Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
2010
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Manifesto
2010
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Manifesto Manifesto
2010 2010
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Manifesto Manifesto
2010 2010
FRAMEWORK FOR
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
Initiatives for a Secure, Prosperous and
Sustainable Nation
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PILLAR 1: People-Centred Development We will seek to transform the society to create a just
SEVEN INTERCONNECTED – We Need Everyone and All Can Contribute and fair environment. We recognise that lawlessness
INITIATIVES FOR and disorder contribute to the atmosphere in which
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT In a country of 1.3 million people, the optimum
contribution of each and every citizen is crucial. In a
knowledge-driven economy, a strong basic education
criminal activity thrives and we will address this
challenge head on. But we will also focus on addressing
social issues which nurture an environment where
system and significant participation in tertiary crime tends to flourish. We will rethink the prison
SECTION OPENER education make a decisive difference. Accordingly, system, reorganise the justice system and make
we commit to making human development a central interventions of a proactive and preventative nature.
thrust through the education system and through the At the centre of our focus will be human security and
creation of other infrastructure to support lifelong the establishment of a regime of peace, security and
learning, skills building, institutional strengthening and prosperity on a sustainable basis for our nation.
the building of a competitive economy.
PILLAR 4: Information and Communication
PILLAR 2: Poverty Eradication and Technologies – Connecting T&T and Building
Social Justice – Preference for Poor and the New Economy
Disadvantaged
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will be infused in education at primary and secondary governance. These are: consists of a number of other small island states that between bilateral and multilateral initiatives. The entire
levels to support and complement other forms of • strengthening existing institutions share a common history, as well as aspirations for thrust of our international relations strategy will be
teaching, learning and basic research. • enhancing democracy progress and achievement. We are one of 84 countries to achieve the national goals and objectives that we
• strengthening execution and delivery capacity. in the world with population size of under three (3) set for ourselves and to work with others, wherever
PILLAR 5: A More Diversified, Knowledge million and it is imperative that we structure our and whenever mutual interests and objectives meet,
Intensive Economy – Building on the Native We will enhance democracy by strengthening existing foreign policy to support and advance our objectives to advance common cause. We see the international
institutions and by establishing new institutions or for sustainable national development, progress, arena and the world system as a space of opportunity
Genius of Our People
appropriate infrastructure to support accountability, peace and security for our 1.3 million people. From a to build partnerships, to leverage resources and to
transparency, consultation, participation and foreign policy perspective, we will work in concentric influence the direction of decision-making regionally,
I n a world in which innovation is the decisive
competitive advantage, human initiative and creative
capacity represent an enormous asset. Institutional
consensus-building and more meaningful
representation. We will emphasise restructuring of
circles, beginning with CARICOM, in an increasingly
connected and interdependent world, to secure
across the hemisphere and globally. We appreciate fully
the need to harness talent, knowledge and experience
government delivery systems to make government space and opportunity in the world for our country and to build competence to achieve foreign policy
frameworks need to be established to make human
more responsive to the needs of the people. and our region. We will strike an appropriate balance goals.
capacity building possible on a sustainable basis. In this
context, we will create a society in which creativity and
We recognise that the people are sovereign and that
creation are encouraged and rewarded. We will thus
the government is the servant of the people. We
encourage and develop strong linkages among our
will support the separation of powers among key
creative sectors, technological sectors, design sectors
institutions in the society such as Parliament, the
and our education and academic sectors. The energy
Executive and the Judiciary and we will strengthen
economy, while vital to our sustenance now, cannot be
the autonomy of institutions, which have been
viewed as the basis of our sustainability. Already the
systematically undermined over time, to support
services sector contributes more to employment than
a functioning democratic governance system. We
any other sector and significantly to Gross Domestic
will promote a climate of national dialogue within
Product (GDP). Therefore, it is vital that we provide
a framework of civility and consensus-building. We
critical support to this sector, infusing elements of the
will initiate a process of consultation to rewrite the
creative economy in all other sectors while seeking
Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
opportunities for the establishment of niche, skills-
The objective of constitution reform will be to establish
intensive manufacturing in order to ensure that our
a framework for good, responsive governance and
economy is resilient and that there are long-term
to nurture and build a participatory culture and to
economic opportunities for our people – opportunities
strengthen democracy. This will move us away from the
which will lead to higher standards of living and a
culture of maximum leadership and develop a politics
better quality of life for all.
of inclusion, rather than the present system of winner
takes all.
PILLAR 6: Good Governance
– People Participation PILLAR 7: Foreign Policy
– Securing Our Place in the World
T he focus in this area will be on three (3)
key elements for the purpose of ensuring
transparency, accountability, participation and
effective representation as essential principles of good
T rinidad and Tobago is a small state, an archipelagic
island-state. We are part of CARICOM, which
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4. We will establish a working committee to review 7. In partnership with CBOs and NGOs our
all programmes targeted at poverty alleviation and government will release appropriate resources
social support to make recommendations to: from the Green Fund to reforest areas that were
a. Strengthen synergy, reach and impact burnt during the past dry season.
through rationalisation and integration 8. We will simultaneously begin the rehabilitation
b. Help households to step up to prosperity and and paving of existing access roads and
to reduce the number of people classified as construction of new ones.
poor by 2% each year.
9. We will begin the process of establishing a Ministry
5. We will begin an aggressive programme to fix of the People.
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GOOD GOVERNANCE
THROUGH EFFECTIVE
REPRESENTATION,
PARTICIPATION,
TRANSPARENCY &
ACCOUNTABILITY
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• Mechanisms for a referendum process opportunity to determine what priorities, projects • Civil Society Board to consult with Stakeholder and priorities and propose solutions
• Limiting the Prime Minister to two successive and services will be delivered to their respective Advisory Councils with respect to key civil society • Local Government bodies will consult with and
terms as Head of Government communities to ensure that Regional Corporations sectors take into account the facilities and services which
• Rules governing the conduct of the Government and Municipalities discharge their responsibility for • The Stakeholder Advisory Councils will provide a each community considers to be matters of
basic infrastructure, maintenance, services and other vehicle for sector experts to make a meaningful priority.
facilities and support systems. contribution to economic development and
foster commitment to implementation of specific Equitable Distribution of State Resources
We will provide Local Government with the necessary strategies for development • Establish an independent Economic Development
funding and other resources from the Central • The Stakeholder Advisory Councils and the Board (EDB)
Government, within the current legislative and communities will be consulted by the Economic • EDB to consult with stakeholder advisory councils
regulatory framework to enable them to deliver quality Development Board on matters related to the • EDB to make recommendations on:
services to the communities. relevant sectors. - fair and equitable distribution of national
revenue among Central Government, Tobago
LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFORMATION and Local Government Bodies
Actions our Government will take - establishment of a Natural Disaster Fund and
• Devolution of authority and resources, within LIFE Fund to support life-saving surgery for sick
national policy guidelines, from central children
government ministries such as Community - prioritisation and optimisation of government
and political parties during an election period. Development, Housing, Social Welfare, Sports, expenditure
Planning, Environment etc. - appraisal of feasibility studies for proposed
We will establish a Constitution Commission to engage • Equitable financial allocation to regions capital expenditure
in the widest possible consultation as a pre-requisite • Adoption of a much more decentralised model for
to constitutional reform. We strongly believe that the regional development planning Consensus Building
relationship between the Tobago House of Assembly • Collaborative governance procedures • E-view will have a section dedicated to each
and the Central Government needs to be revisited, with • Regional coordination of the delivery of Local Government region to enable community
particular reference to the aspirations of the people of water, electricity, telephones and other basic members to voice their opinions and make
Tobago. The terms of the Constitution Commission will infrastructure and services recommendations.
extend to the legislative provisions touching upon the • Community-based security and rehabilitation Direct Citizen Participation • The Local Government bodies will present reports
THA as well as examination of the best way to achieve arrangements • Establish an internet portal, “E-view”, for the to the Central Government outlining the needs
a mutually respectful and satisfying relationship • Expanded responsibilities and increased people to express their views on development of the communities for incorporation into the
between Tobago and Trinidad within the framework of compensation for local representatives • Ensure that Broadband service is available National Development Plan and will be held
a sustainable unitary state. • Establish mechanisms to ensure high countrywide accountable for execution of matters under their
performance and accountability. • Establish government-funded, free internet cafés jurisdiction.
Local Government in communities across the country • Every Local Government authority will
Genuine democracy requires effective representation, PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE prepare a strategic plan based on the National
transparency, participation, accountability to change Local Government Involvement of the People Development Plan for Execution.
Mechanisms our Government will
the lives of people in our Communities and to alter • Promote a system of Local Government which
introduce -
their relationship with government. empowers the people in their respective
• Establish a Civil Society Board voted for by
communities
delegates of civil society organizations
We will provide citizens and communities with the • Communities will define community problems
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TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE ENSURING INTEGRITY IN GOVERNMENT and the Ministry of the People. domestic violence amongst others
GOVERNANCE Auditor General • We will strengthen the responsive capacity of • Environmental campaigns to effect a more
Strategic Planning • Empower the Auditor General to conduct Parliamentary representatives by strengthening harmonious relationship between human beings
• Each ministry will prepare a draft strategic plan. compliance, financial, operational, forensic, their constituency offices and establishing a link and nature
• Cabinet will approve and publish the strategic performance and value audits with the Ministry of the People. • Facilitate youth development programmes
plans of each Ministry. • Ensure that adequate resources are made • Partnership with the NGO community
• Cabinet will determine policy guidelines for available to the Auditor General SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT • Celebration of festivals and national holidays
operation of each ministry. • Empower the Auditor General to engage external IN AND OF THE COMMUNITY • Neighbourhood development policy
• Ministers will have full authority and responsibility auditors to assist in performance of these Initiatives will be taken or mechanisms put in place to • Attract investments to local communities
for accomplishing approved strategic plan within functions facilitate what is deemed feasible among the following: in collaboration with regional business
the policy guidelines. • Strengthen the Auditor General’s office generally • Support for charitable causes in the community organisations and relevant government agencies
• Ministers will submit periodic reports to Cabinet and empower it to perform its watchdog role and • Maintenance of homes for the aged, as well • Crime fighting and the enforcement of laws for
and to Parliament so that implementation of to ensure good governance. as support to homes for battered and abused example, praedial larceny and neighbourhood
strategic plans can be monitored and so that women and children watch
ministries are accountable for performance. STRENGTHENING REPRESENTATION • Lifestyle campaigns to achieve healthy lifestyles, • Poverty alleviation
• Cabinet will take collective responsibility for the • We will strengthen the committee system of to fight social ills, including drugs, HIV/AIDS and • Traffic planning and management.
implementation of strategic plans by ministries. Parliament to play a more effective role in matters
• All plans will be aligned to a national framework such as foreign policy and energy policy.
for sustainable development and together • We will encourage full parliamentary debate on
constitute an action agenda to achieve prosperity controversial issues.
for all. • We will establish a Ministry of the People within
the first 30 days in the Office of the Prime Minister
Procurement and the Minister of the People shall be a member
• Prioritise the passing of procurement legislation of the Cabinet. This ministry shall interface will
and appropriate rules and regulations every other ministry to expeditiously resolve
• Establish equitable arrangements for an efficient issues which are, in particular, time sensitive but
procurement system ensuring transparency and which are not adequately being handled by the
accountability by all government departments bureaucracy. Each ministry will be mandated to
and state enterprises. designate an appropriate officer at Director level
or higher to be the liaison between that ministry
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ECONOMIC
TRANSFORMATION
SECTION OPENER
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CRIME REDUCTION
AND
HUMAN SECURITY
SECTION OPENER ATTACKING CRIME, The current government neither has the will nor
the competence to deal with the lawlessness and
NURTURING indiscipline pervading our society and which feeds the
environment within which crime flourishes. The current
HUMANITY situation speaks to a moral decay that now pervades
Making Our Society Safe and the society propelled by a corrupt and ineffective
leadership, which considers the loss of lives “collateral
Our Citizens Secure damage”. Unless we remove this nightmare, investment
in education, investment in the promotion of sports,
Economic progress on a sustainable basis and
the arts and social services will have limited impact and
meaningful democracy are not possible unless crime
the transformative benefits we seek will never be fully
is brought under control and there can be some
realised.
assurance of human safety and security. There are
structural problems that facilitate crime. Among
Our government will take a multipronged approach
these are illegal drugs, alienation from the political
that will address the political, economic, social,
process, the lack of participation and consultation,
technological and managerial dimensions required to
the economic arrangements which have led to a
reinstate safety and security. Punitive sanctions alone
growing divide between the haves and have-nots, in
will not solve the crime problem. The first step we will
addition to a very obvious moral and spiritual malaise.
take involves addressing the issue of white-collar crime
Unhappiness in the society is not only reflected in
and corruption, the second addresses the fundamental
crime but also in increased mental illness, vagrancy
challenges of effective management of the institutions
and homelessness, as well as the number of protests
of law and order, the third requires the reorganisation
and demonstrations, which have developed for several
of our education system, the fourth requires us to
years now.
design productive sectors to provide viable alternatives
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HUMAN DEVELOPMENT,
INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY,
WELLNESS &
COMPETITIVENESS
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• We will rework curricula for the early childhood • We will incorporate learning diversity, lifelong
care and education and the primary school learning, general knowledge about our people
to prepare the ground for seamless transition and our history and civic responsibility into the
between the two. The focus will be on building curriculum
self-confidence, the development of social skills, • We will promote character-based education,
strengthening attention span and the ability to ethics, strengthen the work ethic and introduce
focus, and on promoting creativity at the early value-balanced programmes as critical
childhood level to build the foundation for 21st components of the curriculum
century literacy, critical thinking, creativity and • We will strengthen the range of technical
entrepreneurship through general knowledge at vocational offerings to increase options and
primary level choice across the system
• The curriculum for all other certification
programmes for teachers (including Secondary
Education Management Programme (SEMP)) will
be reviewed to evaluate philosophy, relevance
and competence-building concerns. In keeping
with the philosophical underpinnings of
diversity in teaching/learning, teacher education
to support a curriculum for transformation • We will expand the meaning of literacy to youths so inclined and to engage interns
will be strengthened. We will work with higher include a second language in the curriculum at from the educational system. This will support
educational institutions to strengthen teaching primary, secondary and tertiary level drawing learning and skills transfer, strengthen workforce
quality and relevance in the secondary and local linguists into the system. competence, support industry and promote
primary system • We will encourage reading as a pastime and workplace readiness in the young.
• The connected classroom will be central to enhance the image of reading in the eyes of
educational transformation, as well as teacher young people by creating an infrastructure of Facilitating Persons Living with Disabilities and
education. Connectivity technologies will be support and of incentives. Special Needs
tapped to link teachers with teachers, teachers Community partners in education • We will develop an effective special education
• We will reform the curriculum at secondary level with students, and students with students • We will deploy lifelong skills within the programme.
to ensure that the school environment is more • Mathematics, language skills and competence community through existing delivery • We will establish a system with infrastructure to
conducive to learning, intellectual development, in English, as well as science and technology will programmes within the teaching and learning ensure early detection and treatment of learning
creativity and the development of critical receive special attention curriculum to strengthen the skills base of the disorders, medical, psychological, social and
thinking skills and will include music, art, drama, • We will provide specialised and targeted support country through adult learning opportunities. other problems that may hinder the learning
creative arts, information technology, science for troubled students, students with disabilities process.
and technology, sports, the history and culture and families to reduce and remove some of • We will encourage and partner with all schools
of all our peoples and develop a sensitivity for the barriers to full participation in the learning A “Work Study” Learning System to develop adequate facilities and procure
ecological concerns in our young in addition to process • A system of entrepreneurship and equipment to enrol differently-abled students.
building absorptive capacity to go on to further apprenticeship will be encouraged whereby A programme to provide financial, emotional
learning Focus on Literacy Development all major industrial firms will be encouraged and mentoring support for the students will be
• We will provide increased government funding to operate apprenticeship programmes for initiated.
to NGOs working on literacy programmes.
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professionalise the Teaching Service. areas in which the business community has identified
• We will strengthen the system, work with the shortages.
union on professional upgrade and professional
standards and offer a system of incentives to Two vital imperatives are necessary – strengthening
attract the best teachers to the system. of the primary and secondary levels to ensure that
enough students are adequately prepared to go on
Addressing Known Weaknesses to further studies and transforming a haphazard and
• At primary school all children will be pre- fragmented tertiary sector into a system.
tested to address various challenges which
individual students may have such as poor Twelve thousand (12,000) students take the CXC
• We will expand the number of guidance policy, collaborate regionally and internationally eyesight, dyslexia and other challenges that can examinations every year, half of them secure less
counsellors available to meet the demands of to constantly improve and strengthen a quality be overcome. Counseling and psychological than five (5) CXC passes and an almost equal number
these challenging times and we will establish a regional system and support and monitor the support will also be provided in schools.
system of psychological support for children in achievements of national goals.
schools. • We will strengthen community participation • At secondary school level we will strategically
on a school by school basis to improve quality, address the issue of school dropouts and the
relevance and responsiveness and to support need for improved performance at the CXC level
Improve the Administration of Education educational achievement for all at the school on a school by school basis.
• We will establish a clearing house in the Ministry level.
of Education to swiftly address the backlog of • Given a more decentralised and participatory
vacancies for teachers and administrators at process, principals will have more authority to TERTIARY EXPANSION LINKED TO
the primary and secondary level to facilitate manage their schools and principals and staff will ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
expeditious action by the Teaching Service be held accountable for performance based on Human development is central to our overall strategy
Commission. established performance targets agreed by the for sustainable development. In this regard, tertiary
• We will implement a system that allows for school within the framework of national policy. education has been identified consistently as one
the seamless replacement of teachers who are The emphasis will be on quality education. of the most important factors in human capital
proceeding on pre-approved leave or retiring. development.
• We will strengthen the administration of our Facilitating Access to Education also fail Mathematics and English. The preparation
schools by allowing for more senior staff to be • We will expand the Public Transport System Human capital output at the tertiary level is a major of students at basic education level, therefore, needs
retained in schools with large populations. dedicated to the education system especially for contributor to economic growth and sustainable to be strengthened and performance levels of larger
• We will strengthen the partnership between young people in remote areas. development. Our principal strategy, therefore, in numbers of students need to be raised, in order to
state and denominational boards and revitalise • We will link food and nutrition strategies, and tertiary education is to expand and develop tertiary make tertiary education meaningful to at least 60% of
the funding formula for capital and recurrent health strategies to human development education until we achieve a 60% participation rate, each graduating cohort.
expenditure in all these schools. strategies through the school system. to rationalise the tertiary sector to avoid duplication, To address the needs of a diversified group of students
• We will decentralise the current education wastage and needless overlap, to build efficiencies graduating from the secondary system, the tertiary
system by establishing autonomous regional Quality in Teaching and Learning and effectiveness in the system and to support sector must cater for this diversity in programme
authorities that can effectively coordinate, • We will strengthen quality in teaching and accountability and synergy in the sector. Concurrently, offerings, as well as in learning systems and in teaching
manage and improve performance in the learning by ensuring that teachers are trained, we will rationalise programmes to provide graduates methodology.
schools. educated and certified at all levels of the who meet the needs of key development sectors and
• The Ministry of Education will establish national system from pre-school up. Our aim is to further The fragmented tertiary sector, therefore, must be
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rationalised and harmonised into a national tertiary GATE is for a diversified economy, a strong knowledge
system and steps must be taken, working with other sector, the proliferation of entrepreneurial initiatives We will enter into discussions with all institutions for
countries in the region and with CARICOM to create yielding higher end jobs and a better standard of living. higher learning to establish a security infrastructure in
a functional and responsive regional tertiary system. To this end, a collaborative strategy with the private this area utilising a partnership between the Trinidad
UWI as a regional institution and UTT and COSTAATT sector will be developed to financially support research and Tobago Police Service and the private security
as national institutions will be central to this strategy and innovation. We will maintain and seek to expand industry (PSI) to provide a comprehensive, well
as distinct institutions with different mandates but the free tertiary education programme. equipped and strong police presence in this academic
collaborative possibilities. village. Our children and our future leaders must be
EDUCATION CITY IN ST. AUGUSTINE nurtured and protected. Our children must not be the
Beyond strengthening the system, emphasis will be The St. Augustine region will be developed as an victims of robberies, which are so prevalent today, or
placed on linking tertiary education to a diversifying integrated centre for academic excellence. We will also kidnapping. Our children must concentrate on their
economy moving in the direction of service-oriented, develop this region to provide for the establishment books not bandits; they must think of big ideas not big
knowledge-based and creative industries. In fact, of a vibrant service sector linked to the academic ransom; they must have dreams not nightmares!
we view the throughput from the tertiary sector as community. This will entail facilitating investment
creating a skills and talent pool, which will be attractive in university-related services, such as publications, GATE
to investment in knowledge-intensive industries and technology parks, internet cafés and a shopping village GATE will be expanded and strengthened and made
graduates with the inclination could be guided into plaza specifically geared towards a local and regional sustainable to achieve a 60% participation rate at
entrepreneurial ventures in the knowledge sector student community. tertiary level in a diversified range of programmes
with appropriate incentives. Technical and vocational linked to skills building, tertiary expansion and diversity
programmes will be integrated into the sector at post This region is home to the prestigious University of of offerings.
secondary and tertiary levels. Emphasis will be placed the West Indies (UWI), the Hugh Wooding Law School,
on practice, as well as theory and tertiary institutions Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, the TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL
will be encouraged to strengthen their curricula Cipriani Labour College, the School of Accounting and A large percentage of our workforce is unskilled
through service learning and other forms of out-of- Management, the School of Business and Computer (upwards of 60%). A significant portion of our high
classroom learning. Science and other venerable institutions of higher school graduates find themselves at a dead end.
learning. This region will be developed into a university Experts indicate that for the 21st century economy we
A National Commission for Higher Education will guide town in the spirit of Cambridge or Oxford in the need to create, we require a broad range of technical
the sector and we will work with CARICOM and other United Kingdom or Ithaca in upstate New York but, of vocational skills and a large number of people in
governments of the region, as well as the Association course, as a Trinidad and Tobago education city with a the workforce attaining at least two more years of
of Tertiary Institutions to establish a Regional distinctly Caribbean flavour. education beyond the secondary school level. We will
Qualifications Framework and to strengthen quality in rationalise and expand technical/vocational choices
a diverse system across the world. We will establish a policy framework at the Ministry of for students at post-secondary and tertiary level and
Housing to provide subsidies on rent to all students facilitate seamless movement upwards and across the
We will leverage an enhanced tertiary system to attract residing in this region and registered at any of those tertiary system through a range of people-friendly,
foreign students, and faculty (where appropriate) to tertiary centres. With the collaboration of the Public worker-friendly initiatives.
deepen the development of the education sector and Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) we will develop
to build an enhanced research capacity to support a transport shuttle service for all students coming into
the development of a strong knowledge sector and to this region from the southern and eastern regions so
support the creation of a national innovation system. that your children can be taken safely to and from rural
The vision beyond tertiary expansion supported by communities on the weekends.
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Health Facility
• Fast track completion of Burns Unit at the San
Fernando General Hospital and Oncology Centre
at Mount Hope
• Ensure Patient-Friendly physical facilities
equipped with state-of-the-art medical
equipment
• Upgrade the Children’s Unit at Mount Hope
Hospital.
From Conception to Exit Service, (to function under the National - To have access to written information for
Helicopter Service) all recommended investigations, treatment
Health care is a basic right. The economic development
• Establishing Mobile Diagnostic Testing Units. options, and post-treatment care
of a country is dependent on the physical well-being
- To obtain non-emergency medical and
of its citizens — your health is your wealth. We will
The LIFE Fund surgical treatment within 3 months from the
overcome the human and infrastructural constraints
• Set up a special LIFE Fund for life-saving surgery time of diagnosis
to the sector, placing emphasis on wellness and
for children ($100 million). This fund will be - To file a complaint to the Patient’s Authority
promoting a system which emphasizes preventative
administered by an independent board in a fair, and receive satisfactory redress within 60 days
medicine.
equitable, transparent and accountable manner - To choose approved alternative medical
• Private Sector Incentives will be established to treatments within public health institutions.
We shall bring together all the partners inclusive of
encourage contributions to the LIFE Fund
practitioners, payers, government and patients. We
• Establish Partnership Arrangements with foreign Improve Physical Infrastructure of Public Health
shall encourage investments in health care service
specialist hospitals to facilitate the transfer of Care Facilities
delivery. We will establish a universal, all inclusive,
knowledge and technology over time. • Construct new hospitals in the catchment areas
health care insurance system for citizens.
of Point Fortin, Arima and Chaguanas and its
Support Patients’ Rights environs and to upgrade and modernize the
We Will Ensure First Class Health Care for the People
• Establish a Patient’s Authority to investigate Caura Hospital
by:
allegations of malpractice and patients’ • Complete construction of Scarborough Hospital
• Re-evaluating and implementing a Professional
complaints • Upgrade the Port of Spain, San Fernando and
Health Care Management System that makes the
• Implement the Charter of Patient’s Rights and Sangre Grande Regional Hospitals and the Arima
best use of existing resources
Obligations, to ensure the Rights:
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services more available in the public health • Institute a regime of tax concessions on
care system. devices and apparatus used by the disabled.
• Increase measures for early identification and • We will also revise the disability grant with a
treatment of HIV infected children. view to increasing benefits.
• Strengthening NGOs at the community level • We will enhance the support systems for
to enable them to provide adequate support families which have to care for differently-
for intervention with Central and Local abled members.
Government.
• There is a need to create facilities for displaced
youth and youth at risk. No child below the
age of sixteen shall be incarcerated for minor
offenses.
• Review the National Youth Policy and
strengthen it for currency and value to youth
and for youth inclusion.
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work; equal opportunity in the workplace; and affect women. Services will include screening,
universal maternity benefits. treatment, medication and counselling for
• Provide required resources to the Labour gender specific physical and mental illnesses.
Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labour to • Establish a regular mobile clinic programme to
eliminate exploitation of women in the reach women in rural communities.
workplace and to promote decent work and • Review of the curriculum to provide education,
work conditions with appropriate pay. awareness, support and guidance to young
• Strengthen legislation relating to domestic persons, particularly girls, on reproductive health
abuse and other forms of violence against and life decisions.
women and children; health and safety issues; • Develop lifestyle campaigns to achieve healthy
access to premium health care; antenatal care; lifestyles, to fight social ills including drugs, HIV/
and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. AIDS and domestic violence amongst others.
• Promote legislative and cultural reform to ensure • Establish special programmes through the
that men are protected from abuse as effectively
as women.
Gender Affairs Division and in collaboration with
other organizations for women to develop and
NATIONAL YOUTH • Recognise youth as leaders today through
action; appointments to decision-making
• Implementation of a comprehensive programme
of services to protect victims of domestic •
enhance their leadership skills and qualities.
Develop male-specific training and employment
INVOLVEMENT bodies of government and visible respect will be
afforded to the leadership of legitimate youth
“Tell me – I forget; show me–I remember, but organisations.
violence including: programmes especially in at-risk communities.
- Resurrection and revitalization of the • Revise the mandate of the Gender Affairs involve me and I will understand.” • Create community-based programmes that
Community Policing Section. Division to serve also as a monitoring unit for the encourage and empower social workers and
- Maintenance of homes for battered and implementation of gender-specific initiatives, In an effort to harness the energy, imagination, psychologists who will be responsible for smaller,
abused women and children in a similar conduct gender research and to develop intelligence and initiative of the youth in Trinidad and manageable areas/communities to provide
manner to assistance provided to drug measures to address emerging challenges. Tobago in overcoming the challenges facing them and support services to youth
prevention and rehabilitation matters. • Conduct gender-disaggregated studies of our society, we will: • Faith-based and community youth organisations
- Revamping the Domestic Violence Unit within youth employment which assist planners in • Recognise youth as an important partner in its actively engaged in value-creating community
the Gender Affairs Division. job creation for boys/men and girls/women as social development programmes in Trinidad & work will be supported by the state to achieve
- Increase the number of domestic violence safe alternative to idleness, deviant behaviour, or Tobago desirable goals
houses and apartments to house victims of criminal employment. These findings should also • Review and amend the National Youth Policy • Facilitate and promote the notion of youth
domestic violence. be used to guide to curriculum development. (NYP) to make it relevant today (given that it entrepreneurship in schools, communities and
- Create a special department in the Legal • Day care centres will be made an essential was drafted in 2001) and implement it in such a nationally
Aid Services to attend to domestic violence element of all Government work places and tax manner that all stakeholders who interface with
victims seeking protection. incentives shall be provided to the private sector young people are guided by it
• Strengthen the social service delivery sector to to achieve same. • Create a National Task Force that will research
protect women’s rights and enhance women’s and investigate a range of issues that affect
welfare. youth which will serve as an advisory body of
• Establish Maternal Health and Support Units at the National Youth Assembly. This Task Force will
every public health facility in a decentralized also review all relevant legislation that treat with
health system to provide information and children and youth and make recommendations
education on the causes, symptoms, treatment for the creation of alternative approaches/spaces
and prevention of all diseases and illnesses that to address the needs of delinquent youth
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curricula will be revised to recognse and include for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
exposure to the plastic and performing arts, the Heritage (2003).
history, development and practices of our local
traditions The National Instrument / The Steelband
10. Facilitate research and development of the arts Movement
11. Encourage the financial sector to introduce a
window for the development of the arts In collaboration with Pan Trinbago, Inc. and the
12. Enhance and facilitate the environment through steelpan fraternity we will :
EMBRACING THE ARTS To achieve this we will:
1. Create a clear policy for the arts which there is reciprocity between local and
Man Cannot Live by Bread Alone 2. Create decentralised spaces for the expression foreign art forms • Establish a viable steelpan industry/pan factory
and performance of the arts 13. Work with the sector to develop Business using local expertise and knowledge, including
A nation cannot seek its development exclusively in 3. Facilitate the establishment of festival villages. opportunities and partnerships and to channel the manufacturing of drums for the specific
political and economic matters. We believe that it is 4. Provide fiscal incentives for the promotion of investments purpose of producing the national instrument
in the arts that the spirit of our people emerges and the arts • Establish a chrome and powder coating facility
that the possibilities inherent in artistic endeavour 5. Strengthen the enforcement of the copyright Culture • Facilitate on going research and development
need to be nurtured. A cultural environment that frees laws • Release for public comment on the Draft programmes on the steelpan
up our people for creative expression will strengthen 6. Establish an independent body for the National Cultural Policy, which will regulate • Upgrade of tuning facilities to support and
national identity, without in any way, stifling individual endowment of the arts to give financial and the cultural sector, creating protocols for expand the current cadre of tuners and pan
expression and diversity. other support to individual artists, artistic relationships between the ministry and builders through training and mechanisation.
organizations, productions and festivals representative groups, policy for arts institution • Encourage the establishment of a cooperative
We will develop this vital sector on the following 7. Make cultural promotion an essential function and funding for the sector, amongst other things type business venture for persons in the steelpan
pillars: of Overseas Missions • The proper resourcing of Trinidad & Tobago Film fraternity
• Respect the work of our creative people 8. Support the development of a network of Company and the T&T entertainment Company • Complete the construction of the National
• Use the arts to strengthen our national identity community museums, equipped with efficient • A percentage of National Lottery money Headquarters for Pan Trinbago, Inc. at the Trincity
and to foster the spirit of unity in diversity systems for archiving and protecting our legacy will be directed towards a transparent grant site and develop the site in collaboration with
• Generate sustainable livelihood for persons of artefacts, documents, buildings, and cultural scheme administered by a properly constituted Pan Trinbago
directly involved in the arts skills, both traditional and new Foundation for Arts.
• Allow for the sharing of our creative products 9. Enhance training of arts administrators, • Ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the
and talents with the rest of the world curators, art historians, archivists, and tutors, Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of
creative and technical practitioners. The schools’ Cultural Expressions (2005) and the Convention
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food production will be identified and that • We will increase the energy efficiency of our
areas requiring protection for environmental or industries to combat climate change.
ecological reasons will be clearly designated • We will establish an incentive scheme that will
• We shall create an action plan for sewage support individuals, companies, and in particular
treatment and clean water for all, as well heavy industry and buildings which engage in
as immediately lay in Parliament the Draft energy-saving measures. “Green” buildings will
Air Pollution Rules and the Draft Solid and be encouraged
Hazardous Waste Rules which are mandatory
requirements of the Environmental Management
Act
• We will formulate a work plan to ensure that
drainage and flooding problems are solved once
and for all
• We will develop and implement an integrated
coastal zone management strategy, which
requires a synergy between Government
agencies and coastal community stakeholders
for protecting, restoring, enhancing and
developing our coastal and marine resources,
MANAGING OUR restoration of areas that have been damaged by
poor and dangerous practices of development and
in a sustainable manner. The NEP would be
reviewed to provide for no loss of mangroves
ENVIRONMENT to strengthen community-based environmental
projects. This is to be administered by an independent
• We will continue and enhance the programmes
There Can Be No Sustainable Development body with well defined and publicised criteria for the
of reforestation and the beautification of all
without Respect for the Environment highways and public places by the planting
disbursement of funds.
of trees and flowers and we will strengthen
We recognise that the environment, in all its conservation practices across the country
Our government will discourage the development of
dimensions is an issue that encompasses across • We will provide incentives to develop a recycling
any industry that threatens the environment to the
ministries, and society. As a result, an individual industry, thereby creating employment and
detriment of human development. Additionally, we
ministry should be set up to treat with issues related to encouraging entrepreneurship, starting
will heed the concerns of our citizens as related to
the environment as opposed to its current status as an immediately with the Beverage Container Bill,
environmental issues.
appendage to another ministry. It must be central to which has already been prepared by the EMA.
sustainable human development. • We will establish parks and other initiatives to
• We will introduce the Planning and Development
encourage community and family wellness.
of Land Bill (PDLB) with appropriate adjustments
We need to review the approved National Furthermore, we will set up a National Parks
as may be required, to govern land use planning
Environmental Policy (NEP) integrating its various and Recreation Authority, for the purpose
and development so that development can take
dimensions to conform to international commitments, of conserving, protecting and maintaining
place in a coherent and sustainable manner and
including Copenhagen. environmentally sensitive areas
housing development will be located within
• We will strengthen and promote efforts at nature
the context of the land use plan. This will also
We shall effectively utilise the Green Fund for the conservation, in particular the conservation of
mean that land suitable for agriculture and
bio-diversity regimes
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FOOD PRODUCTION
AND FOOD SECURITY
Creating a Food Secure Nation
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3. The crime and personal security issues will be 7. We will have clean, responsible and responsive
decidedly improved and the justice system government with legislative changes and
overhauled resulting in faith that justice will be constitutional amendments to curb excesses and
done and seen to be done. Poverty will also be abuse of power. There will also be an emphasis
reduced on a systematic basis and the quality of on transparency and accountability.
life in individual homes will be further improved
by our home-focused strategy. More people 8. We will have immediate action in specific areas
will be empowered to achieve sustainable identified in our 120-day plan that will begin to
livelihoods and more children will achieve in make a difference immediately such as measures
school. for water resources management, flood control,
irrigation and fixing all leaks in the WASA system.
4. We will achieve food security as a reality and
in the process effectively address the issue 9. The tone of the country will change and barriers
of water resources management, including will be broken down through consultation,
flooding and water security and that will have a participation, involvement and consensus-
direct effect on our quality of life and the price building. This will help us to achieve unity of
of food. By linking workers to the productive purpose in our efforts and partnership and trust
process and to sustainable initiatives, we will in the society.
improve productivity and enhance sustainable
development practices throughout the country. We invite you to be a part of the economic and political
transformation of Trinidad and Tobago.
5. We will be strengthening our energy industry,
but we will also be building for a sustainable We recognise that a holistic and synergistic approach
WHAT DIFFERENCE 1. All development would take place in the context
of a land use and physical planning framework
future linked to alternative energy and new
knowledge and creative industries such as sport,
to sustainable development is necessary to achieve
meaningful and lasting results. Accordingly, structures,
WILL A MANIFESTO and that sustainable development principles
will apply. There will be order and purpose in
entertainment, festivals, information technology,
biotechnology, high-tech manufacturing, light
mechanisms and institutions will be created as may
be required to effect coordination, integration and
MAKE? development strategy and execution. manufacturing, tourism, agro-industries and
knowledge industries. Sustainable diversification
optimum impact in the right places so that policy
implementation yields the maximum direct benefit to
2. People would be central to the development of our economy will therefore become a our citizens.
What will be the policy shift that will occur if
process; not in word but in deed. Education sustainable goal.
development of our country is guided by this
manifesto and what will be the impact of this policy for all will be a reality. Sixty percent tertiary
participation will be realised; a poverty 6. Local government will be more meaningful
shift?
reduction strategy will be set in motion, social to people and more impactful on community
welfare support will be integrated for impact development and there will be many more
In general, the economy will be transformed and
and jobs will be created on a sustainable basis opportunities for participation and influence by
the political system will be more responsive and
in a thriving economy which reduces our citizens.
participatory but we mention nine specific differences.
dependence on energy and creates jobs through
new industries that pay better.
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DECLARATION OF 5. Openness
THE PEOPLE’S 2. AND WHEREAS
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has been
VALUES Be as open as possible about all the decisions and
actions that they take. They should give reasons for
PARTNERSHIP dissolved and the General Election will be
held on 24th May 2010. This General Election
A Partnership for Sustainable Good is a decisive and a historic turning-point and
their decisions and restrict information only when
the wider public interest clearly demands Governance in Trinidad and Tobago watershed in the development of our great twin-
1. Selflessness island Republic and the following political parties
Make decisions based solely in terms of the public 6. Honesty 1. WHEREAS the People of Trinidad and Tobago in recognise and acknowledge that our nation
interest. Members should not do so in order to gain Declare any private interests relating to their public their Constitution – needs men and women of selfless dedication,
financial or other material benefits for themselves, duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising a) have affirmed that the nation of Trinidad firm resolve, integrity and national commitment
their family, or their friends in a way that protects the public interest and Tobago is founded upon principles that to take our beloved country forward.
acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in
2. Integrity 7. Dialogue fundamental human rights and freedoms, the 3. AND WHEREAS
Not place themselves under any financial or other Commit to frank and patient dialogue, refusing to position of the family in a society of free men and The Partners herein, in the interest of the people
obligation to outside individuals or organisations consider their differences as an insurmountable free institutions, the dignity of the human person of Trinidad and Tobago agree and subscribe
that might influence them in the performance of barrier, but recognizing instead that to encounter and the equal and inalienable rights with which to this historic Partnership and to pool their
their official duties the diversity of others can become an opportunity all members of the human family are endowed considerable talents and resources in the
for greater reciprocal understanding by their Creator; national interest at this critical juncture in the
3. Objectivity b) respect the principles of social justice and history of Trinidad and Tobago.
Make choices based on merit in carrying out public 8. Leadership therefore believe that the operation of the
business, including making public appointments, Holders of public office should promote and economic system should result in the material 4. AND WHEREAS
awarding contracts, or recommending individuals support these principles by leadership and example resources of the community being so distributed The Partners believe that the opportunity
for rewards and benefits as to subserve the common good, that there exists for the people of Trinidad and Tobago to
should be adequate means of livelihood for all, vote for a people-oriented and participatory
4. Accountability that labour should not be exploited or forced government committed to social justice and
Be accountable for their decisions and actions to by economic necessity to operate in inhumane implemented by an effective, results-oriented
the public and submit themselves to whatever conditions but that there should be opportunity team whose national objective is to put into
scrutiny is appropriate to their office for advancement on the basis of recognition of practice collaborative leadership to achieve good
merit, ability and integrity; governance.
c) have asserted their belief in a democratic society
in which all persons may, to the extent of their 5. In this PEOPLE’S PARTNERSHIP the partners
capacity, play some part in the institutions of the are:
national life and thus develop and maintain due 1) UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS, (‘UNC’);
respect for lawfully constituted authority; 2) THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE, (‘COP’);
d) recognise that men and institutions remain free 3) TOBAGO ORGANISATION OF THE PEOPLE,
only when freedom is founded upon respect for (‘TOP’);
moral and spiritual values and the rule of law; 4) NATIONAL JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE,
(‘NJAC’); AND
5) MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, (‘MSJ’).
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