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This policy, which a multi-sectoral approach and relating to the 2011-2014 period, sets out measures and actions to promote sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago. The mission is to achieve economic inclusiveness in an innovation-driven growth economy with greater equity, more meaningful participation and a rising tide of prosperity for all in Trinidad and Tobago. The policy is structured upon seven Pillars, as follows: (1) People-Centred Development; (2) Poverty Eradication and Social Justice; (3) National and Personal Security; (4) Information and Communication Technologies; (5) A More Diversified, Knowledge Intensive Economy; (6) Good Governance; (7) Foreign Policy. The following strategic priorities are outlined for 2011-2014: Crime and Law and Order (Chapter III), Agriculture and Food Security (Chapter IV), Health Care Services and Hospitals (Chapter V), Economic Growth, Job Creation, Competitiveness And Innovation (Chapter VI), Poverty Reduction and Human Capital Development (Chapter VII).Food security is a major goal of the policy. The objective is to develop a highly productive agricultural sector that is modernized and internationally competitive and that generates sustainable income levels for producers comparable to those obtained in other sectors of the economy. Food security through development of the agricultural sector is thus among the areas identified for concentrated attention over the medium-term. The aim is to reach greater national self-sufficiency which will lead to revitalization of the farming and food production sectors.In addition the document seeks to make agriculture more productive and sustainable. The aim is to enhance the country’s renewable resources and biodiversity and meet the needs of the population for adequate supplies of locally grown, affordable and nutritious food. The specific actions to be undertaken include the implementation of measures to manage, monitor, maintain and sustain support systems for food production.Reduction of rural poverty (both in urban and rural areas) is among priorities. Pillar 2 (Poverty Eradication and Social Justice) emphasises economic inclusion and identifies specific targets for reduction of poverty annually (2 per cent). It focuses on protection and care for the most vulnerable of our society, the poor, children, victims of crime, and the differently-abled.Further the policy seeks to enable more inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. Another specific objective is job creation through investment and diversification and by building a more productive and competitive economy. This will be achieved through diversification within the agricultural sector, among others. The actions to be undertaken include granting of agricultural incentives; partnerships with private sector; strengthening institutional marketing to support farmers for domestic, regional and international market penetration; incentives for the banking sector to provide a window for agricultural investment. Further strategies are set out, namely: Develop a Water Resources Management Strategy; Improve Land Management and the Tenure of Farmers; Expand Source Markets for Imports; Encourage Youth Participation in the Agriculture Sector; Encourage Higher Levels of Productivity for Locally Produced Goods; Encourage the Consumption of Healthy, Locally Produced Food; Effectively Monitor Prices and Movement of Inflation.With a view to increasing the resilience of livelihoods to disasters, the policy foresees a coordinated effort to address water resources management, drainage, irrigation, flooding, water capture, conservation and sustainable food production. The Inter-Ministerial Committee to address the issues of flooding and drainage will spearhead this effort.Regarding governance, the main objective of this policy is to ensure a participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, equitable and inclusive process that follows the rule of law.
