A COMPARISON OF THE

MANIFESTOS OF THE PEOPLES

NATIONAL MOVEMENT AND THE
PEOPLES PARTNERSHIP FOR THE
2010 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Prepared by Michael Theodore for public guidance

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PPS TOPIC

PNM TOPIC

PAGE NO.

PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS
Our Vision Developed Country Status
by 2020

Framework for Sustainable Development

A Brief Historical Perspective

120 Days of Immediate Action

Participatory Democracy

Local Government Reform

Local Government

10

Economic Transformation

Initiatives to Transform our Economy

11

CRIME AND JUSTICE

National Security
The Justice System

Overhauling Criminal Justice

16

Disaster Management

National Disaster Preparedness

17

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
A Carefully Designed Education System

Education and Human Development

18

Health

Taking Health Care to the People

25

Social Services

Social Development

28

Tackling poverty

Aging Population: Life begins at 60

28

Childrens Rights and Protection

30

Equitable Society Disabled Affairs Unit

Empowering the Differently Abled

31

Our vision for Gender Affairs

Gender Equity and Gender Mainstreaming

31

Focus on Youth

National Youth Involvement

33

Culture

Embracing the Arts

34

Culture

35

Sports & Recreation for Leisure and Competition

36

Sport and Youth Affairs

ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT

Energy

Managing our Energy Assets

40

Trade and Industry

Trade and Industry

41

Tourism

Tourism Development

43

Agriculture

Food Production and Food Security

44

Works and Transport

Infrastructure

46

Public Utilities

48

Housing

49

Public Administration/ICT

51

Tobago

Tobago Side by Side

54

Foreign Policy and Foreign Relations

58

OTHER SECTIONS
Introduction to PNM Manifesto

60

Declaration of Principles
Declaration of Values

62

The Peoples Partnership

63

Explanatory Note
This guide has been prepared initially for a TV interview on a comparison of the PNM and Peoples Partnership
manifestos. In the course of preparation, I felt that it was important to share this with all citizens so as to provide
an objective comparison of the two manifestos, one of which will probably shape the direction of our country for
the next five years. As you will see, the two major contesting parties have diametrical views on development and
the direction it should take. It is therefore of critical importance that our people focus on the issues, policies,
governmental structures that are being proposed and not be distracted by discussion of personalities. It should be
also noted that the focus on issues and policy is given additional importance as we have seen over the last ten to
fifteen years, that it does not matter whether a government is PNM or UNC, Indian or African, it is susceptible to
the same seduction of power. It is therefore important to determine what systems are in place or are being
supported by either party to ensure accountability and transparency to and participation of citizens in governance.
Because this document was prepared at short notice it will contain errors and perhaps some omissions.
However, I have strived, as accurately as possible, to align the views of both parties on the various issues (which
have been expressed in different ways and in different sections of their respective manifestos) as best as I can.
In some cases where one party has not dealt with a specific issue that another one has, I have shifted the
margins so as to accommodate the views of those that have been expressed and to save some space.

Michael Theodore

PNM
Our Vision Developed Country
Status by 2020.
In 2002, the Vision 2020 Planning
Committee was appointed, to
spearhead the preparation of a
National Strategic Plan.
The Committee comprised
representatives from all the major
segments of the society including the
public and private sectors, labour,
academia and civil society as well as
international development agencies.
28 Sub-Committees, comprising over
600 individuals, were established to
undertake the preparation of subjectspecific reports and to engage in
discussions on national development
issues.
Thousands more citizens were engaged
in a process of consultation. In the end,
over 80 such consultation exercises were
effectively undertaken to produce the
Vision.
Consistent with our Vision 2020
objectives, the PNM is unwavering in its
determination that by the year 2020,
Trinidad and Tobago shall be:
A united, resilient, productive, innovative
and prosperous developed nation
With a disciplined, caring, fun-loving
society
Comprising healthy, happy and welleducated people and built on the
enduring attributes of self-reliance,
respect, tolerance, equity and integrity, in
which:

In which:
Every citizen has equal opportunities to
achieve his/her fullest potential
All citizens enjoy a high quality of life,
where quality healthcare is available to all
and safe, peaceful, environmentallyfriendly communities are maintained.
All citizens are assured of a sound,
relevant education system tailored towards
the needs of a modern,
progressive, technologically
advancing nation

Peoples Partnership
FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Initiatives for a Secure, Prosperous and Sustainable
Nation
We are guided by the principle that the highest mission of society is
the development of its citizens. Accordingly the commitment of our
government is to promote a process of people-centred development.
To achieve our mission, we have built our policy on seven (7)
Development Pillars, which are interconnected and which constitute
the cornerstones of our strategy for sustainable development of
Trinidad and Tobago.
Our government will embrace the richness and beauty of our
peoples great diversity to nurture a more humane and cohesive
society. Unity in Diversity will inspire the harmony which is so vital to
national progress. Our commitment to the sustainable development
of Trinidad and Tobago is informed by our commitment to our
Declaration of Principles and our Declaration of Values.
We understand sustainable development to mean that we leverage
our resources and apply our effort in such a way that we produce
more than we consume, that our development strategy will take
fundamental principles of environmental sustainability into account
and that as we accelerate the pace of development in the society we
will also secure the best interest of future generations.

SEVEN INTERCONNECTED PILLARS FOR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PILLAR 1: People-Centred Development We Need
Everyone and All Can Contribute
In a country of 1.3 million people, the optimum contribution of each
and every citizen is crucial. In a knowledge-driven economy, a
strong basic education system and significant participation in
tertiary education make a decisive difference. Accordingly, we
commit to making human development a central thrust through the
education system and through the creation of other infrastructure to
support lifelong learning, skills building, institutional strengthening
and the building of a competitive economy.

PILLAR 2: Poverty Eradication and Social Justice

Preference for Poor and Disadvantaged
The number of people who continue to live under the poverty line is
about 20%. For an energy-rich nation, this is totally unacceptable.
Social Justice demands that abject poverty be reduced
and ultimately eradicated. All our citizens are entitled to a
sustainable livelihood and the gap between the haves and the havenots must be closed. The issues of poverty eradication, closing the
divide between the rich and the poor and providing a safety
network for the poor and vulnerable, are fundamental to the strategy
of development that we embrace.

Optimum use is made of all the resources of

the nation.
The family as the foundation of the
society contributes to its growth, development
and stability The diversity and creativity of all
its people are valued and nurtured.
There is respect for the rule of law and
human rights and the promotion of the
principles of democracy
The diversity and creativity of all its people
are valued and nurtured.

To achieve this Vision, we focus on 5

Development Pillars:
1. Developing innovative people;
2. Nurturing a caring society;
3. Inabling competitive business;
4. Investing in sound infrastructure and
environment;
5. Promoting effective government.
Under the PNM, using these 5 pillars, all
Government Ministries and State
Agencies are mandated to develop
policies and programmes to achieve our
Vision of developed country status on or
before the year 2020. Progress is
measured by Vision 2020 Status Reports
and Operational Plans, prepared and
developed every 3-4 years.
WE ARE THE ONLY POLITICAL PARTY
IN THE HISTORY OF TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO THAT HAS EVER
ARTICULATED SUCH A
COMPREHENSIVE AND FARREACHING VISION FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COUNTRY.
In the context of Vision 2020, the PNM
Government has carefully designed our
social programmes to allow recipients to
be included in the wider economic
activities of the nation. These include:
an enabling environment for large,
medium and small businesses to be
competitive, both locally, regionally
and internationally.
a very wide range of free education
and training opportunities for citizens
to advance themselves and help
make Trinidad and Tobago a
developed nation on or before the
year 2020.
a comprehensive housing
programme to increase the number
of our citizens owning their own
homes.
With these social programmess and
services, citizens who were previously

PILLAR 3: National and Personal Security Human

Security for Peace and Prosperity
This is a critical area for our country and has been for some time.
Trinidad and Tobago will not be able to design a desirable future
unless law and order, and security of the person and of property can
be addressed in a context in which all citizens can feel that justice
can and will be done. We will seek to transform the society to create
a just and fair environment. We recognise that lawlessness and
disorder contribute to the atmosphere in which criminal activity
thrives and we will address this challenge head on. But we will also
focus on addressing social issues which nurture an environment
where crime tends to flourish. We will rethink the prison system,
reorganise the justice system and make interventions of a proactive
and preventative nature. At the centre of our focus will be human
security and the establishment of a regime of peace, security
and prosperity on a sustainable basis for our nation.

PILLAR 4: Information and Communication Technologies

Connecting T&T and Building the New Economy
Information and communication technologies (ICT) and the systems
that they can create are fundamental to the development of every
modern, progressive society. The ICT backbone, linked to the
competencies of a well educated population, provide the required
support for effective communication, information sharing
and knowledge management. We will expand the countrys internet
connection capabilities so that every citizen will be able to have
access and conduct business for a wide range of governmental
services. IT-based learning will be infused in education at primary
and secondary levels to support and complement other forms
of teaching, learning and basic research.

PILLAR 5: A More Diversified, Knowledge Intensive

Economy Building on the Native Genius of Our People
In a world in which innovation is the decisive competitive advantage,
human initiative and creative capacity represent an enormous asset.
Institutional frameworks need to be established to make
human capacity building possible on a sustainable basis. In
this context, we will create a society in which creativity and creation
are encouraged and rewarded. We will thus encourage and develop
strong linkages among our creative sectors, technological sectors,
design sectors and our education and academic sectors. The
energy economy, while vital to our sustenance now, cannot
be viewed as the basis of our sustainability. Already the services
sector contributes more to employment than any other sector and
significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Therefore, it is vital
that we provide critical support to this sector, infusing elements of
the creative economy in all other sectors while seeking opportunities
for the establishment of niche, skillsintensive manufacturing in order
to ensure that our economy is resilient and that there are longterm economic opportunities for our people opportunities which will
lead to higher standards of living and a better quality of life for all.

PILLAR 6: Good Governance People Participation

The focus in this area will be on three (3) key elements for the
purpose of ensuring transparency, accountability, participation and
effective representation as essential principles of good governance.

excluded from the wider national

development programs and activities
now have a greater chance to advance
and be included.

These are:
strengthening existing institutions
enhancing democracy
strengthening execution and delivery capacity.
We will enhance democracy by strengthening existing institutions
and by establishing new institutions or appropriate infrastructure to
support accountability, transparency, consultation, participation
and consensus-building and more meaningful representation. We
will emphasise restructuring of government delivery systems to
make government more responsive to the needs of the people. We
recognise that the people are sovereign and that the government is
the servant of the people. We will support the separation of powers
among key institutions in the society such as Parliament,
the Executive and the Judiciary and we will strengthen the autonomy
of institutions, which have been systematically undermined over
time, to support a functioning democratic governance system.
We will promote a climate of national dialogue within a framework of
civility and consensus-building. We will initiate a process of
consultation to rewrite the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago. The objective of constitution reform will be to
establish a framework for good, responsive governance and to
nurture and build a participatory culture and to strengthen
democracy. This will move us away from the culture of maximum
leadership and develop a politics of inclusion, rather than the
present system of winner takes all.

PILLAR 7: Foreign Policy Securing Our Place in the

World
Trinidad and Tobago is a small state, an archipelagic island-state.
We are part of CARICOM, which consists of a number of other small
island states that share a common history, as well as aspirations
for progress and achievement. We are one of 84 countries in the
world with population size of under three (3) million and it is
imperative that we structure our foreign policy to support and
advance our objectives for sustainable national development,
progress, peace and security for our 1.3 million people. From
a foreign policy perspective, we will work in concentric circles,
beginning with CARICOM, in an increasingly connected and
interdependent world, to secure space and opportunity in the world
for our country and our region. We will strike an appropriate
balance between bilateral and multilateral initiatives. The
entire thrust of our international relations strategy will be to achieve
the national goals and objectives that we set for ourselves and to
work with others, wherever and whenever mutual interests and
objectives meet, to advance common cause. We see the
international arena and the world system as a space of
opportunity to build partnerships, to leverage resources and
to influence the direction of decision-making regionally, across the
hemisphere and globally. We appreciate fully the need to harness
talent, knowledge and experience and to build competence to
achieve foreign policy goals.

A BRIEF HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 120 DAYS OF IMMEDIATE ACTION

Eight and a half years after the historic 18-18 PNM
victory in 2001, followed by the decisive 20-16 victory
at the polls in 2002 and a third emphatic 26-15 electoral
victory in 2007, Trinidad and Tobago is well on the way
to achieving the hallmarks of a developed country in a
not too distant 2020.
Social programmes available to senior citizens and the
disadvantaged are unprecedented in the region. Public
Service Reforms continue to enhance the business
environment. Road system improvements, modern
accommodation for public servants and other working
citizens, and our artistes, have redefined both
our skyline and quality of life. Drafting and participatory
local and central Government, and constitutional
reform, is well advanced. The PNM Government which
took up office in 2007 was able to build on the reforms
carried out since 2001, which improved the level of
service to the people. The global environment changed
dramatically during this period but the PNM
Government distinguished itself.

1.

Every child going on to secondary school from

the SEA will be provided with a laptop to begin
their secondary school education.

2.

We will begin addressing the issue of securing

and expanding GATE.

3.

We will rescind the property tax.

4.

We will establish a working committee to review

all programmes targeted at poverty alleviation
and social support to make recommendations to:
a. Strengthen synergy, reach and impact through
rationalisation and integration
b. Help households to step up to prosperity and
to reduce the number of people classified as
poor by 2% each year.
We will begin an aggressive programme to fix all
leaks in WASAs pipelines, and establish an
emergency response unit for monitoring system
dysfunction, unplanned disruptions and crisis
management.

5.

6.

We will coordinate integrated action on

water resources management, drainage,
irrigation, flooding, water capture, conservation,
sustainable food production and food security
through synergistic deployment of human
resources and equipment under state control in
collaboration with private contractors.

7.

In partnership with CBOs and NGOs our

government will release appropriate resources
from the Green Fund to reforest areas that were
burnt during the past dry season.

Successfully hosted the 5th Summit of the Americas

and the Commonwealth Heads of Government
meetings and so established Trinidad and Tobago as a
significant partner in world affairs, and a leader in the
region

8.

We will simultaneously begin the rehabilitation

and paving of existing access roads and
construction of new ones.

9.

We will begin the process of establishing a

Ministry of the People.

Increased our score on Human Development Index

(HDI) of the United Nations, which is a measure of the
quality of life in a country, from an HDI of 0.802 in 2001
to an HDI of 0.837 in 2007, and climbing

10. We will begin a review process for the minimum

wage.

Maintained and expanded health care, education,

social services, public transport and national security
initiatives and services despite worsened financial
circumstances triggered offshore
Created the conditions for the resumption of growth in
GDP in Trinidad and Tobago in the fourth quarter
of 2009, by 0.8%, despite the worldwide recession and
economic contraction in most developed countries,
including in Europe and Japan

Increased the balance in our Revenue Stabilisation

Fund, which now stands at $19.5 billion
Maintained stability in our exchange rate
Experienced growth in the tourism industry, saving the
jobs of the thousands who service this area, even as a
worldwide recession crippled tourism in the region

11. We will prepare an immediate action plan for

containing criminal activities and reducing the
number of murders this first phase will be from
June 2010 to December 2010.
12. We will begin to identify and address the
fundamental challenges to the effective
management of law and order.
13. We will deploy police on the streets, on the beat
and in the communities and increase police
presence everywhere.

Managed to maintain affordable food prices even as

the world reeled under global food inflation

Significantly improved the quality and capacity of our
road network
Ramped up the delivery of affordable housing for low
income earners
Acquired a range of new military assets to assist in the
fight against the international drug trade and crime,
including offshore patrol vessels, fast patrol
craft, interceptors, armed helicopters and
radar systems

14. We will initiate a process to make every police

station a centre for crime containment and
reduction, crime fighting, community policing,
statistical information gathering and
communication linked to the National Operations
centre and we will establish five (5) model
stations as the pilot.
15.

We will begin the process of reviewing the laws

and institutions, which address white-collar crime
with a view to strengthening the laws.

16.

We will strengthen the National Security Council

to link intelligence gathering and assessment with
strategy and execution in crime fighting.

Reduced inflation on a year-on-year basis from 11.7%

in February 2009 to 4.8% in February 2010

17. We will replace the Senior Citizens Grant with

Old Age Pension and increase it to $3,000.

Initiated large scale food production that is already

delivering high quality food at competitive prices

18. We will look at the immediate challenges of each

hospital and determine what needs to be done to
make an immediate difference in the lives of
citizens seeking care and we will act immediately
on these whether it is 50 more beds in a
hospital, a vital piece of much-needed equipment
or improving the effectiveness of delivery of
emergency patient care.

Broadened the range and quality of public transport

options to include a high grade and reliable water taxi
service between our major cities and a luxury coach
service and a modern air conditioned bus service on
over 115 routes throughout the country

19.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS, PROGRAMMES

AND POLICIES
The Macro-economy

Since December 2001, almost 85,000 sustainable

net new jobs were created; increasing the total
number of employed persons from 514,100 in 2001
to 598,200, or almost 600,000, in 2009, the highest
ever figure in the countrys history. At the same
time, the unemployment rate, on an annual basis,
was reduced from 10.8 percent in 2001 to 5.0
percent in 2009, close to the lowest annual
unemployment rate on record of 4.5%, which was
achieved in 2008.
The poverty level was reduced significantly during
the last 9 years
The rate of personal income tax was reduced to a
flat rate of 25 percent in 2006. At the same time,
the personal income tax allowance was increased
to $60,000 per year, which removed 300,000
income earners from the tax net
VAT and customs duties were reduced or
eliminated on a large number of food items to
address the rising food prices
The rate of corporation tax was reduced to from 35
percent to 25 percent in 2006
Foreign direct investment in Trinidad and Tobago
exceeded US$12 billion by 2009
The progressive and enlightened policies of the
PNM Government enabled growth in our countrys
Gross Domestic Product from $55 billion in 2001 to

We will establish a LIFE fund for life-saving

surgery for children ($100m). This fund will be
administered by an independent board in a fair,
equitable, transparent and accountable manner.

20. We will begin the introduction of camera

technology at traffic lights and set into motion an
efficient system of ticketing offenders.
21.

Each minister will be required to present a oneyear action agenda for consideration and
approval by Cabinet after consultation with senior
ministerial staff within thirty (30) working days of
swearing in. Each ministerial action agenda, once
approved, will be included in the next budget.

22. Each ministry will be required to begin work on a

five-year strategic plan within the first 60 days for
completion by February 2011 within the
framework of our manifesto.
23. We will establish an Economic Development
Board which will consult with stakeholders and
play an advisory role in policy formulation.
24. We will establish a Civil Society Board, to
strengthen the voice and influence of NGOs and
civil society organisations.
25.

We will initiate consultation to develop a

coherent export strategy, an industrial policy
linked to knowledge formation and a national
services industries competitiveness strategy with
key stakeholders.

26.

We will initiate a forensic audit of Petrotrin and

$144 billion in 2009, with GDP peaking at $163

billion in 2008, or three times the 2001 figure
Prudent fiscal management enabled a significant
reduction in both the public and external debt
ratios. Our Debt to GDP ratio fell from 55% in 2001
to 31% in 2009, with a low of 25% in 2008. Our
Gross External Public Sector Debt fell from 20.1%
of GDP in 2001 to 7.8% of GDP in 2009, with a low
of 5.8% in 2008, which was well below the majority
of countries in the world, including both developing
and developed countries
Our net foreign reserves increased more than fivefold, from US$1.8 billion (TT$11 billion) in 2001 to
over US$10 billion (TT$63 billion) in 2009, peaking
at US$11 billion (TT$70 billion) in February 2009,
representing almost one year of import cover in
2009, well above the global average
A Heritage and Stabilization Fund was established
in 2007 to help cushion the impact of declining
revenues during periods of economic downturn and
to provide a heritage for future generations. Despite
the difficult global economic circumstances of the
last year, we did not touch this Fund in 2009.
Today, savings in the Heritage and Stabilization
Fund amount to TT$19.5 billion, or US$3.1 billion.
We intend to increase this Fund to TT$30 billion
over the next five years

other state bodies, where there are grounds for

suspicion of misconduct similar to what
transpired in UDeCOTT.
27. We will establish a legislative agenda, aligned to
our one-year action plan to establish the
sequence of flow of bills to Parliament in the first
year.
28. We will establish a timetable for constitution
reform beginning with consultations.
29. We will work with the Central Bank, CSO and the
public service to determine the true condition of
the countrys finances and the state of the
economy and the condition of projects to share
that information with our citizens.
30.

Within the 120-day period, we will also share

with our citizens our priorities for action during
our first budgetary period.

31. We will formulate a project plan for completion of

all infrastructural projects currently in train in
Tobago.
32. We will establish a Ways and Means Committee
to formulate a project plan on a phased basis to
make all government public services more
accessible to residents of Tobago.

PNM

Peoples Partnership

PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY
The People are Sovereign
Our government will create a continuing awareness among our People that they
have a right to participate in the Governance of our country. We will incorporate
mechanisms which will permit the Voice of the People to be heard and to be taken
into account in the Policies which we adopt as a Government. Some of the actions
that we will take are:
Constitutional Reform
As a matter of urgency, our government will engage the population in consultations
for Constitutional Reform. We will observe the bedrock principle that the Constitution
should emerge out of the collective aspirations, will and judgment of the people of
Trinidad & Tobago. The difference will be that consultations will inform and influence
documents produced and positions taken by Government. Our Government will table
amendments to provide for and/or strengthen provisions for the following, as may be
required:
Checks and balances to safeguard against the abuse of power
Respect for the voices of minorities, while acknowledging the will of the majority
A free press unfettered by government intimidation and uncompromised by
government preference
Access to official information

Integrity in public life

Containment and Eradication of corruption

The introduction of Procurement Legislation which is fair, efficient and

transparent
Mandatory provisions for making Local Government an integral part of the
governance process

A right of recall for non-performing parliamentary representatives

Fixed election dates for national and local elections
Mechanisms for a referendum process

Limiting the Prime Minister to two successive terms as Head of Government

Rules governing the conduct of the Government and political parties during an
election period.
We will establish a Constitution Commission to engage in the widest possible
consultation as a pre-requisite to constitutional reform. We strongly believe that the
relationship between the Tobago House of Assembly and the Central Government
needs to be revisited, with particular reference to the aspirations of the people of
Tobago. The terms of the Constitution Commission will extend to the legislative
provisions touching upon the THA as well as examination of the best way to
achieve a mutually respectful and satisfying relationship between Tobago and
Trinidad within the framework of a sustainable unitary state.
Mechanisms our Government will introduce Establish a Civil Society Board voted for by delegates of civil society organizations
Civil Society Board to consult with Stakeholder Advisory Councils with respect to
key civil society sectors
The Stakeholder Advisory Councils will provide a vehicle for sector experts to make
a meaningful contribution to economic development and foster commitment to
implementation of specific strategies for development
The Stakeholder Advisory Councils and the communities will be consulted by the
Economic Development Board on matters related to the relevant sectors.

Direct Citizen Participation

Establish an internet portal, E-view, for the people to express their views on
development
Ensure that Broadband service is available countrywide
Establish government-funded, free internet cafs in communities across the country
Local Government Involvement of the People
Promote a system of Local Government which empowers the people in their
respective communities
Communities will define community problems and priorities and propose solutions
Local Government bodies will consult with and take into account the facilities and
services which each community considers to be matters of priority.
Equitable Distribution of State Resources
Establish an independent Economic Development Board (EDB)
EDB to consult with stakeholder advisory councils
EDB to make recommendations on:
- fair and equitable distribution of national revenue among Central Government,
Tobago and Local Government Bodies
- establishment of a Natural Disaster Fund and LIFE Fund to support life-saving
surgery for sick children
- prioritisation and optimisation of government expenditure
- appraisal of feasibility studies for proposed
capital expenditure
Consensus Building
E-view will have a section dedicated to each Local Government region to enable
community members to voice their opinions and make recommendations.
The Local Government bodies will present reports to the Central Government
outlining the needs of the communities for incorporation into the National
Development Plan and will be held accountable for execution of matters under
their jurisdiction.
Every Local Government authority will prepare a strategic plan based on the
National Development Plan for Execution.

GOVERNANCE
Strategic Planning
Each ministry will prepare a draft strategic plan.
Cabinet will approve and publish the strategic plans of each Ministry.
Cabinet will determine policy guidelines for operation of each ministry.
Ministers will have full authority and responsibility for accomplishing approved
strategic plan within the policy guidelines.
Ministers will submit periodic reports to Cabinet and to Parliament so that
implementation of strategic plans can be monitored and so that ministries are
accountable for performance.
Cabinet will take collective responsibility for the implementation of strategic plans
by ministries.
All plans will be aligned to a national framework for sustainable development and
together constitute an action agenda to achieve prosperity for all.
Procurement
Prioritise the passing of procurement legislation and appropriate rules and
regulations
Establish equitable arrangements for an efficient procurement system ensuring
transparency and accountability by all government departments and state
enterprises.

ENSURING INTEGRITY IN GOVERNMENT

Auditor General
Empower the Auditor General to conduct compliance, financial, operational,
forensic, performance and value audits
Ensure that adequate resources are made available to the Auditor General
Empower the Auditor General to engage external auditors to assist in
performance of these functions
Strengthen the Auditor Generals office generally and empower it to perform its
watchdog role and to ensure good governance.
STRENGTHENING REPRESENTATION
We will strengthen the committee system of Parliament to play a more effective
role in matters such as foreign policy and energy policy.
We will encourage full parliamentary debate on controversial issues.
We will establish a Ministry of the People within the first 30 days in the Office of
the Prime Minister and the Minister of the People shall be a member of the
Cabinet. This ministry shall interface will every other ministry to expeditiously
resolve issues which are, in particular, time sensitive but which are not adequately
being handled by the bureaucracy. Each ministry will be mandated to designate
an appropriate officer at Director level or higher to be the liaison between that
ministry and the Ministry of the People.
We will strengthen the responsive capacity of Parliamentary representatives by
strengthening their constituency offices and establishing a link with the Ministry of
the People.
SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT IN AND OF THE COMMUNITY
Initiatives will be taken or mechanisms put in place to facilitate what is deemed
feasible among the following:
Support for charitable causes in the community
Maintenance of homes for the aged, as well as support to homes for battered and
abused women and children
Lifestyle campaigns to achieve healthy lifestyles, to fight social ills, including
drugs, HIV/AIDS and domestic violence amongst others
Environmental campaigns to effect a more harmonious relationship between
human beings and nature
Facilitate youth development programmes
Partnership with the NGO community
Celebration of festivals and national holidays
Neighbourhood development policy
Attract investments to local communities in collaboration with regional business
organisations and relevant government agencies
Crime fighting and the enforcement of laws for example, praedial larceny and
neighbourhood watch
Poverty alleviation
Traffic planning and management.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The PNM Government recognizes that despite many

attempts at improvement over the years, citizens are
simply not getting the level and quality of service that
they deserve from Local Government Corporations. We
are determined to change this radically and
fundamentally. The Way Forward
The Ministry of Local Government is guided by the
Vision 2020 pillar of promoting good and effective
governance, espousing principles such as
accountability, transparency, participation and
predictability. This means building robust institutional
structures that empower all citizens to participate in
the decision making processes.
We have taken cognizance of international best
practices. These include those accords and
benchmarks arising out of recent Commonwealth
Local Government Forum meetings. Here, strategic
planning for the development of sustainable
communities and good practices for local democracy
were widely discussed and agreed upon.
After widespread stakeholder consultation, we have
published a White Paper on Local Government
Reform in Trinidad and Tobago, which highlights
some of the measures and programmes we would
implement to realize our Local Government Reform
policy objectives, including:

Genuine democracy requires effective

representation, transparency, participation,
accountability to change the lives of people in our
Communities and to alter their relationship with
government. We will provide citizens and
communities with the opportunity to determine what
priorities, projects and services will be delivered to
their respective communities to ensure that
Regional Corporations and Municipalities discharge
their responsibility for basic infrastructure,
maintenance, services and other facilities and
support systems. We will provide Local Government
with the necessary funding and other resources
from the Central Government, within the current
legislative and regulatory framework to enable them
to deliver quality services to the communities.

What does this mean for you?

We believe that our proposed new Local
Government System will herald a new era in Local
Governance and participatory democracy in Trinidad and
Tobago, bringing more efficient corporate and Municipal
Management; expanded coverage and enhanced quality
of service delivery; easier access to services through a
robust interactive e-Government platform; the
realignment of boundaries in accordance with changes in
natural geographic configuration, population growth and
regional/ urban migration trends; the reconfiguration of
the local Government geographic profile for balanced
sustainable development and easier access to services
through the establishment of four cities, one borough and
seven regions. In addition, it will mean safe, secure and
peaceful communities through effective community
policing.
In this regard, the necessary planning and preparatory
work for this reform exercise is virtually complete; the
drafting of new legislation has been done, and it is thus
the PNMs intention to move swiftly to initiate the reform
of the Local Government System early in our next term,
and to hold Local Government elections under the new
system in this year 2010. We believe that under the new
system, citizens will
enjoy vastly improved

LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFORMATION

Actions our Government will take
Devolution of authority and resources, within
national policy guidelines, from central
government ministries such as Community
Development, Housing, Social Welfare, Sports,
Planning, Environment etc.
Equitable financial allocation to regions
Adoption of a much more decentralised model for
regional development planning
Collaborative governance procedures
Regional coordination of the delivery of water,
electricity, telephones and other basic
infrastructure and services
Community-based security and rehabilitation
arrangements
Expanded responsibilities and increased
compensation for local representatives
Establish mechanisms to ensure high
performance and accountability.

10

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
FINANCE OUR VISION IS TO MAINTAIN AND
ADVANCE A PROGRESSIVE, STABLE AND
GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE FINANCIAL SYSTEM
THAT MOVES TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TOWARDS
BECOMING THE FINANCIAL CENTRE OF THE
REGION.
In spite of the global economic downturn, this PNM
Government has been able to maintain its
macroeconomic stability. Not taking this for granted, the
PNM Government has innovated to put measures in
place to maintain a strong economy. These measures
are also part of the PNM Governments larger drive
towards enabling competitive business, for which
economic stability is a necessary condition. They
include:
The Heritage and Stabilisation Fund
Financial Sector Reform Initiatives
National Financial Literacy Programmes What
have these interventions done for you?
The Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF)
was established in March 2007. Its purpose is to
save and invest surplus petroleum revenues in
order to act as a buffer and generate an
alternative income stream in periods of revenue
downturn, while providing a heritage for future
generations. As international markets
improve there will be improved returns on
investment and increased Government deposits,
hence increasing the Funds value.
The Financial Sector Reform Initiatives are
aimed at improving the efficiency and stability of
the financial system. The proper legislative and
regulatory framework must be put in place to
provide the flexibility and incentives desired by
the business community. As part of this drive the
Financial Institutions Act (1993) and
the Securities Industry Act (1995) were revised
and updated.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago
(CBTT) is currently spearheading the National
Financial Literacy Programme which was launched
on January 31, 2007. Its objectives include
improving the financial literacy of the population to
facilitate better financial decision-making. They are
currently preparing to conduct sessions for schools
(primary, secondary and tertiary), retirees,
the differently-able, and those interested in starting
a small to micro enterprise. Building our nation
The size and status of our HSF reinforces this
PNM Governments achievement in maintaining
economic stability despite recession in the global
financial market. The HSF ensures that Trinidad
and Tobago is in a better position to manage and
mitigate the negative effects of a global financial

INITIATIVES TO TRANSFORM OUR

ECONOMY
Ensuring Fiscal Sanity
The current government has pursued ill-conceived
policies, which have resulted in distortion in the
economy and mismanagement of our resources. Our
approach to development will be different. We will
build sustainability into the process, begin a
restructuring of the economy, and immediately
reorganise our economic strategy. We will ensure that
strategy and policy achieve the following:
Maximum development of our people ensuring that
the needs of the poor and disadvantaged are given
priority
An enabling environment for growth and expansion
of locally-owned businesses
A sense of ownership and belonging by everyone
in our society
Economic opportunity for all so that individuals and
families can establish a firm basis to control their
destiny by building sustainable livelihoods and
being productively involved in their own economic
development
The principles of self-reliance, entrepreneurship
and competitiveness will inform approaches to
economic participation and development
Sustainable growth and diversification of the
economy will be key objectives
The quality of life of our people will improve with
general prosperity in our country and a more
equitable sharing of the wealth generated
from such prosperity
Outside of Energy, our foreign investment
approach will be to link investment to throughput
from the tertiary sector to create information based
knowledge and creative industries that will tap the
creativity of our people and provide highend, more
rewarding jobs
The Energy sector, the focus will be on investment
and partnership opportunities in third- and fourthgeneration renewable energy alternatives linked to
research.
Economic, Monetary and Fiscal Policy
We are committed to the following as essential
components of our economic, monetary and fiscal
policy:
1. Fiscal Probity. There will be zero tolerance of
corrupt practices and unwise and wasteful
expenditure. We will strengthen and make more
efficient the Board of Inland Revenue and
Customs.
2. Enabling Environment. As a prerequisite for

11

meltdown. It will ensure that the needs of the

citizens are met in spite of the global situation. It
should be noted that the target level of the HSF
set for 2010 was surpassed by July 2008.
Additionally, throughout the economic crisis no
funds were drawn from the HSF while all social
services were continued and some increased so
that our most vulnerable citizens in Trinidad and
Tobago did not experience hardship during the
crisis.
The Financial Institutions Act and Securities
Industry Act are the cornerstones in the upgrade of
the regulatory, tax and legal framework of the
Financial Sector. The passage of these laws also
involves the improvement of standards of
governance. As a result of this the financial sector
is more refined and attractive for local and
international stakeholders, which will capture the
interest of serious investors. Greater investment
will bring benefit to all citizens through increased
opportunities for financing business, job creation,
increased revenue and more competitive business.
The National Financial Literacy Programme helps
to make our citizens knowledgeable and skilled in
personal financial planning, budgeting and money
management in addition to increasing the
awareness of the population about the financial
products and services at their disposal. A more
financially prudent society will aid in the
advancement of the entire nation as each
person makes more informed choices.
In our next term, in order to facilitate business
and make Trinidad and Tobago even more
competitive, we will continue to reform our taxation
system, with the objective being to reduce personal
and corporate income tax even further, to a flat rate
of 20%. We expect that that these reforms will be a
strong driver of our economy.
It is also our intention, in consultation with
stakeholders, including the Business Sector and
Trade Unions, to continue our work towards the
establishment of a modern Revenue Authority, a
statutory authority which will have responsibility for
all functions now handed by the Inland Revenue
Division and the Customs & Excise Division. We
believe that the establishment of an authority of this
nature will create greater efficiency, increase
revenue collections and ensure greater equity and
transparency in the collection of taxes and duties.
In our next term, we will also make appropriate
modifications to our new Property Tax system,
before implementation, in order to suitably address
the question of relief for persons on fixed incomes
and other vulnerable groups, and the concerns of
stakeholders, such as the business community. We
have already decided and announced that all
persons in receipt of Public Assistance, Disability
Assistance or the Senior Citizens grant (formerly

3.

4.

investment and growth we will facilitate an

enabling environment. We will review and
redress regulatory barriers to investment, as well
as processes and procedures that unnecessarily
increase the cost of doing business.
Aligning Policy. We will establish a framework for
governments fiscal policies and Central Banks
monetary policies to be more effectively aligned
to achieve national goals and objectives.
Investment Environment. We will develop
strategies to create an environment for
investment by increasing domestic savings,
facilitating competitive interest rates, securing
property rights, by establishing good governance
practices, by widening, expanding and deepening
domestic value-added production and by
managing to achieve a low rate of inflation.

Beyond creating an appropriate environment, we will:

Encourage local and international firms to list on
the stock exchange
Create and nurture a competitive business
environment
Develop long-term investment instruments like
tradable deposit certificates
Identify strategic sectors and incentivise them to
elicit private sector investment to enhance and
accelerate the diversification process
Consult with the credit union movement to
strengthen credit unions through legislation an
effective supervisory mechanisms
5. Research and Innovation. We will foster a culture
of research and innovation by allocating
resources and providing incentives for research
and development particularly in the non-energy
and services sector. Here our target will be to
increase R&D spending to at least 3% of GDP
over the next 10 years. We will establish a
Council for Competitiveness and Innovation.
6. Balancing Spending. We will seek to find
the balance between consumption and
savings. Consumption satisfies present needs,
while savings provides for the needs of future
generations. We must cater to both to support a
thriving economy as well as achieve sustainable
development.
7. Equitable Distribution. We will address
strategies to ensure more equitable income
distribution to contain and correct the weakening
of the social structure and the climate of
instability that it engenders.
8. Resource Allocation. We will emphasise and
seek to promote the efficient use of resources,
including human skills, natural resources and
capital, to enhance productivity, which is vital to
economic growth and the creation of meaningful
and sustainable jobs.
9. Diversification. We will develop innovative

12

old Age pension) will be exempt from payment of

property tax, and the PNM Government will meet
the cost of property tax for these categories of
people. We are also giving serious consideration
to exempting from payment of the tax, all Senior
Citizens who earn less than $5,000 per month.

strategies to achieve sustainable growth and

diversification of the Economy in order to reduce
our dependence on energy, create good jobs and
generate new sources of wealth creation.
10. Financial Crisis. We will take action as required
to address issues such as the financial crisis in C
L Financial and the HCU in the best interest
of people in a timely and transparent manner.
11. Economic Planning. The focus will be on
sustainable development, competitiveness,
integration and synergy, diversification,
strengthening existing sectors and clusters and
creating new ones and linking research to wealth
creation, innovation and competitiveness.
12. Institutional Arrangements:
Establish an Economic Development Board
(EDB) to be staffed by nationals on a merit
basis drawn from academia, the professions,
civil society, labour and industry to advise on
economic policy after consulting with the
Communities and stakeholder advisory
councils
Revisit the legislation establishing the
Stabilisation and Heritage Fund with a view to
delinking the two funds. The mechanisms for
contributions and withdrawals will be
established for transparency and clarity.
Strengthening, resourcing and reorganising
the Central Statistical Office to ensure
provision of accurate and meaningful
information in a timely and efficient manner.

13

NATIONAL SECURITY
OUR VISION IS HAVE A SAFE AND
CRIME REDUCTION AND HUMAN
SECURE T&T
SECURITY
The PNM Government of Trinidad and Tobago has
embarked on a number of initiatives to ensure that our
country becomes a safe and secure place to live, visit,
do business in and raise our families.

ATTACKING CRIME, NURTURING HUMANITY

The Citizens Security Programme The Specialist

Crime Academy The construction of new Police
Stations The introduction of a Border Integrated
Management System and Machine Readable
Passports Reducing Gang Violence and Activity
Improving our Disaster Management capabilities The
Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago The
Establishment of a Crime and Problem Analysis Unit
(CAPA) Strengthening the Forensic Science
Centre Commissioning and immediate use of fast
patrol vessels

Economic progress on a sustainable basis and

meaningful democracy are not possible unless crime is
brought under control and there can be some assurance
of human safety and security. There are structural
problems that facilitate crime. Among these are illegal
drugs, alienation from the political process, the lack of
participation and consultation, the economic
arrangements which have led to a growing divide
between the haves and have-nots, in addition to a very
obvious moral and spiritual malaise. Unhappiness in the
society is not only reflected in crime but also in
increased mental illness, vagrancy and homelessness,
as well as the number of protests and demonstrations,
which have developed for several years now.

What have these interventions done for you?

The Citizens Security Programme (CSP) has as its
overall goal to reduce the levels of crime and
violence in our country by improving our efforts to
prevent, counteract and control factors associated
with criminal acts and violence.
The Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT) is currently in
its sixth year of operations and continues to focus on
three main areas.
i.
strengthening national forensic capabilities;
ii. providing developmental training for law
enforcement;
iii. lending operational support to the Police Service
and
other law enforcement agencies.
The Specialist Crime Academy To date, over 500
SAUTT Officers have received training in areas
such as Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic
Awareness and DNA, Investigative Interviewing
and more.
The Crime and Problem Analysis (CAPA) Unit
was established in 2007 and continues to improve
the capacity of the Police Service to gather
accurate and timely information on crime and
undertake in-depth analysis.
Gang Violence and Activity. An
international Comprehensive Gang Model has been
applied, leading to computerized information
systems and improved analysis and mapping
procedures; and to the establishment of a Repeat
Offenders Programme Task Force
(ROPTF), responsible for identifying street gangs,
their membership structures and turf.
The Forensic Science Centre continues to play
a significant role. Of critical importance is the

Making Our Society Safe and Our Citizens

Secure

The current government neither has the will nor the

competence to deal with the lawlessness and
indiscipline pervading our society and which feeds
the environment within which crime flourishes. The
current situation speaks to a moral decay that now
pervades the society propelled by a corrupt and
ineffective leadership, which considers the loss of lives
collateral damage. Unless we remove this nightmare,
investment in education, investment in the promotion of
sports, the arts and social services will have limited
impact and the transformative benefits we seek will
never be fully realised.
Our government will take a multipronged approach that
will address the political, economic, social, technological
and managerial dimensions required to reinstate safety
and security. Punitive sanctions alone will not solve the
crime problem. The first step we will take involves
addressing the issue of white-collar crime and
corruption, the second addresses the fundamental
challenges of effective management of the institutions of
law and order, the third requires the reorganisation of
our education system, the fourth requires us to design
productive sectors to provide viable alternatives to
criminal activities and the fifth, revolves around the set
of initiatives listed below.

LAW ENFORCEMENT
We will support the management of the Police
service to ensure that there are proper levels of
policing and hold it accountable for effective delivery
through the establishment of clear measurable

14

installation of a modern DNA Laboratory, adding

this state of the art methodology to our crimefighting capacity.
New Fire Stations. To provide effective fire fighting
and emergency service to new communities, new
fire stations were constructed at Piarco, Sangre
Grange and Couva South. The functional
requirements of 12 other stations are being
finalized in order to commence construction.
New Police Stations. Over the last two years,
police presence has been much enhanced by the
construction of 5 Police Stations and 3 Police
Posts. Moreover, 19 new Stations are scheduled
for communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
The Introduction of an Integrated Border
Management System is equipping nationals with
travel documents that reduce exposure to identity
and passport fraud. Machine Readable Passports
have been introduced to ensure hassle free travel.
To date over 350,000 citizens have been issued
with new Machine Readable Passports. The
waiting time for a new passport has been reduced
to 12 working days.
Dealing with Illegal Drugs and Guns
The PNM Government recognizes that a major
concern of our citizens is the levels of crime and
violence plaguing our country. But we also need to
understand its causes. Our location has made us a
trans-shipment point for illegal drugs between the
supplier countries of South America and the
consuming countries of North America and Europe.
To address and eliminate this problem, the PNM
Government has taken the necessary steps to stem
the flow of drugs and guns into our country in
particular with the acquisition of the following Coast
Guard vessels over the last 2 years:
6 30-metre Fast Patrol Craft with speeds of over
40 knots;
2 46-metre Coastal Patrol Vessels; and
14 Fast Interceptor Craft with speeds of up to 50
knots
This brings the total compliment of armed Coast Guard
vessels to 28, a 300% increase from when we
assumed office in 2001. Now, we can match the speed
and manoeuvrability of virtually any vessel that
operates illegally in our waters.
This is by far the most significant expansion/upgrade in
history of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. And
that is not all. The final pieces in our naval arsenal will
be the three3 No. 90-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels
(OPVs) which we have acquired through a
Government-to-Government arrangement with the
United Kingdom. These vessels each have the
capability to carry over 100 men and stay out at sea for
several weeks, with a range of several thousand miles.
When they are commissioned and put into service,

benchmarks for crime reduction and containment

We will establish a National Security
Operational Centre (NSOC), involving use of
technology to set up a real-time centralised system
for tracking crime. This will involve equipping every
Police vehicle with a Global Positioning System
(GPS) and linking with every police station through
an appropriate technology platform. Abuse of
equipment will not be tolerated
We will enforce traffic laws. A majority of crime
involves the use of vehicles. Enforcement of road
traffic laws and regulation would serve as a major
deterrent to such illegal activity. A variety of
mechanisms including Radar Speed Detection Guns
will be used in this
We will use GPS bracelets on offenders who are on
probation but are still deemed a security risk (so that
their movement can be monitored) and if legislation is
required, we will take the necessary steps
We will guard our coastline through the 360 radar
linked to all branches of the security services.
Connectivity will be monitored and we will insist on
staying connected.
We will establish the National Security Protective
Services Training Academy to improve capacity of
our police officers to perform at their optimal levels
Training programmes and merit systems will be
established to motivate police to new ideals of justice
We will strengthen the National Security Council to
link intelligence, strategy and execution in crime
fighting
We will modernise physical infrastructure and
amenities to boost morale and improve productivity
We will implement the criminal injuries
and compensation laws and adjust the measure
of compensation
RESOCIALISING AWAY FROM CRIME
Human Security The basic necessities of
food, shelter and work must be accessible to all.
Schooling We need to strengthen the secondary
system to ensure that students move on to further
education or to productive roles in the economy.
Recidivism The prison system is replete with young
offenders and more seasoned offenders who keep
passing through a revolving door. Young, first-time
offenders convicted of relatively minor offences could
be paroled and engaged in community service. We
must move to a serious strategy for rehabilitation and
reintegration into the society and an economy that is
linked to education and skills building.
Community Policing This is important for policing,
community building, and crime prevention and will be
executed as a strategy that acknowledges that police
presence in the community is an important deterrent
to crime.
A Household by Household Approach to
Poverty Reduction It has been established that

15

together with our other military vessels and the armed

helicopters that are now in production, these
sophisticated military vessels will make Trinidad and
Tobago virtually impenetrable to drug traffickers.
The first of these OPVs is already undergoing sea trials
in the UK and is due to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago in
September 2010. OPV 2 is and scheduled to arrive in
mid November 2010, and OPV 3 in March 2011.

there is a link between poverty and crime. Our crime

reduction strategy must be supported by a poverty
reduction strategy that is different in that it would
tackle the different age groups within a household to
ensure education and skills for the young, second
chances for dropouts that bring them into productive
endeavour, special programmes for women, skills
programmes for the unskilled willing to work and
targeted programmes for the elderly and persons
living with disabilities

THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

OVERHAULING CRIMINAL JUSTICE

We recognize that our justice system continues to be in

urgent need of reform. The PeoplesNational Movement
is committed to building capacity and creating
efficiencies in the system which governs the
administration of justice. This task is well underway:
Within the past year we have enacted legislation to
allow for an increase in the number of High Court
Judges and Judges in the Court of Appeal by fifty
per cent, the largest single increase
since Independence.
We have enacted legislation to allow for the
more efficient use of technology in court
proceedings and to allow for the more efficient
prosecution of criminal offences.
We have agreed to increase the number of
prosecutors in The Office of the Director of Public
Prosecutions to allow for the speedier and more
efficient disposition of criminal matters. We have
already identified our priorities for our next term,
specifically those measures that will ease the flow
of cases through the system and result in a more
expeditious delivery of justice.
We shall streamline the categories of matters which
can be dealt with before a magistrate
We shall remove from the magistracy those matters
which can be dealt with administratively, such as
certain traffic violations and applications for certain
types of licences.
We shall remove from the High Court the resolution
of those disputes - and the disposition of certain
matters - which can best be dealt with before
specialized tribunals, such as certain land disputes
and the establishment of title to real property in
certain classes of case. The new systems and
procedures will assist in the resolution of the
problem of titles to property, particularly in Tobago.
We shall reform the rules governing the conduct of
Preliminary Inquiries in respect of certain
categories of offences.
In the short term the measures we have adopted and
those which we propose will result in quicker court
processes including speedier access to the criminal
justice system. We are resolved to fix our justice
system.

From arrest to determination to release

We will re-engineer the justice system in consultation
with all stakeholders to ensure swift justice from the
point of arrest to the final determination of all criminal
matters
Introduce and implement legislation which will
rebalance the justice system in favour of victims with
emphasis on protection for the rights of victims,
witnesses and jurors
Restructure the justice system to ensure that criminal
and civil matters are separately addressed and that
there are appropriate resources and linkages
between the Ministry of National Security and the
relevant legal ministries to ensure effective
management of criminal cases. There may be need
to streamline the Attorney Generals office to address
these multiple functions and to achieve
multiple objectives for prosecution of criminals
and streamlining the justice system for efficiency
Expand and implement Community Service
sentencing for certain categories of crime
Overhaul the penal system so that prisoners have a
real opportunity to turn around their lives reducing the
revolving door syndrome of repeat offenders
Facilitate the further establishment of half-way
houses in conjunction with NGOs to assist in
reintegration of past offenders into society.

16

Disaster Management.

NATIONAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management

has provided training to relevant partners in such areas
as: Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, Shelter
Management, Medical Response, Mass Casualty
Management, and Search and Rescue. Its public
education campaign continues to sensitize the
population on necessary measures in the event of
an emergency or disaster.

As part of a National Disaster Preparedness Plan,

the protective services, defense force and civil society
must engage in continuous response training. The
Citizens and members of our entire society must be
sensitized to their role. Such a plan must also be
acceptable to the Police and Fire Services as an
integrated plan to which all are committed in a situation
of disaster.

17

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Inclusivity, Diversity, Wellness &

Competitiveness

Our Vision Is To Develop Well Rounded Innovative

Individuals Who Will Be Socially Integrated And Able
To Contribute To National Development As A Result Of
A Sound And Carefully Designed Education System

EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Building the Foundation for an Intelligent Nation and a
Creative Economy

The PNM Government has continuously improved our

strong tradition of educational excellence, initiated with
the advent of the PNM in 1956, by designing and
implementing a modern and relevant education system
that fashions the young minds of our nation into
creative and critical thinkers. Through our equitable and
innovative programmes, we have ensured that every
citizen gets an opportunity to attend school, and to
improve his or her social and economic status. Some of
our education objectives include:
Expansion of our Early Childhood Care and
Education Programme.

Refurbishment and upgrade of existing schools

and construction of new schools where required.
Equipping and outfitting of schools with modern
equipment, information and communication
systems.
Revision of the Primary and Secondary school
curriculum.
Teacher development and training.
Testing and certification. Integrated student
support services including the provision of
nutritious meals, books and transport.

EARLY CHILDHOOD, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY

EDUCATION
Education is one of the major pillars of our economic
development given that knowledge, information and
human capital are the main economic assets
of advanced nations. We will change our approach to
ensure that our young people are literate, numerate and
possess critical thinking skills. We will embark on
curriculum reform to address the needs of 21st century
development and the labour market needs of the
society.
At the pre-school level, self-confident, creative,
enterprising children must be the goal. As they learn and
play, work independently and with others to make
progress, we must build the foundation for personal
achievement, as well as co-operation and collaboration
with others to achieve mutually satisfying goals. The
primary school must ensure that our children are literate,
numerate, and aware of e-learning and internet-based
opportunities. The foundation must be laid so that they
will have a love of learning and become critical thinkers,
use their creativity and have an entrepreneurial outlook.
We will also ensure that there would be a focus on all
learners not just the academically gifted.

What have these interventions done for you?

Over 280,000 students in Early Childhood
Education Centres (27,500 students), Primary Schools
(140,000 students) and Secondary Schools (115,000
students) are assisted by the polices and programmes
of the PNM Government every day, as follows:
Expansion of Early Childhood Care and
Education Programme - Students aged three to
four years old are exposed to a stimulating learning
environment, where well trained teachers create
well adjusted children, able to function at the
primary school level both academically and
socially.
Refurbishment, upgrade and construction
of schools Under the PNM, over 400 schools
have been repaired or upgraded and 30 new
schools constructed. Next term will see the
completion of 20 new secondary schools, as well
as a number of new primary schools, and 600 Early
Childhood Education Centres.
Equipping schools with modern information and
communication systems Over 400 schools have
been provided with modern ICT infrastructure and
other equipment that makes learning easier and

We will, therefore, embark on curriculum reform to

address the needs of 21st century development and to
build a foundation for responsible citizenship and the
optimisation of multiple talents, including talent in the
arts and sports.
At the secondary level, skills learnt in primary school will
be strengthened and enhanced and a more participatory
education strategy that is problem-based and dedicated
to producing problem solvers and solution providers will
be introduced.

We will rework curricula for the early childhood care

and education and the primary school to prepare the
ground for seamless transition between the two. The
focus will be on building self-confidence, the
development of social skills, strengthening attention
span and the ability to focus, and on promoting
creativity at the early childhood level to build the
foundation for 21st century literacy, critical thinking,
creativity and entrepreneurship through general
knowledge at primary level
We will reform the curriculum at secondary level to
ensure that the school environment is more

18

contributes to the goal of increased

computer literacy among our citizens. This process
will continue.
Revision of the Primary and Secondary
school curriculum A modern and relevant
curriculum has been developed to address both
foundational learning as well as creative thinking.
Curriculum reform will continue.
Teacher development - A well trained cadre
of teachers has been produced to impart life
skills to our nations children and to motivate them
to achieve their personal best in the pursuit of
the highest levels of educational excellence. This
programme of training will be accelerated in the
next term.
Integrated student support services Barriers to
achieving academic excellence have been
removed, through the provision of free meals, free
books, free transport and counselling. Through the
progressive and caring policies of the
PNM, approximately 300,000 students per year
benefit from these free public education support
services. This student support system will be
deepened and strengthened during our next term.

Moving Forward Together To Build Our Nation Through

Free And Flexible Access To Tertiary Education Our
Vision Is To Create An Environment That Encourages
Our People To Pursue Higher Education And Become
Responsible Enlightened Citizens Motivated To
Contribute To National Development
Your PNM Government has created a free tertiary
learning environment that is unequalled anywhere in
the world, and has made the pursuit of tertiary
education in Trinidad and Tobago attractive, accessible
and affordable, with academic qualifications that are
internationally recognized. Under the caring hands of
the PNM, no person is denied the opportunity to further
their studies, regardless of their status.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary
Education and its agencies, such as the University of
the West Indies (UWI), University of Trinidad and
Tobago (UTT), Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and
Tourism Institute (TTHTI) and the College of Science,
Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and
Tobago (COSTAATT), have contributed to this
objective. They have expanded their programmes,
creating a diverse portfolio and various modes of
teaching, including on-line, distance, part-time, open
campus, and evening programmes. This diversity in
programming seeks to widen access to citizens at
varying stages of life and work. The PNM
Government has made access to higher education
totally flexible and affordable to all. Some of the
innovative higher education programmes of the PNM
include: PNM Government Assistance for Tuition

conducive to learning, intellectual development,

creativity and the development of critical thinking
skills and will include music, art, drama, creative arts,
information technology, science and technology,
sports, the history and culture of all our peoples and
develop a sensitivity for ecological concerns in our
young in addition to building absorptive capacity to
go on to further learning
We will incorporate learning diversity, lifelong
learning, general knowledge about our people and
our history and civic responsibility into the curriculum
We will promote character-based education, ethics,
strengthen the work ethic and introduce valuebalanced programmes as critical components of the
curriculum
We will strengthen the range of technical vocational
offerings to increase options and choice across the
system
The curriculum for all other certification programmes
for teachers (including Secondary Education
Management Programme (SEMP)) will be reviewed
to evaluate philosophy, relevance and competencebuilding concerns. In keeping with the philosophical
underpinnings of diversity in teaching/learning,
teacher education to support a curriculum for
transformation will be strengthened. We will work
with higher educational institutions to strengthen
teaching quality and relevance in the secondary
and primary system
The connected classroom will be central to
educational transformation, as well as
teacher education. Connectivity technologies will be
tapped to link teachers with teachers, teachers with
students, and students with students
Mathematics, language skills and competence in
English, as well as science and technology will
receive special attention
We will provide specialised and targeted support for
troubled students, students with disabilities and
families to reduce and remove some of the barriers
to full participation in the learning Process

Focus on Literacy Development

We will provide increased government funding to
NGOs working on literacy programmes.
We will expand the meaning of literacy to include a
second language in the curriculum at primary,
secondary and tertiary level drawing local linguists
into the system.
We will encourage reading as a pastime and
enhance the image of reading in the eyes of young
people by creating an infrastructure of support and of
incentives.
Community partners in education
We will deploy lifelong skills within the community
through existing delivery programmes within the
teaching and learning curriculum to strengthen the

19

Expenses Programme (GATE) Point-of-Care

Testing Human resource development
Clinical programmes Health Education Programmes
Institutional strengthening Accreditation Council of
Trinidad and Tobago CTT) Higher Education Loan
Programme (HELP) Scholarship Programme
What have these interventions done for you?
Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses
Programme (GATE) This Programme ensures that all
of our citizens can access tertiary education despite
personal financial constraints. This initiative can be
regarded as the GATEway to tertiary education for all,
so that no-one shall be left
behind
The PNM recognizes that for our country to progress,
more and more of our citizens must be encouraged to
improve their knowledge and skills through higher
education. The number of persons enrolling in higher
education programmes in Trinidad and Tobago has
increased fivefold since 2001, almost 45% of our
student population is now pursuing higher education,
up from about 9% in 2001. Consistent with our Vision,
our target for tertiary education enrolment is 60% of the
population, which we expect to achieve long before the
year 2020. Since its inception in 2004, over 275,000
applications have been approved for GATE at a cost in
excess of TT$2.5 billion, which we consider to be
money well spent. GATE affords access without the
burden of tuition fees. And for the related costs, such
as accommodation, airfare, living expenses, book,
special equipment and so on, there is HELP.
Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) - This is a
special loan facility made available to students at
approved tertiary institutions. One of HELPs objectives
is to develop a well educated, qualified cadre of citizens
within areas identified as critical under Vision 2020.
Since inception, over 8,000 persons have received
loans under HELP.
Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago
ensures access to the highest quality of education,
recognised nationally and internationally, through a
process of registration, accreditation and recognition.
The Council safeguards the nations investment in
tertiary education and makes GATE-assisted private
tertiary education providers accountable and
transparent.
Scholarship Programme rewards excellence and
facilitates further the pursuit of tertiary education for
outstanding, well rounded young people. Under the
PNM, over 400 of our brightest and best students are
awarded scholarships every year, with hundreds more
receiving bursaries. Building our nation: Widely
accessible, flexible and affordable tertiary education
has a central role in nation building through the

skills base of the country through adult learning

opportunities.
A Work Study Learning System
A system of entrepreneurship and apprenticeship will
be encouraged whereby all major industrial firms will
be encouraged to operate apprenticeship
programmes for youths so inclined and to engage
interns from the educational system. This will support
learning and skills transfer, strengthen workforce
competence, support industry and promote
workplace readiness in the young.
Facilitating Persons Living with Disabilities and Special
Needs
We will develop an effective special education
programme.
We will establish a system with infrastructure to
ensure early detection and treatment of learning
disorders, medical, psychological, social and other
problems that may hinder the learning process.
We will encourage and partner with all schools to
develop adequate facilities and procure equipment to
enrol differently-abled students.
A programme to provide financial, emotional and
mentoring support for the students will be initiated.
We will expand the number of guidance counsellors
available to meet the demands of these challenging
times and we will establish a system of psychological
support for children in schools.
Improve the Administration of Education
We will establish a clearing house in the Ministry of
Education to swiftly address the backlog of vacancies
for teachers and administrators at the primary and
secondary level to facilitate expeditious action by the
Teaching Service Commission.
We will implement a system that allows for the
seamless replacement of teachers who
are proceeding on pre-approved leave or retiring.
We will strengthen the administration of our schools
by allowing for more senior staff to be retained in
schools with large populations.
We will strengthen the partnership between state and
denominational boards and revitalise the funding
formula for capital and recurrent expenditure in all
these schools.
We will decentralise the current education system by
establishing autonomous regional authorities that can
effectively coordinate, manage and improve
performance in the schools.
The Ministry of Education will establish national
policy, collaborate regionally and internationally to
constantly improve and strengthen a quality regional
system and support and monitor the achievements of
national goals.
We will strengthen community participation on a
school by school basis to improve quality, relevance

20

following:
Development of human capital and
entrepreneurship and access to education for ALL,
so that there are no limitations to what any citizen
can achieve.
Ensuring that all our citizens attain highly
recognized programmes of education.
Development of an appreciative and responsible
citizen who participates in and helps to sustain a
nurturing and caring society.

Nurturing of enlightened, motivated people to

become innovators and entrepreneurs to drive
manufacturing, business enterprises and public
institutions to first world levels of product and
service delivery.

and responsiveness and to support educational

achievement for all at the school level.
Given a more decentralised and participatory
process, principals will have more authority to
manage their schools and principals and staff will be
held accountable for performance based on
established performance targets agreed by the
school within the framework of national policy. The
emphasis will be on quality education.

Facilitating Access to Education

We will expand the Public Transport

System dedicated to the education system
especially for young people in remote areas.

We will link food and nutrition strategies, and health

strategies to human development strategies
through the school system.
Quality in Teaching and Learning
We will strengthen quality in teaching and learning by
ensuring that teachers are trained, educated and
certified at all levels of the system from pre-school
up. Our aim is to further professionalise the Teaching
Service.
We will strengthen the system, work with the union
on professional upgrade and professional standards
and offer a system of incentives to attract the best
teachers to the system.
Addressing Known Weaknesses
At primary school all children will be pretested to
address various challenges which individual students
may have such as poor eyesight, dyslexia and other
challenges that can be overcome. Counseling and
psychological support will also be provided in
schools.
At secondary school level we will
strategically address the issue of school dropouts
and the need for improved performance at the CXC
level on a school by school basis.
TERTIARY EXPANSION LINKED TO ECONOMIC
DIVERSIFICATION
Human development is central to our overall strategy for
sustainable development. In this regard, tertiary
education has been identified consistently as one of the
most important factors in human capital development.
Human capital output at the tertiary level is a major
contributor to economic growth and sustainable
development. Our principal strategy, therefore, in tertiary
education is to expand and develop tertiary education
until we achieve a 60% participation rate, to rationalise
the tertiary sector to avoid duplication, wastage and
needless overlap, to build efficiencies and effectiveness
in the system and to support accountability and synergy
in the sector. Concurrently, we will rationalise
programmes to provide graduates who meet the needs

21

of key development sectors and areas in which the

business community has identified shortages.
Two vital imperatives are necessary strengthening of
the primary and secondary levels to ensure that enough
students are adequately prepared to go on to further
studies and transforming a haphazard and fragmented
tertiary sector into a system.
Twelve thousand (12,000) students take the CXC
examinations every year, half of them secure less than
five (5) CXC passes and an almost equal number also
fail Mathematics and English. The preparation of
students at basic education level, therefore, needs to be
strengthened and performance levels of larger numbers
of students need to be raised, in order to make tertiary
education meaningful to at least 60% of each graduating
cohort.
To address the needs of a diversified group of students
graduating from the secondary system, the tertiary
sector must cater for this diversity in programme
offerings, as well as in learning systems and in teaching
methodology. The fragmented tertiary sector, therefore,
must be rationalised and harmonised into a national
tertiary system and steps must be taken, working with
other countries in the region and with CARICOM to
create a functional and responsive regional tertiary
system.
UWI as a regional institution and UTT and
COSTAATT as national institutions will be central to this
strategy as distinct institutions with different mandates
but collaborative possibilities. Beyond strengthening the
system, emphasis will be placed on linking tertiary
education to a diversifying economy moving in the
direction of service-oriented, knowledge-based and
creative industries.
In fact, we view the throughput from the tertiary sector
as creating a skills and talent pool, which will be
attractive to investment in knowledge-intensive
industries and graduates with the inclination could be
guided into entrepreneurial ventures in the knowledge
sector with appropriate incentives.
Technical and vocational programmes will be integrated
into the sector at post secondary and tertiary levels.
Emphasis will be placed on practice, as well as theory
and tertiary institutions will be encouraged to strengthen
their curricula through service learning and other forms
of out-of classroom learning.
A National Commission for Higher Education will guide
the sector and we will work with CARICOM and other
governments of the region, as well as the Association of
Tertiary Institutions to establish a Regional
Qualifications Framework and to strengthen quality in a
diverse system across the world. We will leverage an
enhanced tertiary system to attract foreign students, and

22

faculty (where appropriate) to deepen the development

of the education sector and to build an enhanced
research capacity to support the development of a
strong knowledge sector and to support the creation of a
national innovation system.
The vision beyond tertiary expansion supported by
GATE is for a diversified economy, a strong knowledge
sector, the proliferation of entrepreneurial initiatives
yielding higher end jobs and a better standard of living.
To this end, a collaborative strategy with the private
sector will be developed to financially support research
and innovation. We will maintain and seek to expand the
free tertiary education programme.
EDUCATION CITY IN ST. AUGUSTINE
The St. Augustine region will be developed as an
integrated centre for academic excellence. We will also
develop this region to provide for the establishment of a
vibrant service sector linked to the academic
community. This will entail facilitating investment in
university-related services, such as publications,
technology parks, internet cafs and a shopping village
plaza specifically geared towards a local and regional
student community.
This region is home to the prestigious University of the
West Indies (UWI), the Hugh Wooding Law School,
Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, the
Cipriani Labour College, the School of Accounting and
Management, the School of Business and Computer
Science and other venerable institutions of higher
learning.
This region will be developed into a university town in
the spirit of Cambridge or Oxford in the United Kingdom
or Ithaca in upstate New York but, of course, as a
Trinidad and Tobago education city with a distinctly
Caribbean flavour. We will establish a policy framework
at the Ministry of Housing to provide subsidies on rent to
all students residing in this region and registered at any
of those tertiary centres. With the collaboration of the
Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) we will
develop a transport shuttle service for all students
coming into this region from the southern and eastern
regions so that your children can be taken safely to and
from rural communities on the weekends.
We will enter into discussions with all institutions for
higher learning to establish a security infrastructure in
this area utilising a partnership between the Trinidad
and Tobago Police Service and the private security
industry (PSI) to provide a comprehensive, well
equipped and strong police presence in this academic
village. Our children and our future leaders must be
nurtured and protected. Our children must not be the
victims of robberies, which are so prevalent today, or
kidnapping. Our children must concentrate on their
books not bandits; they must think of big ideas not big
ransom; they must have dreams not nightmares!

23

GATE
GATE will be expanded and strengthened and made
sustainable to achieve a 60% participation rate at
tertiary level in a diversified range of programmes linked
to skills building, tertiary expansion and diversity of
offerings.
TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL
A large percentage of our workforce is unskilled
(upwards of 60%). A significant portion of our high
school graduates find themselves at a dead end.
Experts indicate that for the 21st century economy we
need to create, we require a broad range of technical
vocational skills and a large number of people in the
workforce attaining at least two more years of education
beyond the secondary school level. We will rationalise
and expand technical/vocational choices for students at
post-secondary and tertiary level and facilitate seamless
movement upwards and across the tertiary system
through a range of people-friendly, worker-friendly
initiatives.

24

HEALTH

TAKING HEALTH CARE TO THE

PEOPLE

The PNM is committed to building for Trinidad & Tobago

a health care delivery system that is modern, efficient,
people-centred and comprehensively customer- based.
Significant strides have already been made in this regard
within the last eight years and we will continue with the
same vigour.

From Conception to Exit

The transformation of the health care sector will continue

to focus on the development of nine core dimensions:
Leadership; Institutional strengthening; Skill development
and availability; Infrastructure and Services of which the
Hospital Strategy is critical; Information and
Communication Technologies; Quality Service; Key
Stakeholder Commitment; Sustainable Financing; and
Continuous Development and Improvement.
Ensuring equity and universal access to health care is a
key public policy of the PNM and to achieve this, we will:
Strengthen our primary health care network in a
sustainable manner. Since 2001, the PNM
Government has been building the infrastructure to
achieve a world class health system. Over the past
two years in particular, we have completed 14 new
primary health care facilities, which will take us to the
2015 target by the end of 2010! Our construction
programme is complemented by our mobile health
caravans in rural communities, thus ensuring fair and
equitable access for all. We have established
voluntary testing, counseling and treatment for
HIV/AIDS patients nationally and strengthened the
immunization, maternal and child health care
programmes. School children are now the
beneficiaries of vision and screening tests in addition
to the provision of hearing aids if required.
Our health care programmes include:
What have these programmes done for you?

Initiation of Point-of-Care Testing. A new initiative

of the PNM is the provision of point-of-care testing
which will allow diagnostic test results to be given to
doctors within half an hour, thereby enhancing patient
management. This is being rolled out nationally.
Acceleration of our Health Education
Programmes. This PNM Government has received
positive international recognition for the Port-of-Spain
Declaration on Non Communicable Diseases
(NCDs). We have introduced Caribbean standards
for Diabetes, Asthma and Hypertension into the
management of our Chronic Disease Programme, as
well as a multisectoral Advisory Committee on Non
Communicable Diseases. We have successfully
passed and implemented the Tobacco Control Act.
We have a policy on healthy eating and have

Health care is a basic right. The economic

development of a country is dependent on the physical
well-being of its citizens your health is your wealth.
We will overcome the human and infrastructural
constraints to the sector, placing emphasis on
wellness and promoting a system which emphasizes
preventative medicine. We shall bring together all the
partners inclusive of practitioners, payers, government
and patients. We shall encourage investments in
health care service delivery. We will establish a
universal, all inclusive, health care insurance system
for citizens.
We Will Ensure First Class Health Care for the
People by:
Re-evaluating and implementing a Professional
Health Care Management System that makes the
best use of existing resources
Following strengthening of delivery, quality and
impact increase the funding of the Public Health
Care Sector beyond the 6% of GDP now allocated
Implementing a country wide Air Ambulance
Service, (to function under the National Helicopter
Service)
Establishing Mobile Diagnostic Testing Units. The
LIFE Fund
Set up a special LIFE Fund for life-saving surgery
for children ($100 million). This fund will be
administered by an independent board in a fair,
equitable, transparent and accountable manner
Private Sector Incentives will be established to
encourage contributions to the LIFE Fund
Establish Partnership Arrangements with foreign
specialist hospitals to facilitate the transfer of
knowledge and technology over time.
Support Patients Rights
Establish a Patients Authority to investigate
allegations of malpractice and patients complaints
Implement the Charter of Patients Rights and
Obligations, to ensure the Rights:
- To be seen within 1 hour of your arrival at any
public health institution, including emergency
rooms.
- To have access to written information for all
recommended investigations, treatment options,
and post-treatment care
- To obtain non-emergency medical and surgical
treatment within 3 months from the time of
diagnosis
- To file a complaint to the Patients Authority and
receive satisfactory redress within 60 days - To

25

engaged the major stakeholders in promoting a

healthy lifestyle. In the next 5 years we will
specifically focus on establishing healthy public
policies on issues such as workplace wellness,
smoking cessation, healthy foods, and violence and
injury prevention, while deepening and widening our
school health programme.
Human resource development programmes for
the public health sector, geared towards attracting
and retaining local talent and continuously training
local resources to better serve the needs of the
population. Progress in this area has already been
achieved through bursaries/scholarships, seminars,
workshops and conferences, as well as
technical assistance from the Pan American Health
Organization. So far we have increased the number
of nurses trained to almost 2,000, and raised the
intake of medical interns by 156%.

Institutional strengthening, with emphasis on

accountability and performance measurement for the
Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities. A
Five Year Business Plan is in place for the transformation
of the Health Sector from 2008 to 2013. Training and
organizational development activities and an IT plan for
the development of Health Information Systems are also
ongoing. We have invested $65 million in computer
hardware for the public health sector, which will lead to
new positive experiences in health care delivery.
Build and strengthen our clinical
programmes, including:
Chronic Disease Assistance Programme
(CDAP) through which citizens are provided with
medication free of charge for the treatment of several
diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiac
disease, depression, glaucoma and others. 575,000
people have benefitted from our free medication (CDAP)
service up to the end of 2009, with 255 participating
pharmacies, 51 drugs available, and 11 chronic diseases
covered.
Adult Cardiac Programme, developed to assist
those unable to afford cardiac procedures. In 2009 alone,
almost 1,000 free cardiac procedures were performed.
School Health Programme, through which over
13,000 students received hearing screening and 30,000
students received vision screening.
Free Surgery Programme, which has reduced
the backlog of patients and has significantly reduced
the waiting time for surgery. The programme includes
cataract surgery, fibroid embolization, orthopaedic
surgery, prostate surgery, kidney stone removal,
haemorrhoid removal, and knee and hip replacements,
as well as diagnostic procedures such as

choose approved alternative medical treatments

within public health institutions.
Improve Physical Infrastructure of Public Health
Care Facilities
Construct new hospitals in the catchment areas of
Point Fortin, Arima and Chaguanas and its environs
and to upgrade and modernize the Caura Hospital
Complete construction of Scarborough Hospital
Upgrade the Port of Spain, San Fernando and
Sangre Grande Regional Hospitals and the Arima
Health Facility
Fast track completion of Burns Unit at the San
Fernando General Hospital and Oncology Centre
at Mount Hope
Ensure Patient-Friendly physical facilities equipped
with state-of-the-art medical equipment
Upgrade the Childrens Unit at Mount Hope
Hospital.
Improve the Operation of Community Health
Centres by:
Establishing a National Nurses hotline (24/7)
Extending opening hours
Integrating social services with the health services
Providing community-based specialist clinics,
screening programs and multidisciplinary teams to
provide holistic care
Providing free medication and glucose testing
instruments and supplies including insulin
injections
Establishing preventative health care wellness
centres
Upgrading district health facilities with special
emphasis on remote areas
Expanding and integrating the use of midwifery in
the community health systems to provide wider and
better neonatal and antenatal care.
Lifelong Commitment to Health
Implement Accreditation Standards for the Health
Sector to improve quality and strengthen systems
Set standards and targets for outsourced
medicalservices and facilities
Improve capacity within the Ministry of Health to
communicate the plans and operations of
the Public Health Care Sector to the general public
Develop a policy to promote healthier
lifestyles, with emphasis on sport, nutrition and
exercise to tackle the growing problems of obesity,
diabetes and hypertension and HIV/AIDS
Emphasize early diagnostic screening
Improve benefits to Health Care Workers by:
- Upgrading benefits offered to nurses and allied
health care professionals which would encourage
them to remain within the public sector
- Providing certified customer service training to
health care workers.

26

Echocardiograms, CTScans, Angiograms, X-Rays,

Ultrasound and MRIs.
Medical Aid programme, which provides
financial assistance to the elderly, children and other
financially challenged persons. In 2009 alone, medical
aid grants were given to over 2,000 persons. Access to
modern cancer treatment for hundreds of our citizens is
also provided through this programme.
Renal Dialysis programme, providing life saving
services at both public and private institutions. A contract
has been awarded to a private hospital to build, operate
and transfer two 200-bed dialysis centres, in North and
South Trinidad.
Organ Transplant Programme, which is accessed every
year by hundreds of people. In 2009 alone, 14 kidney
transplants and 31 surgical fistulae access
for haemodialysis were performed.
Oncology programme The National
Radiotherapy Centre has been modernized and now
provides radiation and chemotherapy services to our
cancer patients. The National Oncology Centre, which is
to be located at Mt. Hope, is out for tender.
The PNM will capitalize on these achievements and
work assiduously on its key long term priorities for the
health sector, including:
A 10-Year National Hospital Construction
Programme. New hospitals will be built in Arima, Sangre
Grande and Point Fortin. The Port of Spain General
Hospital will be rebuilt and two new hospitals will be
established from the reorganization and conversion of the
Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre. A new San
Fernando General Hospital will be constructed at a new
location along the Solomon Hochoy Highway, to serve
South and Central Trinidad.

Responding to Chronic Diseases,

Cardiovascular,Cancer, Diabetes and HIV/AIDS:

Wide scale public education program to reduce the

incidence of Chronic Diseases
Provide free care and treatment,
including counselling services for persons with
Chronic Diseases
Establish workplace policies with respect
to Chronic Diseases with a focus on care for
the aged
Strengthen implementation of the national HIV/
AIDS policy
Develop culturally relevant public
sensitization programmes designed to change
behaviour and lifestyles and eliminate fear of
Chronic Diseases
Collaborate with NGOs and Faith-Based
Organizations in care programs
Establish the National Aids Coordinating
Committee (NACC) as a Statutory Authority
Strengthen the system of preventative care and
early detection throughout the school system
Review progress on the Oncology Centre with a
view to establishing a fully functioning entity within
the first term of office.

Responding to the Mental Health Crisis

Mental Health Care will be incorporated into all
levels of the Health Care System
Emphasis will be placed on reintegration of former
patients into Society
The St. Anns Mental Hospital will be upgraded.

The EHealth Card. A key enabler of the NHS is

the eHealth card. This card will give users access to
a secure online system, containing patient
demographics, accounting information and medical
records The introduction of the eHealth card will be pilot
tested in Siparia, St, Joseph, St. James, Morvant, Oxford
Street, San Fernando, Chaguanas and Canaan, Tobago
and with a continuous roll out thereafter.
The National Health System. The PNM Government will
commence the implementation of its National
Health System within the next 5 years. The State will
maintain financial responsibility for the provision of an
essential basket of services to all citizens and ultimately
every citizen will be able to exercise their choice of heath
care provider, whether in the public or private sector.

27

SOCIAL SERVICES

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

OUR VISION IS TO CONTINUE TO ERADICATE

POVERTY AND CREATE A MORE
EQUITABLE INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

Every Human Being is Important

Under successive PNM Governments this nation has

experienced improved delivery of social services to
vulnerable citizens. The PNM, through a careful
understanding of our society, has sought to improve the
quality of life of citizens on the margins due to illness,
disabilities, social circumstances and poverty. The
PNM Government has embarked on a series of
social sector interventions.
What have these interventions done for you?
TACKLING POVERTY
The Targeted Conditional Cash Transfer
Programme (TCCTP) aims to eradicate poverty by
offsetting the effects of high food prices among the
poorest members of society. Further, its conditions
encourage recipients family members to pursue
personal development and to ensure that
their childrens wellbeing and education are given
priority. The TCCTP was launched in 2006 and
since then, over 32,000 persons have benefited.
The Establishment of Social Displacement
Centres, including those at Piparo and at Riverside
Plaza, Port of Spain, has created safe and civilized
spaces for the socially displaced and has reduced
the number of these persons returning to live on
the streets.
The Poverty Reduction Programme aims at
helping families to emerge from a life of poverty
permanently. Relevant community based projects
are assessed and monitored through the 14
Regional Social and Human Development Councils
(RHSDC) in each of the municipal areas of the
country.
The Micro Enterprise Training and development
Grant (MEG) assists needy clients incuding
victims of domestic violence, probationers and
welfare recipients - to undertake small business
ventures or engage in skills training. The
Programme also provides grants to Community
Based Organisations (CBOs) to conduct skill
development projects to carefully targeted
individuals.
The Micro Enterprise Loan Facility (MEL) is
available to persons who have accessed the MEG
and require additional assistance to invest in their
micro-enterprise to help grow and sustain their
business venture.
The Multipurpose Community Based Telecentres
provide training and are used for a number of

Mutually agreed policy positions on important issues of

concern to all citizens are absolutely necessary to
provide the basis for the development and
implementation of a new plan of action for the
governance and development of Trinidad & Tobago, and
its people regardless of race, religion, gender, age,
geographical location, sector, or party affiliation.

AGING POPULATION: LIFE BEGINS AT 60

A fair deal for older people

There must therefore be a social security system
that guarantees to retired persons a decent life. We owe
it to our seniors to reward them for their contribution to
our nation.
Our Government will:
Protect the rights of the Elderly. Provide incentives
for medical students to specialize in Geriatric
Medicine to care for our aging population in Trinidad
& Tobago.
Develop school-based programmes to
promote interaction between the young and the
elderly in their communities.
- Reinstatement of the Old Age Pension
Act. Pensions must be an entitlement and not
a grant.
- Pension laws must be amended to provide for the
national and regional portability of pension
benefits and for improved pension benefits.
- Remove all restrictions and qualifications
for people to receive an Old Age Pension
and thus every citizen will automatically receive a
State-funded Old Age Pension upon
the attainment of pensionable age.
- Increase the value of the monthly old
aged pension entitlement to $3,000.

28

purposes such as research, and social networking

and e-mailing activities that are important to
sustainable micro businesses.
The Social Services Grants seek to assist
underprivileged members of society, by providing
financial support to citizens who are unable to earn
a living, persons who are unable to work or have
little means of financial support and guardians of
children with special needs. Such
programmes include Public assistance, Disability
assistance and Senior Citizens Grant (Old Age
Pension). These funds go a long way to ensure
these families eat nutritious meals daily and have
basic needs met.
The Senior Citizens Grant (formerly the Old
Age Pension) provides relief to those of our senior
citizens who have limited income or no income at
all. Since December 2001, the PNM has increased
this Grant by over 200%, from $800 per month in
2001 to the current level in May 2010 of $2,500 per
month. The latest increase from $1,950 to $2,500
per month represents an increase of almost 30%.

Over the last 8 years, we have also increased the

National Insurance Pension by 100% from $1,000 to
$2,000, and increased the combined income from NIS
and the Senior Citizens Grant from $1,800 in 2001 to
$3,550 per month in 2010, or an increase of almost
100%. The minimum public service pension will now
also be increased to $2,500, consistent with PNM
policy. These substantial increases are testimony to the
caring nature of the PNM.
This will never change.
BUILDING OUR NATION
The following is a summary of some of our core social
services interventions:
The Targeted Conditional Cash Transfer
Programme (TCCTP), which aims at helping
households address vulnerabilities and achieve
sustainable livelihoods. For the conditional
component of this programme, focus is on building
skills and training programmes.
Social Displacement Centres have been
established at Piparo the New Horizons Centre
and in Port of Spain The Centre for Socially
Displaced Persons at Riverside Plaza.
Beneficiaries of the Micro Enterprise Training and
development Grant (MEG) include victims of
domestic violence, probationers and welfare
recipients.
Beneficiaries of the Micro Enterprise Loan Facility
(MEL) include micro-entrepreneurs, unemployed
persons and recipients of Public assistance.

29

CHILDREN: RIGHTS AND PROTECTION

Children are the World
Our Government will:
Implement the provisions of the Childrens Act and
operationalize the Childrens Authority.
Train more pediatricians and make their services
more available in the public health care system.
Increase measures for early identification and
treatment of HIV infected children.
Strengthening NGOs at the community level to
enable them to provide adequate support for
intervention with Central and Local Government.
There is a need to create facilities for displaced youth
and youth at risk. No child below the age of sixteen
shall be incarcerated for minor offenses.
Review the National Youth Policy and strengthen it
for currency and value to youth and for youth
inclusion.

EQUITABLE SOCIETY

EMPOWERING THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED

We recognize the differently-abled as possessing

potential which should be developed for the wellbeing of
the individual and the entire nation. We will fully
integrate persons with disabilities into the society and
provide the highest standards of specialized education,
health care and social services to assist them to achieve
personal independence, reach their fullest potential and
enjoy a decent standard of living. In this regard, our
Government will collaborate with NGOs, FBOs and the
private sector to deliver programmes to address the
needs of the differently-abled.
Our Government will:
Ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy full
equality, especially in the areas of education, (for
example facilities including access to classrooms,
washrooms, seating, etc.) employment and
accessibility to sites, buildings, services, and land, air
and sea transportation.
The necessary regulatory legislative framework shall
be established to ensure equal access to all public
spaces and to ensure equity in employment
opportunities.
Institute a regime of tax concessions on devices and
apparatus used by the disabled.
We will also revise the disability grant with a view to
increasing benefits.
We will enhance the support systems for families
which have to care for differently abled members.

Under the purview of the Ministry of Social

Development, the Disability Affairs Unit promotes
programmes, practices and attitudes which
encourage the full inclusion of persons with
disabilities (PWDs) in all spheres of life; sensitises
the public about issues pertaining to PWDs; and
provides technical support for physically challenged
persons and their families.
In 2009, 19 special accessible buses were
operating in Trinidad and two in Tobago. These
buses are specially equipped for the use of and
access by PWDs. Additionally, in every regular bus,
four seats are reserved for PWDs.
The minimum wage was enforced in order to
further promote equity within our country.
The disability grant was increased to $800 per
month, with a reduction in the minimum age for
recipients to 18 years, and the public assistance
grant was increased to $1,090 per month for a
family of

GENDER EQUITYAND GENDER

MAINSTREAMING
30

Our vision for gender affairs is

that all citizens are included in national socioeconomic
development that there are no barriers to opportunities
because of gender The PNM Governments focus on
culture is in recognition of the important role that culture
plays in nation building, patriotism and self expression.
The diversity of our culture is unique and has great
socio-economic potential. The emergence of new art
forms as a result of this diversity has proven to be an
emerging source of revenue and new innovative
products and services. The aim is create the facilitating
environment and support systems that with assist this
sector to grow and develop as a new source of
revenue, sustainable employment and academic/artistic
training.
The PNM Government understands the role that
communities play in nation building. Living in
communities requires that we act as our neighbours
keeper, the community must be a place that brings out
the best of our values, and they represent the
environment where we want to live, nurture
and recreate.
Ensuring that all citizens participate in
national development is critical to the gender
framework. There will be no barriers to opportunities
based on gender. The Ministry of Community
Development, Culture and Gender Affairs leads in the
effective delivery of initiatives with other key institutions
as the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Intellectual
Property Office, and Tobago House of Assembly
through a number of initiatives including: Development
and Expansi on of the Export Centres Academies for
the Performing Arts Support for the Carnival and
other festivals Establishment of new
museums Refurbishment of Theatres and Performing
Arts Centres Support to Indigenous groups and
cultural orgainsations Tobago
Heritage Festival Construction of Community Centres
What have these interventions done for you?
STATUS OF WOMEN IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF VISION 2020.
The status of women in Trinidad and Tobago
compares favourably with many middle income
developing nations. The equal rights of men and
women are guaranteed under the 1976 Republican
Constitution and the PNM Government remains
committed to promoting gender equity and equality.
The overarching National Policy Framework is Vision
2020. Gender equality was identified as integral to this
process.
In the United Nations 2009 Gender Empowerment
Measure (GEM), Trinidad & Tobago appears at number
14 among the 195 Nations of the World. The Global
Economic Forum Report for 2008 and 2009 has ranked
Trinidad and Tobago at position 19 in its Gender
Empowerment Index. This is the highest rank for any

Here Every Gender, Creed and Race

Find an Equal Place
Our vision is to create a more gender sensitive society
with a greater awareness of womens issues and rights.
We will shape public policy and implement practices
which are gender-sensitive. Our Government will:
Champion the elimination of all forms
of discrimination against women by promoting gender
equity enforced by strong Equal Opportunities
Legislation and informed by a National Gender
Policy.
Ensure that the language of all legislation and public
documents is gender-sensitive.
Champion the rights of women and mandate that
women be adequately represented in the boards of
all state-related entities and as commissioners in all
statutory authorities.
Pursue policies to allow women to have
flexible working hours in recognition of the dual
burden of women at home and at the workplace.
We will enact legislation which makes it mandatory
for all public and private enterprises to have private
spaces which are available to mothers who are
nursing their children.
Enact specific legislation to combat
sexual harassment in the workplace, enforced by a
Sexual Harassment Commission attached to the
Ministry of Labour. Public and private corporations
will be held responsible for failure to take adequate
steps to protect employees from sexual harassment.
Champion legislation with particular relevance to
womens needs including equal pay for equal work;
equal opportunity in the workplace; and universal
maternity benefits.
Provide required resources to the
Labour Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labour
to eliminate exploitation of women in the workplace
and to promote decent work and work conditions with
appropriate pay.
Strengthen legislation relating to domestic abuse and
other forms of violence against women and children;
health and safety issues; access to premium health
care; antenatal care; and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Promote legislative and cultural reform to ensure that
men are protected from abuse as effectively as
women.
Implementation of a comprehensive programme of
services to protect victims of domestic violence
including:
Resurrection and revitalization of the Community
Policing Section. - Maintenance of homes for
battered and abused women and children in a
similar manner to assistance provided to
drug prevention and rehabilitation matters. Revamping the Domestic Violence Unit within the
Gender Affairs Division. - Increase the number of

31

country in this Region. Other significant achievements

in this area include:
The advancement of gender sensitive institutional
arrangements, e.g. PNM Governments tax
incentive of $500,000 for the provision of child care
facilities at the worksite and child care facility at the
Ministry of the Attorney General
Introduction of gender aware facilities within
public and private buildings i.e baby changing
areas in public rest-rooms and breast-feeding
areas at job sites e.g Ministry of Finance .
The development of programmes aimed at
increasing understanding of the value of housework
and other forms of unremunerated work, e.g. the
Food Preparation, Fine Dining and Home
Management course for males by the Gender
Affairs Division.
Commitment to greater levels of gender balance
in power and decision-making at all levels and
sectors, including Governmental bodies. Increased
appointment of females to State and Para-State
Boards.
Trinidad and Tobago has a solid legal
framework supporting gender and workplace
issues, including laws relating to Sexual Offences,
Minimum Wages, Counting of Unwaged Work and
Maternity Protection. Among recent legislation are
the following:
The Occupational Safety and Health Amendment
Act of 2006;
The Homes for Older Persons Act of 2007,
The International Child Abduction Act 2008,
and the Children Authority Amendment Act, 2008.
Womens overall participation in national leadership
and decision-making has increased. In fact,
womens political participation is currently at a
historical high, closely approaching and in most
instances outstripping international benchmarks.
Trinidad and Tobagos current situation as reported
by the United Nations Human Development Report
2009 is as follows:
Seats in Parliament held by women 33% Women in
Ministerial positions 36% Female legislators, senior
officials and managers 43%
Female professional and technical workers 53%
Women have held many non-traditional
portfolios, including Deputy Speaker of the House
of Representatives; Attorney General and Minister
of Finance. Women have also acted as President and
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Employment among women has grown. The
labour force registered 628, 400 persons at the end
of the 4th quarter 2006, representing 353,000 men
and 236,900 women. As a result of the solid macroeconomic management, womens employment
status has been improving overall.
Enrolment and success rates at both secondary

domestic violence safe houses and apartments to

house victims of domestic violence. - Create a
special department in the Legal Aid Services to
attend to domestic violence victims seeking
protection. Strengthen the social service delivery
sector to protect womens rights and enhance
womens welfare.
Establish Maternal Health and Support Units at every
public health facility in a decentralized health system
to provide information and education on the causes,
symptoms, treatment and prevention of all diseases
and illnesses that affect women. Services will include
screening, treatment, medication and counselling
for gender specific physical and mental illnesses.
Establish a regular mobile clinic programme to reach
women in rural communities. Review of the
curriculum to provide education, awareness, support
and guidance to young persons, particularly girls, on
reproductive health and life decisions. Develop
lifestyle campaigns to achieve healthy lifestyles, to
fight social ills including drugs, HIV/ AIDS and
domestic violence amongst others.
Establish special programmes through the Gender
Affairs Division and in collaboration with other
organizations for women to develop and enhance
their leadership skills and qualities.
Develop male-specific training and
employment programmes especially in at-risk
communities.
Revise the mandate of the Gender Affairs Division to
serve also as a monitoring unit for the implementation
of gender-specific initiatives, conduct gender
research and to develop measures to address
emerging challenges.
Conduct gender-disaggregated studies of youth
employment which assist planners in job creation for
boys/men and girls/women as alternative to idleness,
deviant behaviour, or criminal employment. These
findings should also be used to guide to curriculum
development.
Day care centres will be made an essential element
of all Government work places and tax incentives
shall be provided to the private sector to achieve
same.

32

and tertiary levels have shown significantly higher

levels for females. At the secondary level, the 2007
CXC and CAPE results have shown females have
outperforming boys in all areas except
Mathematics. At the tertiary level, the past five
years have seen a steady increase of females in
traditionally male-dominated areas like law,
medicine and engineering. In 2008, of the
10,740 students registering, 66.2% were female.
There is increased access to health care
services, including testing for HIV/ AIDS and other
lifestyle diseases i.e Prevention of Mother to Child
HIV/AIDS Transmission Programme, in which free
Anti-retroviral treatment is given to pregnant HIV
positive women.
The Women in Harmony Programme, was
designed to address unemployment among women
between the ages of 26 and 45 who are single
heads of household with low/no skills and income.
An onsite child care component was also added to
the Programme, The Non-Traditional Skills Training
Programme for Women also provides
technical/vocational training in several areas. This
has resulted in an increase in the number of
women employed in the construction industry
and others.

SPORT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS OUR VISION

RECOGNISES AND EMBRACES SPORT AS A
POWERFUL TOOL FOR PROMOTING GOOD
HEALTH, DEEPENING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND
NATIONAL PRIDE, AND CREATING VIABLE
BUSINESSES.
FOCUS ON YOUTH
Our youth is our future. Your PNM Government
has focused attention on this crucial sector, with an
emphasis on helping At Risk Youth. Here are some
examples. The National Life Skills Curriculum for
Personal Development and Employment Enhancement
focuses on the personal and social development of our
nations youth and is designed to prepare them to
function more effectively within professional and social
settings.
The period of July 1st to August 12th was
designated National Youth Month. Activities
included: Bring a Youth to Work, Business Persons
Forum, Elect a Youth, National Youth Rally and
more.
The National Youth Awards, held on August 12th
2009, recognised youths who have excelled at
various vocations. A National Youth Survey was
also launched to determine the motivations,
interests, passion and needs of young people, with
particular reference to At Risk Youth. The Youth
Resources for Implementing
Successful Enterprises (YouthRISE), is another
programme which seeks to help at risk youth with

NATIONAL YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Tell me I forget; show meI remember, but involve
me and I will understand.
In an effort to harness the energy,
imagination, intelligence and initiative of the youth in
Trinidad and Tobago in overcoming the challenges
facing them and our society, we will:
Recognise youth as an important partner in its social
development programmes in Trinidad & Tobago
Review and amend the National Youth Policy (NYP)
to make it relevant today (given that it was drafted in
2001) and implement it in such a manner that all
stakeholders who interface with young people are
guided by it
Create a National Task Force that will research and
investigate a range of issues that affect youth which
will serve as an advisory body of the National Youth
Assembly. This Task Force will also review all
relevant legislation that treat with children and youth
and make recommendations for the creation of
alternative approaches/spaces to address the needs
of delinquent youth
Recognise youth as leaders today through action;
appointments to decision-making bodies of
government and visible respect will be afforded to the
leadership of legitimate youth organisations.
Create community-based programmes
that encourage and empower social workers
and psychologists who will be responsible for
smaller, manageable areas/communities to

33

their personal and social development. It provides a

package of viable options to support business start
up and self employment.
The Specialised Youth Service Programmes
(SYSP) under the stewardship of the Trinidad
and Tobago Defence Force and including the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), The Youth
Programme for Apprenticeship and Reorientation
Training (MY PART) and the Academic Training
Programme (MILAT), all seek to help at risk youth
with personal and social development.
Youth employment remains a priority of the PNM
Government. Thousands benefitted
from Scheduled Programmes such as the
Youth Training and Employment Partnership
Programme (YTEPP); the Multi Sector Skills
Programme (MuST); the Helping Youth Prepare for
Employment (HYPE) Programme; and
the Retraining Programme (MSTTE).
Furthermore, the On the Job Training programme
provides over 6,000 youths per year with hands on
experience in the world of work. The
Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture
(YAPA) even offers career training in this vital field.

CULTURE
What have these interventions done for you?

Development and Expansion of the Export Centres

These Centres serve as an avenue for young
entrepreneurs to develop new products in the craft
industry and facilitate export. It is a particularly
attractive area for niche craft products as home
furnishings, textiles, leather craft and natural
jewelry.
Refurbishment of Theatre and performing art
centres venues as the Queens Hall and the little
Carib Theatre are being upgraded and refurbished
to provide modern facilities for the performing arts
community. These facilities are available to the arts
community for local and international productions.
Academies for the Performing Arts Two state
of the art Performing Academies are being
constructed; the North Academy was opened in
November 2009 while work on the South Academy
is ongoing. These Academies offer international
standard facilities that will attract both local and
international performers. They will also act
as institutions for learning in the area of performing
arts to be delivered by the University of Trinidad
and Tobago.
Support to Indigenous groups and cultural
orgainisations financial and technical support are
given to ensure the preservation of our native
peoples and our cultural
history.
Support for the Carnival and other festivals the

provide support services to youth

Faith-based and community youth
organisations actively engaged in value-creating
community work will be supported by the state to
achieve desirable goals
Facilitate and promote the notion of youth
entrepreneurship in schools, communities and
nationally

EMBRACING THE ARTS

Man Cannot Live by Bread Alone
A nation cannot seek its development exclusively in
political and economic matters. We believe that it is in
the arts that the spirit of our people emerges and that
the possibilities inherent in artistic endeavour need to be
nurtured. A cultural environment that frees up our
people for creative expression will strengthen national
identity, without in any way, stifling individual expression
and diversity.
We will develop this vital sector on the following pillars:
Respect the work of our creative people
Use the arts to strengthen our national identity and to
foster the spirit of unity in diversity
Generate sustainable livelihood for persons directly
involved in the arts
Allow for the sharing of our creative products and
talents with the rest of the world
To achieve this we will:
1. Create a clear policy for the arts
2. Create decentralised spaces for the expression and
performance of the arts
3. Facilitate the establishment of festival villages.
4. Provide fiscal incentives for the promotion of the
arts
5. Strengthen the enforcement of the copyright laws
6. Establish an independent body for the endowment
of the arts to give financial and other support to
individual artists, artistic organizations, productions

34

diversity of ours festivals gives opportunity to

effectively showcase to national, regional and
international communities our talent and history.
Effective marketing and delivery of a world class
tourism and business product is supported by the
PNM Government.
Tobago Heritage Festival the unique culture of
Tobago is supported and showcased as a world
class festival, nurturing traditions as well as serving
as an emerging and sustainable tourism product.
Establishment of new museums, historical sites
Storage of historical artifacts, and recoding our rich
history ensures that we develop pride in our
nations past and preserves this history for future
generations.
Construction of Community Centres to create a
neutral space for members of the community to
meet, learn, and recreate.

7.
8.

9.

10.
11.
12.

13.

and festivals
Make cultural promotion an essential function of
Overseas Missions
Support the development of a network of
community museums, equipped with
efficient systems for archiving and protecting our
legacy of artefacts, documents, buildings, and
cultural skills, both traditional and new
Enhance training of arts administrators, curators,
art historians, archivists, and tutors, creative and
technical practitioners. The schools curricula will
be revised to recognise and include exposure to
the plastic and performing arts, the history,
development and practices of our local traditions
Facilitate research and development of the arts
Encourage the financial sector to introduce a
window for the development of the arts
Enhance and facilitate the environment through
which there is reciprocity between local and foreign
art forms
Work with the sector to develop Business
opportunities and partnerships and to channel
investments

Culture
Release for public comment on the Draft National
Cultural Policy, which will regulate the cultural sector,
creating protocols for relationships between the
ministry and representative groups, policy for arts
institution and funding for the sector, amongst other
things
The proper resourcing of Trinidad & Tobago Film
Company and the T&T entertainment Company
A percentage of National Lottery money will be
directed towards a transparent grant scheme
administered by a properly constituted Foundation for
Arts.
Ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the
Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural
Expressions (2005) and the Convention for the
safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
(2003).
The National Instrument / The Steelband
Movement
In collaboration with Pan Trinbago, Inc. and the steelpan
fraternity we will :
Establish a viable steelpan industry/pan factory using
local expertise and knowledge, including the
manufacturing of drums for the specific purpose of
producing the national instrument
Establish a chrome and powder coating facility
Facilitate on going research and development
programmes on the steelpan
Upgrade of tuning facilities to support and expand the
current cadre of tuners and pan builders through
training and mechanisation.

35

 Encourage the establishment of a cooperative type

business venture for persons in the steelpan
fraternity
Complete the construction of the National
Headquarters for Pan Trinbago, Inc. at the Trincity
site and develop the site in collaboration with Pan
Trinbago

SPORT AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

Our Vision Recognises And Embraces Sport As A
Powerful Tool For Promoting Good Health, Deepening
Community Spirit And National Pride, And Creating
Viable Businesses.

Specific policies have been designed for identifying

and honing world class athletes for this countrys
representation at international level.
Your PNM Government envisions a youth sector
that is healthy, knowledgeable and skilled,
possessing positive values and participating in all
aspects of national development.

What have our interventions done for you?

During 2009, the PNM Government continued its
initiative to foster a sports culture in order to provide
citizens with sporting and recreational opportunities.
Sporting and Recreational Activities we
have upgrading sporting infrastructure at the
community level and increasing the range of
sporting programmes. In just the last two years
alone, we have constructed 17 new Community
Recreation Grounds, 12 Hard Courts and
13 Lighted Jogging tracks.
The Elite Athletes Assistance Programme
(EAAP) increased the success rate of our athletes
at international competitions. In 2008, 22 athletes
under the EAAP qualified for and competed at the
2008 Beijing Olympics in the Sporting areas of
Athletics, Swimming, Rifle Shooting and Table
Tennis.
Development of regional and sub-regional
grounds 15 sub-regional grounds and 5 Regional
Grounds will attain international standards - cricket
and football fields, a jogging track, a pavilion and
floodlighting and many other facilities. Over 200
other recreation grounds and community facilities
all over Trinidad and Tobago will be upgraded to
first-class standards in our next term.
Community Programmes The Learn to Swim
Programme encompassed 71 Schools nationwide.
The Women and Girls in Sport Festival was held
in March 2009. This pioneering festival drew
approximately 840 women and girls to participate.
Health and Physical Education Curriculum
To encourage success at International Games, a
Task Force has been established to develop talent
from primary participation up to the elite. A
Preliminary Report has been submitted to the Task
Force.

SPORTS AND RECREATION FOR LEISURE

AND COMPETITION
Developing a Fit and Healthy Nation
Trinidad and Tobago is a sport-oriented society which
must be recognised as an essential aspect to the
development of our social and human capital. We
believe sports can form the foundation of a thriving
industry and be an important component in the
diversification of the economy.
We will:
Develop Our People through Sport
Sport is integral to the promotion of healthy lifestyles
of our People
Sport will be an integral part of curriculum from Early
Childhood to Secondary
Implement Policies to develop both recreational and
competitive dimensions of Sport for all levels of
individual ability
Create an environment in which citizens of all ages
are encouraged to participate in sport, whether
recreational or competitive
Mandate implementing agencies of the Ministry of
Sport to seek and develop linkages with external
bodies, including academic institutions, sports
academies and sports clubs and teams to provide
greater opportunities for our upcoming athletes to
hone their skills
The Ministry of Trade will work with sporting
associations to encourage sportsmen and
sportswomen to take advantage of various trade
agreements, which afford them greater access to
foreign markets.
Sport as an Industry Making Sport Self-Sufficient
Facilitate research and development in sports
science
Develop a National Sport Policy with rewards and
incentives based on meritocracy with reference to
working documents laid in Parliament
Enhance regional sporting events in areas such as
football, cricket, boxing, golf, swimming, fishing and
auto racing to build tourism sport industry
Encourage individuals to pursue sports medicine,
including psychology and physiotherapy
The development of our growing sports tourism
industry will be a priority
Sporting Facilities

36

Tobago has embarked on a number of new

projects, including such competitions as the
Tobago Primary School Relay Festival, Tobago
Primary School Tennis Championship, Tobago
Primary School Mini Volley Ball Championship,
Sport Aid Grant for Schools, Tobago Secondary
School Relay Festival and the Tobago Secondary
School Tennis Championship.
World Class Sporting Facilities By constructing a
sporting infrastructure capable of hosting
international events, the country will reap direct
economic benefits and enhance its image as a
global destination. A programme to establish such
facilities was initiated in 2008. The
PNM Government approved the construction of the
National Aquatic Centre at Mt. Hope, National
Tennis Centre at Tacarigua and National Cycle
Track at Mucurapo. Construction is anticipated to
commence in 2010.

NOTHING ON LABOUR EXCEPT SINGLE

REFERENCE TO OSHA

Establish sporting academies to optimise the training

of our sportsmen and women
Provide first-class training and management skills for
our national coaches and sports managers in all
disciplines
Channel the best sporting individuals from the
schools into the sport academies
Key sporting facilities will be maintained and
managed by cubs/associations
Design state-of-the-art facilities, such as swimming
pools, and other summer sport to attract athletes
from North America and Europe to rent our facilities
during winter months
Competitive sport and sports facilities will
be managed and administered by
independent national sporting organisations (NSOs)
within each community in accordance with
national sports policy
NSOs to be registered with the Ministry of Sport

WORKERS AT THE CENTRE

Working to Build a Productive Nation
Labour within Trinidad and Tobago should be organised
as a positive force for economic development. We will
partner with labour unions to work beyond the frontiers
of traditional collective bargaining of higher wages and
better working conditions. These considerations,
important in themselves, must be seen within the
framework of workers taking up their responsibility to
participate in decision-making and control at the level of
the firm, as well as the national level. The major
emphasis of organised labour then, would be the
economic development of country, ensuring this
development so that workers rights can be protected
and their conditions improved. We further declare that
there should be decent jobs and job security for all. In
this regard, the following general principles should be
adhered to.
Achieving a more equitable distribution of wealth
Ensure that the objective of decent work,
which includes the right to join a trade union and
the right to collective bargaining, focusing
especially on workers in the security sector, fast
food industry, retail sales and those employed
by contractors, who are particularly at risk,
benefit from a more equitable position of wealth
Adhere to the general objectives of the ILO position
on Decent Work

PROPOSALS
Amendments Will Be Made to the Industrial Relations
Act (IRA)
The existing legislation is severely limited and will be

37

reviewed with the intention of striking an appropriate

balance between all the parties involved, ensuring that
necessary action is taken within an
appropriate timeframe.
Two matters need to be clearly addressed with urgency:
i) The right of workers to join a trade union of their
choice is to be enforced and protected
ii) Currently the status of certain classes of workers,
(including domestic workers, gardeners, amongst
others) is not fully protected. The rights of these
workers require legislative attention and this will be
done
Process of Decertification of Trade Unions
This extreme provision is to be removed and replaced
with more equitable measures to ensure that infractions
by parties are dealt with more objectively.
Appointment of Judges to the Industrial Court Will Be in
Keeping with the Following Principles
The need for an independent Judiciary
Removal of ministerial/political interference in the
process of appointment of judges
The need for security of tenure for judges to ensure
fearless Judiciary
The following pieces of legislation will be reviewed for
improvements, commensurate with a modern,
enlightened society.
Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act
Companies Act
Repeal of Workmens Compensation Act
Occupational Safety and Health Act
Supplemental Police Act
Maternity and Paternity Protection
The Maternity Protection Act, 1/2000 will be amended
to provide for 14 weeks maternity leave the
international standard
Provisions for paternity leave will be made
The Minimum Wage
The minimum wage will be reviewed for appropriate
improvement
The minimum Wages board will be appointed without
delay
Unions will be engaged to play a constructive role in
productivity and competitiveness
The Master and Servants Ordinance, which is an old
colonial law, and contrary to the Decent Work policy of
the International Labour Organisation, will be repealed.
Migrant Labour
Implement a proper policy on migrant labour
Establish an authority to monitor migrant labour
Ensure that migrant Labour is not to be used to the
disadvantage of local labour

38

MANAGING OUR ENVIRONMENT

There Can Be No Sustainable Development without Respect for the
Environment
We recognise that the environment, in all its dimensions is an issue that encompasses
across ministries, and society. As a result, an individual ministry should be set up to
treat with issues related to the environment as opposed to its current status as
an appendage to another ministry. It must be central to sustainable human
development.
We need to review the approved National Environmental Policy (NEP) integrating its
various dimensions to conform to international commitments, including Copenhagen.
We shall effectively utilise the Green Fund for the restoration of areas that have been
damaged by poor and dangerous practices of development and to strengthen
community-based environmental projects. This is to be administered by an
independent body with well defined and publicised criteria for the disbursement of
funds.
Our government will discourage the development of any industry that threatens the
environment to the detriment of human development. Additionally, we will heed the
concerns of our citizens as related to environmental issues. We will introduce the
Planning and Development of Land Bill (PDLB) with appropriate adjustments as may
be required, to govern land use planning and development so that development can
take place in a coherent and sustainable manner and housing development will be
located within the context of the land use plan. This will also mean that land suitable
for agriculture and food production will be identified and that areas requiring protection
for environmental or ecological reasons will be clearly designated
We shall create an action plan for sewage treatment and clean water for all, as
well as immediately lay in Parliament the Draft Air Pollution Rules and the Draft
Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules which are mandatory requirements of the
Environmental Management Act
We will formulate a work plan to ensure that drainage and flooding problems are
solved once and for all
We will develop and implement an integrated coastal zone management strategy,
which requires a synergy between Government agencies and coastal community
stakeholders for protecting, restoring, enhancing and developing our coastal and
marine resources, in a sustainable manner. The NEP would be reviewed to provide
for no loss of mangroves
We will continue and enhance the programmes of reforestation and the
beautification of all highways and public places by the planting of trees and flowers
and we will strengthen conservation practices across the country
We will provide incentives to develop a recycling industry, thereby creating
employment and encouraging entrepreneurship, starting immediately with the
Beverage Container Bill, which has already been prepared by the EMA.
We will establish parks and other initiatives to encourage community and family
wellness. Furthermore, we will set up a National Parks and Recreation Authority,
for the purpose of conserving, protecting and maintaining environmentally sensitive
areas
We will strengthen and promote efforts at nature conservation, in particular the
conservation of bio-diversity regimes
We will increase the energy efficiency of our industries to combat climate change.
We will establish an incentive scheme that will support individuals, companies, and
in particular heavy industry and buildings which engage in energy-saving
measures. Green buildings will be encouraged

39

MANAGING OUR ENERGY ASSETS

Energy

Winning for Today and Tomorrow

The energy sector of Trinidad and Tobago continues to

have direct relevance to the future economic growth
and sustainable development of the economy of this
country, since it accounts for almost 50% our GDP. The
PNM Governments objective is to maximize our
revenue potential from the energy sector, to create and
distribute wealth for the benefit of our population. In
energy, the platform for our further development is
being carefully constructed and with the widest possible
involvement designed to create activity in the sector.
Our focus at this time includes:
The revised Fiscal terms designed to stimulate activity
The priority use of gas resources
The ability of Petrotrin to boost local oil production &;
Our renewable energy agenda.
The Government has completed the review of the fiscal
system and is at this time awaiting comments from the
industry.
We have reviewed the contractual arrangements that
will be offered under future competitive bid rounds as
well as the tax/royalty arrangements. We have
concluded that the Production Sharing Contract
remains our preferred form of arrangement.
Our new PSC will be similar to the 1995/6 models in
which companies were allowed to evaluate their risks
and offer an adequate share of Profit Petroleum. This is
intended to reduce some of the inherent risks and
encourage potential investment.
Emphasis will be placed on those areas and activities
where incentives for revitalization and sustainability are
required, such as in the mature offshore oil acreages
and on land where enhanced oil recovery projects are
undertaken.
These incentives will directly impact on the
Supplemental Petroleum Tax rates that will be payable
by companies and thus provide companies with
additional financial flows to re-invest in the upstream
sector.
This new regime will address small, mature fields and
tail-end production and will allow for a situation
intended to encourage new investment while allowing
current production levels to be sustained.
Looking to the future, the PNM Government will
continue to review our gas sector development plans
and our updated priorities for gas development are as
follows:
Allocate gas for new approved projects including
Alutrint, Essar Steel and Gas to Polypropylene.
Allocate for existing plants and their future needs
for defined periods.
Debottlenecking of the current LNG trains
Dealing with ammonia and related downstream

Recognising the continuous decline of our hydrocarbon

resources, our government will introduce a number of
policy initiatives. We will guide the exploration,
exploitation, utilisation and monetisation of our Energy
Resources for current and future generations, while
safeguarding and protecting the environment.
We will ensure that the following are achieved:
Establishment of a gas utilisation and pricing policy
based on a national consultation, which will be initiated
immediately
Immediate re-establishment of a project evaluation unit
with the necessary capacity to evaluate all gas-based
projects with a view to ensuring that citizens are
informed of the opportunity cost and the maximum
benefits from such projects
Comprehensive review, revision and updating of the
laws, taxation, regulations and practices governing the
energy industry, so that there will be transparency and
accountability in all matters. Before new energy-based
industrial plants are given final approval, stakeholder
consultations will be required. Our government will
immediately implement the Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative (EITI)
Expansion of the skill sets for national
development with a view of transferability to other
sectors and the capacity of existing tertiary sector
institutions to provide this will be reviewed to determine
a way forward for expanding capacity
Development and implementation of a natural gas
allocation policy to ensure national energy security
Energy security by addressing the exploration and
proving-up of new reserves in order to maintain a
healthy reserves-to-production ratio
Provide incentives for research and development on
alternative energy sources with a view to
the establishment of an alternative energy industry
Resolve the issues of marginal field production, heavy
oil recovery, tar sands and small operators in order to
stimulate these sectors
Continuation of the modernisation of the retail
marketing sector
Increase in the local content, participation
and ownership in energy projects, throughout the
value added chain and the services sector
Resolution of outstanding issues of collaboration with
other energy producers in the Caribbean and Latin
American region, with special attention to Petrocaribe
and CSME
Review and evaluatuation of the role, functions and
overall management of the Ministry of Energy and its
related agencies to determine the extent to which they

40

facilities which must be part of any proposal.

While we recognise that oil production has been on
the decline and the country has become more gas
based, we shall encourage a mix that is more
balanced.
Petrotrin will have an important role to play in delivering
on this objective and we have challenged its leadership
to organise in such a way as to support this
requirement for increases in oil production. We
anticipate that gains in production volumes will be
realised from this initiative. Petrotrin also has been
mandated to develop a program for the efficient and
effective management of the Trinmar asset. Petrotrin
has also applied a 3D seismic programme to its assets
in the North West District and APIs Oropouche farmout
area of South Trinidad and expects to complete a
survey by December 2010. The survey is intended to
guide the future exploration on land and is intended to
result in the identification of more oil drilling locations.

satisfy the national energy needs and contribute to

national development
We will also proactively seek investment
and partnership opportunities in third and
fourth generation renewable energy alternatives. This
will link our energy policy, research and
development initiative and provide new, high-value jobs
for our people, while simultaneously contributing to
our nations energy security

Renewable Energy
The PNM Government is developing a renewable
energy policy for Trinidad and Tobago which should be
available for public comment shortly. We are in the
process of developing a framework for partnering with
the United States through its Department of Energy
(USDOE) in the development of a Renewable Energy
Research Centre and a Framework for Partnership
under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the
Americas (ECPA). The Partnership was first
announced at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port
of Spain, where President Obama invited all countries
of the Western Hemisphere to be a part of a united
effort in this critical area.
The Renewable Energy Research Centre will provide
an excellent opportunity to broaden our joint activities
while building needed capacity in the region.
The key strategies developed and deployed by this
Government for the current and long-term vibrancy of
the gas sector revolve around the deliberate selection
of a mix of gas-consuming projects which will provide
diversification, balance and maximum value-adding
potential for our economy.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY DIVERSIFYING OUR
ECONOMY OUR VISION IS TO CREATE AN
ENABLING BUSINESS CLIMATE TO TRANSFORM
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO INTO A DIVERSIFIED
ECONOMY WITH EXCITING GROWTH
OPPORTUNITIES THAT ATTRACTS INVESTORS
AND ENCOURAGES COMPETITIVE BUSINESSES
TO START AND GROW
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has
embarked on a series of initiatives that will enable
businesses to flourish in an environment that is
conducive to their growth and enhances their
competitive edge. The Ministry of Trade and Industry
(MTI) has been championing this area and

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

The Life Blood of the Economy
The guiding principles of our trade policy will be that trade
must result in economic and social benefits for our people.
We recognise that the role of government is to facilitate
trade but that it is the private sector which engages in
trade. An effective trade regime, therefore, requires
strategic linkages amongst relevant ministries such as the
Ministries of Trade, Agriculture, Tourism, Energy and
Foreign Affairs through their trade delegations and foreign
missions and the private sector. An industrial policy is
critical in creating the platform upon which international

41

has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at

achieving this Vision. Some of these include;
Development and Upgrade of Industrial Estates
and Business Parks
Tamana InTech Park
Establishment of a Research and Development
Facility
e-Business Development
Establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago
International Financial Centre
The Single Electronic Window (SEW) Programme
What have these interventions done for you?
The Development of Industrial Estates and
Business Parks facilitates the growth of light
manufacturing industries and activities in the nonenergy sector. Some of the new industrial parks
facilitate opportunities downstream the energy
sector and accommodate businesses that will
support the heavier industrial activity that is also
being encouraged.
The Tamana InTech Park (TIP) will provide a
nurturing environment, conducive to the realization
of business synergies and the successful
development of new types of businesses. It
promotes a knowledge-driven economy that will
create sustainable industries and provide
enlightened job opportunities for hundreds of highly
skilled citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Establishment of a Research and
Development Facility has provided financial support
to the private sector for cutting edge, innovative
research and development projects. It assists
business enterprises inthe non-energy
manufacturing and services sectors in adopting
new technology and developing innovative systems
and processes.
In the facilitation of e-Business Development,
the Business Development Company (BDC) has
launched the smeXchange website, an online
business-to- business portal aimed at providing
real-time access to essential business information.
The Establishment of the Trinidad and
Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC)
forms part of the diversification effort at the Port of
Spain International Waterfront Centre. It will build
the countrys profile as a world-class provider of
financial services and serve as a gateway to
opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Furthermore, the TTIFC will create a broad set of
financial services-related employment
opportunities, offer attractive career growth with
long-term potential to the citizens of Trinidad and
Tobago and serve as a training ground to develop
our local human capital.
The Single Electronic Window (SEW) Programme
is an electronic one-stop-shop, where private
stakeholders and approving Government agencies

trade takes place. The industrial policy will identify the

areas in which we will diversify the economy; amongst
which the following have been already identified.
Knowledge-based industries, cultural and entertainment
industries, ethnic products, food processing, the maritime
industry, services industries, biotechnology, information
technology, high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceuticals,
food production, processing and alternative energy and
third and fourth generation renewable energy industries.
Within the first year in government, we will consult,
develop and begin the implementation of a National
Export Strategy, an Industrial Policy, and a National
Services Industries Strategy.
We will therefore:
Implement existing trade agreements in collaboration
with our CARICOM partners and continually ensure
compatibility with existing trade treaties and
arrangements with CSME, WTO requirements
Ensure continuous dialogue with the private sector and
other stakeholders in order to effectively pursue
international arrangements which are likely to result in
greater, beneficial economic activity
Pursue a more aggressive trade policy with Central
America and South America in particular Leverage the
Caribbean diaspora to provide beachheads into
developed country markets and leverage human capital
assets and investments for wealth creation at home
Strengthen the institutions (e.g. Trinidad and Tobago
Bureau of Standards; Customs; Food and Drugs) that
facilitate trade and protect our consumers
Strengthen linkages between institutions of research
and development with productive sectors in order to
develop mechanisms for market penetration (linking
domestic production to export markets)
Link the producer with the market via strengthening the
Trade Directorate to ensure delivery in four major
areas: trade negotiations, trade facilitation, market
intelligence for industry, and a vehicle for attracting
direct foreign investment into the non-energy sector.
This will require:
- Strengthening human resource competence in trade
negotiation through intensified and targeted training.
In this regard, we will seek to ensure continuity and
backup in subdivisions of the ministry.
- The creation of a functional linkage between the
Trade Directorate, Ministry of External Affairs and
foreign missions by attaching Trade Promotion
Officers to select, strategic missions.
- Support for the Private Sectors efforts to penetrate
new markets by facilitating market feasibility studies
and other forms of intelligence.
- Development of an appropriate incentive scheme to
encourage local and foreign investment in sectors of
focus for economic diversification and for investment
in new sectors especially those that can be
supported by a well-educated workforce based
on throughput from the tertiary sector.

42

can collaborate to process necessary permits and

approvals online in a seamless and efficient
manner. Put simply, it aims to make Customs,
importation and business registration
more efficient, thus impacting positively on the
price of goods to consumers and reducing costs to
businesses.
Through the Development of Creative
industries, Trinidad and Tobago can foster
innovation and creativity within our society. The
Entertainment and Film industries are two of the
seven priority industries targeted in
the diversification thrust and provide new
opportunities for business development, expansion
and job creation. It is in this context that the
Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company
Limited (T&T Ent) and the Trinidad and Tobago

TOURISM
Our Vision Is To Make Tourism Into A Major Economic
Sector Contributing Significantly To The Nations Gdp,
Driven By A Uniquely Differentiated, Internationally
Competitive Product, Complemented By
Comprehensive, Fully Functional Physical
Infrastructure, Modern, Competitive Institutional
Framework And Supported By The People Of Trinidad
And Tobago.
We have ambitious goals for Tourism, mapped out in a
Master Plan that foresees 200,000 direct and indirect
jobs by 2020. Here are the key objectives:
Employees in the Tourism Sector will have
increased access to training and development on a
continuous basis with the potential for increased
income earning and enhanced standard of living
The talent of the people of Trinidad and Tobago is
a prime resource base for tourism development
this talent will be developed and nurtured to provide
creativity and competitiveness to the sector
A cultural conservation and enhancement approach
that encourages the maintenance of the countrys
unique cultural identity will to be developed
Citizens, particularly local communities, will
become more involved in the planning and
development of local tourism. Increased
opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment
and income generation will result
Tourism Education will be enhanced, involving
tertiary level tourism scholarships, encouraging the
introduction of language and technology-oriented
training and postgraduate level leisure, tourism and
hospitality management programmes at the
University of the West Indies
The establishment of a Tourism Industrial Park,
along with the revitalization of the Port-of-Spain
Waterfront, will position Port-of-Spain as the
Meetings and Conventions Capital of the Southern

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Capitalising on Our Diversity People and
Natural Assets
Tourism is an important platform through which we will
create sustainable employment opportunities for our
people, create international relationships and allow the
world, a taste of the finer things of Trinidad and Tobago.
Because of our plurality and rich cultural diversity,
maximising our tourism potential requires multiple
approaches to development. This includes the exploration
and expansion of all the variety of tourism products
including but not restricted to recreation, sport, health,
leisure, business, festivals, culture and eco-tourism.
While, indeed, the global crisis has negatively affected this
sector worldwide, signs of international turnaround auger
well for a well positioned and implemented programme
that casts T and T as a choice destination.
Our goal will be to increase the contribution of tourism to
the GDP and to critically examine the recently developed
National Tourism Policy of Trinidad and Tobago with a
view to implementation after modification to achieve
sustainable expansion of the sector. We further commit to
developing the industry in consultation with all major
stakeholders. We see carnival, cultural diversity and
festivals constituting an anchor around which a significant,
year-round tourism industry can be developed. We will
strengthen and develop local tourism centres across rural
Trinidad to enhance local tourism and to achieve a more
diversified range of tourism products in order to support a
rural industrialization thrust. We will set targets for the
sector and incentivise their achievements. We will work
collaboratively with the House of Assembly and the
tourism sector in Tobago to ensure that tourism is
sustainably developed in Tobago.

43

Caribbean in support of its existing status as the

business center of the sub region
We will upgrade Trinidad and Tobagos existing
room stock to acceptable international standards
and establish a critical mass of new rooms, led by
the luxury 5 star end of the market
Tobago will continue to receive major levels of
investment in terms of tourism infrastructure,
marketing support and international airlift

AGRICULTURE

FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY

OUR VISION IS TO REVAMP THE AGRICULTURAL

SECTOR AND INCREASE PROFITABILITY
THROUGH A FOCUS ON AGRI-BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT AND TO ACHIEVE FOOD
SECURITY
Diversification of the economy continues to be a priority
of the PNM Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Before oil and gas there was agriculture, and
agriculture remains a top priority, particularly given the
prevailing economic conditions, the challenges of
climate change and the recent drought. Agriculture
plays a significant role not only in terms of economic
diversity but also in poverty reduction programs and
educational opportunities. In 2009 the agriculture
industry in Trinidad and Tobago grew by 27.5%. To
build on this growth we have embarked on the following
key initiatives:
Agricultural Access Roads Programme
Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture
(YAPA)
NAMDEVCO Development Activities
Grow Box Development
Agricultural Land Information System and Inventory
of State Lands
Establishment of Agriculture Settlements in
Trinidad
Creation of Large Commercial Farms

Creating a Food Secure Nation

Food security is a prerequisite to people-centred
development. Agriculture with the right policy framework, a
targeted focus on identified challenges and
encouragement to farmers can make a huge contribution
to economic growth. The sector comprises small- and
large-scale farming, floriculture, niche markets such as the
cocoa industry, fisheries, livestock, agro-forestry and agroprocessing. A report by the Food and Agriculture
Organization in 2006 indicated that appropriate policy and
financial support can solve the problem of food production
and significantly increase food security in Trinidad and
Tobago. Increased food production and food security will
decrease our food import bill and lower the price of food,
while at the same time increasing prosperity for our
farmers and providing sustainable livelihoods for more
workers.

What have these interventions done for you?

As at August 2009, through the Agricultural Access
Roads Programme 8.42km of roads were
rehabilitated, at locations including Leekham 226
Road, off Mamoral Road, Dennis Trace, Moruga, and
La Reunion Estate. A further 7.5km of roads and one
bridge in Trinidad have already been designated for
2010.
Youth Apprenticeship Programme in
Agriculture (YAPA) continues to be a fruitful
programme for young persons wishing to be involved
in agriculture. It is available in two geographic
jurisdictions in Trinidad, the North and South
Regional Administrations.
To date the National Agricultural Marketing and
Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) has
established seven strategically located
Farmers Markets throughout Trinidad. These bring

Pillars of Development for Agriculture

1. Respect for agriculture, the farmers and the land
2. Affordable food on a sustained basis
3. Sustainable livelihood for farmers
4. A mixture of traditional and technology-driven platforms
5. Regional and extra-regional joint ventures to achieve
economies of scale and export competitiveness
6. Functional linkages between research and
development and the sector to strengthen knowledge
applications. The objective is to make Trinidad &
Tobago a foodsecure nation.
KEY INITIATIVES
Comprehensively address support infrastructure
challenges to food security in the first year
of government
Initiate integrated action on water resources
management, drainage, irrigation, flooding water
capture, conservation, sustainable food production and
food security
Increase agricultures contribution to GDP from less
than 0.6% to 3% in 5 years
Identify an umbrella institution to synergise all existing
institutions and information on research and
development for agriculture. This will include issues of
tissue culture, product identification and development,
pest control, quality improvements and appropriate
science and technology.

44

cheaper prices for consumers and farmers are

encouraged to produce more since they have a ready
market for their produce. Plans for opening a market
in Tobago are under review. The Corporation
continues to produce a monthly bulletin on the
agriculture sector. Information on prices of selected
commodities is also published in the newspaper. The
National Agricultural Market Information System
(NAMISTT) as well as their website,
www.namistt.com, also provides a wide range of
information with respect to agricultural prices
and produce.
The Grow Box Development programme is an
intensive form of cultivation geared to households
with limited yard space. It is environmentally
sustainable and would assist in the nations drive to
food and nutrition security.
Improvements to the State Agricultural
Land Information System (SALIS) continue. Based
on the information collected, approximately 1452
new agricultural leases for 4686 acres of land were
allocated to persons occupying and actively
cultivating State lands, for the period 2004 to July
2009. In May 2008 all agricultural lands were
transferred to the Estate Management Business
Development Company Limited (EMBD).
The Establishment of Agriculture Settlements
in Trinidad provides services in agricultural
communities such as desilting and construction of
access roads, which reduces the loss of crops to
flooding in such areas. In Regional Area North
(RAN), approximately 68 km of drains and irrigation
channels were desilted, while at Regional Area South
(RAS), there was desilting of
approximately 15.45km.
The Creation of Large Commercial Farms is pivotal
in supporting the PNM Governments efforts to
accelerate the transfer of modern farming
technologies to small farmers. To date some 29
farmers have already benefited from training at the
PCS Nitrogen Model Farm and Agricultural Resource
Centre. When fully operational, these farms will
extend their outreach to farmers throughout the
country and provide training in such invaluable areas
as fertilizer management, greenhouse production
methods, direct marketing, computer literacy, agroenvironmental technology, storage, handling
and marketing strategies, agricultural economics,
agricultural finance, business planning for farmers,
crop diversification, basic equipment maintenance,
soil management, soil sampling testing and irrigation
technology.

Strategically link extension services to farmers as part

of a sustainable system
Link state temporary work programmes with rural
development need, so we will look into the possibility of
expanding CEPEP and URP to provide labour and
infrastructure support to the farming community
Once support infrastructure challenges are addressed,
we will manage, monitor, maintain and sustain support
system for food production
Introduce incentives to foster a multi-sectoral approach
to agricultural development such as agriculture/tourism,
agriculture/culture. Tobago is already leading the way
Where necessary to propel the sector, the state will
partner with the private sector in strategic areas.
Similar to approach taken to energy
Strengthening institutional marketing to support farmers
for domestic and international penetration
We will introduce a wage support mechanism
for farmers hiring labour in specific food
production activities to encourage and attract youth of
every race and region to agriculture depending on their
interest and inclination.
Incentivize the banking sector to provide a window for
agricultural investment
Working with tertiary education sector to strengthen
curriculum to provide trained human resources in areas
such as technology, harvesting techniques, farm
management, agro-processing, agro-entrepreneurship
Introduce a national agricultural land information
inventory system which documents all allocations by
the state and soil profiles to enable government to
optimize state land usage
Effect a National Land Use Policy that specifies and
protects land to be used exclusively for agriculture
Regularise squatter farm lands on the basis of cooperative efforts
Fast-track the transfer of deeds and titles to farmers
frustrated over the years by impediments to legitimate
ownership and inability to use land as collateral in
financial transactions
Introduction of a crop insurance system
Training of farmer in HACCP (Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Points) and other sanitary
and phytosanitary requirements
Implement a zero waste policy where the
byproducts from agro-processing can be used as
a feed stock for farmers
Design and implement a package of incentives to
encourage value-added beyond primary production
Management of marine resources and the coastal
communities that depend on them

45

WORKS AND TRANSPORT

INFRASTRUCTURE

OUR VISION IS TO DEVELOP FIRST-WORLD INFRASTRUCTURE THAT

EMBODIES THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF QUALITY, AESTHETICS
AND FUNCTIONALITY
The PNM Government is committed to providing the nation with a world class
infrastructure. The Ministry of Works and Transport has a pivotal role to play in
achieving this. Here are some of its many initiatives:

Both an Enabler and a

Consequence of Development

National Highways Programme (NHP)

Construction, Management and Maintenance of Roads, Bridges and
Highways and Improvement in Road Access
Air Transport Infrastructure Development
Modernisation of the Licensing Office Trinidad Rapid Rail Transit Project
Government Shipping Services - Fast Ferries
Modernisation of our motor vehicle and traffic laws
East/West Corridor Transportation Project the Interchange
Bus Fleet Renewal Programme (PTSC)
North-South Coastal Water Taxi Service
Comprehensive Drainage Development Programme

What have these interventions done for you and what will they do for you in the
future?
The National Highway Programme (NHP) . is designed to cater for the
upgrading of our road infrastructure through the construction of new
highways. Because investing in sound infrastructure is one of our Vision 2020
Pillars, the PNM Government has been spending over 8 percent of our GDP on
infrastructure development and we will continue to do so in our next term. Our
National Highways Programme is in three phases and involves the construction
of a new highway grid, as follows:
PHASE 1
San Fernando to Mayaro Freeway
San Fernando to Point Fortin/La Brea Highway
Wallerfield to Manzanilla Highway
Caroni to Piarco Highway, from the Uriah Butler Highway
Port of Spain to Chaguaramas Causeway
Curepe to Princes Town/Rio Claro Highway
The new highways are being designed to international freeway standards and
comprise both new 6-lane carriageways and widening of existing 2-lane
carriageways to 4 lanes. Tenders have already been invited from reputable
international contractors for the first 3 highways in phase 1. Construction is
expected to commence on the first 3 highways before the end of 2010 and the
next 3 in 2011. These 6 new highways are scheduled to be substantially
complete by the end of our next term.
PHASE 2
A First Class Road/Tunnel from Curepe to the North Coast
Sangre Grande to Toco Highway
Blanchisseuse to Toco Highway
Penal to Guayaguayare Highway
Moruga to Princes Town Highway
Manzanilla to Mayaro Highway
When this new highway grid is complete, no part of Trinidad will be more than 2
hours away from any other part of Trinidad by road. Citizens will be able to
travel from Cedros to Toco or Mayaro to Chaguaramas in ease and comfort.
East/West Corridor Transportation Project the Interchange
The PNM Government is acutely aware of the significant loss in man-hours

We recognise that physical

infrastructure is both an enabler
and a consequence of
development. While the current
government has spent billions on
infrastructure, some of its key
components, which are critical to
improving the quality of life of our
people, remain woefully
inadequate. We see infrastructure
as the basis for developing
human capital, indigenous
capacity and expanding our skills
base. When foreign firms are
involved in infrastructure projects,
knowledge transfer arrangements
will be negotiated into contracts.
So, too, will local content quotas.
Our policy on infrastructure will be
based on ensuring quality,
reliability and maintenance of
existing infrastructure while
adopting transparent and fair
procurement practices. We
commit to making significant
improvements to the nations
infrastructure, with a special focus
on the following:
Water We are committed to
pursuing water security for the
nation through effective water
catchment management
policies. This will include water
for the people, agriculture,
industry and the protection of
the environment
Transportation The most
effective modes of
transportation will be adopted
to move people and goods
within Trinidad, within Tobago
and between Trinidad and
Tobago, all guided by a
national transportation study.
Roads & Bridges A National
Roads and Bridges Authority
will be established to
determine the appropriate
network of major roads,

46

and productivity caused by delays on the Nations highways. Hearing the

plight of the people, the PNM Government constructed an Interchange
at the Nations busiest intersection, the intersection of the Churchill
Roosevelt and Uriah Butler Highways, (something a previous Government
had failed to do in its 6 years in office). The construction of this
impressive structure has brought Trinidad and Tobagos highway structure
squarely into the 21st century.
This modernisation continues along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway with
the construction of a flyover at Aranguez, now underway at full speed. Its
completion will make it possible to drive from Port-of-Spain to
San Fernando without encountering a single traffic light. The PNM
Governments future plans involve flyovers and overpasses at Valsayn,
UWI, Macoya, Trincity and beyond. Construction, Management and
Maintenance of Roads, Bridges and Highways and Improvement in Road
Access Through the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE),
the PNM Government has undertaken over 3,500 road improvement
projects at an approximate cost of $TT 3.7 billion. No area of the country
has been, or will be, left out. In addition to the systematic and sustained
upgrade of thousands of roads and bridges all over Trinidad and Tobago,
some notable projects include;
Widening and upgrade of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway from Port-ofSpain to Trincity to 6 lanes. Completion of the dualling of the Churchill
Roosevelt Highway from Arima to Wallerfield, now underway.
Widening and upgrade of the Uriah Butler Highway from St. Joseph to
Chaguanas to 6 lanes.
Widening and upgrade of Wrightson Road to 6 lanes. Construction of
pedestrian overpasses at Diego Martin, Barataria, Curepe and Carlsen
Field, among several other areas.
Construction of 50 new highway-grade bridges.
Bus Fleet Renewal Programme (PTSC)
Through its Fleet Renewal Programme (PTSC), the PNM Government has
made our public transport system second to none in the Region. Between
2001 and 2010, the PTSCs fleet of buses has been increased from
less than 100 in 2001 to 421 in 2010. These acquisitions have resulted in a
significant expansion of service - a 300% increase from 2001.
Coastal Water Taxi Service For the first time in the modern era, a fast
water taxi service between Port of Spain and San Fernando was
established in December 2008. Citizens can now travel in comfort by sea
between San Fernando and Port-of-Spain in less than one hour, for just
$15. Over 400,000 passengers have been safely transported thus far and 4
new vessels are scheduled to arrive from Australia in September 2010, New
routes between Port-of-Spain and Diego Martin and San Fernando and
Point Fortin will then be added.
The Trinidad Rapid Rail Transit Project - the Trinidad and Tobago Rapid
Rail Transit will further revolutionise transport in this country. The project
involves two express train lines, one from UWI St. Augustine in the North to
San Fernando in the South; the other from Sangre Grande in the East to
Diego Martin in the West. The air-conditioned trip from Port-of-Spain to San
Fernando will take less than half an hour. The service will utilize doubledecker electric trains, capable of 700 passengers, at a top speed of 160
kmph.
Government Shipping Services - Fast Ferries - The PNM Government has
also revolutionized the inter island ferry and sea transport system. The
acquisition of two modern fast ferries has reduced the travelling
time between our two islands to 2 air-conditioned hours. A new
Government Shipping Service Ferry Terminal Building was constructed in
2007, allowing accommodation for approximately 500 passengers.
Cargo capacity on the GSS has also been significantly increased with the

highways, underpasses and

overpasses and the
construction of new bridges
and the reconstruction of
existing bridges.
Housing We commit to the
provision of quality housing for
citizens, to be distributed in a
timely manner and in a fair and
equitable manner. Our housing
policy will be based on the
development of homes,
families and sustainable
communities and will be
aligned to an overall land use
policy.
Land Tenure and Title Our
government will resume the
programme of regularisation of
unplanned settlements in
accordance with the provisions
of the Regularization of Land
Tenure Act, No. 25 of 1998.
We also recognise the issues
of land titles, particularly in
Tobago, and we commit to
effectively addressing this
issue.

47

lease of the Warrior Spirit.

Air Transport Infrastructure Development - significant upgrade of our
nations airports has been achieved over the last 8 years. The Piarco
International Airport runway, taxiways and parking areas were completely
rehabilitated to international standards, as was the aircraft parking ramp at
Crown Point. Tobagos international arrival and departure facilities were
also upgraded. The South Terminal at Piarco was upgraded for use as an
Executive Jet Facility and served the country with distinction during the
Summit of the Americas and the CHOGM. During our next term, the
upgrade of our airports will continue apace with the creation of an aviation
industry park and of a modern new terminal building in Tobago, among
many other projects.
Modernisation of the Licensing Office a Government to- Government
arrangement with the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada is creating a new
system of drivers permits and motor vehicle registration, as well as a Motor
Vehicle Authority. By September 2010, citizens will be able to renew of a
drivers permit in no more than 15 minutes.
Modernisation of motor vehicle and traffic laws in recognition of a general
culture of lawlessness on our roads, the PNM Government has over the last
5 years modernised the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act. The
Breathalyser was introduced in December 2009 and has already had a
dramatic effect on the incidence of accidents and fatalities. 2010 also saw
increases in penalties for reckless driving, speeding and other offences.
The PNM Government has made Trinidad and Tobago a safer place for our
families to drive in.

PUBLIC UTILITIES
Our Vision Is To Fully Develop Our Public Utility Sector To Provide Efficient,
Cost Effective, Quality Services To Our Citizens
The PNM Government of Trinidad and Tobago has resolved to ensure that the
population has access to potable water and an electricity supply in the most
efficient and cost effective manner. The Ministry of Public Utilities has already
implemented a number of programmes, including;
The Water and Wastewater Master Plan National Street Lighting Programme
Expansion of Power Generating Capacity Rural Electrification Programmes
Lighting of Parks and Recreation Grounds
What have these interventions done for you?
The Water and Wastewater Master Plan seeks to increase access to water
supply, improve leak management and upgrade the wastewater and
sewerage systems. At present 95 percent of the population has access to
potable water; an increase from 2007 figures. Through the National Social
Development Programme (NSDP), WASA was able to bring relief to 77
percent of the targeted communities who were receiving water for less than
3 days per week. WASA has also acquired new leak detection equipment
, resulting in a significant decline in the incidence of leaks over the last 3
years.
Through the Rural Electrification Programmes, the Trinidad and Tobago
Electricity Commission (T&TEC) was able to significantly increase the
number of persons accessing electricity to more than 97 per cent of
our population. Under the NSDP, 100 electrification projects were
completed during the period 2008 to 2009, which in turn benefited almost
400 households.

Expansion of Power Generating Capacity. T&TEC continues to expand its

48

service in order to facilitate the growing demand for power. T&TEC will
increase power on the national grid by an additional 768MW during 2010.
In Tobago, the new dual-fuel 48MW generating plant has been completed
and commissioned, bringing our total capacity up to 1,656MW. This will be
further increased to 2376MW by 2010/2011 when Trinidad Generation
Unlimited (TGU) commissions the 720MW plant that is currently
being constructed at Union Estate.
Additionally, T&TEC continues to improve its service to customers. In 2008,
T&TEC responded to 25,200 trouble reports with an average response time of
2 hours. Moreover, since that time over 14,000 new service connections were
made with 96 per cent of these completed in the same day.
Through the National Street Lighting Programme, there has been a
significant number of achievements:
Over 84,000 new 150W High Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights were
installed at the end of 2009

Over 10,000 electricity poles erected

50,000 existing 70Watts Street lights upgraded
6,500 luminaries (street lights) installed to illuminate 165 km of our nations
highways The National Street Lighting Implementation Unit also continued
work related to the lighting of parks, recreation grounds, public spaces, the
grounds of health facilities, police stations and transit hubs.

HOUSING
OUR VISION IS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
FOR THE CITIZENS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
It is a matter of record that the current PNM Governments housing
construction programme is second to none. The provision of affordable public
housing has been a key part of the social development policies of the Peoples
National Movement since 1956. We have provided homes for families in Mt
Hope, Mt Lambert, Diamond Vale, River Estate, Malabar, Bon Air
Gardens, Couva, Chaguanas, La Horquetta, Morvant, Laventille, Belmont, Port
of Spain, Princes Town, San Fernando, and Santa Cruz, to name just some of
the areas. Through the Housing Development Corporation, thousands of
families have been given quality housing, which they could not have afforded
otherwise.
Some of the specific programmes that have been introduced and implemented
include;
The Accelerated High Density Housing Programme
The Rent-to-Own Programme
New Home Subsidies
Housing Grants
The Second National Settlements Programme
Community Facilities on Housing Estates
The Accelerated High density Programme was introduced in 2003 in
response to the 6-year period of idleness/inactivity in housing construction
by the former administration. Since the inception of the
Accelerated Housing Program, construction of over 25,000 housing units
has commenced. (It is to be noted that the administration of 1996 to 2001
commenced construction on less than 500 houses). Under the PNM,
housing units are now located at over 100 sites throughout Trinidad and
Tobago. These areas are developed with green sites to accommodate
playgrounds, schools and commercial centres.
Work continues on approximately 64 housing project sites with over 6,000
housing units expected to be completed and allocated by June 2010.
In keeping with the New Town concept of creating self-contained housing
developments across the country, construction of 1,200 housing units
continues at Wallerfield. Three more New Towns are earmarked for La
Brea, Princes Town and Chaguanas. The Chaguanas project is almost

49

complete.
The Tobago House of Assembly has been involved in the construction of
houses in four areas; Roxborough, Blenheim, Castara and Adventure
Estate in Plymouth. To date, a total of 240 houses has been constructed in
these areas.
The Rent-To-Own Programme was introduced to assist low income
households who, notwithstanding the very low interest rate of 2% interest,
are still unable to satisfy the requirements of a mortgage arrangement. The
guiding principle of this caring programme is to enable citizens to obtain
their own home, starting at a rental rate in the interim, with the long term
objective being to purchase your home.
New Home Subsidies are provided to persons who have annual incomes of
less than TT$65,000 and intend to purchase a new home costing less than
TT$195,000. Beneficiaries are given up front subsidies of either TT$35,000
or TT$50,000 depending on their income level. In Tobago, this programme
is aimed at assisting legal land owners who wish to construct a new home
but do not have the funds needed to make a down payment in order to
obtain a mortgage with Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance (TTMF).
Housing Grants include the Home Improvement Grant and the Home
Improvement Subsidy. The Grant targets households experiencing financial
difficulties in generating savings because of lower income. Additionally, the
subsidy programme also targets a low income threshold while encouraging
and rewarding savings. In fiscal 2009, 695 homeowners received home
improvement grants and over 800 qualified for subsidies. Senior citizens
and vulnerable families are fast-tracked.
The Second National Settlements Programme is a programme assisted by
the Inter-American Development Bank. Since 2002 the Land Settlement
agency (LSA) has embarked on a number of projects aimed at
regularizing squatting. In 2009, a number of communities, including Factory
Road and River Estate, Diego Martin, Bon Air North, Arouca and KP Lands,
have begun the process of moving to have title to the lands on which they
live. The LSA has been engaged in improving conditions for families living
in informal housing settlements on State Lands, providing basic services
and upgrading infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, drainage and
sewer facilities. This is what we mean by taking care of our citizens.

50

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/ICT
OUR VISION IS TO BE AN INTER-CONNECTED,
TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED, SOCIETY WITH
MODERN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS DRIVING INNOVATION, GROWTH AND
SOCIAL PROGRESS PEOPLES

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

(ICT)
Infrastructure for Human Connectivity and Backbone of
the Knowledge Economy

NATIONAL MOVEMENT

The Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) has

been charged with the duties of promoting the use of
ICT among the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The
world around us is changing and this PNM Government
has taken the decision to pursue the highest world
ratings in ICT usage, so that our citizens can access
the systems and skills to benefit from advances in this
area, in particular to engage with and do business with
the public services.
In an effort to achieve this goal a number of
initiatives/programmes have been implemented. They
are as follows;
The Library Net Programme
Knowledge, Innovation and Development (KID)
Programme
Implementation of the National Broadband Action
Plan
Government Communications Backbone Project
ttconnect
B2B eMarketplace What have these interventions
done for you?
The Library Net Programme facilitated by the
National Library and Information System Authority
(NALIS) has as one of its features to outfit all
libraries in the country with computers and internet
access. As at June 2009, 100 percent of libraries in
T&T were equipped with computers and free
internet access through this programme. These
systems facilitate research and continuous learning
for many of our citizens right in their communities.
The Knowledge, Innovation and Development (KID)
Programme, is aimed at equipping all schools with
computers and internet access to facilitate
uniformity of education, improving overall
educational standards and allowing students and
teachers to work collaboratively. In 2008-2009, 339
primary schools and 11 special schools were
provided with networked computer laboratories and
approximately 600 primary school teachers were
oriented in the use of computers and ICT in
education. In order to ensure the goal of
widespread connectivity in the primary and
secondary education systems 190 primary schools
and 125 secondary schools were connected to the
internet.
Additionally, to assist the students in the utilization of
technology, 778 primary and 532 secondary school
teachers were trained in basic network administration in

In order to be a competitive nation in the global knowledge

economy we will link our diversification strategy to the
creation of knowledge industries in order to create highend jobs. This will be achieved by installing basic,
technology-driven infrastructure so as to create the
information superhighway to connect us locally, regionally
and internationally. We will take all necessary steps to
ensure that access to ICT is extended to every household
making Trinidad & Tobago a connected nation.
Our ICT plan will be focused on creating opportunities for
our people and enhancing the quality of their lives. To do
this, we will create productive and sustainable
employment opportunities on a large scale by accelerating
human development via vastly improved and expanded
education and health care services, which will be
supported by IT platforms; make Trinidad cyber secure;
give T and Ts IT industry a boost in the domestic
economy and create export capacity; and use IT to assist
with eliminating corruption.
Specifically, we will take measures to:
Implement an e-Citizens card with citizen identification
number to eventually replace electoral ID card and all
other identification systems. This will allow citizens to
be able to authenticate themselves for online services
from government, resulting in the more efficient delivery
of government services to the population
Promote the use of IT in SMEs and the informal sector
to increase productivity, decrease expenditure and to
increase sales channels
Integrate internet-enabled education throughout the
school system
Increase broadband internet coverage
Lower telecommunications costs, including highspeed
internet access
Video conferencing to be made affordable and
universally accessible to promote less commuting and
therefore less traffic
Establish within the Police Service, a Digital Security
Agency, to detect, combat and protect against
cybercrime in both the private and public sectors.
Recognise the IT industry as one of the pillars of our
economy
Improve the operation of the Central Statistical Office,
collecting additional information relevant to todays
digital world (e.g. number of internet users, information
on services industry, number of persons involved in the
services sector,service sector exporters etc.). Use
electronic means to collect data and disseminate

51

2008 alone. This training will continue apace in our next

term.
The National Broadband Action Plan has brought
about wider access to broadband services and high
speed internet access. It has spearheaded the
drive to infuse the use of ICT among individual
citizens as well as business.
Internet services have evolved over the last few years
and subscribers now have access to both fixed and
mobile service features. In 2008, an estimated total of
224,000 persons subscribed for internet service, a 28
per cent increase from 2007. There are now 13 Internet
Service Providers available to the population.
Additionally, two new international submarine fibre optic
cables landed in Trinidad, thereby effectively tripling the
offshore bandwidth capacity. This caused a reduction in
retail and leased line broadband prices for citizens.
Government Communications Backbone Project,
GovNeTT, provides a secure platform for joined
up Government. It serves to facilitate
communications and information sharing among
Government agencies and departments, by
providing basic connectivity services such as email
(audio, video and text), emessaging, escheduling
and internet access over a Wide Area Network
(WAN). At present, some 20 Ministries, 230
Divisions and approximately 10,000 users are
connected to the backbone. This project will result
in significant time saved by citizens when doing
business with the public service.
Through ttconnect online the e-Government Portal
Project, information pertaining to 400 Government
services is currently available via
www.ttconnect.gov.tt. These new services include
access to application forms for the On-the-Job
Training and Multi-Sector Skills Training
Programmes as well as Scholarships.
Furthermore, in order to increase access to
Government online services, several Service Centres
were successfully launched. In 2008, two centres were
opened in Princes Town and St. James and
approximately 8800 applicants had accessed the
services offered by these Centres. In 2009, four
locations were opened in Arima, Chaguanas,
Tunapuna and Bon Accord in Tobago. Cumulatively
25,000 ransactions were processed at the Service
Centres.
Complementary to the Service Centres is the SelfServe iosk. The kiosks are intended to provide access
to ervices via the e-Government Portal on a 24/7 basis.
They allow payment for services by Credit and Debit
ard. They also have the capability to allow phone-in to
appropriate departments for queries on services. They
re currently at Piarco International Airport; Gulf City all,
Lowlands Tobago; Gulf City Mall, La Romaine; Hi
Supermarket, Point Fortin; and the ttconnect Service
entre at Gaston, Chaguanas.

In an effort to further advance e-Business within

information, so that it is available in weeks, rather than

years.
Review all relevant legislation to enable a thriving,
secure digital environment, specifically, the Data
Protection Bill, Electronic Transaction Bill, Amendments
to the Telecommunications Act, Amendments to the
Exchequer and Audit Act.

52

our ountry, the Business Development Company

(BDC) e-marketplace website has expanded over
the last couple years. A total of 885 companies are
registered and conduct business online. The
website acts as a business portal which provides
information on business locally and internationally.
Building our nation
Through the Library Net Programme persons have
been given the opportunity to use computers and
access the internet. Citizens who wish to, can now
do internet research at all the nations libraries. For
families who re unable to afford computers, it has
been provided or them in a safe facility where they
can learn together.
Integration of the Internet into the school programme as
resulted in students leaving school with a high level f
capacity in the use of ICT.
The National Broadband Plan plays its part in
getting the country connected. Now more citizens
can access internet services. The vast amount of
information online can only help citizens grow in
knowledge, creativity and enterprise.
The Government Communications backbone is an
immense accomplishment. It has allowed officers in
the service to access information readily and to
communicate easily across Ministries and
agencies. This has resulted in an increase in
productivity. It has facilitated an increasingly
paperless system which in turn helps the
environment.
The e-marketplace promotes trade - export sales
and business development. It will thus help us
diversify and expand our market and customer
base through howcasing our products regionally
and internationally at significantly reduced cost.

53

TOBAGO

TOBAGO SIDE BY SIDE

In Tobago, under a PNM Government, citizens can

always be assured of an environment of integrity and
equality, in order to support efforts to achieve their
fullest potential. Our objectives over the next term
include the following:

Side by Side and Together, Not One Behind the

Other

FINANCE AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

The Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park the
Future In our next term, development work at the Cove
Eco- Industrial and Business Park will be completed to
ensure that there are greater opportunities for
Tobagonians to start and expand their businesses. The
PNM will establish the Eco-Industrial Development
Company of Tobago to manage the operations of Cove
and ensure that there is a micro-entrepreneurial
complex within Cove. We will provide incubator
services to new businesses at Cove. Enterprise
Assistance The following are some of our key plans:
Expansion of the Enterprise Assistance
Programme to allow for faster processing of loan
applications and disbursements
Establishment of a special facility to manage the
Enterprise Assistance Programme.
Review and revision of our loan policy to improve the
management and coverage of the Programme
Support for business initiatives of young people
Training to our clients of the Enterprise Assistance
Programme
Appropriate staffing of the Business Unit
Promotion of entrepreneurship within each
community in Tobago, including outreach programmes
Improvement and upgrade of the infrastructure and
security, and marketing of the products and services, at
the Esplanade.
Information Technology
The PNM will expand opportunities for Tobagonians
to enter the IT business and make IT literacy training
more readily available to Tobagonians. We will improve
the access of Tobagonians to information on
governance in Tobago by constant upgrades and
improvements to the 211 system.
TOURISM AND TRANSPORTATION
Tourism is the principal activity on which Tobagos
economy is built. Our goal in the next term is to develop
the soft affects of the industry to ensure that greater
benefits of the infrastructural cost accrue to the society.
In this regard we would ensure that the Milford Road
Esplanade, which was constructed as an integral
part of the Port Complex, plays its part in
entertaining and exposing the products of the island
to the cruise and other visitors.
The handicraft industry would be bolstered by the
requisite training to develop the expertise in
manufacturing the pieces in the appropriate

The people of Tobago will have a major role in

determining their present and future development. Before
negotiating international treaties of major importance, in
particular those affecting the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Trinidad and Tobago, and in matters which
particularly affect Tobago, the Government will partner
with the Tobago House of Assembly.
Our sustainable development approach for the country at
large addresses the major sectors of development, which
in large measure covers the requirements of both islands,
Tobago and Trinidad. In collaboration with the people of
Tobago we will, however, attend to these specific areas:
Revisit the provisions of the Tobago House of
Assembly Act, and in particular, the Fifth Schedule,
with a view to granting greater autonomy and
responsibility to the people of Tobago over matters that
directly impact on Tobago
Define the Housing and Land Settlements Programme
while taking into account the cultural preferences of the
people of Tobago Implement measures to regularise
land titles in Tobago based on a review of
the recommendations of recent reports on this matter
Provide the resources for Tobago to undertake a
sustainable development plan which seeks to achieve
the full potential of the people of Tobago
Complete all infrastructural projects currently in train
Strengthen air and sea transport between Tobago and
Trinidad
Facilitate the establishment of institutions to deal with
social issues, such as juvenile delinquency, drug abuse
and rehabilitation
Ensure that all government public services will be
accessible in Tobago
We will also take steps to mitigate the negative impact
of the higher cost of living in Tobago We will
strengthen democracy, participation and inclusion by
the people of Tobago in local and national affairs
Our approach to national sustainable development
emphasises competitive industries, inclusion of the
people, partnership through participation in governance,
higher paying and more sustainable jobs with human
development and social support for people, families and
communities being at the centre of the development
process. These very principles will guide our approach to
development in Tobago as it will in Trinidad. However, we
recognise that Trinidad and Tobago may be one nation
but Tobago and Trinidad are separate islands and that
special initiatives are required to address this reality.

54

dimensions for take away by tourists.

Shops in Scarborough will be afforded dutyfree
status; and indigenous products would be
emphasized, using motifs that are distinctively
Tobagonian. The aim would be to allow the tourist to
obtain a minimum of $100 US per day pleasure, per
capita, from the services we provide.
The Heritage Festival will be supported and
aggressively promoted
The bed and breakfast sector will be encouraged.
The domestic air bridge will be improved with more
available seats and a more reliable service
Crown Point International Airport will be promoted
as a hub for international air travel between North
and South America, Europe and Africa
EDUCATION, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORT
One of the major areas for policy intervention,
articulated in the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan, is the
creation of a seamless, self-renewing, high quality
education system, in which every citizen has equal
opportunities to achieve his/ her fullest potential. To
achieve this in Tobago, there will be a focus on
Access to Schools.
Curriculum Development
Information and Communication and Technology
Teacher Education and Development.
In the area of higher education, a campus of the
University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) will be
established in Tobago in our next term, providing a full
range of tertiary education programmes for
Tobagonians.
A Tobago Training Agency (TTA) will be established
A comprehensive TVET registry will be established
in Tobago
A Tobago Regional Knowledge Hub will be
established
The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute
(THTI) will be maintained and expanded
A campus of the College Of Science Technology and
Applied Arts of T & T (COSTATT) will be established
The NESC will formulate and implement training
programmes to meet Tobagos industrial needs.
A Technology and Continuing Education Centre will
be established Sports
The following are our plans for the next term:
Construction of an Indoor Sports Hall and Aquatic
Centre
Construction of a Community Swimming Pool
Lighting of recreation grounds at Canaan/Bon
Accord, Plymouth, Roxborough, Bloody Bay,
Calder Hall
Construction of a multipurpose Centre at Betsys
Hope
Construction of pavilions at Mt. Pleasant,
Goodwood, Mason Hall
Upgrades to Playing Fields at Bloody Bay, Castara.

55

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE

Reintroduction of Drama and Dance Festivals in
Tobago.
Reintroduction of the Prime Ministers Best Village
Trophy Competition in Tobago.
Initiation of a Best Kept Street Competition.
Intensification of the teaching of steel band music in
schools/groups and introduction of Homework
Centres in Community Centres.
Teaching of tambourine (tambrin) playing in schools
and groups.
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)
stages 2, 3 and 4.
Archiving of each communitys history; partnering
with Department of Tourism on village tourism.
Tobago Heritage Festival
Restoration of historic homes.
Completion of Shaw Park Cultural Complex for
staging of large and small programmes, including
carnival, dance, drama, and music festivals.
Construction/renovation of approximately eighteen
(18) community facilities, including pan theatres.
Construction of Administrative Complex to house the
Division of Community Development and Culture.
Phase II of Pembroke Heritage Park.
Community School for the Arts.
Caribbean Cultural Conference 2009.
Inter-regional Cultural Exchange Programme.
Heritage Youth Explosion.
Junior Heritage School Science Project.
Maypole Festival 2009.
Community Development and Culture Theatre Arts
Festival.
Childrens Theatre for Children Twelve and under.
Theatre Teens for the Age Group of 12 To 20.
Theatre for the Family.
Caribbean Dance Festival.
Tobago Regional School of the Performing Arts.
Community Talent Contest (C.T.C).
In The Gayelle.
Carnival Characters Movement, History,
Costumemaking and Wire Bending Workshop
geared towards Carnival Caravan 2009.
Season of Joy 2009.
Gifted Student Programme.
AGRICULTURE, MARINE AFFAIRS, MARKETING
AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Key Agriculture and Related Initiatives for the Artisanal
Fisherman.
We will ensure completion of the following:
Charlotteville Jetty Extension, the new Scarborough
Market, Market facilities at Delaford., Divisional
Administrative Building, Jetty and Fishing Depot at
Pigeon Point, the new Castara Fishing Depot.
We will also oversee: the upgrading of various

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fishing depots in Tobago to HAACP standards,

construction of new Charlotteville fishing centre,
upgrading of 50 km of access roads, construction of
new Roxborough abattoir, establishment of two
camping sites including one at Bloody Bay, a cassava
production and marketing system for Tobago, a
Speyside Marine Park area for conservation and
research purposes, new Worker and Administrative
facilities at Hope Farm.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
In its next term, your PNM Government has the
following key objectives:
Extension of Store Bay Local Road
Construction of overpasses at Wilson Road and
Claude Noel Highway; and at Rockley Vale/Bacolet
Connector Road.
Dualling and extension of the Claude Noel Highway to
Studley Park and beyond.
Replacement of bridges at Lambeau River; Thompson
River; Auchenskeoch River.
Construction of Multi-Storey Car Park at Gardenside
Street.
Installation of Traffic Signals at Mt Marie and Claude
Noel Highway Intersection; Shirvan Junction; and
Buccoo Four Roads.
Completion of Scarborough Library; Financial
Complex; and Shaw Park Cultural Facility
Completion of Coastal Protection works at:
Plymouth/Back Bay; Black Rock; Old Milford Road.
Construction of New Licensing Office.

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PNM

Peoples Partnership
FOREIGN POLICY AND FOREIGN RELATIONS
Leveraging the World to Support National Development
We recognise and uphold:

That foreign policys primary function must be the pursuit of national

development objectives and interests, i.e. the sustainable
human development and human security of all the people of Trinidad
and Tobago

That foreign policy and its implementation must be guided by the

principles of good governance, i.e. transparency, accountability,
participation and effective representation

The call for a new approach to foreign policy, based on the principles of
good governance for the benefit of the people and not for the
prestige and self-aggrandizement of a few

The call also for a cohesive approach to foreign policy planning and
implementation, as against a day-to-day decision-making process,
often erratic, at times contradictory and supported at best by a few
selected policy-makers. These fundamental policy directives lead to
the adoption of the following policy proposals:

Foreign Policy formulation and implementation will be subject to

parliamentary debate and oversight, possibly in the context of the
annual budget debate. The Special Parliamentary Committee on
Foreign Affairs, will as established in the Standing Orders, will be
activated to consult with various stakeholders on matters related to
Foreign Policy.

International Treaties and other Government to Government

Agreements, including Trade Agreements especially those imposing
heavy financial burden, will be subject to public information and scrutiny
before final signature.

International treaties of major importance, in particular those affecting

the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Trinidad & Tobago will
be subject to a popular referendum

A proper balance will be struck in the pursuit of foreign policy objectives

between bilateral and multilateral channels, whereby a certain priority
will be given to multilateral diplomacy, at the regional level through
CARICOM, and at the interregional level through the Inter- American
system, the European Union, and the Commonwealth

On CARICOM more specifically, Trinidad and Tobago will re-engage

fully with the regional integration process and contribute to the
strengthening of the overall CARICOM framework, including the CSME.
In this context, the recent initiative of establishing economic and political
union between Trinidad & Tobago and some States of the Eastern
Caribbean is considered divisive and will be reversed.

Also, Trinidad and Tobago will promote, as much as possible, a

common and proactive policy stand among the CARICOM
Members with regard to critical issues such as the forced returnees
from the United States and the UK, the reconstruction of Haiti, the
Bolivarian Alternative (ALBA), climate change and sustainable
development

In order to strengthen and deepen the relations with CARICOM and its
various institutions, Trinidad and Tobago will appoint a
special envoy/ambassador to CARICOM.
A more active, but selective participation will be pursued in the work of the
United Nations System of Organisations, in particular in those areas

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which are directly in line with Trinidad & Tobagos national development
objectives, i.e. the environment, poverty reduction, the millennium
development goals, human rights, drugs and crime, and world trade.
Institutional Requirements/Implications: A new approach to governance
in foreign policy and foreign affairs, will require:
Establishing a Trinidad and Tobago Council on Foreign Relations,
composed of prominent persons from in and out of government,
from civil society and academia, with a distinguished international
relations background, to act in an advisory and monitoring function with
regard to foreign policy formulation and implementation
Redefining the role, mandate and function of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs to make it the primary agency responsible for the implementation
and coordination in the conduct of foreign policy and foreign affairs
Rebuilding the foreign relations capacities of the ministry, which is
grossly understaffed, undertrained and underequipped, by bringing in,
at least temporarily, the necessary expertise of senior and experienced
people easily available in Trinidad and Tobago
Engaging in a significant recruitment drive and training effort at all
levels, to build and strengthen capacities in the field of international
relations and diplomacy, and for this purpose, use and expand as
necessary existing institutions, among them the Institute of International
Relations (UWI, St. Augustine)
Assessing the locations and staffing of Foreign Missions and
Embassies with a view to making appropriate changes so as to make
them more effective in the implementation of the Countrys foreign
policy
Reactivating, in the Ministry of the Attorney General, a properly staffed
Human Rights Bureau with the mandate to monitoring the
implementation of the various international human rights instruments,
including the periodic reporting to the international human
rights community
Establishing, a joint unit between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A properly staffed Trade
Delegation which will be in the lead in terms of trade and investment
promotion and the various trade negotiations, thus dealing with aspects
of major importance in Trinidad and Tobagos current development
scenario
Strengthening our High Commission in India and establish a full-fledged
mission in China in recognition of the growing influence of these two
countries in world affairs and their emergence as major world economic
powers and centres of influence

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INTRODUCTION TO PNM MANIFESTO

It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the Peoples National Movement to present to you the Manifesto of the
PNM for the forthcoming 2010 General Election.
Our programme for the next five years is based on our Vision to make Trinidad and Tobago a developed country
on or before the year 2020, and on the work we have done over the last 8 years to lay a solid foundation for the
attainment of this Vision. We are already well on the way towards achieving our developmental agenda and
in many areas, such as the development of the energy sector, financial and economic stability, industrialization,
infrastructure development, higher education and training, job creation, social programmes, poverty
reduction, housing, health care and public transportation, we are well ahead of our 2020 timelines and targets.
Our record speaks for itself and we are of the view that no other Government except a PNM Government in the
history of Trinidad and Tobago has been able to achieve so much in such a relatively short space of time.
As we continue the transformation of Trinidad and Tobago into a developed country and develop the concomitant
capacities and capabilities of our people, it is with appropriate respect and understanding that we recognize how
much more needs to be done to realize our goal of developed nation status by 2020 and to create the just
and caring society that the people of Trinidad and Tobago are capable of.
As we move closer and closer towards developed country status, I ask that we all do so with love for each other,
and with compassion, tolerance and respect for all of our citizens, regardless of class, financial circumstances,
colour or ethnic background.
We in the PNM believe that all men and women are created equal in the sight of God and are thus entitled to
equality of treatment and equal access to the resources of this great country. We believe in the principles of
fellowship and fraternity, in one people living in harmony and we believe that we can all work together in unison in
the interest of all citizens, Let us demonstrate the spirit of caring and commitment to social justice which makes us
as a country and a people truly great. Let us leave no one behind in our march forward, as we seek to provide for
all our citizens the material basis for a life of dignity, progress, happiness, prosperity and respect.
Our 2020 objectives can only be realized through a symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship between the
people and the government and to this end we are committed to renewing our efforts in our next term towards
reforming our system of Government to allow full and meaningful participation in the national development
process by all citizens of our beloved country.
I firmly believe that our 41 candidates representing the PNM in this most important Election satisfy the essential
criteria of trustworthiness, integrity, competence and commitment that are required of elected representatives. As
the leader of the PNM team, I am steadfastly committed to ensuring that we provide the necessary experience,
skill, talent and energy that is required to achieve our Vision for Trinidad and Tobago

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PEOPLES PARTNERSHIP
WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL A MANIFESTO MAKE?

What will be the policy shift that will occur if development of our country is guided by this manifesto and what will
be the impact of this policy shift?
In general, the economy will be transformed and the political system will be more responsive and participatory but
we mention nine specific differences.
1. All development would take place in the context of a land use and physical planning framework and that
sustainable development principles will apply. There will be order and purpose in development strategy and
execution.
2. People would be central to the development process; not in word but in deed. Education for all will be a reality.
Sixty percent tertiary participation will be realised; a poverty reduction strategy will be set in motion, social welfare
support will be integrated for impact and jobs will be created on a sustainable basis in a thriving economy which
reduces our dependence on energy and creates jobs through new industries that pay better.
3. The crime and personal security issues will be decidedly improved and the justice system overhauled resulting
in faith that justice will be done and seen to be done. Poverty will also be reduced on a systematic basis and the
quality of life in individual homes will be further improved by our home-focused strategy. More people will be
empowered to achieve sustainable livelihoods and more children will achieve in school.
4. We will achieve food security as a reality and in the process effectively address the issue of water resources
management, including flooding and water security and that will have a direct effect on our quality of life and the
price of food. By linking workers to the productive process and to sustainable initiatives, we will improve
productivity and enhance sustainable development practices throughout the country.
5. We will be strengthening our energy industry, but we will also be building for a sustainable future linked to
alternative energy and new knowledge and creative industries such as sport, entertainment, festivals, information
technology, biotechnology, high-tech manufacturing, light manufacturing, tourism, agro-industries and knowledge
industries. Sustainable diversification of our economy will therefore become a sustainable goal.
6. Local government will be more meaningful to people and more impactful on community development and there
will be many more opportunities for participation and influence by citizens.
7. We will have clean, responsible and responsive government with legislative changes and constitutional
amendments to curb excesses and abuse of power. There will also be an emphasis on transparency and
accountability.
8. We will have immediate action in specific areas identified in our 100-day plan that will begin to make a
difference immediately such as measures for water resources management, flood control, irrigation and fixing all
leaks in the WASA system.
9. The tone of the country will change and barriers will be broken down through consultation, participation,
involvement and consensusbuilding. This will help us to achieve unity of purpose in our efforts and partnership
and trust in the society.

We invite you to be a part of the economic and political transformation of Trinidad and Tobago. We recognise that
a holistic and synergistic approach to sustainable development is necessary to achieve meaningful and lasting
results. Accordingly, structures, mechanisms and institutions will be created as may be required to effect
coordination, integration and optimum impact in the right places so that policy implementation yields the maximum
direct benefit to our citizens.

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DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
1. Partner with the People in establishing the conditions in which everyone can fulfil his/her true potential so that
our country can flourish on the basis of sustainable development everyone counts and everyone is needed
2. Provide a safe, secure and sustainable environment where all people can live, work and play without fear
and in which their quality of life is optimised. The partners will seek to transform the society and end the
lawlessness and disorder which contributes to criminal activity thrives
3. Ensure that the disadvantaged in our society are provided with the tools to enable them to
become productive and make reasonable provisions for those persons who, by reason of illness, old age
or disability cannot work
4. Provide an education and training system that enhances mutual respect and esteem, in order to help bring
about a peaceful and fraternal coexistence between people of different ethnic groups, cultures and religions within
a framework which is relevant to the needs of the modern world, with particular emphasis on civics, moral and
spiritual values and the need to become a knowledge-based economy and to introduce a platform for young
people to engage in entrepreneurial activity
5. Build a diverse and democratic society that respects human rights, in which all people live in dignity and
security, free of all forms of discrimination on the basis of religion, colour or gender, where labour is respected,
and which fosters the culture of dialogue to facilitate an increase of understanding and mutual trust between
individuals and groups, for these are the premise of authentic peace
6. Not tolerate any form of corruption and should not politicise the civil service, commissions or
state enterprises
7. Promote legislation for the registration and funding of political parties subject to review of
an independent body 8. Support a system of governance which upholds the rule of law and the separation
of powers and the independence of the Judiciary in its administrative and adjudicative functions under which all
major sectors of the population are represented and which encourages the participation of women at all levels of
governance 9. Invite international observers to oversee every general election and whose report is promptly
laid in Parliament
DECLARATION OF VALUES
1. Selflessness
Make decisions based solely in terms of the public interest. Members should not do so in order to gain financial or
other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends
2. Integrity
Not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might
influence them in the performance of their official duties
3. Objectivity
Make choices based on merit in carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding
contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits
4. Accountability
Be accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is
appropriate to their office
5. Openness
Be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their
decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands
6. Honesty
Declare any private interests relating to their public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way
that protects the public interest
7. Dialogue

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Commit to frank and patient dialogue, refusing to consider their differences as an insurmountable barrier, but
recognizing instead that to encounter the diversity of others can become an opportunity for greater reciprocal
understanding
8. Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example

THE PEOPLES PARTNERSHIP

A Partnership for Sustainable Good Governance in Trinidad and Tobago
1. WHEREAS the People of Trinidad and Tobago in their Constitution
a) have affirmed that the nation of Trinidad and Tobago is founded upon principles that acknowledge the
supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free
men and free institutions, the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable rights with which all
members of the human family are endowed by their Creator;
b) respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operation of the economic system should
result in the material resources of the community being so distributed as to subserve the common good, that
there should be adequate means of livelihood for all, that labour should not be exploited or forced by economic
necessity to operate in inhumane conditions but that there should be opportunity for advancement on the basis of
recognition of merit, ability and integrity;
c) have asserted their belief in a democratic society in which all persons may, to the extent of their capacity, play
some part in the institutions of the national life and thus develop and maintain due respect for lawfully constituted
authority;
d) recognise that men and institutions remain free only when freedom is founded upon respect for moral and
spiritual values and the rule of law;
2. AND WHEREAS
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has been dissolved and the General Election will be held on 24th May
2010. This General Election is a decisive and a historic turning-point and watershed in the development of our
great twinisland Republic and the following political parties recognise and acknowledge that our nation needs men
and women of selfless dedication, firm resolve, integrity and national commitment to take our beloved country
forward.
3. AND WHEREAS
The Partners herein, in the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago agree and subscribe to this historic
Partnership and to pool their considerable talents and resources in the national interest at this critical juncture in
the history of Trinidad and Tobago.
4. AND WHEREAS
The Partners believe that the opportunity exists for the people of Trinidad and Tobago to vote for a peopleoriented and participatory government committed to social justice and implemented by an effective, resultsoriented team whose national objective is to put into practice collaborative leadership to achieve
good governance.
5. In this PEOPLES PARTNERSHIP the partners
are:
1) UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS, (UNC);
2) THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE, (COP);
3) TOBAGO ORGANISATION OF THE PEOPLE,
(TOP);
4) NATIONAL JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE, (NJAC); AND

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5) MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, (MSJ).

6. NOW THEREFORE the Partners agree and declare as follows:

a. LEADER OF THE PARTNERSHIP AND PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE:
The Partners agree that the Leader of the Partnership and Prime Ministerial Candidate is and shall be Mrs.
KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR.
b. The Partners agree to select candidates and only one candidate from the Partnership shall contest the General
Election in each constituency in Trinidad and in Tobago and such candidate shall be the standard-bearer for the
Partners in that constituency.
c. The Partners commit to adopt Principles and Codes of Conduct whereby the interest of our beloved country is
and shall be put before party and individual self-interest and as a government comprising the Partners they will
implement a public policy programme to improve the quality of life of the People of Trinidad and Tobago based on
shared principles of national development and national unity. Together these constitute the foundation for
sustainable government. The said Principles and Codes of Conduct include but are not limited to the matters set
out in the Appendix hereto attached and marked as
A.
d. The Partners have established Collaborative Teams to develop a common Public Policy Programme to be
shared on a Common Platform and have agreed to establish mechanisms for the achievement of Consensus.
e. The Partners agree that they will abide by the spirit and letter of the Constitution and law of Trinidad and
Tobago and to propose legislative changes as are necessary to give effect to the will of the people.
FOR and on behalf of
UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS
Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Political Leader, UNC
FOR and on behalf of
THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE
Winston Dookeran
Political Leader, COP
FOR and on behalf of
TOBAGO ORGANISATION OF THE PEOPLE
Ashworth Jack
Political Leader, TOP
FOR and on behalf of
NATIONAL JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE
Makandal Daaga
Political Leader/Chief Servant, NJAC
FOR and on behalf of
MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Errol K. Mc Leod
Chairman, MSJ
Dated this 21st day of April, 2010

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