improving health care, it is imperative that these successes continue. A 1996 Inter-American Development Bank enabled implementation of the Health Sector Reform Programme (HSRP) and brought fundamental changes by strengthening the leadership role of the Ministry of Health, and assisting with the implementation of the Regional Health Authorities Act of 1994. Implementation of the HSRP has been slow and the MoH is challenged with effectively assuming leadership and transforming itself into an effective policy, planning, and regulatory organization. The MoH has embarked on a comprehensive quality improvement programme as a strategic management tool to foster
27

Draft National Strategic Plan: Vision 2020. Report of the Poverty Alleviation and Social Services Subcommittee, GoRTT. 28 Ibid., p. 36. 29 Draft National Strategic Plan: Vision 2020. Report of the Subcommittee on Gender, p. 5.

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effective teamwork, the re-engineering of systems and processes, and the improvement of outcomes and efficiency. The HSRP envisions organizing surveillance units at the regional level in order to improve quality, data audits, needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation and enhance surveillance, analysis, and the use of strategic information to inform policies and strategic planning. The Ministry of Health has adopted health promotion as a main strategy to improve quality of life and wellbeing. A healthy community movement is being implemented in three regional health authority pilot sites addressing priorities as identified by the communities and enlisting their active participation. This initiative builds on existing programmes and on partnerships between governmental and non-governmental organizations, and will also feature cooperation with international organizations. A risk factor behavioral survey conducted by the Caribbean Epidemiology Center in 2004 found that women practice better health-seeking behaviors than men. So initiatives are being undertaken at the regional level to encourage men to make better use of available health services. The maternal mortality rate has declined from 55 per 100,000 live births to 39, in the absence of initiatives specifically targeting improved maternal care. 98% of births are assisted by skilled attendants. Prenatal care, however, is lagging. And illegal abortions posing maternal mortality risks persist. Paradoxically, high rates of skilled attendance at birth have not resulted in better maternal and child health. In 2004, the MoH approved a sexual and reproductive health policy targeting sexual and reproductive heath, and will reorient services to serve both genders. In 2002, rates of exclusive breastfeeding at age 1 month, 2 months and 3 months (respectively) were 43.5%, 32.6% and 26.9%. The MoH in partnership with NGOs is pursuing a baby friendly hospital initiative aimed at providing an enabling environment for breastfeeding in health facilities and among population. The mortality rate for children aged between 12 months and four years is 80 per 100,000. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of death, followed by intestinal infections, accidents, diseases of the central nervous system (excluding meningitis) and homicide. Vaccines are supplied free to private practitioners as well as to all public health centres and are administered free of charge. National coverage under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) increased from 90% in 2000 to 94% in 2004. No cases of rubella or measles were detected between 2000 and 2005. In some specific areas there has been improvement under 5 mortality is declining, as is malnutrition, but in others progress is lacking. In particular perinatal mortality, is not improving, and there are still problems associated with violence and abuse toward children, children in conflict with the law, child labor, the involvement of children in the commercial sex trade, and early, unwanted pregnancies. The infant mortality rate from 1990-93 was between 10 and 12/1000, but, alarmingly, the rate had increased to 21 by the year 2000, with most deaths occurring in the perinatal/

22

neonatal period, and prematurity as the most likely cause of death, although unfortunately there has been no study on the causes of perinatal mortality in spite of frequent calls for such a study. There appears to be weak identification of risk factors likely to contribute to infant mortality. Additionally, 22% of babies are of low-birth weight, in comparison to the 9% average for Latin America and the Caribbean. The under five-mortality rate has remained stable at 20 per 1000 live births for 2000 with higher rates observed among male infants. The causes of these rates are mainly attributed to challenges in the quality of prenatal care provided at all levels of the health system, and poor early detection of high risk conditions. The infant mortality rate 30 fluctuated between 21 and 26 in 2000 and 2001 respectively. The mortality rate for the age group 14 years was estimated at 90.8 per 100,000 in 2000. The leading causes of death are external causes, followed by HIV, congenital malformations of the circulatory system and disease of the nervous system. According to CAREC surveillance reports, over the period 2000-05 acute respiratory infections continued to rise among the under 5 age group (from 15 confirmed cases in 2000 to 12064?? cases) in 2005. The country has a national plan of action for child and maternal health, family planning, basic education and literacy, addressing the needs of children in special circumstances and supporting educational goals based on the United Nations 1990 World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children. Frame health with the progress towards MDGs and mention entry points for support Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death in the population at large. In 2000 ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of discharge in 80% of hospitals nationwide and accounted for the highest proportion of total deaths (25%). Diabetes mellitus, malignant neoplasm and cerebro-vascular disease accounted for 14%, 12% and 10% of deaths respectively. Mortality rates in 2000 for non-communicable diseases were higher among men than among women who exhibit better health-seeking behaviour. But among women, cancer is a significant problem. Breast cancer accounted for 22.5% of deaths among women aged between 25 and 85 and cervical cancer caused a further 11% (2000-2004). There is a need for new initiatives to tackle female cancers. 31 All public health facilities provide cancer screening of the reproductive organs, but questions remain about the quality of care and the efficiency of responses. The country is implementing a national oncology program to improve access and quality of care at no charge. Tuberculosis is more prevalent among males of African descent and among those aged 25-44. The TB case detection rate was 16.3 in 2001 and 17.8 in 2002 (per 100,000). In 2004, the annual notification rate was 11.7. The national tuberculosis program informs a 70% cure rate with 15% defaulters and 10% mortality. The MoH is implementing directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) program in two pilot sites.

30

Infant deaths per 1,000 live births Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health, National Cancer Registry of Trinidad and Tobago, Information on Cancer in Trinidad and Tobago 2000-2004.
31

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Over 60% of deaths are caused by heart disease, diabetes, malignant neoplasm and cerebro-vascular disease, and death rates from these diseases remain relatively stable. Heart disease is the leading cause of death (25%).32 The risk factors for this cluster of diseases are obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and tobacco use, and lack of physical activity among others. All are related to unhealthy lifestyle practices. Mortality rates in 2000 for diseases of the circulatory system were 278.68 (per 100,000) with higher rates among males (292.87) than females (264.41). Ischemic heart disease accounts for the majority of deaths, followed by cerebro-vascular diseases, hypertension and other heart diseases with male death rates again higher. Primary and secondary health care facilities provide health promotion, preventive care and treatment for metabolic diseases with priority placed on diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Screening for chronic non-communicable diseases (mainly diabetes, hypertension and cancer) takes place at the primary and secondary care level. Coverage data is partially registered by some regional but reliable data is not available nationally. PHC facilities are now equipped with exercise equipment to help encourage increases in physical activity and the RHA are engaged in actively implementing prevention screening community fairs. The MoH is currently re-formulating its national NCD policy and designing an integrated program to address common risk factors that determine the major causes of morbidity and mortality from non-communicable disease. The Chronic Disease Assistance Plan (C-DAP) of the MoH also allows for provision of prescription drugs free at the point of delivery to patients with specific chronic diseases, using a range of pharmaceuticals. Since fiscal year 2005, the program has provided universal coverage upon diagnosis at any health care institution with any of the following diseases: diabetes, asthma, hypertension, arthritis, glaucoma, cancer of the prostate, mental depression, some cardiac related diseases, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The 2004 Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) pilot risk factor behavioral survey showed that women and older adults were more consistent in monitoring blood pressure and glucose levels. The more educated monitor cholesterol levels more often; men, youths and young adults of lower education level engaged more in physical activities; males and females were considered slightly obese with average body mass index (BMI) of 27 for those 33-44 olds but with normal BMI for those aged between 18 and 24 but 1824 years olds consume less fruit and vegetables. The 2000 Global Youth Tobacco Survey showed that 19% of students smoked their first cigarette before they were 10 years of age with no significant gender difference; smoking prevalence was 16.3% and 83.6% of youths report exposure to tobacco advertisements. A second survey is currently underway. Trinidad and Tobago was the first Caribbean country to ratify and sign the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control. The MoH has a no smoking policy aimed at making all publicly funded health institutions and vehicles smoke free, discouraging tobacco sponsorship for health events, regulating publicity,
32

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Ministry of Planning and Developmen,. Central Statistics Office, Annual Statistical Digest 2001, (2005).

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placing warnings on the danger of tobacco and informing all prospective employees about the no-smoking policy. A 2001 study33 on obesity of children of African and Indian descent showed significantly higher BMI rates for 8-9 year olds compared with children aged 5-6. Children tend to be overweight if a if a parent is also overweight or if they were heavy at birth. Data on mental health is limited but overall estimates indicate that depression, schizophrenia, and suicide are the most prevalent problems, as are substance abuse related problems. 34 According to the MoH over 2000 suspected cases of classic dengue were reported annually from 2000-03, with over 6000 reported in 2002 when there was a re-emergence of serotype 3 dengue. The number of cases fell to 400 in 2005. A gradual decline of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases occurred over the same period, from a high of 218 in 2002 to zero cases in 2005. There were 45 DHF deaths between 2000 and 2002, (disproportionately male). No deaths have been recorded since 2003 but dengue is now endemic with all four serotypes in circulation since 2002. 2.1.6 HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS prevalence is greater than 3% (source) and poses a significant potential problem (impact) for Trinidad and Tobago. Spread of the disease is largely driven by unprotected heterosexual intercourse. New infections among women exceed those among men, and are six times higher among 15-19 year old females than males of the same age This underscores the need to look at gender based approaches, empowerment and cultural issues in order to revert a trend capable of affecting negatively an entire generation (wording).. 2.6% of all women giving birth in Trinidad are HIV positive, and 3.8% of under-25 year olds are HIV positive at delivery. The HIV/AIDS global pandemic presents a significant problem for the youth of Trinidad and Tobago where prevalence among 15-19 year old girls in three times higher than among boys. If not controlled, it has the potential to compound the problem regarding labor and skills shortages affecting the productive capacity of the country. Half of the countrys youth are sexually active by age 16, 24% have multiple partners and 25% report sporadic use (or no use at all) of condoms. Just over half of Trinidads youth are reportedly unconcerned about the risks from unprotected sexual activity. Here, yet again, the absence of data and the lack of coordination between different government agencies and other stakeholders make progress hard to achieve. Strategies to increase extent of voluntary testing, counseling and reducing discrimation
33

International Journal of Epidemiology, D. McGulliford, B. Mahabir, S. Rocke S. Chinn and R. Rona, Overweight, Obesity and Skin Fold of Children of African or Indian Descent in Trinidad and Tobago, 2001. 34 Watson, G, Analysis of the Burden of Mental Disorders Presented by Adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago andTtheir Relation with Family Structures and Environmental Factors Among the Two Main Ethnic Groups in the Population in 2004, Port Spain 2005.

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In 2003 the GoRTT adopted a National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and established the National AIDS Coordinating Committee and Secretariat, supported in part by the World Bank. Again, however, there is a lack of information about behaviour patterns and trends among vulnerable groups such as sex workers and men who have sex with men. The paucity of quality HIV/AIDS surveillance data inhibits effective prevention programmes. As well, only about a third of those needing antiretroviral treatment receive it. The epidemic is driven underground by stigma, discrimination and the lack of access to voluntary counseling and testing, which in turn compounds the difficulties in gathering data on surveillance and treatment. 2.1.7 Environmental Sustainability Trinidad and Tobago aims to preserve the environment for future generations and to wisely use available resources. Half the country is covered by forests, and only 10% of land is habitable. Environmental issues have arisen because of unplanned settlements, forest fires (347 in 2002), indiscriminate quarrying, undesirable agricultural practices and uncontrolled logging. These have resulted in flash flooding, and water pollution (especially from domestic waste). Public education, improved planning and management of resources and the adoption and enforcement of appropriate legislation are necessary to meet these challenges. The fisheries industry (worth $100 m annually) and the game hunting sector ($25 m) are both in need of protection. Although water supply is adequate to meet needs, provision of water supply is inequitable.35 Only 20% of the population has reliable access to water while only 30% have access to piped sewage facilities. Trinidad and Tobago has the highest rate of motorization and industrialization in Latin America and the Caribbean, and one of the highest rates of mineral extraction in the world. An important aspect of environmental management is preparedness to manage disasters. While Trinidad and Tobago is geographically located within a hurricane prone region, Trinidad is more susceptible to earthquakes and Tobago, on the other hand, to hurricanes. Thus while Tobago has suffered, and within the last three (3) years, neighbouring islands have suffered tremendously, the government has recently established an Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) to address the institutionalization of Early Warning Systems for Natural Disasters. The draft National Strategic Plan envisions effective environmental management, addressing institutional weaknesses such as planning for land use, the establishment of a Water Management Authority and a National Council for Sustainable Development to manage sustainable environmental development.
35

Report of the Sector Committee

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2.1.8 Global Partnership for Development The global partnership for development established as part of the MDGs is premised on an open, rules-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system. As an open economy highly dependent on international trade, the Government has sought to ensure that the countrys economy becomes fully integrated with the global system and that appropriate benefits from international trade and finance can be derived. Together with its CARICOM neighbors, Trinidad and Tobago is engaged in negotiations within the World Trade Organization, and the European Union. Trinidad and Tobago has a small share of world trade and its impact on world trade is negligible. But because of its economic strength it is a leader in the Caribbean Community. Trinidad and Tobago must ensure that globalization becomes a positive force and does not leave any of the population behind. While the GoRTT is not in a position to provide development assistance on par with developed countries, it is committed to provide financial and technical assistance where needed. The country has provided disaster relief and reconstruction assistance to its regional neighbors following hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. Trinidad and Tobago has also established an energy stabilization fund to assist its CARICOM neighbors and has contributed to the recently established Regional Development Fund which is designed to provide special and differential treatment to disadvantaged countries participating in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). The bulk of the countrys external trade is with CARICOM countries (56.2%), and in this context, the creation of the CSME is of paramount importance.36 CSME will allow for free movement of capital, goods, services and people within the community, and harmonization of economic, labour, fiscal and monetary policies and a common currency will encourage regional integration and growth. But creating the CSME will also require increased service provision to meet the health, educational and other social service needs of migrants from CARICOM countries. This will place a further burden on services already barely adequate to meet the needs of the citizenry.

2.3 Freedom from Fear Threats to the peace and security enjoyed by individuals and societies come not only from international issues of war, conflict and strife but also originate in the fear of

36

The Caribbean single market and economy would be a single market in which all factors of production would move freely and there would be harmonization of regional economic and monetary policies.

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poverty, disease and environmental degradation. 37 GoRTT recognizes that governing effectively is essential to allay the potential catastrophic consequences of failing to address these issues, and in its national Strategic Plan the Government pledges to become an efficient, accountable, participative and transparent Government that is committed to providing quality public institutions, promoting public safety and security for all citizens cooperating with local, regional and international bodies and ensuring justice and equality for all. But at present governance structures are centralized and faltering. And according to the CARICOM Task force on Crime and Security (TFCS), security threats in the region are multidimensional and traditional concepts and approaches must be expanded to address new non-traditional threats which include political, economic, social, health and environmental aspects.38 The task force identified the principal security threats as illegal drugs and firearms, corruption, rising crime against persons and property, criminal deportees, growing lawlessness, poverty, inequity and terrorism. The TFCS concluded that these factors add to the ineffectiveness of the existing criminal justice systems. 2.3.1 Judicial System Threats currently faced by the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago require a range of multisectoral policies to effectively ensure adherence to the laws and procedures for enforcing the law and for ensuring that those who enforce the law are bound by codes of conduct, with rights as well as obligations under the law. Civility and tolerance rooted in moral and ethical codes are essential in order for the different cultures and socio-economic groups present in Trinidad and Tobago to co-exist peacefully. There is a generalized lack of human security, caused in part by a deteriorating public security situation and associated lack of confidence in state institutions. Lengthy delays are caused by weakness in the police system* (it is not only legal, but the capacity to police, investigate, evidence, integrity etc.. heavy court backlogs and an inefficient administration of justice. Once charged, the average pre-trial detention period is 19 months.39 Fundamental human rights are compromised, and there are threats to the integrity of the person, including freedom from unlawful or arbitrary deprivation of life, disappearance, torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and arbitrary arrest or detention. Criminal activity is increasing update. There were 275 murders in the first 9 months of 2005 alone exceeding the 2004 annual total, although kidnappings for ransom declined from 51 in 2003 to 28 in 2004. 40 According to the Budget Speech 2006, a substantial share of illegal drugs destined to the United States and Europe is shipped through Trinidad and Tobago.41 21 people died while in police custody or at the hands of the police in 2004 and there is widespread belief that the police and prison staff engage in
37 38

op. cit. p. 33. Report of the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security, (September 2002) 39 US State Department, Human Rights Report 2004, (28 February 2005) 40 US State Department, 2004 Human Rights Report (28 February 2005). 41 Prime Minister Manning, in a BBC interview, (September 2005).

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mistreatment and sexual abuse of prisoners. The prison system is overcrowded and unsanitary. Poverty contributes to the breakdown of law and order (the minimum wage is $9 TT per hour, about $1.50 US). Law enforcement personnel lack education, skills and equipment and are poorly paid. The police force is understaffed: there are 7,000 police for a population of 1.3 million, roughly one officer for every 1,800 people. The ideal ratio is 1:200. 2.3.2 Political System The Westminster model faces unique challenges in a multi-ethnic society such as that of Trinidad and Tobago. Where there are already concerns about the capacity of political and economic structures to ensure fair distribution of resources and equitable rights protection for all, an electoral system in which the winner takes all may exacerbate other problems and inhibit good governance. Critics of the Westminster model point to the lack of counterbalances to check the executive's power. Supporters of the Westminster model on the other hand emphasize its efficiency, and the absence of veto points. In Trinidad there is a need for improved minority representation, greater participation in political life, and better measures of political performance. The UN system can assist with the reform of the political system, improving both good governance and human security. There is a need to build new governance institutions, emphasizing the individual, which will function alongside a party-based electoral system. Such institutions of governance could range from the strengthening of citizen-based community and local government structures as well as strengthening the role of NGOs in promoting participatory dialogue to inform established policy making procedures. The present system of local government mirrors the national political structure and is in need of reform. Reforming local government structures giving them a new mandate in promoting community-based dialogue will require foresight and leadership. The United Nations, especially the UNDP, has significant practical experience in the area of participatory dialogue and social cohesion, valuable to Trinidad and Tobago. The Government has considered specific reforms linked to the delivery of social services at the community level. Drafting the Vision 2020 Plan involved community consultation communities, and could serve as a building blocks for broadening for citizen participation. In a multi-ethnic society such as Trinidad and Tobago, the promotion of ongoing dialogue mechanisms in which all interest groups are afforded the opportunity to discuss issues and contribute to policy formation can aid in the creation of a participative form of democracy. Interests will be more equitably represented. The United Nations can play a facilitator role and share experiences from successful global models. 2.4 Freedom to Live in Dignity

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This section analyses the GoRTTs performance in meeting its international treaty obligations. With the support of UN Agencies the Government may use the treaty reporting process for systematic review of the regulatory environment. International human rights instruments can also serve as a starting point for data collection and analysis. Trinidad and Tobago is committed to the protection of human rights and to ensuring equal opportunity (Appendix 2). Both the Constitution and Vision 2020 commit the Government to international treaties guaranteeing human rights, to regular reporting on the status of civil rights in Trinidad, and to enacting recommendations made by treaty bodies. But the governments reporting should be both more substantive and more expeditious. 2.4.1 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights42 Trinidad and Tobago has made commendable progress in the protection of human rights, including establishing within the Government a human rights unit, a domestic violence unit and introducing secondary education for all. As well the Government has passed a range of legislation protecting human rights: The Equal Opportunity Act, The Domestic Violence Act, The Maternity Protection Act and The Children (Amendment) Act. But important work remains to be done --30% of women who die violent deaths are murdered by their spouses.43 There is a need to see economic, social and cultural rights incorporated in legislation and made justiciable, to form a national plan of action for the protection and promotion of human rights, and to collect gender disaggregated data. There is a lack of data on programmes devoted to reducing and preventing infant mortality and maternal mortality, teenage pregnancies and back street abortions. Economic, social and cultural rights must be integrated into poverty reduction programmes. There is a great need for a housing strategy for disadvantaged and marginalized groups and low-cost housing units. Data on squatters is missing, and measures should be taken to assure them security of tenure. The third periodic report required under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is due in mid-2007. Since the second report was submitted in 2002 a number of recommendations have already been implemented addressing the needs of the disabled, youth unemployment, review of the minimum wage, renewed attention to HIV/AIDS, and outlawing corporal punishment. 2.4.2 International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination

42

OHCHR, Concluding Observations of the International Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Trinidad and Tobago, May 6, 2002. 43 Economic and Social Council, Record of 15th meeting: Trinidad and Tobago, 20 February, 2003.

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In the summary report on elimination of race discrimination, Trinidad and Tobago was commended for the creation of its Equal Opportunity Commission. Generally, Trinidad and Tobago authorities convey the impression that there are few if any problems with racial discrimination or xenophobia. While to the best of the Governments knowledge no instances of racial discrimination had arisen 44 the creation of the Commission was seen as witness to the existence of problems. This UN Committee stressed that the existence of large ethnic groups suggests the need for a constitutional commitment reaffirming respect for human rights without discrimination. The UN Committee said no country was exempt from acts of racism. In the case of Trinidad and Tobago, such an attitude could have serious consequences. In 1995 it was recommended that legislation be drafted or implemented declaring racial organizations illegal or forbidden, if only for preventive purposes, to prohibit and punish the acts of racism. The GoRTT has attempted to use various means to educate the population on the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote tolerance. 2.4.3 Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Trinidad and Tobago was commended for its open and frank presentation, recognizing the active role played by non-governmental organizations and community-based womens organizations and extensive law reform initiated in Trinidad and Tobago to protect women. These legal provisions include the Counting of Unremunerated Work Act, the Equal Opportunities Act, the Judicial Review Act, and amendments to the Sexual Offences Act to classify marital rape as a criminal offence. There is a need for improved advocacy initiatives to advance womens rights, and protection of the rights of small ethnic groups such as the indigenous. The Police Complaints Authority has admitted not investigating complaints of racial discrimination (against women) because the number of such complaints is so small. The Committee recommended that future reports provide further information on the ethnic composition of the population, in particular statistical data relating to numerically small ethnic groups as well as employment data for different racial groups. Civil society organizations should become more involved in addressing discrimination and in raising awareness.

2.4.4 Convention on the Rights of the Child Trinidad and Tobago submitted a comprehensive report on measures taken to implement recommendations relating to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. These measures include the establishment of a national committee to monitor implementation of a
44

Summary Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 59th Session 22 May 2003

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national plan of action for children and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Several pieces of legislation have also been prepared to bring the countrys legal framework into compliance with the Convention the Childrens Authority Act, 2000, the Childrens Community Residences, Foster Homes and Nurseries Act 2000, the Miscellaneous Provisions (Children ) Act 2000, the Adoption Act and the Children (Amendment) Act 2000. But only the Miscellaneous Provisions (Children) Act has become law. Recently, several well-publicized child abuse cases have generated calls for the enactment of the Childrens Authority Act. Trinidad and Tobagos progress toward improving the health and social welfare of the countrys children has been mixed. In general the Government has taken some actions to improve the way in which children are treated in terms of health care, education, their participation in the economy, and to reduce the levels of violence and exploitation to which children are exposed, but there is still, as yet, a gap between intentions and results. High level policy statements and assurances handed down from conferences and conventions tasked with addressing a range of issues have so far been inadequately reflected in the relevant sections of the countrys regulatory framework, or in the levels of assistance made available to stakeholders, both public and private, seeking to advance programmatic initiatives and other projects designed to bring about improvement. And in general, efforts in this area are consistently hampered by the inadequacy or unavailability of data and by a lack of cooperation between disparate agencies. In 1991 Trinidad and Tobago ratified the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), emphasizing the nations commitment to improve the treatment of its children. A National Plan of Action (NAP) emphasizes promoting healthy lives, providing quality education, protecting children from abuse, exploitation and violence, and tackling issues relating to HIV/AIDS. But attempts to reach these goals have revealed the need for strengthened goal attainment mechanisms and information systems which permit periodic assessment of progress, as well as the need for improved, disaggregated and standardized data and improved coordination among the various agencies responsible for the production, analysis and dissemination of data. In 2000 the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) of 4,600 households which was conducted by UNICEF with assistance from UNDP has been a welcome step in the right direction in terms of improving data collection, but more progress is required. And it is here, again, that the UN systems comparative advantage --the experience gleaned from tackling similar or identical problems world-wide --makes UNDP assistance invaluable. Although there has been some improvement (the establishment of the Childrens Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and outlawing corporal punishment in schools), legislation designed to ensure the protections and advancement of child rights as set out in the CRC has only been enacted but not (as yet) proclaimed, meaning that some significant improvements in the countrys legal framework have not come into force and inconsistencies remain between current legislation and the CRC.

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Abuse and violence directed at children appears to be continuing, though again there is no central data collection system, and accurate data from different agencies is missing or not comparable. These data collection issues make it difficult to accurately assess the strength of the problem, or to design effective, targeted interventions. In its National Plan of Action, the Government noted Trinidad and Tobago is still unable to offer statistics to reflect the status of child abuse in all its different forms. Only qualitative data are available. Further, the plan emphasizes that the delay in implementing the package of legislation in 2000 continues to severely constrain services which affects the rights of our children. 45 Sexual exploitation and abuse of children appears to be growing (though, yet again, in the absence of reliable data it is difficult to substantiate that perception). Here, the lack of training and compensation for the police and the judiciary present obstacles to progress. General cultural attitudes pertaining to sexual exploitation also inhibit change such that despite absence of data, there is general agreement among stakeholders that commercial sexual exploitation is growing46 On the wider issue of children in conflict with the law there appears to be general lack of knowledge about childrens rights, and the responsibilities of the population at large. The last decade has seen an alarming increase in children in conflict with the law. As in other areas, lack of data and lack of coordination between agencies make progress difficult to achieve. The passage of relevant legislation and a comprehensive behaviour change communication effort aimed at educating the public about the CRC are necessary. In 2003 the Government ratified the ILO convention on the elimination of child labor, and 2004 saw ratification of the ILO convention on the minimum age for engaging in paid employment. Again, data is weak but there is evidence that 4.1% of children work (including 1.2% of children aged between 5 and 14 who engage in paid work). These children are involved in agriculture, scavenging, prostitution and pornography. The Governments priorities for improving child rights, services to children and the protection of children and their interests must be conditioned not only by improving data collection, and analysis but also by improving and harmonizing structures of governance. Implementing the ILO conventions and proclaiming the legislation already passed to guarantee child rights are both important steps, but strengthening and coordination of governance structures, together with greater stakeholder participation will be essential in advancing the Vision 2020 goals and achieving progress toward the MDGs.

45 46

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, National Plan of Action for Children. Ibid.

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SECTION THREE: RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR FUTURE UN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE The UN system seeks to design its recommended areas for future assistance so that UN aid may be closely integrated with the Governments own plans. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has suggested the following areas for UN assistance: Knowledge based and Technical advisory services Support to good governance Strengthening systems and procedures in the public sector especially with respect to improving transparency and accountability Human resource and capacity development (knowledge transfer and capacity building) UNV-South-south with sepcifc enphasis in Capacity building for Ministry of Planning and Development (Policy formulation, social analysis, Land Use Planning, Data collection and Statistical Analysis, Monitoring & Evaluation) Poverty and inequality reduction Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Environment sustainability Urban development? Dev at the local level South-South cooperation Implementation of international agreements

This list of suggested areas for work can be further refined, recognizing that it includes two general categories of work, including both means-to-ends or process activities on the one hand and more general thematic areas on the other. The means-to-end process activities include Knowledge based and Technical advisory services (including assistance with implementing and monitoring the implementation of Trinidad and Tobagos responsiveness to international treaty obligations). Human resource and capacity developmentStrengthening the systems of government themselves (general governmental capacity building, including transparency)

And the traditional thematic areas listed by the Government as areas for future work include Poverty and inequality reduction (a very large category which includes the analysis above in Freedom from Want). Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Urban Dev Environmental sustainability

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Recognizing the inherent value and desirability of maximizing cooperation and collaboration with the host government to the fullest degree possible, it is nonetheless the function of the UN system to pinpoint those areas where the UNs comparative advantages can be most fruitfully employed to bring about both realization of the MDGs and the GoRTTs Vision 2020 five pillars. Identifying the most important areas of potential cooperation is an essential input to the UNDAF development procedure. The next section briefly presents and analyzes the GoRTTs five pillars with a view to highlighting areas most appropriate for UN assistance. Of the five pillars which support the Governments plan, the first three --developing innovative people, nurturing a caring society and governing effectively most closely correspond to the suggested areas of UN intervention improved education and poverty reduction and good governance. The last two pillars improving the business environment, and infrastructural/ environmental improvement and protection are important but given the constraints facing the UN system, these areas may not receive as much focus as the foregoing areas in the next phase of UN interventions. 3.1 Vision 2020 and the Five Pillars of Development 3.1.1 Developing Innovative People Vision 2020 emphasizes educational improvements including early childhood education, vocational training, and lifelong learning. The Government intends to build a culture of independent thought, innovation and creativity. Explicit in this goal is the necessity that the next generation of innovative people must be a healthy one. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago suffers at present from a brain drain and UN interventions which address systemic issues related to good governance and transparency will tend to lead to a reduction in the numbers of innovative and productive young people seeking opportunities elsewhere. UN agencies can also offer assistance by helping to reduce educational dropout rates, and to tackle issues such as teenage pregnancy, and persistent high rates of violence among the countrys youth.

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3.1.2 Nurturing a Caring Society The Government, in its Vision 2020 plan, aims to meet the challenges posed by issues such as HIV/AIDS, and to improve education, health services more generally, housing, food security and to ensure that individuals are safe, secure and equitably treated. Areas of emphasis here include youth, gender, the building of sustainable communities, and social protection. The UN system is well-placed to aid the government in all facets of poverty reduction and alleviation, as well as in its efforts to improve the levels of personal security enjoyed by the countrys citizens. Outputs designed to improve child security and to enhance the local and regional society-level engagement in socio-political development are high on the UNs agenda. Essential immediate steps include improvements in data collection and analysis, the implementation of already enacted legislation designed to address child rights, and full compliance with international treaty obligations including reporting, monitoring and evaluation of the Governments efforts in this area. Eight UN agencies (ECLAC, UNICEF, UNDP, UNAIDS, UPU, UNFPA, ILO and PAHO) indicated that they could help the GoRTT by offering their expertise in applied research, advocacy, niche targeting partnerships, innovation, participatory engagement, institution building, information dissemination and communications. And as well, UN agencies have great experience in assisting with monitoring and evaluation. 3.1.3 Governing Effectively This pillar concerns efforts dealing with constitutional reform, the reform of political parties (including their financing), improving the functioning of the judicial sector, and law enforcement as well as the promotion of participatory dialogue processes, intended to improve the more efficient functioning of government at all levels. Here again, the UN system is well-placed to offer expertise to improve good governance in Trinidad and Tobago, and to improve community-based citizen participation at all levels of government, --national, regional and local. Barriers to citizen participation need to be identified and participation gaps must be closed. The decentralization of local government processes will aid in helping to strengthen and broaden public participation in political life more generally, and which should alleviate the perception that budgetary procedures are inadequately responsive to public needs. A more fully engaged citizenry may help governments in tailoring expenditure plans to bring about maximum efficiency in resource use. For example, in some of the countrys older towns and villages physical constraints tend to inhibit basic service provision such as refuse collection. Improved community-based governance procedures will help ensure that the publics most pressing needs are heard by authorities, and that patterns of public service provision can be improved accordingly. The expertise of non-resident UN agencies UNDPA, DPKO, and UNODC together with resident partners can help the GoRTT achieve its goals in this area. The United

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Nations (particularly UNDP), has acquired significant practical experience in the area of participatory dialogue and social cohesion which could be of assistance here. The United Nations can help facilitate such reforms and share experiences from other successful models. 3.1.4 Facilitating Competitive Business The Government seeks to improve and measure business competitiveness and to identify opportunities for new business development. ECLAC (in collaboration with ILO) may assist in data gathering and analysis in order to design appropriate policies, and the development of both a competitiveness index and a proposed study on competitiveness may be undertaken with the help of several UN agencies. Three agencies ECLAC, ILO and FAO offere support in the areas of data and research, capacity building, advocacy, technical assistance and knowledge transfer. 3.1.5 Investing in Infrastructure and Environment The Government aims to conduct social research, and to work in urban development, policy development and to implement labour-based programmes. It also aims to improve the skills of the workforce as well as occupational health and safety. The UN is prepared to offer assistance to the Government where it can offer the benefits of its world-wide experience. Especially since Trinidad and Tobago lies in a hurricane zone, the UNs experience in disaster preparation and disaster management will be of value to the Government. 3.2. Areas for UN Intervention Based on the foregoing, the final sections below outline the recommended areas for UN assistance in Trinidad and Tobago between 2008 and 2011. 3.2.1 Ensure Effective Public Participation in Governance Structures at All Levels Achieving significant improvements in smooth and efficiently functioning democratic governance structures and processes is central to the achievement of development goals. Good governance provides the enabling environment for achieving other goals essential to achieving developed nation status. The UN underscored the importance of democratic governance in the developing world at the Millennium Summit (2000), where the world's leaders resolved to "spare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development." Improving the quality of democratic

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institutions and processes underpins efforts to reduce poverty, and promote human development. There is a need to ensure continued reform and improvement in governmental capacities and procedures at all levels to ensure that government is more responsive to public needs, and better equipped to function transparently and accountably. Community participation in reviewing governmental structures at all levels will help to clarify the roles and functions of government, and will increase citizen participation. The Government should ensure that gender equity becomes mainstreamed in all of its activities and it should work toward enacting and implementing an effective gender policy. Decentralization of governmental functions will effectively improve citizen participation, and should be coupled with the establishment of improved, more responsive, budgetary procedures. The barriers which tend to restrict public participation in government need to be identified, and then removed, and the publics awareness of its responsibilities should be enhanced. To efficiently and effectively implement cross-sectoral strategies the Government will need a coordinating mechanism to integrate activities of different agencies, which will facilitate the most efficient use of resources and will minimize (or eliminate) duplication of effort. Here, the GoRTT may benefit from the wealth of experience and advice available through the UN system. UNDPs work in democratic governance is reinforced by its network of over 166 offices and its global partnerships with democratic governance institutions. All UN agencies, resident and non-resident, can provide the analytical content needed for effective policy making and priority setting through participatory dialogue to the GoRTT. All agencies, in various ways can provide technical support needed in furthering the objectives of good governance. 3.2.2 Implement Inclusive Human Rights-Based Policies to Protect and Empower Vulnerable Groups The UN agencies will work towards the implementation of a range of human rights-based policies to effectively protect societys most marginalized groups, and to reduce and alleviate poverty in all its facets. These policies must include efforts designed to improve educational and other opportunities for advancement made available to the citizenry as well as the level of protection and security guaranteed by public authorities to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. This work will necessarily depend on the development of appropriate systems and data for evidenced-based socio-political decision making. The national response to HIV/AIDS needs to be a more fully integrated one, and should include a particular focus on children and women. The capacity of key stakeholders to implement the national strategic plan in a coordinated and integrated manner should be strengthened. The regulatory environment intended to protect children needs to be strengthened. There is a need not only for revisions in the current legal framework but also for reform of those

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institutions entrusted with protecting the countrys youth and children (including the police and judicial and welfare institutions). Again, effective data collection and analysis is necessary to ensure appropriate monitoring, evaluation and accountability of relevant actors. Key areas of early childhood development deserve attention: there is a need for the design of standards for antenatal and child health care. The Government needs to develop and implement a response to the high incidence of low birth weight among newborns. Teenage mothers need to be supported, both in caring for their babies and for themselves and to find ways in which they can continue to be involved in their own educational development. There is a need to strengthen the regulatory framework for early childhood development. 3.2.3 Cross-Cutting Themes: Data Collection and Government Capacity Finally, there are clear needs for both improved data collection and analysis as well as for improved governmental capacity, and these two cross-cutting themes underpin the areas for future UN work recommended here. Preparation of this CCA has illustrated the fairly consistent paucity, unreliability, unavailability, under-reporting, or inconsistency of information. Since evidence-based analysis is critical to development planning a comprehensive and concerted effort by all agencies to improve data gathering and reporting is one important way in which the UN can assist the Governments development process. The conduct of a variety of training courses in the areas of economic and social analysis, national accounts, disaster management and assessment, survey methods and demography and population analysis among others are ways in which much needed technical capacity will be built at the appropriate level. In addition, the completion of studies on SME competitiveness may lead to the identification of training needs. Studies on migration and remittance flows as well as on youth and the elderly may also result in the development of training and capacity building initiatives for which several UN agencies would be well placed to provide support. Initiatives are being considered which will help government officials receive technical assistance aimed at improving their functional capacity including methods such as on-the-job training.

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SECTION FOUR: INDICATOR FRAMEWORK

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (Adapted for Trinidad and Tobago) The goals and targets are based on the UN Millennium Declaration, and approved by the UN General Assembly as part of the Secretary Generals road map towards implementing the Declaration. UNDP worked with other UN departments, Funds and Programmes, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Organization for Economic Development to identify over 40 quantifiable indicators to assess progress. Led by the Ministry of Planning and Development, and supported by the UN, the MDGs were adapted to reflect the national reality of Trinidad and Tobago.

Goals and Targets Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Target 1: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than US $1.00 a day 1.

Indicators

2.
3. 4. 5.

Proportion of population below US $1 per day (PPP-values) Poverty gap ratio [incidence x depth of poverty] Share of poorest quintile in national consumption Proportion of employed living in households with a household per capita income or consumption of less that US$1 per day classified by paid employees and self-employed Proportion of unemployed living in households with a household per capita income or consumption of less than US$1 per day Prevalence of underweight children (under-five years of age) Proportion of population below minimum level of dietary energy consumption.

Target 2: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger

6. 7.

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary and secondary education

Target 3: Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling 8. Net enrolment ratio in primary education disaggregated by gender 9. Proportion of pupils starting grade 1 who reach grade 7 disaggregated by gender 10. Illiteracy rate of 15-24 year olds disaggregated by gender 11. Functional literacy rate of 15 24 year olds disaggregated by gender 12. Pupil/Teacher ratio in primary and secondary levels 13. Failure rate trends in basic subject areas(English and Mathematics) disaggregated by gender Proportion of pupils starting grade 1 who complete secondary school education disaggregated by gender 14. Ratio of girls to boys in primary, secondary and tertiary education 15. Ratio of girls to boys completing primary, secondary and tertiary education 16. Ratio of literate females to males of 15-24 year olds (Policy decision on literacy required from the Min. of Education) 17. Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Target 4: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005 and to all levels of education no later than 2015

Reduce Domestic Violence

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Proportion of men and women in different disciplines in tertiary education 18. Proportion of men and women in different sectors of the labour market 19. Wage differential of men and women of equal education in managerial positions in the private sector. 20. Age and sex specific labour force participation rates classified by paid employees and self-employed 21. Age and sex specific unemployment rates 22. Age and sex specific unemployment by educational attainment 23. Sex specific occupational wages 24. Reported cases of Domestic Violence 25. Victims of violence by sex of offender and sex of victim

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Target 5: Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Under-five mortality rate Infant mortality rate Proportion of 1 year old children immunized against measles Proportion of deaths due to acute respiratory under 5 years Proportion of children who are breastfed (Recommend appropriate steps for effective implementation of a national Breastfeeding Policy)

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Target 6: Reduce by three-quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio 31. Maternal mortality ratio 32. Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel 33. Cervical cancer prevalence and death rates (NOTE: THESE DONT RELATE TO MATERNAL HEALTH) 34. Breast cancer prevalence and death rates (NOTE: THESE DONT RELATE TO MATERNAL HEALTH)

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Dengue, Diabetes & Hypertension
Target 7: Have halted by 2015, and begun to reverse, the spread of HIV/AIDS 35. 36. 37. 38. HIV prevalence among 15-24 year old pregnant women Contraceptive prevalence rate Number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS Proportion of TB cases detected and cured under DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course)

Target 8: Have halted by 2015, and begun to reverse, the incidence of Dengue, Diabetes and Hypertension

39. Number of newly confirmed cases of non-chronic diseases (Hypertension and Diabetes) 40. Prevalence and death rates associated with hypertension and diabetes 41. Incidence, Prevalence and death rates associated with Dengue - Prevalence of Obesity classified by Age and Gender - Physical Activity Levels

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Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Target 9: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources 42. Proportion of land area covered by forest 43. Land area protected to maintain biological diversity 44. GDP per unit of energy use (as proxy for energy efficiency) 45. Carbon dioxide emissions (per capita) [Plus two figures

of global atmospheric pollution: ozone depletion and the accumulation of global warming gases]
Target 10: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water Target 11: By 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers 46. Proportion of population with sustainable access to an improved water source (PAHO & WASA to give definition of safe water source) 47. Proportion of people with access to water closets linked and not linked to sewers. 48. Proportion of people with access to secure tenure

[Urban/rural disaggregation of several of the above indicators may be relevant for monitoring improvement in the lives of slum dwellers] 43. Household density (Overcrowding)

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development*

Target 12: Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system Some of the indicators listed below will be monitored separately for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Africa, landlocked countries and small island developing states.

Includes a commitment to good governance, development, and poverty reduction both nationally and internationally
49. Target 14: Address the Special Needs of landlocked countries and small island developing states 50. 51. 52. 53. Target 15: Deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through national and international measures in order to make debt sustainable in the long term 54.

(through Barbados Programme and 22nd General Assembly provisions)

Official Development Assistance - (Source, Central Bank) Net ODA as percentage of DAC donors GNI [targets of 0.7% in total and 0.15% for LDCs] Proportion of ODA to basic social services (basic education, primary health care, nutrition, safe water and sanitation) Proportion of ODA that is untied Proportion of ODA for environment in small island developing states Debt Sustainability Debt service as a percentage of exports of goods and services Proportion of ODA provided as debt relief

42

Target 16: In co-operation with developing countries, develop and implement strategies for decent and productive work for youth

55. Unemployment rate of 15-24 year olds 56. Proportion of young persons employed in categories x-y in the labour market 57. Convictions by type of crime and age (15 24) 58. Age and sex specific labour force participation rates 59. Age and sex specific unemployment rates 60. Age and sex specific unemployment by educational attainment 61. Age and sex specific unemployment by duration of unemployment 62. Age and sex specific employment growth 63. Age and sex specific employment by status in employment 64. Age and sex specific employment by status in employment and income

Target 17: In co-operation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable, essential drugs in developing countries Target 18: In co-operation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications

65. Proportion of population with access to affordable essential drugs on a sustainable basis

66. Telephone lines per 1000 people 67. Personal computers per 1000 people 68. No of persons with Internet access

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APPENDIX 1: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AT A GLANCE Coat of Arms Map of Trinidad & Tobago National Flag

Trinidad & Location Area and topography Population (total) Life expectancy Climate Main Towns Main economic sectors

Ethnic groups Religions

Languages Form of government Next election

Tobago at a glance Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela 5,128 sp km , mostly plains with some hills and low mountains. 1,300,000 66.76 years Tropical; rainy season (June to December) Port of Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas Trinidad and Tobago, the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses. agriculture: 1.6% ; industry: 43.2% ; services: 55.2% (2000 est.) Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, Mixed 20.5%, Other 1.2%, Unspecified 0.8% (2000 census) Roman Catholic 26%, Hindu 22.5% Anglican 7.8% Baptist 7.2% Pentecostal 6.8% Other Christian 5.8% Muslim 5.8% Seventh Day Adventist 4% Other 10.8% Unspecified 1.4% None 1.9% (2000 census) English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish, Chinese Parliamentary Democracy 2007

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APPENDIX 2: HUMAN RIGHTS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 1.1 General Legal framework within which Human Rights are protected Chapter 1 of the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Recognition and Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms states: It is hereby recognized and declared that in Trinidad and Tobago there have existed and shall continue to exist, without discrimination by reason of race, origin, colour, religion or sex the following fundamental rights and freedoms, namely: - the right of the individual to life, liberty, security of person and enjoyment property and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law; - the right of the individual to equality before the law and the protection of the law; - the right of the individual to respect for his private and family life; - the right of the individual to equality of treatment from any public authority in the exercise of his functions; - the right to join political parties and to express political views; - the right of a parent or guardian to provide a school of his own choice for the education of his child or ward; - freedom of movement; - freedom of conscience and religious belief and observance; - freedom of thought and expression; - freedom of association and assembly; and - freedom of the press. Section 2 of the Constitution declared that it is the supreme law and any other law that is inconsistent with the constitution is void to the extent of its inconsistency. Additional recent pieces of domestic legislation geared to the protection of varied human rights - The Domestic Violence Act, 1999 - The Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Act - The Maternity Protection Act, 1998 - The Cohabitational Relationships Act No 30 of 1998 which recognizes the high incidence of common law unions and the rights of common law spouses. - The Childrens Authority Bill - Adoption of childrens Bill - Childrens Community Residences, Foster Homes and Nurseries Bill - Occupational Safety and Health Act In Trinidad and Tobago, international law provisions are not automatically incorporated into and do not have direct effect in municipal law unless expressly transformed into domestic law by an Act of Parliament. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is reviewing all treaties and conventions entered into, to 45

ensure that international obligations are being given effect in domestic law and, where necessary, legislation is being drafted for implementation. 1.2 International Agreements to which Trinidad and Tobago is a Party

Treaties Year UN Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of 1973 Racial Discrimination International Convention on Economic Social and Cultural Rights 1978 International Convention on Civil and Political Rights 1978 Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and 1980 Political Rights Convention against Torture & other cruel inhumane or degrading 1984 treatment or punishment UN Convention against illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs & 1988 Psychotropic Substances Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination 1990 against Women Convention on the Rights of the Child 1993 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of 1999 Terrorism UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime UN Convention against Corruption ILOs Declaration of fundamental principles and rights to work. 2003 2003

46