People’s National Movement Manifesto 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from our Political Leader 2 Our PNM Team 4 The PNM’s Contribution to National Development 6 (A Brief Summary) A Nation in Crisis 8 PNM to the Rescue 12 The Productive Sector - Restoring Growth, 16 Diversity and Confidence to the Economy

National Security 22 International Relations and Foreign Policy 27 The Water Sector 29 The Environment 31 Energy and Hydrocarbon Based Industries 33 Trade and Industry 36 Infrastructure 38 Education 40 Health Care 42 Agriculture 47 Housing 49 Art and Culture 51 Local Government 53 Rural Development 55 Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship 56 Social Sector Programmes 58 Youth Development 60 Sport 62 People with Disabilities 65 Labour 67 Gender Affairs 69 Tobago 70 Special Initiatives 76 People’s National Movement Manifesto 2015 People’s National Movement Manifesto 2015

Message from The Political Leader Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley

t gives me great pleasure on behalf of the point, on the policy prescriptions in our party’s People’s National Movement to present to you comprehensive and well-documented Vision 2020 Iour comprehensive Manifesto for the upcoming Plan, much of which is as relevant today as it was General Election. five years ago.

As is our practice when in Opposition, we have In summary, we in the PNM envision a society spent the last five years developing the necessary policies and programmes to rebuild our country where integrity and morality in public life is of the and our economy, restore confidence, equity and highest priority and the Government serves the social justice, and enhance and improve every public good above all else, and where decisions area of national life. The party in all its forums, are made and actions taken by the Government including a special convention held in 2014 at the Hyatt Hotel, has spent countless hours in in the best interest of all concerned. the formulation of policy and in the review and LET’S DO THIS examination of proposals from a myriad of experts Our approach to governance in our next term will and professionals. be data based, scientific, holistic and evidence driven, paying due attention at all times to the TOGETHER The end result of this exhaustive exercise is a wide- need for compassion, sensitivity and the respect ranging and broad based suite of detailed policy for the rights and freedoms of all citizens in all initiatives, projects, programmes and measures that matters of state. will lift us out of the chaos that has been created by the present Government, and put Trinidad and May I also present to you our 41 outstanding Tobago on a path to growth, development, social candidates who are drawn from all sectors of peace, economic stability and transformation, our society; represent the highest ideals and where all citizens will get their fair share of national qualities of our people and possess the integrity, resources and receive good, honest, equitable and competence and commitment that is obligatory transparent Government. for elected representatives.

Where specific details of individual policy are not May God bless you all and may God bless our covered in this Manifesto, we will rely as a starting Nation.

LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER. LET’S RESCUE OUR COUNTRY

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GENERAL ELECTION 2015

GLENDA JENNINGS-SMITH ADRIAN LEONCE ABBEGAIL NANDALAL RICHARD RAGOONANAN ALISHA ROMANO NEIL MOHAMMED BHARATH LOCHAN KEVIN CRAIG CHAN HAFEEZ ALI ALIF MOHAMMED TOCO/SANGRE GRANDE LAVENTILLE EAST/ MORVANT CHAGUANAS WEST COUVA NORTH ST. AUGUSTINE POINTE-A-PIERRE CUMUTO/ MANZANILLA TABAQUITE BARATARIA/SAN JUAN COUVA SOUTH

MARSHA BAILEY EDMUND DILLON NYAN GADSBY-DOLLY TERRY JADOONANAN CLARENCE RAMBHARAT DONS RICHARD WAITHE DARRYL SMITH ESMOND FORDE NIKOLAISKI ALI NICOLE OLIVIERRE FYZABAD POINT FORTIN ST. ANN’S EAST OROPOUCHE EAST MAYARO NAPARIMA DIEGO MARTIN CENTRAL TUNAPUNA PRINCES TOWN LA BREA

AVINASH SINGH AYANNA WEBSTER-ROY STUART YOUNG VIDYA DEOKIESINGH FARIS AL- RAWI SARAH ALISA BUDHU COLM IMBERT SHAMFA CUDJOE RANDALL MITCHELL MAXIE CUFFIE CARONI CENTRAL TOBAGO EAST POS NORTH/ST.ANN’S WEST SIPARIA SAN FERNANDO WEST CARONI EAST DIEGO MARTIN NORTH / EAST TOBAGO WEST SAN FERNANDO EAST LA HORQUETTA/TALPARO DR. KEITH ROWLEY POLITICAL LEADER CANDIDATE FOR DIEGO MARTIN WEST

LOVELL FRANCIS MARLENE McDONALD CLIFFORD RAMBHAROSE FITZGERALD HINDS CAMILLE ROBINSON-REGIS TERRENCE DEYALSINGH CHERRIE-ANN CRICHLOW- COCKBURN ANTHONY GARCIA PARBATEE MAHARAJ ANCIL W. ANTOINE MORUGA/TABLELAND PORT OF SPAIN SOUTH OROPOUCHE WEST LAVENTILLE WEST AROUCA/MALONEY ST. JOSEPH LOPINOT/BON AIR WEST ARIMA CHAGUANAS EAST D’ABADIE/ O’MEARA

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Under the PNM, our country became the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean, achieved a relatively The People’s National high level of human development, and became a Movement has taken regional leader in virtually every area of endeavour. Trinidad and Tobago It is a matter of record that virtually every institution in this country was created, nurtured from a colonial and developed by the PNM. Our education system, our manufacturing, industrial and energy sectors, backwater through our road network, transportation systems, primary Independence infrastructure, social services, public sector, state enterprise sector, creative industries, health and Republican services, public housing and system of governance, among so many other things, were all given life status to become a by the PNM, and built through the hard work, modern, progressive, dedication and commitment of our people. industrialised, stable Every other political party that has temporarily assumed office in this country has merely flattered and democratic country to deceive and has made no lasting impact or substantial improvement in the quality of life of that is the envy of our citizens. Over the last 59 years, only the PNM has had the resilience and commitment to stay the many countries in course, in and out of Government, to accept the will of the people, and on each occasion that we have the developing and been tested, put our shoulders to the wheel and developed world. emerge stronger and better equipped to serve our people.

THE PNM’S CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT A Brief Summary

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After 5 years, crime remains the most serious • There is a proliferation of illegal handguns and problem affecting our citizens today, closely small arms and sophisticated high powered followed by corruption, which has now reached weapons are in the hands of criminals, who are previously unimagined levels. In fact, officially not afraid to brazenly display and use them for sanctioned corruption has become a feature of this nefarious purposes. discredited UNC-led regime. Far from serving the people, they have only served themselves and their financers.

To illustrate, let us examine just a few areas of their non-performance:

What is their record on crime?

• Violent crime is out of control, while white collar crime, especially money laundering, bribery, corruption and theft from the people’s purse, has reached epidemic levels. • The murder total has exceeded 400 for the last two years and there has been no reduction in the murder rate for this year with over 250 murders What is their record on transparency and A NATION IN in the first 7 months of 2015. accountability? • Under the UNC-led regime, Trinidad and Tobago CRISIS has been determined by the United Nations to • No modern, equitable or transparent public be the 10th most homicidal and violent country procurement system is in force after 5 years of in the world, with more murders per capita than Government. Iraq. • Multi-million dollar illegitimate contracts have As we approach the September 2015 election, After 5 years of a failed “partnership” and • Trinidad and Tobago has been downgraded been awarded to unqualified party financiers, friends and family members in flagrant breach it is appropriate to examine what has passed betrayal of the people’s trust, the hallmarks by the US State Department in its Trafficking in Persons 2015 Report. of tender rules. for Government in Trinidad and Tobago since of this failed administration are injustice, • e Guns ar being smuggled into the Port-of-Spain • The Parliament has been manipulated to May 2010. The so-called People’s Partnership, discrimination, favouritism, corruption and prison, an unprecedented armed jailbreak has favour party financiers – the infamous Section which for all intents and purposes is, and was, deception. Having achieved precious little in taken place, with the shooting death of a police 34. in effect a UNC Government, came into office the last 5 years, they are now subjecting the officer, and the capital city plunged into fear and • Billions of dollars are not properly accounted for promising an immediate 120-day action plan. population to another barrage of rhetoric and panic. in the public accounts. They promised to deal effectively with crime, meaningless clichés, like “zero tolerance on • The country has no offshore patrol capability or • Over $400 million has been misspent in legal alleviate poverty, eradicate corruption and crime”, shamelessly promising again in 2015 border protection. fees in 5 years to hire friends and associates to pursue ill-advised lawsuits. “serve the people”. what they promised in 2010, but failed to do. • There is no effective surveillance of criminals and unacceptably low detection of crime. • Millions of dollars have been stolen or wasted • Low morale has weakened the Police Service, in useless or corrupt programmes, such as the caused by insecure leadership. $500 million squandered in LifeSport.

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What is their record on the economy? What is their record on controlling the cost of empty talk about more buses, which will have living? to use the same congested roads and compete • Economic stagnation – no significant growth with existing vehicles for space. since 2010. • In the last 5 years, inflation has spiralled out of • 5 years of chronic budget deficits – no effort to control – the Central Bank’s data shows that food What is their record on electricity and water balance the national budget. prices have increased by 92% since 2010, i.e. the supply? • Shortage of US Dollars – capital flight. price of food has almost doubled during their • Irresponsible, election-related squandermania, tenure . • Power outages and breakdowns in our electricity despite the loss of over $7 Billion in Government supply system are now commonplace. In revenue in 2015 due to the collapse in oil prices What is their record on the distribution of many areas, power failures are now a monthly • No attempt to diversify the economy/no national resources? occurrence and are the “new normal”. The above are but a few examples of the reasons innovation. • Acute water shortages and leaking pipelines why this incompetent and corrupt UNC-led regime • A 25% reduction in oil production since 2010 • Since 2010, there has been gross inequity in the abound, especially in north Trinidad and in should not be given a second chance to damage and curtailment of production of natural gas distribution of national resources in any area of Tobago and several communities are without a this country further. Their record in health care, supply for gas-based industries, resulting in over Trinidad that supports the PNM, which, since proper water supply for months on end. infrastructure, education, sport and the myriad of $10 billion in lost revenue at Pt. Lisas since 2010 2013, is two-thirds of all regions in Trinidad. other Governmental activities is equally dismal, • The entire east-west corridor, our two cities, the What is their record on flooding? bogged down by corruption and ineptitude. This is deep south, the north-east and south-west, and why their 2015 “manifesto” should be ignored, as it Tobago have been marginalised. • Rivers and watercourses all over the country is an exercise in deception and trickery. • Persons or businesses associated with the PNM are clogged with silt, bush and debris, and have have been targeted and victimised. been left unattended for several years in many areas. Forested areas are denuded. • Massive flooding and destructive landslides now occur in North, South and Central Trinidad with just a few hours of rain.

What is their record on public expenditure and What is their record on traffic management? fiscal management? • After 5 years, our road network is clogged with • The public debt has increased by 70% over the over 750,000 motor vehicles, crawling in endless last 5 years, from $65 billion in 2010 to over $110 bumper to bumper traffic. billion in 2015. • Thousands of productive man hours are wasted • Over $300 billion has been wasted in profligate every day in non-stop grinding traffic jams, even expenditure in 5 years with no transformation or at non-peak hours. modernisation of the country or improvement in • No mass transit, national transportation or traffic the quality of life of ordinary citizens. management plans have been produced. Just

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CODE OF CONDUCT The task to rebuild our One of our first tasks will be to restore Integrity and Morality in Public Affairs, which has been almost economy and restore a system permanently destroyed by the UNC-led PP, and to introduce and enforce a Code of Ethical Conduct of good values and faith in for Members of Parliament. our public institutions will not In the last 5 years, UNC MPs have been accused of be easy, but the PNM is up offences ranging from driving under the influence of alcohol, smoking marijuana, consorting with to the task. We have 60 years prostitutes, sexual assault, bodily assault, bribery, using their office for personal gain, conflict of of experience, the necessary interest, corruption, witness tampering and expertise, the institutional attempts to pervert the course of justice, among other immoral and unlawful acts. Some UNC MPs knowledge, the commitment are before the courts while others are under active investigation by the Police. and the integrity required to This inexcusable behaviour on the part of UNC/ undo the damage done by PP MPs has caused the public to lose confidence this unethical UNC-led regime. in politicians and our system of governance. The PNM will seek to reverse this pernicious trend Once again, the PNM is being by implementing a code of conduct and ethical behaviour for all Parliamentarians, with sanctions called upon to rebuild our and penalties for non-compliance, following the guidelines published by the Commonwealth country, and we will do Parliamentary Association.

so in all sincerity, with Members of Parliament are public officers and humility and honesty. must thus act in the best interests of the nation. Accordingly, MPs must put the public interest PNM above all others. TO THE RESCUE

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Under the PNM Government, the following REFORMING THE general principles of behaviour will apply for all INTEGRITY COMMISSION Parliamentarians, from both Houses: Integrity and morality in public affairs has The reforms we propose are to: been a core principle of the PNM from its SELFLESSNESS inception. Any member of a PNM Government 99Strengthen the investigative powers Members of Parliament who engages in corruption involving public of the Integrity Commission and should act solely in money or breach of public duty will face the broaden its reach. OBJECTIVITY terms of the public consequences. Corruption will not be shielded Members of Parliament or protected by a PNM government. 99Increase the budgetary allocation interest. must act and take to the Integrity Commission so as to decisions impartially, It is a matter of record that the PNM supported increase the staffing of accountants fairly and on merit. the passage of the Integrity in Public Life skilled in fraud examination, officers HONESTY Act of 2000. However, since that legislation trained in investigation of white Members of Parliament became operational 10 years ago, the Integrity collar crime and attorneys skilled in should be truthful. Commission has itself been dogged by scandals. ACCOUNTABILITY As recently as this year, the Commission virtually prosecution of such offences. Members of Parliament collapsed because of disagreement over the 99Institute a new offence of “unjust must account to the LEADERSHIP propriety of its actions with respect to the emailgate investigation. enrichment” whereby a person public their decisions Members of Parliament in public life who has a standard should exhibit these and actions and submit In fact, there have been no less than 6 principles in their own of living or controls property INTEGRITY themselves to the Commissions in the last 10 years and in reality, behaviour and be willing disproportionate to his present scrutiny necessary to the Commission has had a minimal impact Members of Parliament to challenge poor or past income must be able to ensure this. on reducing corruption since its formation. must avoid placing behaviour wherever it satisfactorily explain his situation, or Our ranking in the Transparency International themselves under any occurs. Corruption Perception Index has continued to face prosecution. obligation to people or slide, especially since May 2010. organisations that might 99Introduce, as a priority, whistleblower try inappropriately To counteract this negative perception, the protection legislation, to allow to influence them in Integrity Commission is seeking additional exposure of corrupt activities. their work, or act or powers to more effectively discharge its 9 take decisions in order mandate. However, public confidence in the 9Require all persons who provide to gain financial or Commission is now so low, that there is clearly a service to the public sector on the need for restoration of public confidence before other material benefits boards of state enterprises and the Commission can go forward with enhanced statutory bodies to declare their all for themselves, their OPENNESS powers. Since it is an independent body, we of their interests, and make these family, or their friends. Members of Parliament expect that the President will exercise due care declarations available for public They must disclose to should act and take and diligence in the appointment of members scrutiny. Parliament all potential decisions in an open and of the Commission in the future. conflicts of interest. transparent manner.

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ECONOMIC POLICIES Some of these potential areas of strength are: Our economic policies are framed in the context of realities such as: • A mature energy sector • A reputation, until recently, as an attractive • Our heavy dependence on the energy sector destination for investment in both the energy for foreign exchange earnings and for 50% of and non-energy sectors government revenues • Creative, adaptable and resilient people with • The decline in crude oil production and appealing artistic and cultural expressions stagnation of natural gas production • A strong manufacturing base • Sharp cyclical swings in oil and gas prices • A vibrant services sector • An increasingly competitive global economy • Strong traditional links with the rest of the • Our vulnerability to global climate change and Caribbean, including Cuba, the United States natural disasters and Canada, and the United Kingdom through • Policies instituted by developed countries which our West Indian diaspora, as well as our ancestral impose significant costs of compliance on small connections with India, Africa, Europe, China states such as Trinidad and Tobago. and the Middle East.

However, despite the damage to the economy done by the outgoing UNC-led Government, we believe The key objectives of our economic that there are several intrinsic areas of strength policies thus include: in our economy, which if properly harnessed and • Macroeconomic stability, properly incentivized, will allow us to achieve sustainable growth. strong institutions and investor confidence • Sustainable growth and diversification • Job creation and promotion of social justice

The Productive Sector RESTORING GROWTH, DIVERSITY AND CONFIDENCE TO THE ECONOMY LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER 17 People’s National Movement Manifesto 2015 People’s National Movement Manifesto 2015

ÎÎ STABILITY AND INVESTOR CONFIDENCE Chinese banks to be anchor tenants in the Trinidad productive jobs which pay decent salaries and Corporate and Individual Taxes, training the staff of and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC). which will allow the middle class in the society to Sustainable growth and economic transformation the Revenue Authority and, subject to appropriate These branches would then serve as intermediaries, expand. are best secured in an environment of legislative and judicial safeguards, liaising with channelling the resources from the lending macroeconomic stability. This is achieved criminal law enforcement and a reformed Integrity agencieso t fund projects in Latin America and the Accordingly, the PNM will establish an appropriate through proper economic planning, accurate, Commission. Caribbean. set of minimum wage rates, based on updated timely and robust data collection, low inflation, data from the household budgetary surveys and effective debt management and manageable debt The need for economic diversification has been The expanded TTIFC will in turn lead to a significant the cost of living index. We will ensure through ratios, adequate foreign exchange reserves, low a standard policy prescription for many years, increase in demand for the back-office and capital employment exchanges managed by the regional exchange rate volatility, public confidence in the as successive oil shocks have shown. Led by the market that are currently being offered, thus corporations that workers can transition with job- management of the foreign exchange market, and International Monetary Fund and supported contributing to diversification through the creation specific training to self-employment and better interest rate levels which protect against excessive by local stakeholders, the call has become more of a high value-added knowledge-based financial paying jobs in the public and private sector. We will capital outflows, while providing a good return for strident in recent years, because of structural services sector. seek to match the supply to the increasing need for domestic savings. changes taking place in global energy markets residential care of the elderly, for nursing assistants, and new uncertainties about remaining oil and ÎÎ JOB CREATION AND PROMOTION OF and for skilled trades using information technology Under the UNC-led Government, Trinidad and gas reserves. The PNM Government will move SOCIAL JUSTICE managed at the local government level by the Tobago was recently downgraded by Moody’s aggressively to diversify and turn around our regional corporations. Investment Services, due to the absence of economy. The preamble of the Constitution of Trinidad economic planning, poor debt management, lack of and Tobago affirms our belief as a people in “the Decentralization of certain government services economic diversification and woefully inadequate principles of social justice” and the belief that “the will require additional managerial jobs at the local data collection, among other things. operation of the economic system should result and regional level as well as for planners, lawyers, in the material resources of the community being accountants, and other professional skills. But our It will be a priority of the incoming PNM so distributed as to serve the common good, that university graduates have to be coached into opting administration to reverse this downgrade by there should be adequate means of livelihood for more for self-employment, than employment with proactively addressing all of these areas of all, that labour should not be exploited or forced government and state enterprises. economic weakness, which have been left by economic necessity to operate in inhumane unattended by the present Government. conditions but that there should be opportunity ÎÎ TRIPARTITE RELATIONSHIPS AND for advancement on the basis of recognition of COOPERATION The general lowering and harmonization of income merit, ability and integrity”. The PNM government tax rates that occurred during the PNM years has ÎÎ FINANCIAL SERVICES will give life and effect to these aspirations in the Poor or contentious relationships between Labour, proven to be effective in increasing revenues, and formulation and conduct of economic policies. Business and Government are not conducive the PNM will thus continue with a programme of One area of diversification with great potential is the to high productivity, good industrial relations, reducing and rationalizing taxes where feasible, financial services sector. Trinidad and Tobago had Over the years, the labour market has become and observance of prescribed standards of while strengthening revenue collection. already been recognized as the de facto financial distorted because of the employment of large occupational safety and health. Conflict and centre of the English-speaking Caribbean and the numbers employed in government-funded low contention in the workplace is a drag on economic In this regard, in consultation with the PNM Government will seize the opportunity to wage, low productivity jobs, such as URP and growth and development. We will commence representative Trade Unions, the PNM will move widen our horizon and look towards Asia, China in CEPEP. There are also an increasing number of working immediately with Labour and Business expeditiously to establish the Trinidad and particular. university graduates who are not finding jobs to establish forums for the discussion and Tobago Revenue Authority, which will institute at salaries consistent with their expectations. elaboration of national economic policies generally more effective tax administration by coordinating We will seek to encourage branches of the New Our competitiveness, economic prosperity and and particularly as these policies may impact databases across Customs and Excise, VAT and Development Bank and the two state-owned social stability depend on the creation of highly productivity and business confidence.

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A PNM government will support private sector procurement for goods, services and capital are independent institutions, it is the government’s businesses, large and small, firstly by helping expenditure consistent with the overarching responsibility to ensure that these institutions are to provide a trained, functionally literate and procurement legislation and accountability to led and staffed by persons of the highest calibre numerate labour force, as well as a substantial cadre Parliament. and integrity, selected on merit, so that they are of professional skills -- accountants, attorneys, effective in discharging their legislative mandates. managers -- to support the growth of business. We ÎÎ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD The PNM will ensure that the required action is will support reasonable initiatives developed by taken to achieve this. the business sector or by trade unions which seek The annual Budget Statement by the Minister of to improve productivity and in particular, business Finance has tended to dominate discussion of The current model on which the FIU is based also initiatives which support women in the workplace The PNM understands the critical importance of issues of economic growth and development. needs to be re-examined for relevance, since it is and the care and supervision of children during data-driven decision-making in both the private However, the short-term focus of the Budget shifts perceived to be ineffective. working hours. and public sectors. Accordingly, we will implement attention away from the medium and longer term the draft Statistics Act, and create an independent focus which is essential for economic development ÎÎ PROCUREMENT REFORM ÎÎ EXTENDING THE ECONOMY: Statistical Institute with a board comprised of and transformation. THE WEST INDIAN DIASPORA representatives drawn from the public sector, The UNC-Government has spent 5 years avoiding including the Central Bank, the private sector, To correct this, the PNM Government will establish the implementation of a modern, transparent, fair If Trinidad and Tobago is to develop successfully, we the universities, market research organizations an Economic Development Board whose main and equitable public procurement system. In its need to have a critical mass of our best and brightest and professional statisticians. This independent responsibilities will be to develop and maintain dying days, merely as a public relations exercise, citizens working in industry and in government. institute will be led, managed and staffed by dialogue with the government, the private sector it has partially proclaimed certain sections of the We need scientists, engineers, economists, artists competent professionals and will be funded by the and the labour movement on the articulation Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property and musicians and film producers. Another key Government. of long term economic and social goals for the Act, which are just symbolic in nature and of no real differentiator in the diversification thrust of a country; develop and maintain a model of the effect. PNM administration is extending the economy ÎÎ BUDGETARY REFORM economy that would permit analysis of the short by viewing the regional economy and the West and long term impacts of alternative policies and The PNM will no waste no time addressing this very Indian diaspora as part of the domestic economy. This country has been operating with a system investments; coordinate the development of data important issue. We will move swiftly to make the One aspect of this will be the harnessing of the of budgeting that has remained unchanged for series with the independent Statistical Institute; necessary improvements to the Public Procurement knowledge and skills of the diaspora, especially many years. There are now several areas where it make recommendations to Government on the Act, in order to remove loopholes, limitations and our young professionals who have benefited from is clear that the budgeting and expenditure control feasibility and impact of proposed government weakness that currently exist in the legislation, education here and who now live and work abroad. systems need to be reformed. policy initiatives across all policy areas -- the and, in consultation with all stakeholders, establish economy, society, the environment, and science and implement a realistic timetable for the full ÎÎ EFFICIENT AND ACCURATE DATA The following are the reforms we propose: and technology -- to the extent that these have a implementation of the Act. COLLECTION – REFORM OF THE CENTRAL 99 Implementing the Revenue Authority bearing on the country’s development. STATISTICAL OFFICE (CSO) 99 Instituting a General Accounting Office which ÎÎ CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM will be an independent office of Parliament ÎÎ REGULATORY REFORM The CSO has been neglected for many years, and which will provide contemporary analysis As an urgent priority, and to put an end to the especially in the last five years under the UNC-led of actual performance against budget as well There are several regulatory institutions whose pernicious scourge of “political investors”, once and administration where that important institution. as projections of budgetary outturns in light of activities have significant implications for the for all, the PNM will draft, enact and implement The data published by the CSO has not been reliable budgetary or extra-budgetary developments. efficient and effective operation of the financial appropriate campaign finance legislation, drawing nor timely and is quite often of questionable quality, 99 Providing the Judiciary and Parliament with services industry. These include the Securities on the experience of models successfully in use in leading to a loss of confidence in this important the authority to manage their approved Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank and developed countries such as the UK and the USA, institution. appropriations including instituting their own the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). While these before the next General Election.

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and guns into our country by increasing the Coast Our strategy will include the following components: Guard’s fleet by over 300% through the acquisition of Fast Patrol Craft, Coastal Patrol Vessels and Protecting Our People – Interceptors. Whole of Government Approach

The final pieces in our naval arsenal were the three The PNM will adopt a whole-of-government 90-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) which approach to national security. All Ministries and were being acquired through a Government- agencies will thus share responsibility and be to-Government arrangement with the United accountable for the security and safety of the State. Kingdom. These vessels each had the capability to carry over 100 men and stay out at sea for several The Police Service weeks, patrolling Exclusive Economic Zone, with a range of several thousand miles. Together with the It is generally accepted that our Police Service other military vessels and the armed helicopters suffers from a lack of secure leadership. There has NATIONAL also acquired by the PNM, this sophisticated fleet been an acting Commissioner since 2012 and the would have made Trinidad and Tobago virtually use of foreign leadership prior to this was a failed SECURITY impenetrable to drug traffickers. experiment. As a result, the leadership of the Police Service has been in a state of instability for the last However, the UNC-led Government arbitrarily 5 years and despite having a special majority in terminated the OPV contract and did not properly Parliament, the UNC-led regime made no effort to The UNC-led Government has been an abject failure information on crime and undertake in-depth maintain the 6 Fast Patrol Craft which had arrived improve the system. at controlling crime and ensuring the security analysis; the Comprehensive Gang Model, which just before the 2010 election, thus destroying of our citizens. One of the reasons for its failure led to computerized information systems and morale in the Coast Guard and wasting hundreds Without security of tenure at the top, there can be is its decision to dismantle the national security improved analysis and mapping procedures; and of millions of taxpayers’ dollars spent in equipment, no meaningful improvement in the Service. One the apparatus painstakingly put in place by the PNM. the Forensic Science Centre were given no effective training and other critical areas, leaving our first priorities for the PNM Government will be to support. maritime borders wide open and vulnerable to immediately go to Parliament to amend the present On assuming office, for no good reason, the UNC- drug trafficking, thus facilitating the attendant cumbersome procedures for the appointment of led regime immediately set about to terminate The Repeat Offenders Programme, responsible crime during its entire 5-year term in office. a Police Commissioner and his Deputies, so that the Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT), which led to for identifying street gangs, their membership permanent appointments to these critical offices a deterioration in the national forensic capability, structures and turf was scrapped. The new PNM Government will move swiftly to can be made by the Police Service Commission in damaged training for law enforcement and reduced rebuild our Coast Guard, restore confidence in the shortest possible time. operational support to the Police Service and other Of great significance is the fact that the PNM the armed forces and protective services, and law enforcement agencies. The Specialist Crime understands that our country’s location has made reconstruct our anti-gang, forensic, and criminal The PNM will simultaneously reform, upgrade, Academy where over 500 SAUTT Officers received us a transhipment point for illegal drugs between surveillance systems. However, unlike the modernise and transform our Police Service and training in areas such as Crime Scene Investigation, the supplier countries of South and Central America incompetent UNC-led regime, we will not simply utilise the strength of partnerships through an Forensic Awareness and DNA and Investigative and the consuming countries of North America and abandon what little national security capacity inter-agency approach. Interviewing and more, was stifled. Europe. they have put in place, but we will keep whatever is of value, while rebuilding our national security The new approach to fighting crime will focus on The Crime and Problem Analysis Unit, established To address and eliminate this problem, the previous apparatus. Regional Corporations and Municipalities. This will by the PNM in 2007 to improve the capacity of PNM Government had taken the necessary steps facilitate the establishment and operationalisation the Police Service to gather accurate and timely between 2002 and 2010 to stem the flow of drugs of Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs).

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The police and their partners (local government, 99 Ensure that service delivery is optimised, and 99 Develop a Disaster Risk Management Policy violence – guns, drugs and gangs; probation department, Ministry of Social 99 Ensure that strategic and scientific resource for Trinidad and Tobago; 99 Embed pro-social development strategies Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of management is deployed in all areas. 99 Focus on reducing the risk of disasters, towards preventing any young person from Housing, Ministry of Planning, the Fire Service and especially to those sections of the population becoming involved in offending behaviour; and other people centred organisations) will provide Border Protection who are most vulnerable due to poverty and a 99 Implement an aggressive public outreach community security and safety surveillance. The general lack of resources; and campaign on effective strategies to combat CSP will address the following: Our porous borders are a major source of the 99 Facilitate partnerships between State Agencies juvenile violence. proliferation of illegal guns and drugs, which are and the private sector, NGOs, communities and • Drug and Alcohol Abuse; primary drivers of crime in Trinidad and Tobago. To volunteers in disaster risk management. Putting the Public in the Driver’s Seat • Local Crime; address this threat, the PNM will: • Reoffending; and Taking Early Action to Prevent Crime To ensure accountability to the public, the PNM will • Crime Prevention through Environmental 99 Establish a Joint Border Protection Agency establish a Police Service Inspectorate, which will Design (CPTED). that will manage the security and integrity of The PNM will tackle Youth Criminality head-on have responsibility for quality assurance and quality Trinidad and Tobago’s borders; through the implementation of preventative control. This agency will measure, evaluate and For maximum efficiency, the Police Service will be 99 Ensure that appropriate military assets are actions that take into account the broad range of report regularly to Parliament on the performance strengthened at all levels by the establishment acquired, deployed and maintained; underlying personal (low attainment, problematic of all Police Divisions. of an appropriate Police Management Agency, 99 Utilise information, integration, and rapid behaviour, bullying), parenting (inconsistent which will: response of all agencies to meet all external parenting, poor mental health, domestic Improving Police Science threats. violence) and family (socioeconomic stress, poor 99 Develop the necessary leadership expertise neighbourhood conditions) risk factors involved Our Scientific Investigation Strategy crystallises 99 Uphold accountability; Disaster Management in youth offending and antisocial behaviour in an the changes that will occur as part of our new 99 Develop the skills and professionalism of the attempt to tackle emerging problems before they model, including the increased collaboration and workforce; To promote an integrated and resilient whole-of- become serious and entrenched. operational/investigative integration between 99 Enhance the capability to plan and execute government approach to disaster risk management frontline police officers, crime scene investigators, police operations; and to contribute to the attainment of sustainable This strategy will address causes rather than detectives, the Forensic Services Division and 99 Implement effective operational processes, development in line with the PNM’s vision for symptoms of crime and use the Police Youth Club, Intelligence Agencies. The model envisages practice and doctrine; developed country status by the year 2030, the Cadet Force, the Citizens Security Programme and transforming the way information, evidence, 99 Set and maintain the ethics and values PNM will strengthen national capacities to reduce the like to: knowledge and science is used establishing that need to be embedded in the service’s risk, and build community resilience to disasters 99 Identify programmatic and strategic prevention, the office of a DNA custodian and pursuing ISO professional culture; and will: intervention and suppression activities that certification of the Forensic Science Centre. target three critical areas affecting juvenile

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These reform initiatives will also seek collaboration THE JUSTICE SYSTEM with Wecriminal recognize that our justice systemjustice continues to institutions other than the be in urgent need of reform. The Peoples National Movement is committed to building capacity and creating efficiencies in the system which governs the prisonadministration service, of justice. This task issuch well underway: as the judiciary, director of

• Within the past year we have enacted legislation to allow for an increase in the number of High publicCourt Judgesprosecutions and Judges in the Court of Appeal and police service and will by fifty per cent, the largest single increase since addressIndependence. prison legislation and prison rules, and • We have enacted legislation to allow for the more efficient use of technology in court proceedings and to allow for the more efficient prosecution of criminal seek offences.to engage NGOs to become more involved in

• We have agreed to increase the number of prosecutors in The Office of the Director of Public the reintegrationProsecutions to allow for the speedier andof more ex-offenders. efficient disposition of criminal matters.

We have already identified our priorities for our next term, specifically those measures that will ease the flow of cases through the system and result in a more expeditious delivery of justice. 54 A New Intelligence55 Architecture • We shall streamline the categories of matters which can be dealt with before a magistrate

• We shall remove from the magistracy those matters which can be dealt with administratively, such as certain traffic violations and applications for certain To ensuretypes of licences. that our security forces have timely and • We shall remove from the High Court the resolution of those disputes - and the disposition of accuratecertain matters information - which can best be dealt with before on criminal activities, the PNM specialized tribunals, such as certain land disputes and the establishment of title to real property in certain classes of case. The new systems and will adoptprocedures will assist an in the resolutionIntelligence-Led of the problem National Security of titles to property, particularly in Tobago. Model• We shall reform the rules governing the conduct of Preliminary Inquiries in respect of certain categories of offences. In the short term the measures we have adopted and INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS those which we propose will result in quicker court processes including speedier access to the criminal justice system. We are resolved to fix our justice system.Developing an Adaptable Defence and Security Posture AND FOREIGN POLICY

The traditional role of the military has to be Partnering with the Judiciary integrated with the new important roles of ensuring the security of the state. To address this, the PNM Posting to our embassies and The most important initiatives and objectives for The PNM will engage the Criminal Justice System will ensure that the military has the capacity to consulates should not be seen as a our embassies and consulates will be: stakeholders to re-engineer the structure to effectively address: mere reward for supporters of the provide an efficient and legitimate criminal justice party in government, but must be the • addressing the interests of Trinidad and Tobago system as the foundation for crime prevention, law in respect of trade and investment policies of • Its core mandate of defence of the State; front line of projecting the interests of enforcement and the protection of human rights. • Disaster management and response to natural other countries which are likely to adversely Trinidad and Tobago internationally. Introduce common sense, evidence-based, cost hazards; impact our interests; effective policies in the justice system. • Search and rescue capacity; Our key pursuit must be our economic • reaching and maintaining strong contacts • Protection of critical infrastructure (water, and commercial interests and these with the West Indian diaspora, and promoting Reducing Reoffending, Improving power, roads, telecommunications etc.); must be understood by our senior projects of mutual benefit to the diaspora Rehabilitation and Prison Conditions • Enhanced border/territorial security. diplomats and the professional Foreign communities; and Service officers. • projecting our specific interests in oil, natural As a priority, to address the imminent breakdown gas and energy services and supporting the of our prison system and to forestall a revolt efforts of the local private sector and state by prisoners because of inhumane conditions, enterprises in marketing their products and the PNM will immediately develop a Policy on services overseas. Prison Management that will address the overall Correctional System; Physical facilities; Health services at the Prisons; Rehabilitation of offenders; Security management services; and Prison officer security.

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To achieve this the PNM will:

Intensify our relations with Venezuela, Conduct a manpower audit to identify Brazil, Argentina and Chile in Latin vacancies, and skills gaps, as well as the America; Panama in Central America; restoration of effective inspectorate China; Kenya and Tanzania in Africa; Russia capability. and Eastern Europe; Qatar and Dubai; and Cuba, Curacao and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.

Restructure the Foreign Service to reflect a focus on an issues-based paradigm with THE an emphasis on: economic diplomacy; trade and investment promotion; energy WATER SECTOR diplomacy; the diplomacy of security and terrorism; the diplomacy of the environment, in particular climate change; Management of the water resources Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) public diplomacy; health diplomacy; Repair relationships in CARICOM that of the country to provide not only is recognized as the international best practice for digital diplomacy; sports and cultural have been damaged over the last 5 years, a reliable water supply to meet management of the water sector. IWRM is based on three (3) pillars namely the Enabling Environment diplomacy; and human rights diplomacy such as the relationship with Jamaica. present demands of all but to ensure of policies and legislation, the Institutional sustainability of supply and the Framework to give effect to policies, strategies, available water resources of the and legislation, and the Management Instruments country to meet the needs of future that include water allocation, assessments, and generations. Proper management of economic tools. Actions are undertaken through a the water resources in terms of water stakeholder participatory approach. quality is critical to avoid detrimental effects on public health. Water and The present institutional structure that exists for water management in Trinidad and Tobago does sanitation have also been identified not reflect international best practice. International as significant variables in determining best practice dictates that the water resources disease incidence. Hence inadequate of a country should be managed in a holistic and access to water resources and integrated approach (i.e. IWRM) by an organization sanitation services by the population that is independent of the service provider (Water could also lead to negative health and Sewerage Authority) or any other user of the impacts in the country. water resource.

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In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a lack of reliable data In recognition of the foregoing, to improve the and information to support proper decision making Water Sector, the PNM will: to improve the water sector, including hydrological data/information to determine available water in • Adopt and Implement Integrated Water water sources and for proper aquifer management, Resources Management (IWRM). to assess flows for many rivers, to determine the • Create an appropriate Institutional Framework water balances in many of the watersheds, for and Organizational Structures for effective water drainage design and flood management. management including the establishment of a Water Resources Agency (WRA) as a separate Water supply is currently provided on a scheduled organization to manage the country’s water basis to most of the population and only a small resources. percentage of the population receives a 24-hour • Develop and maintain an effective water 7 days per week water supply. This percentage resources/hydrological monitoring network, reduces in the dry season in order to optimize the reliable data collection and water resources number of persons receiving a supply. assessment, and development and THE maintenance of a national water data and Challenges of Meeting Water Demand information system. ENVIRONMENT • Implement a Water Loss Reduction Programme • Old and leaking pipeline infrastructure; • Improve security of water supply by upgrading • Inadequate infrastructure to unserved areas the water infrastructure to extend the water and for water security; supply service to areas underserved or unserved The PNM believes that we must Land, climate and biodiversity reveal close linkages • Implementation of the concept of integrated and increasing service storage. all do our part to conserve our to our development. We must therefore manage water resources management to attain • Develop a Water Supply Drought Management natural resources for the befit of our our lands through good farming practices and modern techniques. sustainable development of the nation’s water Plan and a Water Supply Management Plan for communities and our families, and resources; the Dry Season and implementation of required future generations. • Inadequate assessment to understand water actions. In the PNM vision our environment underpins a availability, and protection and conservation of • Develop and implement Flood Management We must conserve our land and sea profitable industry in which to create new jobs, wealth and growth. We will therefore foster the the water resources; Plans, including mitigation, response and areas, our wildlife and marine species, • Managing all forms of the water resources adaptation measures. efficient use of resources by introducing alternative our green public places and their rich (i.e. rainwater, surface water, groundwater, • Implement a Wastewater Management energy technologies such as solar and wind, support stormwater, wastewater reuse) for optimal use; Programme. diversity to bring pleasure not only to recycling efforts and encourage private sector • Impacts of Climate Change and Climate • Implement approved projects addressing tourists that visit us but primarily for investment in such areas as low carbon technologies Variability; specific concerns or issues to improve water our nationals regardless of his or her to create jobs within local communities and reduce • Impacts of Dry Season. supply and /or water management which have station in life. We must be able to thrive our carbon footprint. been identified by ‘stakeholders’ at national in the beauty of our landscapes, cities, and community levels. villages and towns. To preserve and protect the environment, the PNM will:

• Put environmental considerations at the heart of development so that they will guide every decision we make as a Government.

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• Develop climate change adaptation and • Integrate all interventions involving the mitigation strategies to safeguard those most environment and natural resources within our affected. social, economic and land use policies taking account of the international conventions we are a party to. • Reconnect people with nature by increasing the acreage for green public spaces and enhancing our physical amenity to promote the • Establish incentives for households and enjoyment, cultural and spiritual enrichment of businesses to conserve water to contribute to all citizens. the enhancement of our natural resources.

• Promote energy efficiency and renewable • Assist farmers to implement sustainable energy sources including wind and solar as agricultural practices through training the means to increase energy security and programmes on the impacts of climate change ENERGY AND reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to power our on agriculture and soil management. economy. HYDROCARBON-BASED INDUSTRIES

• Halt deforestation as a means to protect • Award financial incentives to ventures that biological biodiversity and wildlife and habitats create jobs and businesses in green financial from destruction. The energy sector continues to be the In addition, the cancellation and abandonment of products, renewable green energy and main driver of the Trinidad and Tobago several projects and the violation of contractual improved resource efficiency. economy, contributing 50% of our GDP agreements, all of which supported the continued growth and expansion of the energy sector, have • Develop and implement a Flood Resilience and almost 60% of Government revenues. Policy to protect against the risk of flooding created a difficult situation that we must now Over the last 5 years, the management • Increase research and develop training and the spread of diseases. confront head on. programmes in state of the art technologies in of the energy sector has been a colossal energy including small-scale energy systems for failure. Through bungling incompetence To reverse this destructive trend, we must create application in in local and rural communities, • Intensify environmental awareness on the part of the UNC-led Government, partnerships and innovations that foster self- homes, schools and other institutions in the programmes among our children and youth, we have lost 25% of our oil production reliance and a resilient energy sector through an country. within our schools and in our villages and rural since 2010, and the sector has been ethical, efficient and evolving regulatory framework. communities to promote an understanding of characterised by natural gas production To achieve this, the PNM will: the central role of the environment in securing shortfalls and extremely poor decision- • Establish a clear action plan for waste our survival and our future. making. • Upon assuming office, immediately commence management that promotes local recycling. open, transparent and formal discussions with all major players in the Trinidad and Tobago energy sector, upstream, midstream and downstream, to achieve consensus on appropriate improvements to our oil and gas taxation regime, incentives and gas pricing regime.

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• Ensure that we have an attractive, competitive production, in addition to more traditional • Work in partnership with business and labour • Develop strategies to counter the major and responsive fiscal and regulatory areas such as fabrication, remediation, to maximize output, while ensuring fair wages difficulties which the LNG industry of Trinidad environment, that will maximise recovery of our construction, design, logistics, well services, and equitable wealth distribution, appropriate and Tobago (T&T) now faces, including hydrocarbon resources and national income, platform operations and maintenance and economic returns and social justice. renegotiation of arrangements for a more and put us back on a path to sustained growth support services. equitable share of the revenue for all players in the sector. from the sale of LNG in our major markets in • Rebuild our reputation for integrity, South and Central America, Europe and the Far • Maximize efficiency in the use of natural gas in transparency and respect for signed contracts East. • Support and encourage local professionals and the downstream sector. and agreements. service companies to export energy services to new and emerging oil and gas producing • Recover the projects that have been abandoned countries, within CARICOM, in Africa, and • Promote the development of new industries • Create an environment in which producer with respect to downstream industries that are elsewhere. and innovation and foster awareness and companies, both existing and new, become still relevant, in order to provide the country with acceptance of new technologies. aggressive about seeking new discoveries in oil the basic building blocks for the manufacturing and gas. industry. • Encourage and facilitate partnerships, investment and joint ventures with oil and • Maximize, where practicable, the use of gas companies and state agencies overseas, renewable energy (such as solar, wind and • Accelerate and conclude negotiation of new • Attract and retain first class professionals to the focusing in particular on Guyana and Suriname, wave energy) through incentives, concessions gas supply contracts, to replace long-term management and boards of state enterprises in Ghana and Tanzania. and enabling legislation, and make reduction contracts that are due to expire in the next few the energy sector, while minimizing political risk of Trinidad and Tobago’s carbon footprint a years, in the best interest of the country and all and ensuring job security for these individuals priority by setting appropriate renewable stakeholders. • Utilise the National Gas Corporation as an energy production targets, as has been done investment vehicle for new energy and in in the European Union, where EU countries • Restore Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation as hydrocarbon based industries, both in Trinidad have been mandated to achieve a target of 20% • Develop appropriate strategies to monetize the a preferred destination for investment in the and Tobago and overseas. of energy production from renewable energy discovery of reserves of natural gas found in energy sector. sources by the year 2020. deep waters, which are classified as expensive gas. • Facilitate and encourage the growth of locally • Overhaul and revamp the institutional owned energy sector companies through framework of the state agencies in the energy appropriate fiscal and monetary incentives and • Create an appropriate fiscal regime and sector to ensure that they can meet the concessions. incentives to encourage the production of demands of the global energy environment and “stranded” oil and gas, both on land and offshore respond promptly, transparently and effectively to proposals from potential investors. • Maximize local content and local value added through appropriate guidelines and legislation. • Ensure that the gas intensive industries, such as petrochemicals and heavy industry, remain competitive and are encouraged to expand and • Ensure that the local private sector obtains a modernise existing operations. larger share of the activity generated by the energy sector, especially in exploration and

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• Create synergies between our energy, Sustainable Growth and Diversification manufacturing, services and creative sectors to promote diversification of the economy. Diversification is not easily achieved in a small • Assist manufacturers to gain entry into the country of limited land mass and a relatively small huge Latin American market, through trade population. facilitation, negotiation of market access, investment treaties, promotional tours, trade It requires the building up of several different diplomacy and Government to Government capabilities, such as entrepreneurship, arrangements . management, a culture of innovation and an ability • Improve and streamline operations at our air to adapt quickly to changes in the global economy. and sea ports for easy import and export of However, a stable growing economy under the materials and goods. new PNM Government will allow all industries and • Complete and fully operationalise the Tamana businesses to flourish. Specifically, there are certain Intech Park and the Piarco Aero Park, upgrade industries which we have identified as having TRADE AND all existing industrial estates and establish new many of the ingredients necessary for successful industrial estates in designated new growth penetration of international markets, which the INDUSTRY areas throughout Trinidad and Tobago PNM Government will support, including:

CARICOM and the CSME Agriculture and Agro-processing

Under the present Government, the To rebuild growth and sustain this sector, the PNM Trinidad and Tobago has always played a leading contribution of manufacturing in will: role in the promotion of the regional integration Maritime Services -- shipbuilding, ship repair, dry-docking and yachting services Trinidad and Tobago to the economy • Ensure that appropriate strategies are movement and the development and growth of developed in partnership with local has been declining since 2012. CARICOM: manufacturers to create and sustain a more Fishing and Fish Processing This is in stark contrast to the enabling environment to facilitate increased Accordingly, a PNM administration will: global competitiveness of local businesses. 2002 to 2010 period, under the • Implement a system of constant dialogue • Revive and rebuild the CSME process, which Aviation Services - aircraft maintenance and PNM, when real output in the and feedback with all stakeholders in the has stalled. repair manufacturing sector grew commercial, manufacturing and industrial • Pursue bilateral agreements with Guyana, sectors to proactively address challenges Suriname and Belize, among other CARICOM by 100%, from US$4 billion in The Creative Industries -- film, music, such as shortages of skilled labour, difficulties countries, in the Agriculture and Energy sectors constant (2000) prices in 2002 to entertainment, fashion and design in obtaining foreign exchange, reduction of • Facilitate the controlled movement of skills and US$8 billion in 2010. bureaucracy, speedy processing of customs labour within the region. documentation, trade liberalisation and other • Maximise benefits under the Economic Financial Services – making Trinidad and regulatory issues affecting competitiveness Partnership Agreement with the European Tobago a regional financial centre and the ease of doing business. Union. • Encourage and facilitate linkages between local • Support regional initiatives and joint action for Software Design and Applications – making manufacturers and exporters with the diaspora diplomacy and commercial relations with extra- Trinidad and Tobago a technology and in Canada, the USA and the UK, as a catalyst to regional markets in South and Central America, innovation centre entry and penetration in these markets. Asia and Africa.

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As priorities, we will focus on the following specific 99 Implement a comprehensive programme of projects in the first instance: construction and maintenance of all roads and bridges throughout Trinidad and Tobago. • Development of an immediate implementation 99 Implement a comprehensive National Drainage plan, in conjunction with international agencies, Plan. for an appropriate and feasible railway system 99 Establish a Transit Authority to regulate all forms linking East, West and South Trinidad. This of public transportation. will build on the work already done under the 99 Develop, once and for all, a national previous PNM administration. Once constructed, transportation plan. the new railway system will allow transit times 99 Improve the efficiency of air and sea transport of from Port of Spain to Arima in less than 30 to Tobago, with participation by the THA in the minutes and Port of Spain to San Fernando in 45 design and provision of the service, including minutes. It is expected that the railway system the acquisition of new fast ferries. will transport in excess of 200,000 persons per 99 Construct a new first class road to Toco and a INFRASTRUCTURE day and allow for the removal of over 100,000 new fast ferry port in Toco, thus providing a cars from our congested roads, thus significantly faster alternative sea route to and from Tobago reducing the annual fuel subsidy. Because of the from east Trinidad and opening up the entire number of travellers involved, we see a railway northeast region of Trinidad for new industrial, system as the only viable solution to our chronic residential and commercial development. traffic problems, and we remain convinced that 99 Construct a new first class road to Moruga and a The PNM believes that modern and any other mass transit system which requires modern fishing port in Moruga. use of our already clogged road network, such 99 Construct a new world class container Port in strategically planned infrastructure is as a bus system, is uneconomical, unrealistic and Port of Spain. essential for the future development of impractical. 99 Construct new world class international Airport Trinidad and Tobago. Our infrastructure in Tobago. development programme will be wide- Specifically, as priorities, the PNM will: ranging and multifaceted and will include the following elements: 99 Complete the San Fernando to Pt Fortin Highway in a manner that best serves the national interest and the interest of all affected parties and Mass stakeholders. 9 East/West 9 Construct the San Fernando to Mayaro Freeway. Transit North-South National Corridor Bus Fleet Renewal 99 Construct the Wallerfield to Manzanilla Highway System Coastal Water Taxi Highways Grid Transportation Programme .and a ring road around Sangre Grande. Service Project (High Priority) 99 Construct a ring road around Chaguanas. 99 Construct the Port of Spain to Chaguaramas New Commercial, Upgrade of Modernisation Comprehensive Causeway/Highway. Industrial and Air Transport Government of the Licensing Drainage 99 Remove all traffic lights and construct overpasses Passenger/Cargo Infrastructure Shipping Services Office (Nova Development and interchanges from Port-of-Spain to Sangre Ferry Ports in Development - Fast Ferries Scotia Project) Programme Grande. strategic locations

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• Support our two public universities, UWI and • Ensure that our post-secondary and tertiary UTT, to achieve maximum efficiency and high education is relevant. standards, while avoiding duplication and waste • Ensure that our school curriculum and teaching • Develop a culture of Discipline, Production and methods are relevant and continuously updated Tolerance in all schools and emphasize these and lead to innovation, entrepreneurship and core values in the curriculum. wealth creation. • Implement a comprehensive, efficient, targeted, • Develop and encourage a culture of research timely and sustainable school maintenance and development in all tertiary level institutions, programme to cope with our ageing school both public and private. infrastructure, utilizing Local Government • Maintain first world standards in terms of bodies to implement the works, where feasible. enrolment and participation of our citizens in • Replace all outdated or old and dilapidated post-secondary and tertiary education. schools with new modern buildings and facilities • Provide appropriate mechanisms for second and construct new schools in areas where they chances for students at all levels. EDUCATION are most needed. • Ensure universal early childhood education, and • Emphasize the richness of our cultural diversity maintain and continue our system of universal and eliminate any dissonance that may arise from secondary and tertiary education, while ensuring ethnic, cultural, religious and class differences. access to the highest levels of education in all • Emphasize the teaching of our country’s history areas of the country, especially Tobago. and geography in schools . • Promote and encourage continuing education • Mobilize the artistic community to take a and adult education. The PNM has been at the forefront of Others have tried to claim credit for our leadership role in cultural diversification and • Fully integrate sports, culture, language arts and every major advance in Education in achievements, but the reality is that the PNM has cultural education. physical education into the education system. built the vast majority of schools and educational this country. Despite the false claims • Ensure that our system of education at the • Harmonize, rationalize and modernize the institutions in Trinidad and Tobago and increased of others, no other political party has primary, secondary and tertiary levels prepares legislation governing the education sector. the number of educated persons in Trinidad and come close to achieving what we our young people for the challenging world of Tobago exponentially. In particular, in the 2002 have done to educate and train our to 2010 period, we increased the participation science and technology. population and to provide easy access rate in tertiary education by over 400%. • Ensure that the education and training of our to education. Before the advent of teachers is adequate to meet the challenges that face our young people including penetration the PNM in 1956, education was the We will build on this proud legacy as we continue of foreign cultures, technological devices and preserve of the privileged few. to make education the highest priority by ensuring social media. that we: • Foster, develop and encourage best practices in From free primary and secondary the administration of the educational system. • Preserve, maintain, and expand where necessary, education to free university education, • Provide clear prospects for advancement by all our system of free education and training at all teachers in their career and profession. from the establishment of UWI to UTT, levels. • Equip all schools to benefit from technological the John Donaldson and San Fernando • Ensure that the Government Assistance for innovations. Technical Institutes, to GATE and HELP, Tuition Expenses (GATE) system, which we • Ensure that all students in all schools have free all PNM innovations, we have done it all. created in 2004, remains relevant, easily and easy access to fast Broadband Internet in all accessible and available to all citizens who need schools (not just laptops). it.

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Yet despite this, the UNC-led Government has We believe in a holistic, scientific and practical chosen to spend billions of dollars on narcissistic approach to health and wellness, as opposed hospital buildings that will remain empty or to medicine by vapse, which is the hallmark of underutilised, while existing institutions continue the UNC-led Government. We know that many to deteriorate. In addition, areas such as Pt. Fortin, factors combine together to affect the health of which have been crying out for new health facilities individuals and communities. To a great extent, for many years, have been ignored in terms of new where people live, the state of their environment, hospital construction, simply because they are genetics, income, education and their relationship represented by the PNM. with friends and family, all matter to their health. The greater the difference between the richest The PNM’s approach to health care is quite and the poorest in the society, the greater the different. Rather than spending billions of dollars difference in their health. Safe water, clean air, on white elephants, our focus will be on using the healthy workplaces and communities all contribute substantial resources allocated to the health sector to good health. HEALTH to aggressively expand the training opportunities for our citizens in all areas of health care, including Our “Health in all Policies” approach which thus support staff in professions allied to medicine, gives our Ministry of Health the power to influence CARE particularly nurses, so that can deal with our activities in other sectors that have adverse impacts shortage of medical personnel once and for all. on population health.

We will also refurbish and modernise our existing The UNC-led Government clearly It is an egotistical and wasteful approach to the use Under the PNM, the modern health ageing hospitals and construct new health facilities believes that the arbitrary construction of taxpayers’ money. In Trinidad and Tobago, we where they are required, based on a scientific struggle to provide the required staffing to support system will have at its foundation up- of expensive and unnecessary buildings evidence-driven Hospital Construction and our existing public health facilities, and many of our to-date evidence-based public health with questionable value for money Refurbishment Plan, in contrast to the whimsical key facilities, such as the 150-year old Port of Spain and dubious fitness for purpose is the approach of the UNC-led Government. General Hospital and the Victorian-era St. Ann’s principles, practices and services solution to the provision of adequate Mental Hospital are in dire need of refurbishment supported by regional and national and affordable health care in Trinidad and reconstruction. There are chronic shortages of and Tobago. doctors and nurses and other medical personnel institutions. in virtually every institution, hence the reason why One of the desired goals of our health system is successive Governments have found it necessary achieve to “Universal Health Coverage”. In this to go overseas, to India, Cuba, Africa and the region we have always pursued this universal Philippines, among other countries, to recruit approach by establishing free health services at doctors and nurses to work in our hospitals and health centres and hospitals. The requirement at health centres. present is for us to assess where gaps exist in service type, complexity of service, service integration, Our hospitals and health centres suffer from volume and quality. It is for us to close those gaps perennial shortages and inadequate funding for so as to complete the access to a “Universal Health maintenance, equipment and essential supplies, Package” for the national community. and it is well known that many facilities are not operating at their optimum level.

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Higher Standards of Health Care Primary Health Care A focus on using RHA led primary care services Performance Management Systems will promote Complementary to Population and Public Health to promote population engagement and social the highest level of accountability from decision A key feature of a modern health care system approaches, Primary Care will be strengthened as participation as a means of enhancing the makerst a the Ministry of Health and the Boards is “objective standards of care”. Many of the the key strategy to promote efficient, equitable, empowerment of individuals to cultivate favourable of the RHAs to the public. Financial expenditure complaints of our citizens using the public and accessible and cost-effective approaches to health seeking behaviours will be encouraged and planning and reviews from cost benefit, option private services relate to standards of care and the address issues and factors that constitute a promoted. appraisal and other approved procurement accountability of medical professionals. significant disease burden to our population. approaches will seek to achieve the highest return An effectively functioning Primary Care System Priority Areas of Focus, based on current available on taxpayers and government’s investment in The PNM will thus ensure that proper standards is resilient, responsive, promotes equity and is epidemiological data on Trinidad and Tobago’s primary health care. of care for the national health care system functionally sustainable. Changing historical, health status and a life course approach will include: (public and private) are established, supported political, epidemiological and socio-economic Standards of Care for clinical treatment and patient The PNM will therefore ensure that professionals by the appropriate legislation, regulations and factors have influenced the delivery of Primary care such as client care medical and nursing with contemporary public health and health guidelines to make them binding on all health care Health Care in Trinidad and Tobago. As such, there management protocols, waiting time for specialist management backgrounds will have a much greater practitioners and institutions, to improve service is a need to review and reinvigorate Primary Care appointments, waiting time at health centres will role in the executive decision making processes in delivery and accountability, and to protect the Policy to promote the values and core principles be formulated for the above mentioned areas the Ministry of Health and in the RHA system. public interest. that support continuous individualised and holistic in keeping with evidence-based guidelines and patient centred treatment in a rapid, convenient international best practice. Quality Assurance Efficiency and Value for money in the and accessible manner. Mechanisms to assess adherence with standards of Public Health Care Delivery System care and client feedback will be implemented via comprehensive audits. There has been a 300% increase in the money Health Care - Priority Areas of Focus spent in the public health care system over the last As a persistent gap, since the creation of the 10 years, with the present Government spending Chronic Non- Maternal and Child Care of the Elderly Outreach Visits Regional Health Authorities in 1994, the last two billions of dollars annually. However, when Communicable Health to vulnerable decades has seen a proliferation of professionals at compared with some of our Caribbean neighbours, Diseases populations such RHA executive and management levels who are not the consequent improvement which was expected as the Prisons; trained in primary care and public health. This has from this heavy expenditure has not materialized. Bedbound patients occurred without the corresponding recruitment Money is wasted and inefficiency, corruption and in the Ministry of Health of professionals with mismanagement abounds. There had been no qualifications and experience in Public Health, proper accounting for the billions of dollars that Health Management, Health Policy and Research. have been spent over the last 5 years in our public health system, and when called to account, the Dental Health Mental Health Allied Health Care Environmental As a result, decision making is based largely on Minister of Health has responded with frivolous & Support Services Health hospital data, as opposed to primary health care remarks. (Physiotherapists; data. It is also based on mitigating negative publicity Occupational and avoiding increasingly litigious patients, rather To correct this, the PNM Government will hold Therapists; than utilising data from proper investigation, officials, managers and Boards accountable for the Psychologists; Social surveillance and robust research. performance of the national health care system, Workers; Dietitians; with serious consequences for malpractice and Counsellors) The proposed Primary Care reform will be supported maladministration. by competent and qualified leadership appointed through transparent processes. Stringent

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The PNM will also strengthen and build the Community involvement and empowerment programmes that we put in place prior to the 2010, such as the Free Surgery and Free Diagnostic There must be national policy to inform the Procedure Programme. population about health risks and the ways of protecting themselves and minimizing these risks The Chronic Disease Assistance Programme for themselves and their families. This will allow (CDAP), introduced by the PNM in 2003, through for positive health heath behaviours to develop in which citizens are provided with medication free of addition to reducing the use of health services charge, will be expanded and improved. Financing the Modernization of the Health System The Medical Aid programme, which provides financial assistance to the elderly, indigent and The PNM believes that a multi-sectoral, shared children will be upgraded and expanded, as well as approach is required to deal with health threats to the Renal Dialysis, Oncology and Organ Transplant the population. It is thus essential that we move Programmes, among others. The Children’s Life swiftly to introduce the long-awaited universal AGRICULTURE Fund will be reviewed, audited and reformed to health insurance programme, especially for eradicate the rampant corruption that has been a vulnerable groups. feature of this programme under the UNC, to ensure that this Fund is used for the purpose intended, i.e. This will require partnership with the insurance saving children’s’ lives, rather than finding its way companies and the private health care providers, into the pockets of corrupt agents. to establish suitable costs, accountability, quality At present, Agriculture contributes just Our priority therefore is to create a strong, modern, assurance and standards of care for medical 0.5% of our GDP, while our food import prosperous and competitive agriculture sector, in Modern Health Information System procedures. billw is no $4 billion. The Review of the order to improve the nation’s food security. Economy 2014 confirms that under the A foundation pillar of all modern health care With an appropriate health insurance system, Agriculture also forms the cornerstone of the PNM’s UNC-led Government, over the last 5 systems is a Modern Health Information System. financed by the Government in partnership with thrust towards rural development and we intend Far too often we hear complaints from members of the private sector, all members of the public will be years, real production in the agriculture to transform this sector into an Economic Growth the public, which are treated with scant courtesy able to access high quality health care at any health sector declined by over 15%, despite Sector. by officials and administrators, simply because facility, whether public or private, regardless of false claims to the contrary. the required information is just not available in an their personal financial circumstances. To achieve this the PNM will: accurate and timely manner. A lot of work has been done on the planning and • Establish an appropriate unified structure and The PNM will thus modernise and open up the design of this insurance programme over the years governance arrangement for the state agencies health information systems and processes, to and we see no need to waste time reinventing responsible for agriculture. ensure that patients are allowed easy access the wheel. The UNC-led Government has wasted • Develop a comprehensive Agricultural Sector to information for health advice and timely 5 years without making any progress in this area. Plan with the view to significantly increasing the appointments, and the information needs of Accordingly, as an urgent priority, the PNM will sector’s contribution to GDP and employment. medical professionals and administrators are ensure that no later than 2018, the National • Consult with farmers on changes to agriculture served, for referrals, the sharing of diagnostics and Health Insurance System will be fully functional policy . the monitoring of costs, quality and outputs. and operational, thus bringing much-needed relief to all of our citizens.

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• Introduce a wide-ranging programme of tax facilities and fiscal incentives, including reduced and duty concessions, subsidies and waivers for rates of taxation for farmers. agricultural chemicals, vehicles, fishing vessels, • Improve the system of payment of subsidies to equipment and pest control. farmers. • Improve compensation to farmers for losses • Provide incentives and support to allow from natural disasters. farmers to combine production, and establish • Upgrade, expand and modernize wholesale cooperatives for mechanization, processing, markets in north, central and south Trinidad . packaging and delivery to consumers, including • Restore land administration to the ministry of the export market. agriculture. • Provide financial assistance for the rehabilitation • Improve the delivery of land leases to give of abandoned or underperforming estates. farmers security of tenure. • Promote agriculture entrepreneurship • Accelerate construction and maintenance of particularly among rural youth as a key element access roads, drainage and irrigation systems. of socioeconomic development in rural • Improve technical assistance and extension communities. HOUSING services for farmers. • Introduce effective measures to counteract • Provide financial assistance and financial praedial larceny. support, including readily accessible credit

It is a matter of record that only the In particular, during the 2002 to 2010 period, in PNM has demonstrated genuine interest stark contrast to failed housing programme of the in providing affordable high-quality previous UNC Government, the construction of over 25,000 houses was initiated by the PNM. When housing for our citizens, as a major we demitted office many of these houses were policy initiative. Other administrations complete or nearing completion. Since 2010, all have focused on indiscriminate land the UNC-led Government has done is to distribute distribution, which has proven to be a houses built or started by the PNM. failed policy and has led to the creation of slums. Some of the specific programmes that have been introduced by the PNM during its tenure and will Under the PNM, hundreds of be continued and improved include: thousands of persons all over Trinidad and Tobago have been • The Accelerated High Density Housing Programme given quality housing, which they • The Rent-to-Own Programme - introduced could not have afforded otherwise. to assist low income households, to start with a rental property, which would be converted to home ownership as their circumstances improve

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• New Home Subsidies – to encourage first time properties. Additionally, under the PNM, the homeowners to build their own homes LSA will be mandated to resume and intensify • Subsidised mortgage loans – very low interest the PNM’s programme for improving living rates (2%) to facilitate housing loans conditions for persons occupying State Lands, • Housing Grants - including the Home providing targeted cash support to families in Improvement Grant and the Home need for the repair, upgrade and rehabilitation Improvement Subsidy, designed to assist of homes, as well as essential infrastructure, families experiencing financial difficulties such as roads, drainage, electricity, water and • The Second National Settlements Programme sewerage. – designed to regularize squatters and give them proper title to the lands that they occupy. As part of its wide-ranging policy, the PNM also This programme was virtually abandoned by introduced the concept of creating “new towns” the UNC-led regime, and during their 5-year through targeted housing construction, in targeted term, not a single squatter was given a statutory growth areas, such as Wallerfield, La Brea, Princes lease. This will be a major area of focus for the Town and Chaguanas. This programme of “new ARTS AND CULTURE next PNM Government, to ensure that squatters towns” and new population centres will continue get Security of Tenure and can secure loans and be intensified under the next PNM Government. and grants from the State to improve their

To achieve this, the PNM will: The Arts and Culture Sector is of great significance in Trinidad and Tobago. • Customize policies for the arts and cultural industries to fit the complex characteristics of The cultural industries create value, the sector. generate income, produce goods and • Promote and encourage commercial viability services and create employment. They and commercial vision in creative enterprises also drive innovation and create growth and cultural practitioners, as a priority. in the overall economy • Develop programmes to professionalize the sector. The PNM believes that all • Evidence based decision-making must be local cultures should be integrated into the planning and development of the cultural sector. encouraged and supported • Establish incentive programmes to support to create a national cultural innovation of cultural products and processes. enterprise that has the • Develop a cohesive vision and agenda for the cultural sector. support of the entire • Leverage the creative sector to enhance the country. economy.

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• Create a progressive taxation and fiscal • Facilitate the participation in and enjoyment incentive scheme that caters for the different of all forms of national cultural activity by needs of the various enterprises in the sector. promoting widespread adoption of new • Develop purpose-build venues to host media platforms, especially online and mobile entertainment activities, to accommodate communications, in an effort to create a viable small, medium and large activities, shows and local market for our creative industries that will events. be the base for an international thrust. • Develop a cohesive tertiary level training and • Facilitate the growth of the media and the education strategy in two complimentary creative industries by providing an enabling areas, namely the core creative arts as well as legislative environment free of unnecessary the business of the arts. regulatory and bureaucratic restrictions that • Adopt a whole of Government approach to the encourages private sector participation and sector to ensure better coordination of state competition while diminishing the direct role policy and action within the sector. of the state. • Develop of a cohesive strategy to assist in the • Encourage the participation of local LOCAL GOVERNMENT trade of cultural goods and services. communities through schools and local • Promote the culture of Trinidad and Tobago government bodies as a means of growing and nationally and internationally. refining the raw talent that is abundant across • Make the Government a Patron of the Arts. the country, while incubating the next stream • Provide access to world-class facilities for of creative capacity. artistes, media operators, film-makers and • Promote internationally accepted standards in The PNM’s vision for Local Government The PNM also believe that there are several tasks other participants in the creative industries. all aspects of cultural expressions and media seeks to remove all of the red tape and functions now managed by the Central • Promote and encourage world-class standards endeavours, including access to funding and and bureaucracy that prevent local Government that can be more effectively handled by Local Government bodies, especially social in art and culture. enhancing the role of private capital formation government bodies from doing their in the creative industries as a major element of services and community development functions. work in an effective and efficient our diversification thrust. manner. Full details are contained in Additionally, the PNM sees no need for a Ministry our 14 Local Government Manifestos of Local Government. We believe that the Regional produced in 2103, each of which are and Municipal Corporations should have a direct tailor-made to suit the specific needs of relationship with the Ministry of Finance in similar our 14 Municipal Region. manner to the THA, to ensure adequacy of funding, and they should be given the autonomy to develop and implement their own regional policies, plans and programmes, within the framework of national policy. To ensure no job losses, the staff in the Ministry of Local Government will be redeployed within the Ministry of Finance and Municipal Corporations, as required.

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To achieve this transformation, the PNM will:

• Amend the relevant revenue and taxation • Completely restructure and decentralize lawso t allow Local Government bodies the system for the implementation of local to retain certain taxes collected within infrastructure projects, to allow Municipal their boundaries. This dedicated source of Corporations to engage directly, suitably funding will allow Corporations to acquire qualified local contractors for drainage the resources to empower their workforce to and roadwork, among other infrastructure operate at maximum capacity. projects, to allow work on these projects to commence in a timely manner.

• Amend the Municipal Corporation Act to give Local Government Corporations a level • As first respondents in the event of a of autonomy and executive authority similar natural disaster, allow direct collaboration RURAL DEVELOPMENT to what is now enjoyed by the Tobago House between Local Government bodies and of Assembly Central Government agencies without the need for intervention of a Minister

• Ensure that as a matter of policy that first preference for the award of contracts for work • Foster and create a formal consultative The PNM intends to establish a doney b Local Government bodies is given to process and forum where NGOs, CBOs and Ministry of Rural Development other civil society groups and interested contractors and service providers from within to focus exclusively on rural areas the geographic boundaries of Corporation, parties can comment on and critique the and their speedy development, so rather than from outside, thus stimulating projects, plans and programs of Local local economic activity and construction Government bodies before they are as to improve the quality of life and capacity, as well as the development of skills implemented, and make recommendations economic well-being of people living within local communities. for improvement. there. The intent is to bring all aspects of rural development now scattered in many ministries under one roof to • Give greater responsibilities and authority to • Utilize the detailed regional development ensure that there is coordination of the Municipal Police plans prepared for the 14 Municipal the plans, projects and activities in Corporations under the previous PNM rural areas and that rural development Government, suitably updated, as the basis is given the highest priority. for future development • Provide the Local Government Bodies with additional responsibilities as it relates The PNM intends to establish a to planning and building approvals for dwelling houses, simple buildings and small developments, thereby decentralizing the approvals process.

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Our policy initiatives and measures will include:

Strengthening of A new regime of all state institutions fiscal incentives, that play a role in Inclusion of preferential tax rates funding, training and entrepreneurship and concessions, developing markets and innovation in the specifically designed to for the SME sector and school curriculum encourage the growth removal of duplication and development of small and overlap among all businesses these agencies

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Comprehensive, Small business targeted training windows in all public Grant funding, start-up programmes as an and private financial capital and seed money, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP integral part of loan institutions where required facilities

Active monitoring of Development of small business is key We will boost entrepreneurship and small business awards of contract by development in the short, medium and longer to job creation and economic growth. Protection for local government agencies to term on 7 critical platforms: manufacturers against ensure that the tenets of Taken overall, small businesses are Creation of business unfair competition the ‘fair share’ programme among the largest employers of clusters within Institutional strengthening from foreign are strictly upheld in the communities people worldwide and no country can manufacturers and current term and further grow and develop without a vibrant Enhanced legislation imported goods developed and expanded and healthy small business sector. in the short, medium and longer terms The PNM thus has a clear policy A new and enhanced suite of tax incentives of support for small and micro enterprises through the provision of More in-depth small business training financial, technical, marketing and business development assistance. Expanded and customized funding facilities

The establishment of new business clusters

Actualizing the “fair share” programme

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• Independent and scientific monitoring and • Adoption of a system of restorative justice as evaluation procedures; an important element of the penal and judicial systems so as transform our prisons from being incubators of career criminals to preparing • Promotion of access to well paid, sustainable inmates for a more productive and purposeful employment as the only way to achieve upward engagement with society; social mobility away from a life of poverty while dissuading dependence on social assistance as a form of long term sustainability; • Incorporation of civil society, including CBOs, NGOs and religious bodies, especially at the community level, as partners in the • Focus on prevention and early recovery in social development of a new system of social justice programmes, rather than the current focus and the provision of social services to the poor SOCIAL SECTOR PROGRAMMES on maintenance which offers no assistance in and indigent; lifting persons out of poverty;

• Promotion and protection of the family as the • Emphasis on social impact studies and feedback preferred unit of social organization. to help formulate government policy; The PNM believes that the main aim of While we recognize that the state has an important Social Sector Policy is reduce poverty role to play in this effort, we are fully conscious and improve social justice with the that governments are not always most efficient or • Focus on the needs of the elderly, children, effective in implementing social programmes. objective of ensuring a more stable disabled people and other disadvantaged groups; society. The party has always stood for Our new policies will seek a transformation in terms a caring society and believes that the of poverty reduction, gender equality, education, state has a role to play in protecting penal reform and the creation of a new social the elderly, persons with disabilities, compact, by relying heavily on community based children and the other vulnerable and non-governmental organizations, including, in groups in society. particular, faith based organizations, to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving To achieve this, the PNM intends to social justice. implement policies to engender radical, social change in a way that all groups The PNM Government will thus ensure: will benefit through the creation of a more harmonious society. • Better targeting of social programmes by greater consultation with those for whom they are intended;

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• Create a system where the intellectual property • Develop an annual Youth Expo and special rights of our Youth are developed and respected. Radio and Television programmes to allow youth to discuss the issues which affect them and focus on youth upliftment. • Encourage the private sector through fiscal incentives to increase its level of youth employment. • Encourage young people to be more politically minded and provide opportunities and facilities for dialogue on youth issues. • Develop of a comprehensive Youth Employment Policy which addresses the specific needs of unemployed youth including • Create a forum for the youth arms of the preparation for the job market and the varying national parties and independent young voices YOUTH DEVELOPMENT needs of youth in diverse communities. to debate and discuss issues.

• Devote special emphasis to the Rehabilitation • Provide youth facilities in villages and regions of Young Offenders as well as a proper support of Trinidad and Tobago that will allow positive system to assist in their reintegration into recreation and healthy life styles among the Our youth are vital to the future The PNM Government will thus: society. young, so as to give vulnerable youth a safe development of Trinidad and Tobago. haven to socialise, while receiving coaching, counselling and acquiring information on civic They must be nurtured, listened to, • Promote and encourage the participation of the • Encourage Youth to become Leaders in their responsibility. protected and encouraged, given youth in all aspects of sustainable development communities by exposing them to training in proper guidance and easy access to of Trinidad and Tobago. Civic Responsibility. education, personal development, • Mobilise youth in their natural setting (their health care and meaningful communities) through village. • Foster a greater understanding of the needs of employment. They must be supported • Establish a Youth Leadership Development young people and provide guidelines for youth and provided with the means to Institute that will provide training and development. grow and develop and there must be interactive seminars on leadership. forums for their voices to be heard and their ideas, plans and programmes • Create an enabling environment for Youth • Highlight the positive aspects of youth using incorporated into national policy. Micro Enterprise including grant funding and young role models to assist in restructuring They must be given opportunities loan financing and develop a culture whereby the perception of young people and using that to participate in Government and young people desire and involve themselves avenue to disseminate information on critical the public and private sectors at the in entrepreneurship by owning their own issues such as sexually transmitted diseases highest levels. business. (HIV/AIDS).

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• Use sports as a means of dealing with aggression • Improve the availability of information of sports and other forms of youth delinquency in involvement by conducting a National Sport communities and schools in Trinidad and and Recreational Census.

• Increase sports involvement in educational • Create an online information pool to allow easy institutions, in particular primary schools. access to sporting information and schedule of various activities throughout the country.

• Inculcate a physical education programme for all educational levels and increase the hours • Emphasize the growth of an effectiveAthlete allocated to sport and recreational activities per Development System by empowering people week. to adopt the “cradle to grave” development of SPORT an athlete. • Improve the transportation system to sporting facilities and events. • Foster and develop involvement in sport in schools at all levels by encouraging and supporting inter-school competitions across • Foster greater diversity and improve quality of Trinidad and Tobago. community sporting programmes to capture The PNM believes that as many To achieve this, the PNM will: skills of people within the communities. citizens as possible should be involved • Offer tax incentives to private and other interest in Sports and Recreation and that • Increase the pool of talent from which world groups to adopt amateur community sporting Trinidad and Tobago must strive to be champions can emerge for International • Improve the availability of physical therapy. clubs. a world class sporting nation satisfying Recognition. local, regional and international • Increase participation opportunities for needs while providing sustainable • Promote Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive • Promote Sports as a way to curb crime and underrepresented groups in particular disabled location for major international sporting events employment and contributing to build social skills. persons, women, girls and the vulnerable youth national wellbeing. and improve physical facilities to cater for this targeted group of persons. • Actively develop and promote Sports Tourism. • Use Sports to reduce the high incidence of chronic lifestyle diseases prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago • Develop an advocacy programme which would • Promote Marine Sporting Activities. not only highlight the need for total participation but will also stress on improvement of mental, • Use Sports to foster greater communication and social, spiritual and financial benefits that can • Provide incentives for the growth and understanding amongst different communities, be derived from an active lifestyle. development of professions allied to Sport, races, creeds in Trinidad and Tobago such as Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy and Sports Media.

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• Develop a Domestic Sport Research Database by performing a bi-annual survey which will establish benchmarks, improvements to the local sports industry and provide a comprehensive data for sports and recreation locally.

• Encourage industry creativity and development by cultivating innovative strategies to create career opportunities and an apprenticeship system for skills acquisition and research initiatives towards creating marketable products for building the Sports Industry. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES • Develop Trinidad and Tobago as a Sporting Brand, like Jamaica has successfully done, and • Improve Sports Infrastructure and Facilities form strategic alliances with countries and across the country, ensuring it is up to the organisations to enhance penetration into the highest International best standards. international sports market. Disabled people make up about 15% This inequity is also perpetuated by the paucity of • Offer local athletes workshops on how to speak of the global population, and many of research in the field and the lack of tangible, reliable • Develop a formalised talent identification and to the media and to become a PRO of local the world’s poorest are people with data on the socioeconomic status of persons with recruitment scheme and establish a sports Sports. disabilities in the country. marketing mechanism to promote sports disabilities or have a family member locally. with disability. To address these shortcomings, the new PNM • Create a Sports Institute of Trinidad and Government will: Tobago that will capture and hone the skills of The PNM recognises that disability and • Develop and promote a range of activities to young athletes while growing and modernising poverty reinforce and perpetuate one • Immediately undertake a national review of maximise facility usage and commercial return. the Sports Industry. another, and must thus be addressed in all programmes and services directed to the a meaningful way. Although Trinidad disability sector to determine what is available and Tobago has signed and ratified a and where the gaps are in the system prior to number of UN and ILO conventions and embarking on any new initiatives. treaties over the years, what is required is more substantive action, rather than symbolic gestures, since persons with disabilities are encountering significant barriers to employment and full inclusion in all aspects of society .

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• Engage the CSO or other appropriate agencies • In consultation with organisations representing to conduct a national census on the sector of disabled people, interest groups and concerned persons with disabilities to determine the size individuals, develop appropriate strategies, of the population and specific needs. We view programmes and policies to allow disabled the collection of research data and statistics people to fully integrate into society, gain to support the formulation of evidence- easy access to all public buildings, facilities based policies as key to all aspects of the and services, be respected and treated equally implementation of disability-inclusive policies and maximize their full potential in any and all and programmes in line with the UNCRPD. spheres of activity and national endeavour.

LABOUR

The Constitution of the People’s To rescue our country from the despotic anti-labour National Movement recognizes not UNC-led regime, we need all hands on deck, sharing only the Rights of Trade Unions, but a common purpose and vision, and we thus view this election as a timely juncture in our nation’s also those of Workers. We have a long history to deepen and strengthen our relationship and proud history of collaboration with Labour and to actively involve Labour in the with the Labour Movement, coupled decision-making process. with active participation of Trade Union Leaders representing the To this end, the P.N.M. specifically pledges itself to interests of Labour in the Parliament give special emphasis to the following objectives: and in State Enterprises and in the internal committees and organs of the • Encouraging proper industrial Relations PNM. practices and effective democratic Trade Unionism.

• Ensuring that the population is up to date and informed of International labour engagement trends, as a consequence of globalization and the need for Employers and Industry to become more flexible and competitive.

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• Providing a clear Framework of the Rights and • Ensuring meaningful and active representation Responsibilities in the Workplace. by Labour in the decision making process at all levels, in all important Government Committees, State Boards, Task Forces and the • Protecting the Health and Safety of workers, like. which will require amendments to the OSHA to deal with the environmental aspects of occupational health and safety. • Formulating and implementing a Policy on Migrant Workers.

• Promoting sustainable economic growth. • Timely revision of Minimum Wage Rates, consistent with the Cost of Living. • A comprehensive and immediate review, in consultation with the Trade Union Movement, GENDER AFFAIRS of all Labour Legislation, such as the Industrial • Inclusion of Labour in the Fifth Schedule of Relations Act, Retrenchment & Separation the Tobago House of Assembly Act, to give Benefits Act. responsibility for industrial relations and labour matters in Tobago to the THA.

• Simplification of the Recognition Process for The status of women in Trinidad and The 2009 Draft National Policy on Gender and Trade Unions. • Review and reform the use of Contract Labour Development, formulated by the PNM, will be used in all sectors. Tobago compares favourably with many middle income developing nations. The as the basis for incorporating gender perspectives in all activities of government and civil society, • Timely Settlement of all outstanding public equal rights of men and women are thereby promoting the full and equal participation sector wage and salary negotiations. • Review the Appointment Process for Judges guaranteed under the 1976 Republican of men and women in the development process. It to the Industrial Court to provide for greater Constitution and the PNM has always is noteworthy that after 5 years of endless empty security of tenure. been and remains committed to talk, dithering and procrastination, the UNC-led • Dialogue, regular consultation and interaction Government has been unable to finalize a Gender with the Labour Movement on all areas of policy, promoting gender equity and equality. Policy. plans, projects and programmes affecting • Facilitate Tripartite Engagement between Under the PNM, women’s overall the rights and interest of workers and Labour Government, Labour and the Employer, to participation in national leadership The PNM firmly believes that development generally. foster and develop a peaceful, competitive and strategies are more equitable when they consider productive Industrial Relations climate. and decision-making has increased exponentially. In fact, women’s political the different needs, constraints, opportunities and participation within the PNM is far priorities of men and women. We believe that there ahead of other political parties and even must be due recognition and appreciation of the differences between men and women; differences exceeds international benchmarks. that are based on physiological and biological realities, as well as social ones, in order to achieve gender equality and equity.

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Under the PNM, PNM Members of Parliament are The PNM believes that Tobagonians mandated by the Tobago Council to pursue the must be primarily responsible for following objectives:

the growth and development of 99 Engage the national government to facilitate the island of Tobago and its people. efforts to achieve Democratic Self Government for Tobago, in keeping with the aspirations of We do not support interference the people of Tobago; from the Central Government in the 99 Collaborate with the Tobago House of Assembly management of Tobago’s affairs, as in the achievement of its objectives; 99 Preserve, protect and defend the autonomy and has been the case under the UNC- territorial integrity of Tobago; led regime that has put the THA 99 Safeguard and advance the freedom, rights, and Tobago under pressure over dignity and wellbeing of Tobagonians; 99 Serve their constituents faithfully and fearlessly the past 5 years. and be accessible and available to the public at all times; 99 Promote sustainable development, economic growth and development, best environmental We have thus created and practices, and social and cultural fulfilment in operationalised the Tobago Tobago, and 99 Create the best opportunities for all Tobagonians Council of the PNM as an integral to achieve their optimum potential. part of the Peoples’ National Movement. The Council has SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOBAGO

full autonomy under the PNM The PNM Government will encourage and provide Constitution to administer the adequate support for the implementation of the political affairs of Tobago and is Tobago Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, 2013-2017 which presents a roadmap for the dedicated to the service of our sustainable development of the island. island and the advancement and The goal of this Plan is to achieve increased and well-being of all people resident in sustained economic growth; diversification and Tobago. revitalization of the Tobago economy through private sector development; and the transformation TOBAGO of its people, communities and institutions through the provision of the necessary enabling environment.

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The PNM Government will provide the support KEY INITIATIVES FOR TOBAGO required for the following Strategic Priority Areas for Tobago: • Social Development and Resilience The PNM Government will provide the support and resources to facilitate the implementation • Branding Tobago: Clean Green Safe and and achievement of the Assembly’s key initiatives, Serene • Reducing poverty and vulnerability and including: building resilience by providing social and other services and ensuring that none is left behind • Support for the THA in the further development • Good Governance and Institutional Reform of the Tobago Tourism Sector in order to increase employment opportunities for Tobagonians • Facilitate and support the THA in providing and grow the Tobago economy. Enhanced Management and Operation of • Improved Infrastructure and Utilities • Instituting changes in Governance, the Interisland Transport Systems and deem Legislative and Institutional Framework • Provision of the required resources in support interisland transport systems to be essential of Tobago making its Institutions more of the THA’s Urban Renewal Programme, which services. effective, efficient, accountable and • Development and upgrade of infrastructure in the short term will target Scarborough and transparent to address Tobago’s development needs, Roxborough. • Provide year-round, reliable, affordable and while at the same time reducing risks dignified ferry and air-bridge services to associated with climate change and • Support the increased diversification of facilitate movement between Tobago and disaster management the Tobago economy through sustainable • Business Development and Trinidad, particularly during peak periods development of the Cove Eco-Industrial and Entrepreneurship and special events; and improve services for Business Park, the expansion and development citizens and visitors using the country’s airport • Enhanced Safety and Security; of a robust private sector and the continued terminals and port facilities. Strengthening the policing system in development of an entrepreneurial sector. • Building the private sector, export sector Tobago and community involvement • Collaborate with the THA to restructure the and entrepreneurship, with THA acting • Facilitate and support the THA in its effort to in securing their communities and management and operations of the Air Bridge as a facilitator of Tobago’s private sector diversify and stabilize the Tobago economy neighbourhoods and Sea Bridge. development thrust by pursuing one of its primary objectives of improving food security and reducing the cost • Ensure representation and full participation by of agricultural produce in Tobago, through an the THA on National Boards and Committees, • Environmental Sustainability • Human Capital Development Enhanced Agricultural Incentive Programme especially those Boards and Committees which (EAIP) in Tobago, with special emphasis will be have responsibility for the delivery of goods placed on the fishing sub-sector . and services to Tobago. • Managing the Tobago environment • Investing in Tobago’s human capital through legislative reform and building • Construct a new International Airport in Tobago. • Support the Formulation and Implementation through provision of a range of educational institutional capacity by improving waste of Enhanced Security and Safety Measures for programmes, and reforming the education management and effectively addressing • Support for an Accelerated Housing Tobago. Priority will be given to the following sector, labour market planning and human climate change and disaster management. Development Programme in Tobago, including, Projects: resource development including approved Public Private Partnership Initiatives and other appropriate funding • Assist the THA to formulate and implement a Initiatives. Tourism Security Action Plan for Tobago;

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• Implement an efficient and effective coastal • Support the THA in Pursuing special Initiatives • Support the THA Regional Development and A significant number of households in Tobago surveillance programme in Tobago; to enhance the Economic Development of Revitalization Programme in Tobago. The are headed by females. The THA therefore Tobago including designating specific areas Programme is intended to promote balanced acknowledged that women’s empowerment is • Construct Modern Police Stations at in Tobago as Duty Free Zones; Establishing Social and Economic Development throughout critical to the sustainable development of the Roxborough and Old Grange and a location Economic Development Zones at selected Tobago. Tobago society and economy. The PNM fully in North East Tobago; locations in Tobago. supports the THA’s empowerment of women • Support for the THA to continue its thrust to as essential to the realization of Human Rights • Construct Fire Service Regional Headquarters • Facilitate Implementation of Sustainable Land protect and care for the most vulnerable of our for all and necessary for the realization of equal at Roxborough and fire station at Courland Reform Measures in Tobago. society through the implementation of projects opportunity for all people. and programmes aimed at development of the • Construct a Modern Correctional Facility at • Collaborate with the THA to formalize land social sector. Finally, social and economic development in Tobago Hope. rights in Tobago as a prerequisite for improved East has not kept pace with South Western Tobago. security of land tenure and sustainable • Support the THA’s policy position that young The PNM will therefore facilitate and support the • Support the THA in the implementation of economic development. people must be given a strong voice in policy THA in the implementation of special development an Island Wide Waste Water Collection and formulation and decision making in Tobago initiatives for Windward Tobago in order to promote Treatment Programme and Integrated Solid • Facilitate and support the Establishment of since they are very much part of the present balanced development throughout the island. Waste Management Programme in Tobago, Marinas at suitable locations in Tobago. and inheritors of Tobago’s future. including remediation of the Studly Park Landfill and related solid waste management operations • Facilitate and support the THA in the • Endorse the THA policy of designating sports as that negatively impact the island’s ecosystem; establishment of dedicated cruise ship berths, a primary mechanism for engaging individuals establishment of robust and comprehensive capable of accommodating the Oasis Class and communities in healthy living; channelling waste collection and recycling programme that vessels, the largest class of vessels today, youthful energy; developing discipline, self- would support the development of recycling thus enhancing Tobago’s competitiveness in esteem and self-confidence; and sharpening businesses. the cruise industry and creating additional social skills. employment opportunities for Tobagonians. • Support the THA to implement an Integrated Water Security Programme for Tobago. • Facilitate and support the THA to construct an Industrial Port in Tobago, thus increasing • Support the THA in meeting the needs for Post- marketing opportunities; lower prices for Secondary and Tertiary Education in Tobago; consumers; and increasing job opportunities including establishment of the Tobago Training for Tobagonians. Agency (TTA). • Support the THA in implementing its Integrated • Converting the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Coastal Zone Restoration Programme in areas Institute (THTI) into a full-fledged university. where the coastline is under threat in Tobago.

• Amending “The Green Fund Regulations, • Support the THA to promote and invest in 2007” to ensure that Tobagonians are not cheap, clean, sustainable energy technologies disadvantaged in their efforts to access the Fund, in Tobago, which would improve energy with focus reforestation, coastal rehabilitation efficiency, create employment opportunities, and protection of marine resources. and reduce poverty and the effects of climate change.

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INCREASE THE ANNUAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCE to $72,000 for all taxpayers, to put more disposable income in the hands of citizens

REVIEW NIS AND OLD AGE PENSIONS with a view to increasing the cap on pension payments, thus putting more money in the hands of pensioners.

Reduce VAT to 12.5% to provide much-needed relief to all consumers and lower the cost of VAT living, while aggressively improving tax collections

DESIGN AND INTRODUCE A RETIREE BENEFITS programme similar to Panama’s Pensionado Programme, involving free or subsidised public services for retirees, such as free driver’s permits and free passports, a wide range of discounts and exemption from certain taxes. EXEMPT AGRICULTURAL INPUTS, such as approved chemicals, pest control, approved vehicles, fishing vessels and equipment, from all duties and taxes

PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO LANDOWNERS to revive abandoned agricultural estates.

PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR to provide training for workers in the building trades and initiate construction of facilities necessary for national development, such as affordable housing, recreational, sporting and community facilities and multi-story car parks.

INITIATE THE PROCESS FOR A FREE ISLAND-WIDE PUBLIC BROADBAND WIRELESS NETWORK, starting with free public hotspots in popular areas

INCREASE THE STIPENDS FOR OJTS to meaningful levels PROVIDE EASIER ACCESS FOR THE POOR AND INDIGENT for targeted home repair and home improvement grants and conditioned cash support

SUBSIDISE AND PROMOTE THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES in the residential and commercial sectors for heating, cooling and lighting (solar power and wind power)

INTRODUCE LOCAL CONSTABULARIES IN EACH LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGION.

PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO HOMEOWNERS to install personal CCTV and alarm systems

ISSUE 10-YEAR PASSPORTS and remove the requirement for immigration forms at ports of PASSPORT entry for citizens 10