Education has again taken centre stage in the National Budget, with sweeping reforms and investments aimed at empowering the next generation — to the tune of $8.766 billion for fiscal 2025/2026.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said that in the government’s first 150 days, much has been done for the education sector.
“Under the accelerated school vacation repair programme and distributing 20,000 book grants ahead of the new school term, ensuring safe classrooms and stronger starts for our children. We are in the process of delivering 18,000 laptops to Form One students is in progress. Promise made, promise kept.”
The Minister shared that a new Literacy and Numeracy Series in 2026 will address learning gaps, while $10 million will be used to modernise networks in 456 primary schools.
“The GATE and Higher Education Loan Programmes remain central to access, with 345 bursaries awarded this year. Mr. Speaker$52 million) awarded this year. The UWI Debe Campus will be operationalised for Law, Forensics, IT, and AI training—reviving South Trinidad’s academic potential.”
He also reiterated the government’s introduction of 95 Special Reserve Police officers stationed in 50 high-risk schools to tackle violence.