Trinidad and Tobago

FALL 2021

Governance and the Rule of Law

Trinidad and Tobago has been involved in important international negotiations surrounding COP 26 and climate change policy. In addition, the domestic government has seen some turmoil with the Parliament trying to reach resolutions on topics ranging from economic development to elections and officials within the state.

1. US Citizens have been asked not to travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to the increase in cases in the country. 
2. In 24 hours, on November 21, 2021, 28 people died from COVID, 20 being adults and the rest being children.  
3. For the first part of December the Cuban embassy in Trinidad and Tobago will close for undisclosed reasons while the government will still support Cubans visiting the country. 
4. The Trinidad and Tobago government promotes the flu vaccine as a public health campaign as it can have similar effects as COVID. 
5. In terms of the COVID vaccine, the government still cites that the rate is too low and aims to raise it. 
6. The scrap metal industry in Trinidad and Tobago is lucrative but mainly left unregulated. The government hopes to reform policy to benefit from this sector of the economy. 
7. The government of Trinidad and Tobago launched a National Child Policy on Nov. 20, 2021 which is like a “roadmap” for how the country can better support children. 
8. The Caribbean has been prominent in COP 26 negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago taking an active role in the negotiations. 
9. Trinidad and Tobago supports the resolution that Nicargua will leave the Organization of American States as the country claims it does not hold much power post the Nicaraguan power transfer. 
10.  Opposition to the current administration brought a movement to the parliament at the end of October to remove the current president, Paula-Mae Weekes. This is a culmination of many disputes between the two parties over the past few months.

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Growth and Innovation

Post COVID, Trinidad and Tobago aims to digitally transform the nation. With increased economic growth due to the oil and growing energy sector, this is a possibility; however, this transition, while technologically advanced, has been met by great opposition.

1. According to the COP 26 as well as the The World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index (GII), Trinidad and Tobago currently ranks 97/132 countries, indicating potential to grow in the private sector. 
2. The current government is trying to digitize the government and the country in general; however, it has been receiving resistance as people are worried about job loss due to the technology. 
   1. He cites in a post pandemic world how important technology will be. 
3. Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) in Trinidad and Tobago (mentioned in Social and Cultural Inclusion Brief point 5) also play a key role in the economic development of the region as they specifically point out sectors that need improvement especially regarding climate change. 
4. The Inter-American Development Bank plans to launch a series of technological advancements for Caribbean nations including Trinidad and Tobago promoting the digital transition. 
5. Spain will be able to play a key role in the economic development of the region in transforming the Caribbean post COVID-19. Trinidad and Tobago will be directly affected by these foreign investments. 
6. Trinidad and Tobago has focused on an exploration of the hydrogen energy sector as a different form of energy, as many other counterparts in the region, such as Venezuela, do the same. 
7. The International Monetary Fund will remove forex restrictions on Trinidad and Tobago in order for more flexibility surrounding the current international transactions; this is hopefully going to spark more growth in the country. 
8. The Trinidad and Tobago Stock exchange has updated its technology for exchanging. This is part of T&T’s larger post COVID-19 attempt to digitize the nation. 
9. For a country, Trinidad and Tobago, that is well invested into the energy sector, it can be expected that Europe’s current natural gas crisis can have a direct impact on the energy sector in the Caribbean (especially going into the winter months). 
10. Trinidad and Tobago’s demand for natural gas and carbon instead of more carbon neutral forms of energy still persists in comparison to other countries in South America who are transitioning more such as Argentina and Brazil.

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Social and Cultural Inclusion

Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage has been involved in many important cultural events showcasing Caribbean culture. However, socially within the country, the COVID is still wreaking havoc on the country especially in the hospitals.

1. Less than 70% of nurses are currently vaccinated in Trinidad and Tobago. 
2. Beds are in high demand again in the ICU, as at the beginning of December currently 61 people are requiring that level of intention.
3. Overall, even as cases largely go down in Latin America, there is still a massive hospital capacity shortage. 
4. As the Omicron variant emerges across the Western hemisphere, many people are concerned given the country’s current system for handling the previous variants. 
5. Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) play a major role in protecting the environment and other national interests. 
6. 30 anti vax protestors were arrested in Port of Spain amongst hundreds of other protesters against the mandatory vaccination policy. 
7. Trinidad and Tobago, which began the day in 1999, celebrated International Men’s Day on Nov. 19 to promote against toxic masculinity and make people aware of gender stereotypes.
8. The Trinidad and Tobago national soccer team stood up to the Mexican national soccer team for racist acts against their team in the recent Gold Cup tournament. 
9. Trinidad and Tobago and many other Latin American countries were represented at the World Music Fair in 2021, showcasing the culture and creativity of younger artists. 
10. There is an intercountry debate over the mandatory vaccination policy of T&T, as cases rise, many people are still opposed. The importance of healthcare workers being required to get vaccinated is a major point of contention for the people against the vaccines.

See Select Resources for Social and Cultural Inclusion

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SPRING 2021

Governance and Rule of Law

Though Trinidad and Tobago’s coordinated response to COVID-19 was initially successful, a significant spike in cases after Easter 2021 has resubmerged the country into a public health crisis. Meanwhile, the government finds itself faced with addressing a worsening economic crisis.  

• The government’s response to the pandemic was initially lauded for its success, with zero COVID-19 deaths between April 8 and August 16. Just as case numbers began to decline significantly in early 2021, a resurgence in cases following Easter marks the beginning of a second wave of COVID-19  in Trinidad and Tobago.  
• As of mid-April 2021, new public health restrictions were implemented in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. The government closed beaches and prohibited dining at restaurants, reduced capacity at places of worship to 25%, and limited the size of weddings and funerals to 10 people. Public social gatherings of more than five people also remain prohibited, and mask-wearing continues to be required in all public places and in all vehicles. These heightened restrictions will remain in place until mid-May. 
• The implementation of these restrictions has been criticized by the United National Congress (UNC) opposition, which contends that even partial lockdowns will destroy the country’s economy. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has justified these restrictions, arguing that they are necessary to prevent an even more debilitating second wave of the virus and an ensuing total lockdown. This comes as Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has expressed concerns that Trinidad and Tobago does not have the resources to provide financial assistance to its citizens if a second total lockdown becomes necessary.
•  In mid-August, however, community spread of COVID-19 began. In the months since, cases have tapered considerably. As of March 2021, daily new cases remain below 20. 
• Trinidad and Tobago has begun the process of reopening, with places of worship, beaches and rivers, and gyms permitted to open. Still, large gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, and mask-wearing continues to be required in all public places and in all vehicles. 
• Trinidad and Tobago is participating in the COVID-19 Global Access Facility (COVAX). It received 33,600 vaccines from COVAX in late March, and anticipates that the remaining vaccines will arrive in May. It will also receive vaccines purchased by the African Medical Council, in addition to donations from India, China, and Barbados. The government has also purchased a total of 875,000 doses for its own population. 
• As these vaccines account for less than half of Trinidad and Tobago’s population of 1.4 million,  While Trinidad and Tobago has been criticized for being slow to obtain vaccines relative to some of its neighboring countries its government has contested such characterizations of its efforts to acquire vaccines, and has recently entered into direct negotiations with several vaccine manufacturers as well as diplomatic talks with India, China, Germany, France, and Canada regarding the vaccine — although the government remains adamant that it will only use vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). 
• So far, over 1000 frontline workers have been vaccinated after the country received a gift of 2000 vaccines from Barbados. The government anticipates that it will begin vaccinating the majority of its population in the summer months once vaccines become more available. As of mid-April 2021, 20,000 people have been vaccinated. 
• The Ministry of Health plans to carry out a Vaccination Sensitization Series consisting of virtual educational sessions as part of a joint effort with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the University of the West Indies. 
• The police have been dispatched to the homes of COVID-19-positive patients to ensure that they abide by their isolation orders, and police efforts to expand the enforcement of the Quarantine Act are underway. 
• Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of the People’s National Movement Party (PNM) was reelected for a second term in August. As he takes office, he faces Trinidad and Tobago’s first large spike in COVID-19 cases.
• Despite its implementation of social protection programs and strict public health restrictions, the government has been criticized by opposition leaders for its response to the needs of working families. 
• In February, secondary schools across the country began to reopen and adopt hybrid learning arrangements. Primary schools have yet to open. 
• The nationwide lockdown has left socially displaced persons without shelter and dwelling in the streets. 

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Growth and Innovation

The closure of tourism has proved to be devastating for Trinidad & Tobago. The island-nation takes another blow from decreased oil prices and production, hence deepening an economic decline that began in 2016. Despite the economic challenges it has faced during the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund projects that Trinidad and Tobago will experience a 2.1% growth in GDP in 2021.

• A lack of tourism and a sharp decline in oil production and prices have led Trinidad and Tobago into a continuing economic decline.
• Trinidad and Tobago’s main revenue sources are natural gas and oil, accounting for over 35% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The COVID-19 crisis has, at times, forced the temporary closure of energy plants and oil refineries. The longer they stay closed, the more expensive it becomes to restart. 
• Mineral extraction, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s exports, has halted. In April 2020 alone, Trinidad and Tobago’s total revenues dropped 70%.
• The International Monetary Fund estimates Trinidad and Tobago’s real GDP will decline by -4.5% in 2020 and -2.6% in 2021. This indicates a -15.6% decline in real GDP from 2016 to 2021 for the island-nation.
• Despite these challenges, the International Monetary Fund projects that Trinidad and Tobago will experience a 2.1% growth in GDP in 2021.
• The Trinidad and Tobago dollar will also face a -1% inflation contraction due to the economic downturn, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• In December 2020, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago released its twice-yearly Monetary Policy Report. Notable aspects of the report included declining interest rates, but slow credit growth, high liquidity, and relatively low headline inflation. 
• The Central Bank noted that the country’s energy sector is expected to face smaller declines in 2021 than it did in 2020. The tourism industry, another integral component of the country’s economy, has yet to experience an economic rebound.
• As Trinidad and Tobago’s borders remain closed in Spring 2021, internal tourism is on the rise, with over 50,000 residents of Trinidad traveling to Tobago on vacation over Easter. Some leaders suspect, however, that this increase in travel contributed to the second wave of COVID-19 in April 2021. This bodes well for the tourism industry, which is hoping for a boom in travel once the country’s borders reopen. 
• The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce estimates that between March 2020 and March 2021, roughly 1,000 businesses were forced to permanently close. Business leaders emphasize that vaccinations are critical to reinvigorating the economy. 
• The government faces high pressure regarding debt management due to downgrading credit ratings. At the same time, the International Monetary Fund forecasts Trinidad and Tobago’s gross debt will  increase from 49.7% in 2019 to 54.8% by 2021.
• Despite the economic decline it faces, Trinidad and Tobago remains the country with the least economic contraction in the Lesser Antilles.
• The United States is Trinidad and Tobago’s main trading partner. Less economic activity has caused a fall in exports.
• Despite the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the unemployment rate, 5% in 2019, is expected to remain stable for the following years.
• Food prices have experienced 5.1% inflation after COVID-19 has altered the availability of food sources. Meanwhile, the government faces criticism from farmers and consumers over its decision to not provide assistance to farmers facing increased feed prices and demand. 
• In an attempt to strengthen infrastructure, the Ministry of Public Administration and Digital Transformation is undertaking efforts to ensure that every citizen has high-speed broadband access and is working with the private sector to support innovations in technology through its Tech Investment Fund.
• The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Education have partnered to provide 10,000 tablets to students.
• Engineers at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago have been designing and producing ventilators, face shields, and face masks in response to the health crisis. 

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Social and Cultural Inclusion

Previously neglected societal issues have taken center stage as the COVID-19 crisis has forced the government to address and assist the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

• Trinidad and Tobago has not been immune to heightened incidence of domestic and gender-based violence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Protests have spread across the country as people call for an end to domestic violence and justice for its victims. 
• Online schooling has led to increased educational disparities. A report from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Education indicated that over 46,000 students had never participated in online learning, largely attributed to a lack of access to technology and the internet. To address this need, The Ministry of Education’s Adopt a School Program, funded through private and corporate donations, has provided 21,000 devices to students. Still, thousands of students find themselves without access to the necessary technology to participate in virtual learning. 

• There has been a surge in housing evictions. Therefore, the government is providing a monthly $2,500 rental assistance, exceeding no more than 12 months.
• The closure of borders left refugees and asylum-seekers without the option to return to their countries via regular means, thus placing them at increased risk of exploitation and abuse by smugglers and traffickers.
• Venezuelan refugees and migrants are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19, with many of them working in the informal sector and lacking access to government social protection programs. For migrant and refugee children, the effects of a disrupted education coupled with the instability of their home environments has especially concerning consequences.
• Xenophobic tensions have heightened, as Venezuelan migrants are being blamed for the second wave of COVID-19 in April 2021 despite little evidence to prove any such claims. 
• The country is experiencing water shortages, which are disproportionately impacting poor, rural communities. As of March 2021, only 34% of citizens report having 24/7 uninterrupted access to clean water. 
• Heavy restrictions on religious gatherings has caused social commotion and opposition to governmental controls.
• In order to address an increase in domestic abuse, the government has extended counselling and support to victims.
• The government issued a temporary expansion of food cards for 2,050 families, which will receive $510 for three months. 
• In order to assist disabled citizens, the government has established provisional grants ranging between $150 and $450 for three months.
• Trinidad and Tobago’s University of the West Indies is embracing the circumstances of COVID-19 to expand its role as one of the Caribbean’s preeminent universities, planning to launch global online courses by 2023. 
• Trinidad and Tobago have cancelled their annual Carnival in 2021. 

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Fall 2020

Governance and the Rule of Law

The sudden and decisive measures taken to address COVID-19 did not allow transitional time to adjust to the new way of life. However, the coordinated response to COVID-19 has been largely successful, as cases remain close to zero.

• Criminals are conducting armed robberies by impersonating public health officials and accessing homes to supposedly record body temperatures.
• The nationwide lockdown has left socially displaced persons without shelter and dwelling in the streets. 
• Unable to singlehandedly undertake the medical burden of the pandemic, Trinidad and Tobago requested Cuba to send medical brigades.
• The closing of borders forced foreigners to remain in Trinidad and Tobago and prevented Trinidadians and Tobagonians from returning to the country.
• Governmental response to the pandemic has been considered successful, as cases have remained close to zero since May.

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Growth and Innovation

The closure of tourism has proved to be devastating for Trinidad & Tobago. The island-nation takes another blow from decreased oil prices and production, hence deepening an economic decline that began in 2016.

• Lack of tourism and a sharp decline in oil production and prices has led Trinidad and Tobago to an economic decline.
• Trinidad and Tobago’s main revenue sources are natural gas and oil, accounting for over 35% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The COVID-19 crisis forced the temporary closure of energy plants and oil refineries. The longer they stay closed, the more expensive it becomes to restart.
• The International Monetary Fund estimates Trinidad and Tobago’s real GDP will decline by -4.5% in 2020 and -2.6% in 2021. This indicates a -15.6% decline in real GDP from 2016 to 2021 for the island-nation.
• The Trinidad and Tobago dollar will face a -1% inflation contraction due to the economic downturn, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• In April alone, Trinidad and Tobago’s revenues dropped 70%.
• The government faces high pressure regarding debt management due to downgrading credit ratings. At the same time, the International Monetary Fund forecasts Trinidad and Tobago’s gross debt to increase from 49.7% in 2019 to 54.8% by 2021.
• Despite the economic decline it faces, Trinidad and Tobago remains the country with the least economic contraction in the Lesser Antilles.
• Mineral extraction has halted. This industry accounts for over 80% of Trinidad and Tobago’s exports, thus affecting the economy.
• The United States is Trinidad and Tobago’s main trading partner. Less economic activity has caused a fall in exports.
• Despite the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the unemployment rate, 5% in 2019, is expected to remain stable for the following years.

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Social and Cultural Inclusion

Previously neglected societal issues have taken center stage as the COVID-19 crisis has forced the government to address and assist the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

• The government has expressed concern for citizens engaging in negative coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol consumption.
• There has been a surge in housing evictions. Therefore, the government is providing a monthly $2,500 rental assistance, exceeding no more than 12 months.
• The closure of borders left refugees and asylum-seekers without the option to return to their countries via regular means, thus placing them at increased risk of exploitation and abuse by smugglers and traffickers.
• Heavy restrictions on religious gatherings has caused social commotion and opposition to governmental controls.
• In order to address an increase in domestic abuse, the government has extended counselling and support to victims.
• The Ministry of Education indicated that 60,000 students do not have the resources to access online learning.
• The government issued a temporary expansion of food cards for 2,050 families, which will receive $510 for three months. 
• In order to assist disabled citizens, the government has established provisional grants ranging between $150 and $450 for three months.

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Select resources for Trinidad and Tobago:

Governance and the Rule of Law:

Chaitram, R. (2021, February 7). Higher egg, meat prices too much to bear, consumers say. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. https://newsday.co.tt/2021/02/07/higher-egg-meat-prices-too-much-to-bear-consumers-say/. 

Inter-American Development Bank. (2020). Weathering the Coronavirus Storm in the Caribbean. https://www.iadb.org/en/improvinglives/weathering-coronavirus-storm-caribbean.

Loop Trinidad and Tobago. (2021, March 9). Deyalsingh: Second part of vaccine allocation to arrive April/May. http://www.looptt.com/content/deyalsingh-second-part-vaccine-allocation-arrive-aprilmay.

————. (2021, March 15). Watch: COVID-19 in T&T a year on. http://www.looptt.com/content/watch-covid-19-tt-year.

Mike, S. (2020, April 24). Effects of COVID-19 on Trinidad and Tobago. DiploFoundation. https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/first-month-covid-trinidad-and-tobago.

Relief Web. (2020, April). Trinidad and Tobago COVID-19 Response. https://reliefweb.int/report/trinidad-and-tobago/trinidad-tobago-covid-19-response-april-2020.

Srinivasan, K., Muñoz S. & Chensavasdijai, K. (2020, April 19). COVID-19 Pandemic and the Caribbean: Navigating Uncharted Waters. IMF Blog. https://blogs.imf.org/2020/04/29/covid-19-pandemic-and-the-caribbean-navigating-uncharted-waters/.

Trinidad and Tobago Express. (2020, October 23). Covid-positive Limers, the Police Coming for You. https://trinidadexpress.com/newsextra/covid-positive-limers-the-police-coming-for-you/article_cbd51970-1550-11eb-893b-f7179fd9c41d.html.

United States Department of State. (2020). Trinidad and Tobago. https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/trinidad-and-tobago/.

Growth and Innovation:

Bridglal, C. (2020, December 30). Food prices increase, credit uptake slows as covid19 policies fail to hit mark. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. https://newsday.co.tt/2020/12/30/food-prices-increase-credit-uptake-slows-as-covid19-policies-fail-to-hit-mark/.

Caribbean News Global. (2020, April 30). Trinidad and Tobago’s economy in the era of COVID-19. https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/trinidad-and-tobagos-economy-in-the-era-of-covid-19/.

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. (2020, April 20). COVID-19 Pandemic Will Lead to the Biggest Contraction in Economic Activity in the Region’s History: A -5.3% Drop in 2020. https://www.cepal.org/en/pressreleases/covid-19-pandemic-will-lead-biggest-contraction-economic-activity-regions-history-53.

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. (2020). Reopening of Trinidad and Tobago. http://news.gov.tt/content/reopening-trinidad-and-tobago.

KPMG Global. (2020, May 6). Trinidad and Tobago. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/trinidad-and-tobago-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. (2020, April 10). COVID-19 and international trade: Issues and actions. http://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/covid-19-and-international-trade-issues-and-actions-494da2fa/.

Société Générale. (2020). Country risk of Trinidad and Tobago: Economy. https://import-export.societegenerale.fr/en/country/trinidad-and-tobago/economy-country-risk.

Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. (2020, October 6). Imbert: Trinidad & Tobago to become a digital economy. https://guardian.co.tt/news/imbert-tt-to-become-a-digital-economy-6.2.1229742.a449ea41f5.

Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Finance. (2020). COVID-19 Support Measures. https://www.finance.gov.tt/covid-19-support-measures/.

University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. (n.d). UWI Against COVID-19. https://sta.uwi.edu/covid19/campaign.php.

World Aware. (2020, May 11). COVID-19 Alert: Trinidad and Tobago Begins Easing Some Business & Movement Restrictions May 11-23. https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-trinidad-and-tobago-begins-easing-some-business-movement-restrictions-may-11-23.

Social and Cultural Inclusion:

Cruickshank-Taylor, V. (2020, 29 April). CARPHA Collaborates with The University of Trinidad and Tobago to Strengthen Health Education and Research in the Caribbean. Caribbean Public Health Agency. https://carpha.org/More/Media/Articles/ArticleID/322/CARPHA-Collaborates-with-The-University-of-Trinidad-and-Tobago-to-Strengthen-Health-Education-and-Research-in-the-Caribbean.

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. (2020). Social Issues. http://www.news.gov.tt/news/social-issues.

International Monetary Fund. (2020, July 1). Policy Responses to COVID19. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19.

MacDonald, S. (2020, July 2). COVID-19, the Caribbean and what comes next. Global Americans. https://theglobalamericans.org/2020/07/covid-19-the-caribbean-and-what-comes-next/.

UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area. (2020, July). The Impact of Covid-19 on Migrant Children in Trinidad and Tobago. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Impact%20of%20COVID-19%20on%20migrant%20children%20in%20Trinidad%20and%20Tobago.pdf.