Independence is a journey, not a destination. But where is Trinidad and Tobago on this journey? Dr. Bhoe Tewarie, Roger Hosein and Rebecca Gookool-Rosland ponder this question and provide historical context in a publication titled, "Sixty Years of Independence: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead for Trinidad and Tobago".
00:00As Trinidad and Tobago approaches the 63rd anniversary of its independence, many are asking, what does it mean to be truly independent?
00:10Three of our own provide past, present and future context in the publication, 60 Years of Independence, Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead for Trinidad and Tobago.
00:23The economic assessment of the journey of six decades cannot be good if we have had deficit budgeting for two decades, if we are experiencing reduced revenue, if a foreign exchange pool is shrinking, if forex rationing is increasing, if there is little economic growth,
00:45if in spite of export growth, the manufacturing sector is not high enough of the value chain to connect meaningfully with global value creation, and with slow diversification.
00:59After 63 years of independence, we need to acknowledge these basic realities and make a dramatic shift to do less is pure irresponsibility.
01:12The book details a number of areas where TNT should strive to be self-sufficient, beginning with energy.
01:20So our challenge in energy is not just oil, natural gas, renewables, or Venezuelan natural gas, or Exxon, although all of these things are important and will help.
01:35It really is, when you think of it long-term, futuristically, how to meet our own energy needs, and how to contribute to the world's ever-increasing demand.
01:49The authors identify water and food security as another top priority for a nation on the road to true independence.
01:57Perhaps I am being overdramatic, but I want to say the likelihood of scarcity becoming a reality is not something that is beyond the realm of possibility.
02:14Trinidad and Tobago copes annually with flood and drought, low reservoir reserves of water perpetually, sometimes rationing, and inadequate distribution.
02:28Health is also a critical consideration.
02:30If your environment is poor, quality of life is undesirable, and your people are unhealthy and sick, what is the point?
02:43What are you developing? And who are you developing for?
02:48Government is also being urged to review our education system.
02:52If an education system guarantees success only for a few, then it cannot be excellent.
03:00And if a higher education system puts out graduates who cannot be absorbed in the economy, there has to be some misalignment and or incongruence.
03:12The authors lament crime remains a mitigating factor toward development.
03:17That is the issue of corruption, gangs, drugs, the criminal network all interlaced.
03:24I think the government is showing some energy on that issue now, the police commissioner certainly, and I think we are making some headway there.
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