Public Sector Investment Programme 2018.

The Public Sector Investment Programme is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. This Programme implements the goals set by the National Development Strategy 2016-2030. The purpose of this Investment Programme is to facilitate investment for the key productive sectors in order to ensure sustainable economic development.
In order to ensure food security, the dependence on external sources for basic food items will be reduced. Therefore, production in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors will be increased. The consumption of healthy and locally produced food will be encouraged by supporting the development of home gardens.
Afforestation will be carried out to increase forest capital by preventing forest land degradation and forest loss.
Strategies will be developed to reduce the possible negative social impacts of challenging macroeconomic conditions to enhance social protection, with a special emphasis on the poor, elderly and persons with disabilities. Sustainable long-term employment will be created to improve the well-being status of the society. Youth participation will be encouraged through the Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture. Agricultural extension services will be provided to farmers. Training on marketing will be provided to small-scale entrepreneurs, including youth. In addition to that, The Enterprise Assistance Grant Programme will continue in fiscal 2018 to support business start-up and small- and micro-enterprises. Health system will be developed to ensure welfare of the citizens. Women empowerment projects will be carried out by the Women’s Empowerment and Technological Empowerment Centre Unit and the Gender Affairs Unit of the Division of Health and Social Services in collaboration with the Population Services International.
The economic diversification and productivity will be enhanced in the tourism, agriculture, health, education, youth development, housing and community development sectors. Information technology, infrastructure and transport will be improved to facilitate increased production. Therefore, a database and GPS mapping land use for agriculture will be developed. Water management will be strengthened to provide safe and sustainable water supply to Tobago. Water treatment system and sewerage systems will be developed to enhance the quality of water. Water distribution systems will be improved to ensure water supply. Tourism sector will be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner. Public awareness will be raised on related matters through education and training.
Drainage system will be improved to cope with flood, landslides and other related hazards due to climate change. Coastal zone management will be strengthened to prevent the rapid erosion by the sea.