The government remains focused on rebuilding Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
This was the message from Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Communications, Nicholas Morris, who said the administration is committed to strengthening key sectors, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for citizens through economic development initiatives.
As he presided over the reopening of the San Fernando Carnegie Library on Monday, Minister Morris outlined the government’s efforts to rebuild the local economy, pointing to initiatives aimed at boosting investment, stimulating growth, and creating opportunities for citizens.
“We’ve seen recently in the news the Prime Minister as a spearhead to a number of energy MOUs and energy deals. That is to build a stronger economy to help our country. In the news, we’ve seen our Prime Minister spearhead the launch of over 30 police posts to create stronger and safer communities. And today now, spearheaded again, we are launching a library because it is a part of a fabric that the Prime Minister, the honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, is involved in to ensure that we could reverse neglect.”
The Minister cited one significant event that had a negative impact on communities in South Trinidad.
“We can ensure development at the heart of our economy, at the heart of national security, and now at the heart of youth development. Today, it is very special to stand here in San Fernando because San Fernando was a fence line community of the Petrotrin Refinery, and in 2018, when those flames went out, flames which this government is focused on lighting back, when that refinery shut down, people didn’t realise it was not just a refinery shutting down; it was communities on the outskirts being hampered and hindered.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for San Fernando West, Dr Michael Dowlath, noted that several initiatives are underway to ensure students have access to a high-quality education and the resources needed to succeed.
“Recently, in speaking with all of the principals in Trinidad and Tobago, both at Secondary and at Primary, I’ve given them a mandate: all children must graduate. No child must leave a school without an assessment of their skills and abilities and competencies. We must give them that kind of certification, both quantitative, you know, in terms of grades and marks, but also qualitative about their development and their character.”
The reopening of the new facility officially signals a return to comprehensive library services for the people of San Fernando and its environs.