Population:	1,300,000
Land area:	4,828 square Km
Capital:	Port of Spain
Language(s):	English
Local Currency:	Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$)
Exchange:	$1US=$6.30TT
UNDP Human Development Rank:	59 of 177
Life Expectancy:	69.2
Adult Literacy rate:	98.4
Official Government website:	http://www.gov.tt/

• President - Professor George Maxwell RICHARDS
• Prime Minister - The Honourable Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR
• Attorney General - Senator Anand RAMLOGAN 
• Minister of The Arts and Multiculturalism - Winston PETERS
• Minister of Community Development - Nizam BAKSH 
• Minister of Education - Dr. Tim GOPEESINGH 
• Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs - Senator Kevin Christian RAMNARINE
• Minister of Finance - Winston DOOKERAN 
• Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs - Senator Vasant BHARATH
• Minister of Foreign Affairs - Dr. Surujrattan RAMBACHAN 
• Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Developemnt - Senator Verna ST. ROSE-GREAVES
• Minister of Health - Senator Dr. Fuad KHAN
• Minister of Housing and the Environment - Dr. Roodal MOONILAL
• Minister of Justice - Herbert VOLNEY
• Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development - Errol McLEOD 
• Minister of Legal Affairs - Prakash RAMADHAR 
• Minister of Local Government - Chandresh SHARMA 
• Minister of National Security - Senator Brig. John SANDY 
• Minister of The People and Social Development -  Dr. Glen RAMADHARSINGH
• Minister of Planning and the Economy - Senator Dr. Bhoendradatt TEWARIE
• Minister of Public Administration - Carolyn SEEPERSAD-BACHAN
• Minister of Public Utilities - Senator Emmanuel GEORGE 
• Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education - Senator Fazal KARIM 
• Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs - Anil ROBERTS 
• Minister of Tobago Development - Vernella ALLEYNE TOPPIN
• Minister of Tourism - Dr. Rupert GRIFFITH 
• Minister of Trade and Industry - Stephen CADIZ 
• Minister of Transport - Senator Devant MAHARAJ
• Minister of Works and Infrastructure - Austin Jack WARNER 
• Minister in the Ministry of Education - Clifton De COTEAU
• Minister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development  - Dr. Lincoln DOUGLAS 
• Minister in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure - Stacy ROOPNARINE
• Minister of State in the Ministry of the Arts & Multiculturalism - Senator Embau MOHENI
• Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance - Dr. Delmon Dexter BAKER
• Minister of State in the Ministry of Gender, Youth & Child Development - Ramona RAMDIAL
• Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government - Rudranath INDARSINGH
• Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security - Collin Jefferson PARTAP
• Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister - Rodger SAMUEL
• Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of The Arts and Multiculturalism - Nela KHAN 
• Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs -  Jairam SEEMUNGAL
• Governor, Central Bank - Ewart Williams
• Ambassador to the US - Marina Annette Valere
• Permanent Representative to the UN, New York - Philip Reuben Arnott Sealy

Public Holidays: New Year's Day (01 January); Carnival (Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday); Eid-ul-Fitr (as decreed); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Spiritual Baptism Liberation Shouter Day (30 March); Corpus Christi; Indian Arrival Day (30 May); Labour Day (19 June); Emancipation Day (01 August); Independence Day (31 August); Republic Day (24 September); Divali and Eid-ul-Fitr(as decreed); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December)

Overview of Economic Developments in 2010

According to the TT Annual Economic Survey 2010: Review of the National Economy, in 2010 the global economy slowly emerged from recession. While economic conditions improved in developed countries, still elevated unemployment rates provide evidence that there is not yet sufficient momentum to support a self-sustaining recovery.

Following a contraction of 3.5 per cent in 2009, economic growth in Trinidad and Tobago remained relatively flat in 2010 (Tables 1 and 2). Although the energy sector experienced moderate growth, the non-energy sector continued to decline, albeit at a slower rate than during the previous year.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2011
The global economy is likely to continue its slow recovery in 2011. While several downside risks still remain, one of the most important risks is further financial turmoil in Europe. The continued global recovery is therefore heavily reliant on the implementation of policies to improve fiscal imbalances whilst restoring confidence and stability. In advanced economies, inflation is projected to remain low due to substantial resource slack, while unemployment levels are expected to remain considerably high. Following a challenging year, the Trinidad and Tobago economy is anticipated to return to growth in 2011. In FY 2010/2011, government funds have been designated to provide further stimulus, including sizeable transfers to households and incentives to encourage business activity..........
source: Central Bank of TT

TT. Financial Stability Report: Mid-Year Review, June 2011

The Mid-Year Review states that the economic environment in which financial institutions in Trinidad and Tobago operated for most of 2010 and into early 2011 was relatively sluggish. The bright spot continued to be the energy sector, although during the last quarter of 2010 maintenance work depressed output levels in several companies in the sector. Meanwhile, there was little evidence of a revival in distribution and construction activity from the depressed levels of 2009, while agriculture was hard hit by drought and subsequent floods.

Macro-economic Developments
The domestic economy continued to display signs of sluggishness in 2010, with real GDP provisionally estimated to have declined marginally by 0.6 per cent, following a 3.5 per cent contraction in 2009 (Table 1.1). The energy sector expanded by 1.7 per cent notwithstanding somewhat lower output of petrochemicals. Meanwhile, the non-energy sector continued on its downward trajectory, posting a decline of around 2.3 per cent, as construction and distribution activities slipped further during the year while weatherrelated supply shocks disrupted domestic agricultural production........
source: Central Bank of TT

Climate change economics on a small island: new approaches for Tobago

by Tom Birch and Murray Simpson.
For small islands like Tobago — that depend heavily on tourism driven by their natural ‘beauty’ — climate change poses a double-edged threat on supply and demand. Rising sea levels, increasing temperatures and more frequent and intense storms will damage the island’s natural assets, such as coral reefs and beaches. This could have a heavy impact on tourism, which will also be affected by climate policy  in ‘source’ countries. But what exactly will that impact be? How much will it cost ? And what can be done about it..........
source: IIED Briefing. January 2011

Economic Review

TT Budget Statement 2010. Strengthening Efficiency, Addressing the Challenges’
Mr. Speaker, I now turn to a review of our economic performance for fiscal 2009 which was a challenging year for the Trinidad and Tobago economy. For 2008 as a whole, economic growth measured 2.3 percent. The annual growth rate does however, mask the economic slowdown which began towards the end of 2008 and has continued in 2009.

Real GDP is estimated to have declined by 1 percent in the last quarter of 2008, and this decline continued in the first quarter of 2009, when real GDP fell by 3 percent. Several other indicators including falling retail sales, declining construction activity, and contracting private sector credit, seem to suggest that the decline has continued beyond the first quarter. This is projected to be our first year of negative growth since 1993.
source: Government of Trinidad and Tobago

General Trends

According to ECLAC's flagship report 'Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2009-2010', the international economic crisis closed a cycle of robust growth and massive twin surpluses in Trinidad and Tobago, a country which had benefited greatly from the escalation in international oil prices in recent years. Sharp contractions in the construction and commerce sectors led to a 0.9 percentage point decline in GDP compared with 2008, the first dip since 1993. From the fourth quarter, however, there were tepid signs of a recovery, which continued throughout the first quarter  of 2010, in tandem with a rally in the energy sector spurred by more buoyant international prices. The central bank forecasts 2% growth for 2010.
source: ECLAC

Economic Performance

According to ECLAC's Preliminary Overview of the Caribbean economies 2008-2009, after several years of benefiting from an extraordinarily favourable external context due to the surge in world hydrocarbons prices, the global economic and financial crisis represents a turning point for the economy of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2008 growth slowed to an estimated 3.5% compared with 5.5% in 2007. The turmoil also brought about a reduction in the trade and current account surpluses, in the context of a significant rise in inflation (14.5% in December year-on-year). During 2008 the economic policy mix continued to combine an expansive fiscal stance based on dynamic public investment with a monetary policy focused on withdrawing excess liquidity generated by public spending within a quasi-fixed exchange rate regime.

Economic policies will continue to be guided by the Vision 2020 national development plan. The year 2009 will undoubtedly posit a number of challenges on the economic front that can be summed up as the reduction of dependency from the energy sector that generates more than 45% of output, between 85% and 90% of merchandise exports, and above 55% of fiscal revenue. Growth is forecast in the range of 1% to 2% for 2009.
source: ECLAC

Economic and Financial Developments

Press Statement Issued by the IMF Mission for the 2008 Article IV Consultation Discussions with Trinidad and Tobago. November 17, 2008

According to the IMF Mission team, benefiting from a booming energy sector, Trinidad and Tobago has achieved an impressive improvement in economic indicators. During 2002-07, real GDP growth averaged 9 percent; per capita income doubled in U.S. dollar terms; both the unemployment rate and the public debt ratio were halved; and the country became a net external creditor, with one of the strongest credit ratings in the region. At the same time, record high energy prices have fueled government spending, leading to capacity constraints in the non-energy sector and, together with rising food prices, to double-digit inflation

Economic Review

Mr. Speaker, this year’s Budget Statement 2008/2009 is set against a robust and resilient economy. Our country has benefited from sound economic management that has brought steady growth and development and this Budget follows the long tradition of prudent economic management that has characterized this Government.

GDP has almost tripled from $55 billion in 2001 to $152 billion in 2008. It is
projected to rise to over $165 billion in 2009. Mr. Speaker, this is an incredible performance even by global standards.

As part of our economic strategy we have announced plans for deeper industrialization,involving downstream energy sector spinoffs and for intensified focus on economic diversification. Agriculture was also identified as a priority sector to address the urgent challenge of food price inflation and to contribute to the achievement of food sufficiency.

In the social sectors, our strategy for the next five years recognizes the need to continue to provide affordable housing, especially for low income households; and to pursue further improvements in health care, emphasizing accessibility and affordability.

Economic Survey of the Caribbean 2007-2008

The survey provides an overview of the economic performance of countries of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) for the year 2007 and their outlook for 2008. The last chapter presents country briefs with the main macroeconomic developments in 2007 and the outlook for 2008.

Trinidad and Tobago’s economy recorded a marked slowdown growing by 5.5%, well below the impressive 12.2% posted in 2006. This was mainly explained by the sharp decline in the dynamism of the energy sector that accounts for more than 40% of GDP.
On the economic policy side, rapid growth in capital spending associated with public infrastructure projects made fiscal policy rather expansionary resulting in a reduction of the fiscal surplus to 2.6% of GDP in fiscal year 2006/07 (6.9% in fiscal year 2005/06). In order to offset the impact of fiscal policy on prices, monetary policy was conducted conservatively, recording an inflation rate of 7.6% (year end), two percentage points less than in 2006. The nominal exchange rate remained stable, but the tendency towards real appreciation continued.

 Meanwhile, the current account surplus declined by almost seven percentage points of GDP to 18.6%. General elections held in November 2007 re-elected the People’s National Movement (PNM), so no major policy changes are expected. Looking ahead, the main economic policy challenge in the coming years is how to use the current energy windfall to support long-term economic growth while at the same time expanding proven gas reserves. The government would continue to follow the basic elements of the “Vision 2020” development plan, which implies continued expansion of public investment financed by energy revenue to fund infrastructure projects and social spending.

As regards economic growth, available information indicates a GDP growth rate of 5.5-6.0% in 2008, as the energy sector is expected to recover momentum and the non-energy sector continues to be supported by government and private spending. High and rising energy prices are expected to continue feeding fiscal and current account surpluses.

Economic Statistics

Trinidad and Tobago: Statistical Appendix. January 8, 2007. source: IMF 

Economic Performance for 2006

Trinidad and Tobago experienced economic growth for the 12th consecutive year in 2006. The driving force behind Trinidad’s growth is the energy sector which increased oil and natural gas production by 16.9% in 2006. The country is the leading producer of oil and natural gas in the Caribbean and as oil prices hit a record high in 2006, the country’s GDP growth reached 12.6%. Growth was recorded in the construction and manufacturing industries as well, measuring 14.5% and 11.8% respectively. Trinidad and Tobago also enjoyed higher export volumes and firm investment growth. The economic climate of the country is ideal for international business and foreign direct investment continued to grow. The government credits the economic expansion to the liberalization of the economy and fiscal policies that were introduced.

The country’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2% in 2006, which many consider to be close to achieving full employment. For the first quarter of 2007, this rate was estimated as 5.6%. The country has experienced a marked increase in inflation which measured 8% in 2006. This increase is primarily due to a sharp spike in food prices, diminishing agricultural output and an increase in import costs. In an effort to curb this rate of inflation, the Central Bank increased the repo rate from 6.25% in Jan 2006 to 8.0 % by year end. Early reports on inflation in 2007 show a decline in the first qtr. However, with the expectation of increasing food prices during the country’s rainy season and the anticipation that continued government spending will raise consumer demands, the Central Bank will continue to tighten monetary policy through the sale of bills and bonds and the maintenance of the current 8% repo rate.
Source:Central Bank Media Release
Source:Budget Statement 2007
Source:Ministry of Finance report on the Economy

Caribbean Economic Performance

As a whole, the Caribbean economies, recorded the best economic performance in the last 25 yrs. CARICOM’s GDP growth is estimated at 6.3%. This economic performance is low in comparison to that of the global average GDP growth for developing countries which was estimated at 6.5%. The external sector received favourable conditions with continued demand for tourism, high prices of exports and high inflow of capital. This paper gives a general overview of the economical growth of the Caribbean as well as a breakdown for each country (excluding Haiti) using preliminary data for 2006.
Source:ECLAC. Caribbean Economies 2006

Knowledge Services

T&T/World Bank Group Sign Agreement for Knowledge Services
WASHINGTON, September 30, 2011 — Françoise Clottes, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, and the Honorable Winston Dookeran, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, signed a US$3 million agreement where the World Bank will provide over the next two years a series of analytical and advisory services related to public administration reform.
source: Worldbank

MSI+5

National Assessment Report on the Five Year Review of Progress made in Implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action. 2010

In the Report, Trinidad and Tobago’s socio-economic environment is discussed within the development planning context, with emphasis on the sustainable development objective of the national strategic framework. Some mention is made of the recent global economic crises and the impact on the country’s economy as well as the broad-based policies implemented in response.
source: Government of TT

TT Social Sector Investment Programme 2011. Facing the issues. Turning the Economy around: Partnering with all our people

This edition of the Social Sector Investment Programme (SSIP) report seeks to provide a synopsis of the socio-economic impact of government’s investment in the social sector with particular reference  to the processes of policy design and programme implementation. The purpose of the SSIP report is to: (i) gauge the overall annual performance  of Ministries within the social sector against the benchmark of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other national development objectives and,  (ii) facilitate strategic planning through collaborative programming amongst the Ministries involved.
Source: Ministry of the People and Social Development, Government of Trinidad and Tobago

Transportation

In an effort to alleviate the problem of vehicular congestion on the nation’s roads, the government has invested in upgrading transport routes and has proposed the building of a rail system that will extend 115km. Public transportation is available and government has recently added a bus service that provides an economical alternative. Students and senior citizens can receive a free bus pass for the public transportation service.

Several inter-island ferries currently operate between Trinidad and Tobago. In order to meet the growing demand for transportation between the countries, the number of ferries will be increased in 2007.
Source:PTSC

CRIME

Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean.
March 2007
The rise of crime in the Caribbean has been characterized by the increased use of more powerful weapons, resulting in higher mortality levels. In 2004, Trinidad and Tobago experienced 160 firearm murders in 2004, 450 firearm woundings and 1500 non-injury firearm incidents. A major factor contributing to the surge of guns-related criminality in the region is the trafficking of narcotics which has facilitated the availability of firearms. The firearms required for protection of the contraband during transportation are smuggled in along with the drugs. Within these environments which promote the demand for weapons, reducing gun ownership is a difficult undertaking. Better gun registries, marking and tracking can help, as can improved gun interdiction in ports. In the long term progress will hinge on changes in the drug trade, changes in the gun culture, and progress in the implementation of international treaties and agreements on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

2005 Latin America and the Caribbean Selected Economic and Social Data

The 2005 edition of Latin America and the Caribbean: Selected Economic and Social Data (the LAC Databook), includes the most recent data at the time of publication from a multitude of international and national sources. The Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean of the US Agency for International Development presents this Databook with the goal of gathering and presenting the most up-to-date information possible from official country sources and leading international institutions."
Source:USAID

Trinidad and Tobago Population Housing Census 2000

Source: TT Central Statistical Office

2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Western Hemisphere)

All men and women desire and deserve to live in dignity and liberty. As President Bush said: "The advance of freedom is the great story of our time." Promoting human rights and democracy is a worldwide phenomenon and there is a growing global discussion of democracy and the universal values protected by democratic governance.

By defending and advancing human rights and democratic principles, we keep faith with our country’s most cherished values and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Fulfilling the promise of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and building vibrant democracies worldwide will take generations, but it is work of the utmost urgency that cannot be delayed.
Source:US Dept. of State

Renewable Energy Policy

Re-fueling T&T’s economic engine: A new policy for energy, 2011-2015
The primary objective of Renewable Energy (RE) policy measures for Trinidad and Tobago in the context of the country‟s National Energy Policy is to identify and examine strategies and make recommendations for introducing
 Renewable Energy into the local energy mix.
source: Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

Energy Investment Projects in TT

NEC has been extremely successful in attracting downstream gas-based petrochemical and metals projects for its new industrial estates in southwest Trinidad. The emphasis has now shifted from commercializing innovative technologies in Point Lisas to developing clusters of environmentally compatible metal and petrochemical with downstream industries.

Source: NEC

Ministry of Energy & Energy Industries.
Energy Industry Bulletins January-December 2010

Production and Sales of Natural Gas

For fiscal year 2008/2009, natural gas production was forecasted at 4,060 MMscf/d with a budgeted sales average of 3,700 MMscf/d.  For the period July to August 2009, natural gas production averaged 4,101.77 MMscf/d and sales 3,706.13 MMscf/d. Production and Sales volumes continued to fluctuate following trends from the earlier periods. The difference between production and sales volumes represents gas re-injected, vented and flared.
Source: NEC

Trinidad and Tobago Standard Industrial Classification . Agriculture

National Report on the development of Education in Trinidad and Tobago. September 2008

The government aims to create a seamless, high quality, world class education system in Trinidad and Tobago, which will contribute to a highly skilled, talented and knowledgeable workforce and to the development of a people characterized by excellence innovation.

In 2006, free tertiary education was made available to all Trinidadian citizens studying locally or regionally. In coming years, the government plans to focus on building early childhood care centers and improving the quality of primary and secondary schools which are already free of charge. Part of this improvement will be the implementation of magnet schools with specializations in areas such as Visual and Performing arts, Languages and Physical Education. In 2006, many training programmes were introduced to provide technical vocational education. Public grants and loans are also available to assist students in covering their maintenance costs.
Source: Ministry of Education

Education Policy Paper (1993-2003)

The future of Trinidad and Tobago demands a philosophy of education that stresses the need to be relevant to each individual in the process of schooling.
Source: TT Ministry of Education

Achievements of the Summits of the Americas From Mar del Plata to Port of Spain

This report presents the efforts of the twelve institutional partners of the Joint Summit Working Group (JSWG)1 to implement and support the commitments adopted by the Heads of State and
Government at the Fourth Summit of the Americas held in Mar del Plata, Argentina in November 2005. The theme of the Fourth Summit was: “Creating Jobs to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Democratic
Governance”. As such, this compilation focuses on the work done since 2005 in the areas of Growth with Employment, Training the Labor Force, Micro-, Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises,
Creating Decent Work, Strengthening Democratic Governance, and Social Development.

In addition, the JSWG members have in this volume attempted to provide a brief overview of strategies and actions that can contribute to the implementation of the commitments being made in
the framework of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago in April 2009. The theme for the Fifth Summit is: “Securing Our Citizens’ Future through Human Prosperity,
Energy Security, and Environmental Sustainability”. These statements are an attempt to initiate consideration of the cooperative and individual efforts that will be necessary to confront the significant challenges facing the Americas in the coming years

• In 1995 the Environmental Management Authority was established to address environmental problems in Trinidad and Tobago. This body is charged with the protection of the environment and the enforcement of environmental laws.
  Source: Enviromental Management Authority
• Solid Waste Management
  

Health Minister hosts International, Regional and Local Tobacco Control Organizations.

 March 7 2010
Senator the Honourable Jerry Narace Minister of Health hosted several representatives of international, regional and local tobacco control organizations at the Ministry of Health’s Head Office on March 03, 2010.  Those present at the meeting included Ms Lorraine Fry, General Manager of the Non-Smoker’s Rights Association of Canada, Ms Barbara McGah, Project Manager of the Caribbean Tobacco Control Project, and representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society.  The meeting was held to facilitate an exchange of learnings regarding tobacco control, including the achievements made by Trinidad and Tobago in implementing tobacco control legislation. The information shared at the meeting will provide guidance on the way forward to all the parties involved.
Source: Ministry of Health

Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago currently have access to free health care at approximately 102 public health centres and 7 hospitals located in both islands. Immunization programmes are well coordinated and a high percentage of children receive immunizations since it is a requirement for entry to the education system. A government programme provides free medication to senior citizens for 11 common ailments. Despite the implementation of numerous programmes, there is still a general discontent with the public health care system amongst citizens. The government promises to address these concerns with improved services and facilities in 2007.
Source: Ministry of Social Development

The Chronic Disease Assistance Programme provides citizens with free prescription drugs and other pharmaceutical items

Source: Ministry of Health

Health Statistics from the Americas. 2006 edition. PAHO
The publication serves to display the extensive availability of detailed mortality data in countries of the Americas. It also highlights the importance of addressing deficiencies in data coverage and quality in order to improve the reliability and usefulness of registered mortality information. Despite improvements over the years, much more needs to be done to strengthen the civil registration and vital statistics systems in countries where they are deficient.
The Pan American Health Organization gratefully acknowledges the continued cooperation and support of its Member States in providing this information for dissemination. I am confident that this information can contribute toward health situation analyses used by policymakers to make decisions that improve the health of the populations of the Americas.

• Speech on Food Security by Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources - Senator the Honourable Arnold A. Piggott  
  Source: Ministry of Agriculture
   
• The Preliminary Report of the 2004 Agricultural Census.
  

The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) Regulations, 2010 
The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Enforcement and Administration) Act
The Tobacco Control Act 2009
The Equal Opportunity Bill, 2007
The Working Document on Constitutional Reform for Public Consultation
The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Bill, 2006
The Freedom of Information Act 2003 of the Republic of TT
Regulated Industries Commission Act, 1998
The Consumer Protection and Safety Act No. 30 of 1985

Databases

UN DATA: a world of information

Selected Statistical Indicators for TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
UN Statistics Division: MDG Indicators 
Caribbean Social Statistics Database
Caribbean Trade Statistical Database

POLICY STATEMENTS Trinidad & Tobago's Information Society Country Profile. ECLAC, November 2006 Trinidad and Tobago can be considered a pioneer and seasoned early adopter in the region when it comes to the formulation and implementation of structured and formal National ICT Strategies. A Universal Access Fund is defined in the Telecommunications Act, but has yet to be implemented. Cybercrime and computer misuse acts are part of the existing legal framework. Electronic commerce, digital transactions, among other ICT related legislation, are being formulated.

STRATEGIC PLAN “Trinidad & Tobago's National Information and Communication Technology (NICT) Plan will provide us all with a “connectivity roadmap” to connect people, communities, businesses, government and educational institutions through an integrated technology network..”   Fastforward                                                                                       The vision is of Trinidad and Tobago in a prominent position in the global information society through real and lasting improvements in social, economic, economic and cultural development caused by deployment and usage of information and communication technology". Our National ICT Vision is to provide real, lasting improvements in social, economic and cultural development through the development and use of information and communication technology, and to establish Trinidad and Tobago in a prominent position in the global information society. Our national Connectivity Program will: Provide all citizens in our country with Internet access Focus on the development of our children, and adult skills to ensure a sustainable solution and a vibrant future Promote citizen trust, access, and interaction through good governance Maximize the potential within all of our citizens, and accelerate innovation, to develop a knowledge-based society

LEADING INSTITUTIONS Ministry of Public Administration and Information E-commerce Secretariat

e-GOVERNMENT Trinidad and Tobago's National Information and Communication Technology Plan: FastForward

ENABLING LEGISLATIONS NEWS Fujitsu/TSTT signs multimillion dollar contract with Trinidad Government Trinidad and Tobago to Make High Tech Tamana InTech Park the Talk of CANTO 2008

PUBLICATIONS/DOCUMENTS Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean (Volume 2) Trinidad and Tobago - Country Report The Trinidad and Tobago education system has a long history using and experimenting with ICT in schools. That history notwithstanding, current levels of ICT access and use are inadequate. The FastForward project, the Secondary Education Modernization Program (SEMP), and other initiatives currently in process are intended to radically improve both the quality of teaching and learning in schools and access to ICT for teachers and students. Source: INFODEV Transforming Trinidad and Tobago into a Knowledge Society. by Kim I. Mallalieu 2006 Information and Communications for Development. Global Trends and Policies The purpose of Information and Communications for Development 2006: Global Trends and Policies is to consolidate all these M&E efforts and share the findings with the development community. In addition to ICT At-a- Glance tables for 144 economies, this report includes analytical work that applies these data to a range of topics: investment trends, principles and practical solutions to extending ICT services, the role of ICT in doing business, trends in national e-strategies, and approaches to tracking ICT globally. Further efforts are needed to coordinate and make M&E analysis fully operational in the arena of ICT for development. The World Bank Group stands ready to work with countries and the international community to determine how best to use ICT for poverty reduction and economic growth in the developing world. It is hoped that this report will play a positive role in these efforts. source: World Bank

ICT INDICATORS collected by Statistical Offices Indicator Frequency Number of households with television sets Census Number of persons living in households with television sets Census Number of Households with personal computers Census Number of persons living in households with personal computers Census Number of households with telephones (fixed lines) Census Number of persons living in households with fixed lines Census Number of households with internet connections Census Number of persons living in households with internet connections Census Number of households with access to mobile phones Census Number of persons living in households with access to mobile phones Census Number of (main) fixed line subscribers: Residential Anually Number of mobile cellular subscribers Anually Number of Internet cafes Anually Number of fixed line service providers Anually Number of Internet Service Providers(ISPs) Anually Number of persons employed in the telecommunications sector Anually

Creating a knowledge-based economy Does Trinidad and Tobago have what it takes?

 Trinidad and Tobago has flourished under the nurturing arm of oil and gas production for the last century. But it must outgrow its dependence on these natural resources due to changes in the global economy.
source: Trinidad Express

T&T to axe property taxes.

June 4 2010

THE property tax in Trinidad & Tobago will soon be axed. New Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, said the first order of business will be to bring legislation to have the controversial Property Tax law repealed
source: Jamaica Observer

Trinidad in energy exploration deal with Canadian company

July 8, 2009
Trinidad and Tobago's state-owned energy company Petrotrin signed a $40 million oil and gas exploration deal on Tuesday with Canadian company Voyager Energy Ltd.

Obama among 33 world leaders going to Trinidad for OAS summit; Opposition worries about costs.

Monday, January 26, 2009
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Patrick Manning announced in Parliament that US President Barack Obama will be among 33 leaders who will attend the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain in April, and also told lawmakers that his government was committed to hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY? by Thomas G. Field Jr.
"Rum and Coca-Cola," perhaps the best-known Calypso song of all time, became a big hit for the Andrews Sisters in the 1940s. It also sparked a famous U.S. court case brought to establish the authorship of Trinidad musician Lionel Belasco, who had written the song several decades earlier under the title "L'Année Passée." The lawyer acting for the man who published Belasco's original score proved to the court that "Rum and Coca-Cola" was the Creole musician's work and no one else's.
Source:US Department of State