Roadmap for Trinidad and Tobago.

The Roadmap for Trinidad and Tobago is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. This policy focuses on three immediate priorities: (a) address and mitigate the hardship inflicted by COVID-19; (b) restart the economy; and (c) lay the foundation for sustained economic recovery. The objectives of this policy are: (I) social protection: leave no one behind, (II) retain and create jobs, (III) minimize and remediate supply distortions, and (IV) boost aggregate demand.
The scope and focus of social protection programmes will be expanded. Incentives will be provided to businesses to develop initiatives that create sustainable employment for vulnerable groups. An integrated community first responder system will be established to build resilient communities and sustainable responses to common issues impacting families and communities. The Social Safety Net will be strengthened by improved technology and deepening the involvement of civil society organisations in the delivery of social support programmes, with a focus on women, children and the dispossessed. The allocation for Social Safety Net programmes will be increased to enhance the number of persons accessing the programmes. Safe Back to Work Protocols will be implemented in accordance with guidelines established by the Ministry of Health.
Agricultural production will be increased to reduce dependence on imported food and inputs. An immediate agricultural stimulus package will be launched to support rapid and targeted expansion in production, marketing and distribution of selected high demand agricultural commodities. Adequate quality seeds, planting and animal breeding material and farm inputs will be secured and the local alternatives will be developed. The linkages along the food value and distribution chains will be strengthened to make more locally produced food available within the country, such as in school feeding programme, and as part of the social welfare programme. A more technologically advanced and climate-resilient agriculture system will be established to increase the availability of domestic food supply. A guaranteed market and guaranteed minimum price facility will be reintroduced to encourage increased production. Agro-processing will be expanded and developed to create a ready market for farm produce and a greater variety in locally produced fare. The stockpiling needs of essential commodities will be assessed to address situations such as the pandemic and other natural disasters.
Energy efficiency activities will be stimulated by immediately certifying accredited energy service companies to start the work of energy audits in the industry. The oil and gas industry will be restructured to improve competitiveness and recalibrating ‘the gas value chain’. Financial support will be provided to businesses, particularly to micro, small, and medium scale enterprises. Incentives will be provided for new business ideas and innovation targeting the non-energy sectors, with a special emphasis on technology, health, food security and education. The Fair Share Programme will be implemented to encourage entrepreneurship, promote training, development and certification, and to provide opportunities for micro and small scale enterprises to grow into successful medium and large businesses.
Economic activity in Tobago will be stimulated by executing key projects; enhancing channels to supply aggregate and other materials to Trinidad and other Caribbean locations; providing direct support to Tobago businesses and boosting local tourism; and supporting the development of technology-driven agriculture. The enterprise development programme will be expanded to provide support for small and medium scale enterprises in Tobago. New and innovative farming techniques, such as aquaculture, will be explored to achieve increased food production. The public private partnerships will be encouraged in the development of the agriculture sector utilising state assets. Local tourism will be boosted to stimulate economic activity and promote local expenditure.