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Trinidad and Tobago

Quick Facts

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:	57 of 177
Life Expectancy:	69.9
Adult Literacy rate:	98.5
Official Government website:	http://www.gov.tt/

Government

President - Professor George Maxwell RICHARDS
Prime Minister - The Honourable Patrick MANNING
Attorney General - Senator Brigid ANNISETTE-GEORGE
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister - Senator Lenny SAITH
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources - Senator Arnold PIGGOTT
Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs - Marlene MC DONALD
Minister of Education - Esther LE GENDRE
Minister of Energy and Energy Industries - Senator Conrad ENILL
Minister of Finance - Karen NUNEZ-TESHEIRA
Minister of Foreign Affairs - Paula GOPEE-SCOON
Minister of Health - Senator Jerry NARACE
Minister of Information - Neil PARSANLAL
Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development - Rennie DUMAS
Minister of Legal Affairs - Peter TAYLOR
Minister of Local Government - Senator Hazel MANNING
Minister of National Security and Rehabilitation - Senator Martin JOSEPH
Minister of Planning, Housing and Environment - Senator Dr. Emily Gaynor DICK-FORD
Minister of Public Administration - Kennedy SWARATSINGH
Minister of Public Utilities - Mustapha ABDUL-HAMID
Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education - Christine KANGALOO
Minister of Social Development - Dr. Amery BROWNE
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs - Gary HUNT
Minister of Tourism - Joseph ROSS
Minister of Trade and Industry - Senator Lenny Saith
Minister of Works and Transport - Colm IMBERT
Minister of State in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs - Donna COX
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Development - Alicia HOSPEDALES
Minister of state in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education - Fitzgerald JEFFREY
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister - Senator Stanford CALLENDER, Tobago.
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister - Senator Tina GRONLUND-NUNEZ
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs - Junior REGRELLO
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health - Senator Wesley GEORGE
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport - NiLeung HYPOLITE
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); Diwali (as decreed); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December)

Economic Development

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 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 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

Social Development

The government of Trinidad and Tobago is devoted to building the country to first world status by the year 2020. Social development is a key issue in attaining this goal. The country ranked “high” (57th out of 177 countries) on the 2006 UNDP Human Development Index. This measure incorporates life expectancy, literacy rates, enrollment in primary and secondary level education and the standard of living.
Source:Human Development Report 2006

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

Caught in the middle of the drug supply in the south and the demand in the north, Trinidad is a target for drug trafficking activities. The government believes that most of the crime in the country is gang or drug related. Kidnapping for ransom continues to be a problem, however, the rate decreased in 2006 and early reports show continued decrease in 2007.Government plans to intensify the fight against crime with increased policing on land and off shore, a restructure of the police service and the passing of important legislation, since the level of crime in the country remained high in 2006.
Source:Budget Statement 2006

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.

DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM, 2006
The Draft White Paper on Local Government Reform, 2006 prepared by the Ministry of Local Government, sets out a strategy for the continued reform and modernization of Local Government in Trinidad. This policy is an agenda for change, mindful of the fact that the national goal espouses that the country must achieve developed-country status by the year 2020. The policy also takes into consideration that the environment in which we operate is characterized by rapid and continuous change, in keeping with the demands of globalization and other drivers/determinants of environmental conditions. Moreover, it conceptualizes Local Government Reform in the context of the Vision 2020 charge towards regional development and building sustainable communities.

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

Industrial Development

An Overview of the Energy Sector in Trinidad and Tobago

The energy sector is the mainstay of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago contributing approximately 34.1% to the country’s GDP, 85.5% to merchandise exports and 37.1% to Government revenues in 2004.
Source: TT Ministry of Energy & Energy Industries

Trinidad and Tobago Standard Industrial Classification

Education

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.

National Report on the Development of Education in Trinidad and Tobago 2004. Quality education for all young people: Challenges, Trends, Priorities.

August 2004.
This report was developed according to the guidelines set by UNESCO for the preparation of such country reports. It seeks to provide some background information tracing the progress within the Education sector, at the turn of the 21st Century; bearing in mind the critical developmental goals, which inform such progress and focussing on Government's policy as seen by its committment to achieving the Millennium Goals, the EFA goals and reaching developed country status as dictated by Vision 2020.
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

Environment

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:Environmental Management Authority

Solid Waste Management

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

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.

Agriculture

The Preliminary Report of the 2004 Agricultural Census.
Source: TT Central Statistical Office

Legislation

The Equal Opportunity Bill, 2007
The Draft Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 2006
The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Bill, 2006
The Freedom of Information Act of the Republic of TT
Regulated Industries Commission Act, 1998
The Consumer Protection and Safety Act No. 30 of 1985

Statistics

Selected statistics indicators for TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
UN Statistics Division for TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Caribbean Social Statistics Database
Caribbean Trade Statistical Database

More Information

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

Key Documents

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Trinidad and Tobago Business Guide 08/09
Exploring policy linkages between poverty, crime and violence: A look at three Caribbean states: LC/CAR/L.172
Exploring policy linkages between poverty, crime and violence: A look at three Caribbean states: LC/CAR/L.172
Report on the situation of youth in selected Caribbean countries: LC/CAR/L.150
Report on the situation of youth in selected Caribbean countries: LC/CAR/L.150
Impact of changes in the European Union import regimes for sugar, banana and rice on selected CARICOM countries: LC/CAR/L.168
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE AGRI-FOOD DISTRIBUTION SERVICES INDUSTRY IN CARICOM
Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean
Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2007-2008
Trinidad and Tobago: Statistical Appendix. 2007
THE CARIBBEAN INVESTMENT FORUM 2008: “Where Global Markets Meet Regional Opportunity”
Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago: Annual Economic Survey 2007
CBTT: Annual Report 2007
Trinidad and Tobago Monetary Policy Report. April 2008
Draft National Strategic Plan: Vision 2020
The Implementation of Monetary Policy in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Financial System Stability Assessment
CTO. Latest Tourism Statistics for the Caribbean 2008
Disability in the Caribbean -A study of four countries: a socio-demographic analysis of the disabled: LC/CAR/L.134
Exploring policy linkages between poverty, crime and violence: A look at three Caribbean States