The Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, says Trinidad and Tobago is ready to reintroduce itself to the world.
Speaking at the launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Revitalisation Blueprint on Thursday, she outlined sweeping transformation plans spanning infrastructure, the justice system, and cultural redevelopment, with over 50,000 jobs expected to be created in the process.
She said the blueprint begins in the South, where the so-called South-South Corridor will link San Fernando to Mayaro, transforming the energy belt into a multi-use development zone.
“That thin line is really what I’m calling the South-South Corridor, taking from the energy capital of San Fernando to the other energy hub in Mayaro. That’s 100 kilometres of road, and that is already going out to tender. We have the first phase of that road from Tarouba to Princes Town already out to tender.”
She said a major aspect of the plan consolidates the nation’s justice system, bringing several facilities under one unified structure, including the creation of the Tamana Centre for Justice.
“We start with what we call the consolidation of justice. Carrera Prison Island, 25 acres. The Frederick Street, fondly called Dem Boys Jail by the Mighty Shadow, and Golden Grove has 270 acres. We are talking about consolidating that into a major facility, one where we truly will have justice on time. So this is our Tamana Prison Campus sitting on 500 acres.”
The Minister said that, with this consolidation, the existing prison facilities will be repurposed. The Carrera Island Prison will be converted into a resort. In the future, it will be known as “Isla Carrera Resort.”
“When we consolidate our jails, we will be saving upward of 40%, $60 million per year that is now being spent in keeping prisoners housed. So, this is a beautiful island where we now have prisoners. Earlier on I spoke about the consolidation at this Tamana space, we are suggesting, this is a concept: a 75-room boutique hotel with all amenities.”
Among the creative redevelopments, the iconic “Dem Boys Jail” in Port of Spain will be transformed into an art and event space.
“We are suggesting that it be repurposed into an exhibition and event hall where even young artists can go and rent a space. It’s a classroom and studio, it’s a teacher and workshop, conference facility, rooftop restaurant.”
The Minister said the Golden Grove facility will be repurposed for housing.
The transformation also positions Trinidad and Tobago as a Global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) hub, targeting business meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, with major improvements planned across the capital.
“We are looking at the Port City in the east. This is Invader’s Bay, so we are moving east, 25,000-person capacity convention centre. In Dubai, they have a convention that goes for maybe two years. They do the same thing in Shanghai and in Singapore. We are looking at the 400-berth marina and international financial tower. We are on the same time zone with New York, and we intend to compete.”
From San Fernando to Port of Spain, the Revitalisation Blueprint envisions upgraded ports, hotels, and waterfronts, including a 4-million-TU port city, a multimodal hub, and residential and cultural districts in Sea Lots and Invaders Bay.
“Go big or go home. This is 400 acres of reclaimed land, and we are looking to do a port of 4 million TU’s per annum.”
The Minister emphasised that Port of Spain’s east and waterfront areas, including Sea Lots, will see industrial, residential, and healthcare redevelopment.
The Revitalisation Blueprint is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs during construction, with proposals already open and tenders underway.
The forecasted construction timeline runs from 2025 to 2030 for Phase One, and 2030 to 2035 for Phase Two.
Minister John said projects in Tobago will be unveiled in the coming weeks as Trinidad and Tobago prepares to reintroduce itself to the world.