January 18, 2017: The following is the address delivered by Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley at the Corporate Governance Seminar at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad:

Salutation

Minister of Finance,

Other Ministers of Government,

Chairmen,

Board Members,

Permanent Secretaries,

Distinguished Guests,

members of the Media.

Let me take this opportunity, first of all, in extending my very best wishes for 2017 to you and your families. My wish is that you enjoy the best of health, receive all God’s blessings and that you make this a very productive and satisfying year. I thought that I should start this Symposium by emphasizing why we’re here this morning. First of all it is to underscore to all of you present that the Government firmly believes that our Stateowned Enterprises (SOE) have a critical role to play in the supply of economic goods and services in Trinidad and Tobago.

We also need to face the harsh reality that, in general, too many of our state-owned enterprises have been underperforming – some much more than others. Some might even have deviated so far from their original purpose as to become the problem they were created to solve.

This Government is committed to addressing the performance issues of all our state enterprises, defaulting and otherwise. We do so, in part by reforming the way they are governed – in other words, we need to re-examine our corporate governance structures, as they relate to the state sector.

We recognize that this is a difficult task because it means addressing a host of complex issues. It is indeed likely that the Government is part of the problem and that we need to examine how Parliament, Ministers and Ministries interact with the state enterprises, under their charge. We accept that there are legitimate questions, for example, as to whether some state enterprises have sufficient autonomy; or whether the roles and responsibilities of the state enterprise Boards and the supervising Ministries are sufficiently clear.

While appropriate laws, regulations and codes are needed, we are under no illusion that these are a panacea. For certain, the problem also involves attitudinal changes to our duties. It is against an understanding of this aspect of our challenges in this sector why only recently the Minister of Finance has seen it fit and very necessary to issue a stern circular memorandum to all Management and Boards in the state enterprise sector that the timely submission of financial reports, whether audited or otherwise, is an uncompromising demand , going forward. Government employees, as well as employees of state-owned corporations, must be committed to executing government policy and dedicated to serving the public by operating their businesses using best practice models. This objective includes proper oversight and reporting as well as eliminating opportunities for waste, abuse and corruption.

The Government is committed to making the state enterprise sector more efficient and more effective. We believe that part of the solution rests with reforming the present governance model. We also believe that the reform process could benefit from a detailed and dispassionate analysis of what the main issues are. And we honestly want to hear your views. That in short, is the main reason for the Symposium. We acknowledge that many of you are volunteers doing yeoman service at your respective stations but let us not forget that wherever we serve we are first and foremost citizens of this country and as such we are shareholders with equity in every investment of the state.

For the younger ones among us today, I would like to give a brief overview of the evolution of the state-owned enterprise sector since Independence.

During the 1960s in the face of concern of the domination of our main economic sectors by the multinational corporations and stagnation in expansion in the range of economic activity, the Government decided to take control of and to grow “the commanding heights of the economy” and in so doing the public sector became more and more the prime mover of economic activity in our country. That is where you are now located as managers of taxpayers bounty, in essence you are the gate-keepers of the children’s future. You fail then we all fail.

The Government first became directly involved in utilities and transportation, telecommunications, then banking and finance and the energy sector through its policy of “localization”. Thereafter state-owned enterprises were created in the manufacturing, and other sectors. As a result of this policy, between 1970 and 1985 the portfolio of state-owned enterprises more than doubled.

As you know, the oil shock of the mid 1980s seriously reduced Government revenues (pretty much as is happening now) and took a heavy toll on the Government finances and on the economy in general. Thereafter, in the context of a structural transformation programme, in the late 1980s the Government began to take steps to reduce the portfolio of State-owned Enterprises as part of a process of fiscal consolidation. This led to the creation of the “Divestment Secretariat”, which presided over the privatization or liquidation of several state-owned enterprises, many of which were in financial difficulty for one reason or the other, not the least of which were poor management, wasteful spending and liberal doses of corruption.

As Government’s fiscal position strengthened, based on higher oil prices and the growth of LNG exports, in 2004 Government began to create a new set of state-owned enterprises in order to ostensibly:

- improve implementation of the public sector investment programme (Special purpose enterprises),

- facilitate investment in the private sector,

- foster development of particular industries, identified as agents of diversification and

- to address issues of social policy.

This policy has brought us to our present situation where we have about 100 state enterprises and their subsidiaries. Not all of them necessary and not all of them well run.

Ladies and gentlemen, to put it mildly, performance of the State-owned Enterprise sector has fallen far short of what we expected.

 most of the commercially-oriented state-owned enterprises have accumulated significant losses, requiring large transfers of cash support from the Central Government. I trust that the Ministry of Finance would produce the raw numbers of this reality for your benefit and that of the wider national community.

 Additionally state-owned enterprises have contracted sizable debts, which they have not been able to service, leaving the burden as permanent liabilities to the Central Government;

 too many state enterprises have circumvented financial constraints by accumulating arrears to Government or other state-owned enterprises (particularly the public utilities). Subscribing to the dubious principle of “Massa bull, Massa cow” the accounting entanglements have resulted in nothing short of a financial mess among some major state enterties.

 instances of weak project planning, questionable procurement procedures and poor financial management practices are all too prevalent in the sector;

 late reporting or no reporting at all, (including submission of financial accounts abound)

 and as if to add insult to injury, the sector is often accused of poor service delivery leading to widespread public discontent.

There are several pieces of legislation and other initiatives that seek to raise the performance of the state enterprise sector.

On the Legislative Side there is:

 The Companies Act (1995) and

 The Integrity in Public Life Act (2000). There is also

 The State Enterprise Performance Monitoring Manual which provides a document framework for compliance with significant guidance for anticipated good corporate governance. In addition,  

 The Public Accounts (Enterprise) Committee of the Parliament (PAEC) conducts hearings at which representative of state enterprises and the line Ministries are questioned on the financial and other matters of concern to the Parliament. This is done on live television and affords the public an unfiltered view of how their business is being run or should I say ruined? As this process grows and continues to inform public appreciation I feel some personal pride and satisfaction as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee which recommended the live broadcasting of proceedings of debates in the House.

The legislative and other codes in particular the Monitoring Manual, outline minimum standards and even though these may fall short of “best practices”, they would significantly raise performance standards, if they are rigorously observed and enforced. The fact is that, as a general rule they are not.

It is worth noting that many large and important state enterprises have not produced audited financial statements for over five years and that under 15 percent of all the state-owned enterprise submit their audited financial statements in the stipulated period, even where the law requires it.

Today I want us to accept as posited that, as a general rule, poor governance always guarantees poor performance.

While I have no intention to go through the Performance Manual, I would like to allocate the last few minutes of this opening presentation to identify some of the broad principles that we need to adopt, if we are to have a quantum improvement in institutional governance.

The experts will tell you that, in the state enterprise sector, good governance starts with a clear definition of the respective roles of the major players the Minister (and by extension, his Ministry); the Board of the enterprise and the Management of the business.

The Role of the Minister and the Ministry is to define the main objectives of the enterprise and to make the Board and Management accountable for achieving these objectives. The Minister/Ministry should also ensure that there are clear processes and criteria for assessing and evaluating performance in a timely fashion.

Obviously it is important to ensure that the Board that has been selected is up to the task. That is why our Government has been taking special steps to ensure that Board members possess the appropriate balance of skills and competencies, along with the highest standards of integrity. We require our Boards to have respect for value for money and to be guided by principles of fairness, transparency and accountability.

The Board has the onerous but necessary duty to recruit and train good management, to support such management, including succession planning and to remove deadwood and obstructionists according to the tenets of good industrial relations.

The Board must be given sufficient autonomy to deliver the stated objectives within the laws and regulations that govern the state enterprise. For its part, however, the Board should focus, as much as possible, on strategic issues rather than on the day-to day running of the enterprise. That should be left to the management (which should be held accountable).

It is important to note that a Board appointment is an opportunity to serve. It is work. The Board’s commitment to doing its work is what will keep Management appropriately focused. It’s the Board’s duty to ensure that management follows the rules and respects good corporate practices. Accordingly, Boards should insist that Management institute effective internal controls, transparent procurement systems and responsible disclosure policies.

The State Enterprise Performance Monitoring Manual, with which you should all be very familiar, mandates the establishment of audit committees to assess the effectiveness of internal controls. Read it, then follow it.

Under the provisions of the Exchequer and Audit Act the Minister of Finance, as Corporation Sole, has responsibility for monitoring the financial performance of all state-owned enterprises covered by the Companies Act. The performance Monitoring Manual also mandates that State Enterprises submit certain specified information on a timely basis to the Investment Division of the Ministry of Finance. Many enterprises have not been abiding by this requirement. This will no longer be tolerated. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to insist that state enterprises comply with this obligation. There will be consequences for non-compliance.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s no secret that over the last two years or so our economy has been going through a difficult period, caused, for the most part, by the dramatic fall in energy prices. The revenue squeeze has meant that the Central Government has had to exercise tight control on Government spending. You, as Directors and Managers of the State Enterprise cannot be unmindful of the macro-economic station. Current fiscal realities demand that you treat responsibly with resources of your various institutions by carefully reviewing their spending plans, taking a stand against waste, over spending and corruption and insisting on value for money.

It is worth repeating that improved governance will inevitably lead to enhanced operational performance. You as directors owe that to your ultimate shareholder – the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Thank you for agreeing to serve and we all look forward to dramatic improvements in the performance of the state enterprise sector as you put your professionalism to work for the children and the future.

Thank you, very sincerely, for your attention.

January 19, 2017: It was a proud moment for the management team of the Movietowne franchise as they officially opened their new Cineplex in San Fernando on Monday 16 January, 2017. Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry congratulated Movietowne founder and Chairman, Mr. Derek Chin on his  vision and foresight in understanding the interests of the viewing public and taking strategic steps to meet those needs.

In her address, Minister Gopee-Scoon also commended Movietowne on its continued support of the creative sector in particular the local film industry stating that ‘this facility will provide an additional distribution outlet for our local films to be viewed by a much wider audience in Trinidad and Tobago. Avenues of this nature are critical to the development of our local Film Industry and it gives local producers the added confidence that the production of films can be transformed into a commercially viable business enterprise’. She added that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is in the process of identifying and implementing appropriate incentives to create an enabling environment which will foster the growth and development of the Film Industry.

The Minister noted that ‘the opening of this Movietowne branch in South Trinidad creates a springboard for the further development of the environment and encourages the decentralization of local and international businesses into the South Land. This Cineplex will also lead to additional opportunities for revenue generation and employment’.

Mr. Derek Chin, founder and Chairman, Movietowne in welcoming the guests to the Opening, said that ‘Movietowne will continue to persevere, expanding locally and regionally’. He expressed gratitude to all who supported and believed in his vision. Mr. Chin stated that ‘this is a T&T effort utlilizing a large percentage of local content. The Movietowne chain has contributed greatly to the economic benefit of Trinidad and Tobago including significant employment generation where some 500 young persons will be employed at the south location’.

Also  delivering Greetings were the Honourable Faris Al Rawi, Attorney General and Member of Parliament for San Fernando West; the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Housing and Urban Development and Member of Parliament for San Fernando East and Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government. They all congratulated Mr. Chin and the Board of Directors for the positive impact the Movietowne franchise has continued to have on the local economy, the labour market and family life.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Trade and Industry

868-623-8480

January 19, 2017: The National Clean-Up Campaign will continue this weekend with the launch in the city of Port of Spain on Saturday 21^st January, 2017. Residents are encouraged to clean out their surroundings and put out their bulk and white waste on Friday evening as collection will take place over Saturday and Sunday.

Minister Kazim Hosein repeated his call to action for volunteers and corporate partners in the city of Port of Spain to get involved with the clean-up efforts, requesting that people come out to assist in the loading of trucks, especially on streets which are too narrow for large machinery to maneuver. “We are calling on all volunteers with equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks, skid steer loaders, tractors and excavators to join the effort to cut overgrown lots, remove derelict vehicles, demolish dilapidated structures, take down illegal signage, and clear bulk and white waste. The volunteerism we saw in Diego Martin was fantastic and we want to continue and deepen that spirit of volunteerism in every community as we move across the country.”

From Port of Spain, the National Clean-Up Campaign will move on to the San Juan/Laventille region on January 28^th, 2017 before moving southward into the borough of Chaguanas. The Port of Spain Launch event will take place at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday 21^st January at 8:30am. All are encouraged to come out and get involved in the clean-up of the city. Let’s Team Up to Clean Up!

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For further information please contact:

Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

868-628-8285

January 20, 2017: The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education is reiterating his concern over the fact that many parents and guardians are forced to form queues outside schools from as early as 4.00 am in order to access a form that will allow their children to be considered for entry into Primary Schools.

This, he says has resulted in parents and guardians being stressed and frustrated.This practice has developed because of the limited number of admission forms that are made available to parents by some School Principals.

Minister Garcia says he has received numerous complaints from parents and guardians who have been subjected to this indignity, causing unnecessary stress and frustration. Minister Garcia insists that this situation should not be allowed to continue.

He says the Ministry advises that where application forms are required to be completed by parents, these forms should be made available over an extended period, during the months of February and March, during normal working hours, and are available to ALL parents seeking admission to school for their children.

The Ministry of Education has issued a circular memorandum to Principals of all primary schools outlining the following:

• Admission lists must be posted at the school and parents must be notified by May 15^th each year. Principals are also required to notify parents who are unsuccessful in securing a place for their children of the reason/s for non-acceptance.
• Residence in the catchment area (3 KM) of the school is the first criterion for admission and refusal to admit is permissible only on grounds of overcrowding;
• When the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, priority is to be given to applicants residing in the catchment area of the school and on the age of the child with older children receiving preference.
• Children shall be admitted to primary school not earlier than the first day of the term in which they attain their fifth birthday;
• Parents are also reminded that no registration fee or contribution is to be a condition for acceptance of a child into a public school.

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For further information, please contact:

The Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Education

868-478-2255

January 20, 2017: The Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, Minister of Social Development and Family Services on Thursday January 19, 2017 met with the Ministers of National Security, Major General (Retired) Edmund Dillon; Rural Development and Local Government, the Honourable Kazim Hosein; and Health, the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, to initiate talks on finding a solution towards the street dwelling issue in Trinidad.

The meeting was also attended by the Mayors of Port of Spain, Alderman Joel Martinez, Point Fortin, Councillor Abdon Mason, San Fernando, Alderman Junia Regrello and Arima, Councillor Lisa Morris-Julian.

Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Jacinta Bailey- Sobers and Joy Persad Myers, and other Permanent Secretaries from the stakeholder Ministries; Director of Legal Services, Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, as well the CEO and other representatives of the Port of Spain City Corporation were also part of the discussions.

The Minister of Social Development and Family Services referred to statements made by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, regarding the socially displaced, where he emphasized the need to treat with this matter, with a high level of urgency and compassion, and underscored this as the main reason for convening the meeting. Minister Crichlow-Cockburn highlighted the need for a collaborative approach, both private and public sectors, given the multi-dimensional nature of street dwelling.

During the meeting, the discussion included a situational analysis of street dwelling, the need for joint efforts and close collaboration among the key stakeholders, identification of the roles and responsibilities of respective stakeholders; and the need to implement a robust and comprehensive action plan to treat with the issue in the short, medium and long term.

It was agreed that some of the immediate actions to be taken were:

• Facilities to be established in each region and tailored to the various types of displaced persons;
• Strengthening of the legislative framework to support the efforts;
• Full operationalization of the San Fernando Shelter for Street Dwellers, which will be used as a model for all other regions.

All persons present gave their commitment to addressing the issue as a matter of priority, as it impacts all sectors of our society. The Minister of Social Development and Family Services accepted an invitation to visit the proposed San Fernando Shelter, since much work has already been done towards it operationalization.

In closing, Minister Crichlow-Cockburn expressed her appreciation to those in attendance and restated the Ministry’s commitment to synergizing efforts, and facilitating the process to address the issue of street dwelling; with the primary purpose of rehabilitation and reintegration.

Stakeholder Talks: A cross section of themeeting which took place today at the CL Building to discuss street dwelling.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications Unit

Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

868-623-2608; Ext 5405/5432 

January 23, 2017: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Canadian Government have demonstrated an interest in further collaboration through technical cooperation and support.  Among the different areas of interest shared between Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis and Canadian High Commissioner Carla Hogan Rufelds, preservation of the culture of our indigenous people in the identified areas of Siparia and Arima is one possibility.  Another key area of interest in the economic development of Trinidad and Tobago is Maritime Industry expansion, identified by T&T’s Government as a major area of economic transformation along with the IT sector. 

Discussions between the two Governments have been focused on the activities Trinidad and Tobago is currently undertaking in alignment with the country’s National Development Strategy and the mutual benefit for both parties, which are based on their individual strategic areas of development.  Other sectors discussed include information and communication technology, security, governance, culture, transportation systems, environmental and infrastructural development.

Another point of interest is the opportunity to advance our climate change agenda through technical cooperation for reduced carbon emissions. The High Commissioner noted that climate change is also priority for the Prime Minister of Canada, coming out of the Paris Agreement and a main focus for her office.  Similarly, Minister Robinson-Regis underlined her Ministry’s role as the key environmental Ministry and the work done to reduce ozone impacting gases in the A/C and refrigeration sectors as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s progressive attitude and national interest in sustainable technologies such as wind and solar and renewable resources; an area which she hopes Trinidad and Tobago successfully transitions into, as well as our focus on revenue earning sectors that are not oil and gas oriented.

The Minister of Planning and Development received a courtesy call from The High Commissioner to Canada her Excellency Carla Hogan Rufelds on January 13, 2017.

The history of bilateral relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada dates back to 1938 These relations were formalized immediately after Trinidad and Tobago became an independent country, with the opening of the High Commission of Canada in Port-of-Spain in 1962.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Planning and Development

868-627-9700 ext. 2074/2075/1406/1456

January 23, 2017: The Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Housing and Urban Development presented Letters of Appointment to the members of the newly installed Board of the East Port of Spain Development Company Limited (EPOSDC) on Monday January 23, 2017 at the Ministry’s South Quay, Port of Spain office. Mr. Newman George will serve as Chairman with Dr. Jeffrey Reyes and Ms. Ann Marie Francis-Charles serving as Directors of EPOSDC.

At this short and simple ceremony, line Minister, the Honourable Randall Mitchell, reminded the new BoardMembers of the important responsibility which they have agreed to accept and urged them to always adhere to the principles of good corporate governance. Underscoring the fact that their role was significant in addressing issues of urban decay and poor infrastructure within the communities of east Port of Spain, the Minister stated that in moving forward, the company’s projects must always be focused on improving the quality of life for citizens who live, work and recreate within East Port of Spain and environs.

The Minister urged the new board to drive the urban revitalization agenda for East Port of Spain so that residents and constituents can benefit from positive physical, social and economic transformation.

The new Chairman of EPOSDC, Newman George indicated that within his first few months as Chairman, he intends to review and seek Cabinet’s approval for the company’s draft strategic development plan and begin active implementation once the plan has been approved by Cabinet. Another urgent priority for him as Chairman is “getting stakeholders to buy-in to the idea of working together to improve the quality of life and standard of living so as to ensure continued improvement to the communities that EPOSDC serves.”

Also present at this short presentation ceremony were Ms. Simone Thorne-Mora, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Dr. Deborah Thomas-Austin, Managing Director, EPOSDC.

The Honourable Randall Mitchell presents new EPOSDC Chairman, Mr. Newman George with his Letter of Appointment.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

868-623-4663 ext 2244/2168

January 24, 2017: Local street vendors, restaurant owners, caterers, bed and breakfast owners, hoteliers and others involved in the food industry are being invited to register for International Food Safety Training in 2017.

The initiative is part of the Tobago Tourism and Health Programme, which is being spearheaded by the Division of Tourism and Transportation.

The Programme was launched in Tobago in September 2016 and involves implementing a tourism health information, monitoring, and response system.

All registration forms must be emailed to the Division at tobagotourismhealthprogramme@gmail.com.

Anyone seeking further information can contact the Tourism Division at 868-639-2125 extension 2212 or 2109.

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For further information please contact:

The Department of Information

Office of the Chief Secretary

Tobago House of Assembly

868-639-3421 ext. 5019

January 25, 2017: On January 24th, 2017, Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan,  Minister of Works and Transport, the Honourable Faris Al-Rawi, Attorney General,  Mr. Wayne Richards, Transport Commissioner, and a representative from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, met with representatives of Uber to discuss the launching of Uber in Trinidad and Tobago.

Arising out of the discussions, the Ministry confirmed the need for strict adherence to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and requested full disclosure of Uber’s operating structures. Uber undertook to provide full disclosure of all requested information with a view to facilitating the Ministry’s advice on Uber’s legal operation of services under its co-sharing arrangements for transportation.

Uber further undertook to disclose its corporate and legislative structures in other jurisdictions as well as its insurance coverage in all markets, including Trinidad and Tobago.

As the Minister with responsibility for transport, Senator Sinanan gives the assurance that he will continue to place the interest of the citizenry first and will exercise due diligence in this matter.

The Ministry is actively leading a thorough consideration of the situation and will be in a position to report further in the near future.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Works and Transport

868-625-1225 ext. 10811

January 26, 2017: Over the next week, representatives of various Community Groups will have the chance to contribute to a National Community Development Policy. The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts is working on developing a National Community Development Policy. On Tuesday 24^th January, 2017, the Vistabella Regional Complex was the venue for the first of three consultations.

“Today’s conversation is about getting your views. You are the people who know the community best and you will know what you want to see. We will keep you informed on the progress of this policy, because we intend to take it all the way.” Mrs Angela Edwards, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Community Development, was present to give Welcoming Remarks.

According to Dr. Donna Mae Knights, Policy Co-Ordinator, Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, “We have very clear objectives for these Policy Consultations. We are working with you to review Community Development Practices among Community-Based Organisations, understand your perception of a developed community; identify and understand the major assets in your community and obtain feedback on key consideration to be addressed.”

After the formal welcome, Ms Lissa-Anne Edwards, Monitoring and Evaluation Professional conducted the focus group session. The groups represented included religious bodies, cultural groups and civic societies. A number of pertinent matters were raised by representatives of the various groups. The community workers spoke of the importance of getting young people involved in community work and saw them as true assets in their communities. They were also interested in getting more access to persons in authority in their respective areas including Members of Parliament, Councillors and Community Development Officers. Another cross-cutting issue was safety and security in the communities - particularly for people who are involved in community based activities that finish in the late evening. The session closed with the interviewees calling for a quarterly forum in communities where they could raise issues and explore solutions.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts will continue their current-state analysis which will feed into the National Community Development Policy over the next week in the Northern and Central Regions.

In Session: Ms Lissa Anne Edwards, Monitoring and Evaluation Professional conducts the Focus Group session with representatives of community groups.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts

868-628-6088 

January 26, 2016: The Ministry of Works and Transport wishes to advise the general public that due to underground field wire problems at the intersection of Macoya and the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, the traffic lights have entered into flash mode.

The Ministry has begun the necessary works to have the intersection returned to its normal operation and expects to have this completed by Saturday 28th January, 2017.

Motorists are advised of the following:
 Vehicles turning must give way
 Observe all directional signs and barriers
 Proceed with caution at the intersection and
 Comply with the instructions of police officers on site.

The Ministry of Works and Transport regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for its continued cooperation.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Works and Transport

868-625-1225

January 27, 2017: The Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mrs. Angela Siew received a courtesy visit by Milton Haughton, Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and a team of Norwegian fisheries experts – Dr. Johan Williams and Dr. Ǻge Høines - at the Ministry's Head Office in St. Clair, Port of Spain on Monday 23^rd January, 2017.

The meeting of this technical mission from Norway in Trinidad and Tobago, marked just one of six Caribbean territories, inclusive of Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and Haiti, visited from 16-26 January, 2017. Its purpose was to gather information with a view to formulating a project proposal to provide support in capacity building in fish stock assessment and statistics as well as assist with fisheries research and management within the region.

Permanent Secretary Siew noted that while the technical details of the programme needed to be established, she was thrilled at the timing of the timing of the proposal espoused by the technical mission from Norway; saying "I am particularly pleased with the capacity building objective of the programme as the current economic tides have gravely impeded the Ministry's staffing within the Fisheries sector.  The programme therefore presents a unique and much needed opportunity for the human resource capacity to be enhanced within the fisheries sector."

Mr. Haughton further acknowledged that there was a need for advanced training in specialist areas within the sector and as such, training will be identified as a critical area in the project development process.

Also at the meeting was Ms. Elizabeth Mohammed, Director, Fisheries Division (Ag.).

Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mrs. Angela Siew, presents the Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Mr. Milton Haughton, with a token during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s Head Office at St. Clair, Port of Spain.

Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mrs. Angela Siew, presents Dr. Johan Williams of the Institute of Marine Research in Norway, with a token during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s Head Office at St. Clair, Port of Spain.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

January 27, 2017: The following is a statement delivered by the Honourable Major General Edmund Dillon, Acting Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in celebration of the 68th Republic Day of India on Thursday, January 26, 2017:

I am pleased to address you this evening as we join the High Commission of the Republic of India in celebrating the 68th Anniversary of Republic Day of India. I do so on behalf of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

High Commissioner Dey, I take this opportunity to extend to you and your family, a warm welcome to Trinidad and Tobago. I hope your stay thus far has been enjoyable, and I wish you a long and rewarding experience as you represent your beloved country in this part of the globe.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let’s remind ourselves on January 26, 1950, the Republic of India was born. On that day, the constitution of India was enacted, and one of the world’s largest constitutional democracies was created. Since taking responsibility for its own development, India has grown tremendously and, today is a rising power and a fast emerging global leader in innovation, technology, pharmaceuticals, alternative energy, to name just a few.

India’s excellence has not only been in areas of work but in play as well, having produced the likes of Sunil Manohar “Sunny” Gavaskar, the greatest opening batsman in cricket history, who incidentally had his test cricket debut at our own Queens Park Oval in 1971. India’s first ever win over the West Indies cricket team was also in Trinidad and Tobago, with Gavaskar batting the winning runs. A local calypsonian, Relator, even immortalised the event of the team’s winning performance, and I quote a few words: “Gavaskar, the real master, just like a wall, we couldn’t out Gavaskar at all, not at all, the West Indies couldn’t out Gavaskar at all. In the same way, ladies and gentlemen, the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of India cannot and will not go out at all.

We cannot out this partnership at all. We have an enduring relationship that dates back to our shared colonial heritage, which climaxed with the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad and Tobago in 1845. Over the years, the Indo Trinbagonian community has grown and prospered, maintaining their cultural heritage and transforming the socio-economic fabric of our twin island nation with their food, music, dance and religions. One cannot imagine Trinidad and Tobago without Chutney music, a month-long Divali celebration at the Divali Nagar, or a breakfast without doubles and aloe pies, can you?

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of India established formal diplomatic relations since the beginning of this country’s sovereignty in 1962. Our relationship has continued to grow and thrive through continued people-to-people contact, technical cooperation, investment and joint ventures in the business sector. Trinidad and Tobago is grateful to have the opportunity to access the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which provides training to our nationals in many areas for which India has expertise, including IT, the environment, renewable energy and management.

At the multilateral level, we also share common goals, including the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect, transparency and democracy and to include developing countries. We both condemn terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, and endeavour to eliminate this menace through cooperation in the United Nations. We truly believe, as Mahatma Ghandi, God bless his soul, once said, and I quote, “You must not lose faith in humanity; humanity is like an ocean, if a few drops of the ocean become dirty, the ocean does not become dirty”, (unquote). Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to further strengthening our relationship, one, which I have no doubt, will continue to endure for many years to come.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I invite you to join me in a toast to the Government and People of India in celebration of the 68th Anniversary of Republic Day, and to the friendly relations between our nations and people.

I thank you

January 29, 2017: The first meeting of the Protected Areas Working Group was convened on Friday 27^th January, 2017 by Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.  At the meeting, discussions focused on details of existing pieces of Legislation, the country’s Forest Resources, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Policy Formulation, wildlife and wetlands conservation; among others.

In his opening words to the Group, Minister Rambharat said ‘we are serious about protected areas’, noting that discussions will focus on ‘what work has been done, where we are and what remains to be done’.  Contributions were made by the EMA on the environmentally sensitive areas and environmentally sensitive species, the importance of community involvement; wildlife surveys; the IMA’s contributions focused on marine protected areas and marine preservation/conservation; the Zoological Society’s contribution focused on the management of protected areas and policy formulation for same.

Attending the meeting were Ms.  Fiona Mottley, Member of the Board, Tourism Development Company Limited; Mr. David Boodoo, Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago; Mr. Hayden Romano, Managing Director, Environmental Management Authority; Ms. Rahanna Juman, Deputy Director, Institute of Marine Affairs; Mr. Nevon Williams and Ms. Esther Vidale of Nature Seekers; and Mr. Mohan Bholasingh, President, South Eastern Hunters Association.

Also at the meeting were senior Ministry officials including Mr. Claudelle Mc Kellar, Deputy Permanent Secretary; Mr. John Radgman, Conservator of Forests; Mr. Clarence Bacchus, Forestry Advisor; and Mr. Denny Dipchansingh.

One of the goals of this Working Group is to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago gains the most benefits of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Project, titled ‘Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago’.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221 

January 30, 2017:‘Educational, refreshing, very good, comprehensive’ were the words used by participants of the just concluded ‘Wildfire Suppression Organization and Safety Workshop’, hosted by the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries at the San Fernando Hill National Landmark, San Fernando from Monday 23^rd– 27^th January, 2017.

Setting the tone for the session at the Opening Ceremony hosted on Monday 23^rd January, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries shared that he was ‘intimately involved in almost every hour of planning that went into preparing for this workshop’ as he will ‘take a deep interest in what will happen over the coming week and thereafter’.  He put the workshop into context with the words‘long before March 25^th 2016 when we lost Keith Campbell, I was personally extremely concerned not only about the fire response of the Forestry Division but also about the issue of health and safety in the Ministry’, reiterating that a Health and Safety policy in all Ministries is important, particularly for those whose employees face daily risks. 

Noting that it was important for the role of the Forestry Division to be clearly identified as it relates to responding to fires, extensive discussions were had among key stakeholder organisations on ‘developing the appropriate expertise in this country and the appropriate policies and legislative framework so that we can place Forestry’s role on an extremely secure footing in terms of response to forest and bush fires in particularly’.

He also urged the participants to develop a ‘culture of lessons learnt, and sharing those lessons out of good and bad experiences so that it improves our response time and the quality of our future response time’.

Mr. Dave Samayah, Assistant Conservator of Forests and Head – Fire Unit, Forestry Division described the workshop as a ‘tremendous success’, saying that‘workers are excited about what they learnt and what they plan to implement’.  Participants expressed appreciation for the interactive, practical and hands-on sessions, and plan to utilize what they learnt in the areas of fire assessment, looking at the different dangers, increasing communications among the workers on the field, to work more as a team, and mopping up operations. 

The week-long workshop was facilitated by three experts in the area, namely Mr. Blane Heumann, Director of Fire Management, The Nature Conservancy, Missouri; and Mr. Richard Anderson, Fire Management & Fire Ecology Consultant and Mr. Mario Muschamp, Protected Areas Manager, both of Toledo Institute for Development and Environment.  This training was deemed pertinent in the context of an ongoing increase in the loss of vegetative cover, coupled with fatalities experienced in the Forestry Division’s suppression efforts.  One major objective of the training was to ensure that staff can effectively deal with the present incidence of wildfires and to prepare for the future.  Topics covered were integrated fire management; Leadership incident command; basic firefighter preparedness, weather, communications, basic ICS; Organization Chain of Command, Safety, Working as a squad.

The team was welcomed and hosted by His Worship the Mayor of San Fernando, Alderman Junia Regrello.  Other speakers at the Opening Ceremony were Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul, Representative, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations; Mr. Blane Heumann, Director of Fire Management, The Nature Conservancy; and Mr. John Radgman, Conservator of Forests, Forestry Division.

Members of the Head Table.

Cross-section of the audience at the event. 

Senator Avinash Singh and NAMDEVCO CEO Ayoub Mohammed in agri talks.

For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

January 30, 2017: For just under $10,000, one can acquire a 20-foot, 250-gallon, home aquaponics system with the capacity to produce some 64 heads of lettuce and pak choi; 80 pounds of tilapia fish; and 25 pounds of tomatoes and a comparable amount of cucumbers - enough to feed a large family on a continuous basis! Such an investment according to Agricultural Assistant I of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Salem Shah, can be a worthwhile venture as the aquaponics system could ensure a healthy (organic) harvest every week once managed properly. He was speaking to students of the Cowen Hamilton Secondary School in Princes Town, during their school's Career Day on Friday 27th January, 2017, when he made the disclosure.

Staffers from the Ministry’s Regional Administration South Division were present to share pamphlets on both the sector's many career opportunities and farming techniques; conduct interactive demonstrations of various agricultural systems; field a range of questions; and reward attentive and thought-provoking students. The Ministry's display included miniature representations of a grow box, aquaponics and hydroponics systems in addition to audio/visual apparatus.

The event was hosted on the school's compound and attracted exhibitors from both the public and private sectors; the latter of which comprised tertiary institutions and highlighted career opportunities in the fields of photography, cosmetology, hairdressing and entrepreneurship. Among the exhibitors were the Ministry of Education; Ministry of Public Administration and Communication; Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development; University of the West Indies (UWI); University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT); School of Business and Computer Science (SBCS); College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTATT); Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies (CCLCS); School of Accounting and Management (SAM); University of Southern Caribbean (USC); Omardeen's School of Accounting; Association for Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA); Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Air Guard and Coast Guard; Metal Industries Company Limited; National Energy Skills Centre (NESC); National Training Agency (NTA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality Training Institute (TTHTI).

For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

January 30:The following is a statement delivered by Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, on January 27 on the occasion of Australia Day of the Commonwealth of Australia. 

Excellency, I am indeed delighted to join you to celebrate the two hundred and twenty-ninth (229th) Anniversary of Australia Day, a significant milestone in your country’s history. Congratulations to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia on behalf of myself, Dr. the Honourable Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister, and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

‘Australia Day’ or the National Day of Australia as it is officially termed, commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of the first British colonists from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788, the founding day of the colony and the modern day country of Australia. This day has grown into a celebration of the resilience and diversity of the Australian people. Its rich history, remarkable achievements specifically in the areas of infrastructure, music, art, sports, science, invention and exploration, and its vision for continued progress in the future are exemplary.

It gives me great pleasure to state that 2017 marks the forty-eight anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, and the state of bilateral relations remains on a sound footing. As former British colonies, we have built on our common heritage and developed a robust bilateral relationship and collaborate in the multilateral fora on like-minded issues.

High Commissioner, Trinidad and Tobago has taken note and encouragement of Australia’s economic strength, stability and prosperity. We are thankful to our international partners, including Australia, for providing support in a number of areas, as we strive to meet our development goals. We also appreciate the corporate social responsibility of Australian firms operating in our energy sector, notably BHP Billiton that contributes to training and using local suppliers and employees.

Trinidad and Tobago has benefited from technical cooperation with Australia in the areas of trade and investment, scholarships and grants, the Australia Awards Initiative, and Direct Aid Programme geared towards promoting sustainable development and culture.

Cultural exchanges over the years have contributed to deeper people to people ties. Most notably, the Australian Indigenous Dance Group ‘Descendants,’ graced the shores of Trinidad and Tobago in April 2016. During that visit, our own Malick Folk Performers and the Shiv Shakti Dance Troup had the opportunity for cross cultural collaboration in dance.

Another more infamous area of cultural collaboration, and I daresay competition, is cricket! Although we have been competitors for much of the game, the age of T20 cricket has seen much collaboration between our players, much to the delight of cricket fans worldwide. In the Australian 2016/2017 Big Bash League, four Trinbagonians were selected to play on Australian teams. Also, an Australian National was appointed as the Head Coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the forthcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League Campaign!

From cricket to other multilateral fora, both Trinidad and Tobago and Australia have successfully carved a niche for themselves in the international community in various fields of endeavor, including our shared interest of Small Island Developing States. By building on our strengths and through mutual support in international fora, we seek to shape global affairs and ensure that the benefits of these efforts redound to the well-being of the Peoples of our countries.

Excellency, with education, sport and culture being fundamental to the overall development of future generations in Trinidad and Tobago, it is my desire that we 4 continue to explore innovative ways for further collaboration in these areas with specific emphasis on the development of our young people. As we seek to diversify our economy, I should also like to explore cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, alternative and downstream energy and tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I invite you raise your glasses and to join me in a toast to the Government and People of the Commonwealth of Australia in celebration of the 229th anniversary of Australia Day and to the friendly relations between our nations and people.

I thank you.

January 30:The following is a statement delivered by Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, on January 27 on the occasion of Australia Day of the Commonwealth of Australia. 

Excellency, I am indeed delighted to join you to celebrate the two hundred and twenty-ninth (229th) Anniversary of Australia Day, a significant milestone in your country’s history. Congratulations to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia on behalf of myself, Dr. the Honourable Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister, and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

‘Australia Day’ or the National Day of Australia as it is officially termed, commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of the first British colonists from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788, the founding day of the colony and the modern day country of Australia. This day has grown into a celebration of the resilience and diversity of the Australian people. Its rich history, remarkable achievements specifically in the areas of infrastructure, music, art, sports, science, invention and exploration, and its vision for continued progress in the future are exemplary.

It gives me great pleasure to state that 2017 marks the forty-eight anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, and the state of bilateral relations remains on a sound footing. As former British colonies, we have built on our common heritage and developed a robust bilateral relationship and collaborate in the multilateral fora on like-minded issues.

High Commissioner, Trinidad and Tobago has taken note and encouragement of Australia’s economic strength, stability and prosperity. We are thankful to our international partners, including Australia, for providing support in a number of areas, as we strive to meet our development goals. We also appreciate the corporate social responsibility of Australian firms operating in our energy sector, notably BHP Billiton that contributes to training and using local suppliers and employees.

Trinidad and Tobago has benefited from technical cooperation with Australia in the areas of trade and investment, scholarships and grants, the Australia Awards Initiative, and Direct Aid Programme geared towards promoting sustainable development and culture.

Cultural exchanges over the years have contributed to deeper people to people ties. Most notably, the Australian Indigenous Dance Group ‘Descendants,’ graced the shores of Trinidad and Tobago in April 2016. During that visit, our own Malick Folk Performers and the Shiv Shakti Dance Troup had the opportunity for cross cultural collaboration in dance.

Another more infamous area of cultural collaboration, and I daresay competition, is cricket! Although we have been competitors for much of the game, the age of T20 cricket has seen much collaboration between our players, much to the delight of cricket fans worldwide. In the Australian 2016/2017 Big Bash League, four Trinbagonians were selected to play on Australian teams. Also, an Australian National was appointed as the Head Coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the forthcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League Campaign!

From cricket to other multilateral fora, both Trinidad and Tobago and Australia have successfully carved a niche for themselves in the international community in various fields of endeavor, including our shared interest of Small Island Developing States. By building on our strengths and through mutual support in international fora, we seek to shape global affairs and ensure that the benefits of these efforts redound to the well-being of the Peoples of our countries.

Excellency, with education, sport and culture being fundamental to the overall development of future generations in Trinidad and Tobago, it is my desire that we 4 continue to explore innovative ways for further collaboration in these areas with specific emphasis on the development of our young people. As we seek to diversify our economy, I should also like to explore cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, alternative and downstream energy and tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I invite you raise your glasses and to join me in a toast to the Government and People of the Commonwealth of Australia in celebration of the 229th anniversary of Australia Day and to the friendly relations between our nations and people.

I thank you.

January 30:The following is a statement delivered by Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, on January 27 on the occasion of Australia Day of the Commonwealth of Australia. 

Excellency, I am indeed delighted to join you to celebrate the two hundred and twenty-ninth (229th) Anniversary of Australia Day, a significant milestone in your country’s history. Congratulations to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia on behalf of myself, Dr. the Honourable Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister, and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

‘Australia Day’ or the National Day of Australia as it is officially termed, commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of the first British colonists from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788, the founding day of the colony and the modern day country of Australia. This day has grown into a celebration of the resilience and diversity of the Australian people. Its rich history, remarkable achievements specifically in the areas of infrastructure, music, art, sports, science, invention and exploration, and its vision for continued progress in the future are exemplary.

It gives me great pleasure to state that 2017 marks the forty-eight anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, and the state of bilateral relations remains on a sound footing. As former British colonies, we have built on our common heritage and developed a robust bilateral relationship and collaborate in the multilateral fora on like-minded issues.

High Commissioner, Trinidad and Tobago has taken note and encouragement of Australia’s economic strength, stability and prosperity. We are thankful to our international partners, including Australia, for providing support in a number of areas, as we strive to meet our development goals. We also appreciate the corporate social responsibility of Australian firms operating in our energy sector, notably BHP Billiton that contributes to training and using local suppliers and employees.

Trinidad and Tobago has benefited from technical cooperation with Australia in the areas of trade and investment, scholarships and grants, the Australia Awards Initiative, and Direct Aid Programme geared towards promoting sustainable development and culture.

Cultural exchanges over the years have contributed to deeper people to people ties. Most notably, the Australian Indigenous Dance Group ‘Descendants,’ graced the shores of Trinidad and Tobago in April 2016. During that visit, our own Malick Folk Performers and the Shiv Shakti Dance Troup had the opportunity for cross cultural collaboration in dance.

Another more infamous area of cultural collaboration, and I daresay competition, is cricket! Although we have been competitors for much of the game, the age of T20 cricket has seen much collaboration between our players, much to the delight of cricket fans worldwide. In the Australian 2016/2017 Big Bash League, four Trinbagonians were selected to play on Australian teams. Also, an Australian National was appointed as the Head Coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the forthcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League Campaign!

From cricket to other multilateral fora, both Trinidad and Tobago and Australia have successfully carved a niche for themselves in the international community in various fields of endeavor, including our shared interest of Small Island Developing States. By building on our strengths and through mutual support in international fora, we seek to shape global affairs and ensure that the benefits of these efforts redound to the well-being of the Peoples of our countries.

Excellency, with education, sport and culture being fundamental to the overall development of future generations in Trinidad and Tobago, it is my desire that we 4 continue to explore innovative ways for further collaboration in these areas with specific emphasis on the development of our young people. As we seek to diversify our economy, I should also like to explore cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, alternative and downstream energy and tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I invite you raise your glasses and to join me in a toast to the Government and People of the Commonwealth of Australia in celebration of the 229th anniversary of Australia Day and to the friendly relations between our nations and people.

I thank you.

January 31, 2017:

Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry delivered the Feature Address at the graduation ceremony of the International Trade Specialist Accreditation Programme hosted by exporTT Limited held on Friday 27 January, 2017 at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce. The programme which is a nine (9) month e-learning programme, is accredited by the Institute of Export and delivered by eBSI Export Academy. The graduates included persons from exporting firms and also staff members of exporTT Limited.

In her Address, Minister Gopee-Scoon told the graduates that ‘the understanding and appreciation gained about international trade will inevitably and ultimately result in more resilient and competitive businesses, and by extension, a stronger economy’. She added that ‘as newly recognized International Trade Specialists, all of you have a role to play in building our nation. Exporters now have the tools and enhanced knowledge-base to better navigate the global trading system; while those of you attached to exporTT will now have the knowledge to be more effective facilitators, as you treat closely with exporters and importers’.

Minister Gopee-Scoon indicated that the Ministry of Trade and Industry, guided by Government Policy, continues to focus on pursuing extra regional and non-traditional markets, increasing export capacity and competitiveness of value added goods and services, improving the business and trade-enabling environment and strengthening the Institutional Framework for Trade. She said ‘the Ministry of Trade and Industry is in the process of completing a comprehensive National Export Strategy (NES). The NES is aimed at improving the competitiveness of exporters by strengthening their business knowledge and exporting competencies; enhancing administrative efficiency of trade related services, via a reduction in the cost and delivery time of services provided by public trade related institutions; and providing greater support to help exporters penetrate targeted overseas markets, towards increasing and promoting the international profile and desirability of the country’s exports’. Minister Gopee-Scoon expressed confidence that the implementation of the NES will have a major and real impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s exports and overall trade competitiveness noting that ‘this reflects the Government’s on-going commitment to foster an open trade environment, appropriate for both budding and already established exporters’.

Mr. Ashmeer Mohamed, Chairman, exporTT Limited in his address commended exporTT’s management for conducting the International Trade Specialist programme. He said ‘this programme will allow exporTT to lay the foundation for the capacity building that would accelerate growth in exports and diversification, thereby achieving our mandate which is to grow and diversify the exports of Trinidad and Tobago away from oil and gas’. He added that ‘as the international trade environment becomes increasingly competitive and challenging, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to keep in step with international trade “best practice” to creatively overcome perceived obstacles. Never before has the role of exporTT been more crucial in developing the talent to take products internationally, especially to larger, more complex markets like Latin America, EU, Africa, and worldwide’.

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For further information, please contact:

Senior Corporate Communications Officer
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Tel: (868) 623-2931-4