Trinidad and Tobago’s capital market has taken a major step towards sustainable financing with the launch of guidelines for the issuance of GSS+ Bonds.
The Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-Linked Bond Guide, developed by the T&T Stock Exchange in partnership with IDB Invest and the Climate Bonds Initiative, aims to create a formal pathway for investors to fund projects that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits.
CEO of the T&T Stock Exchange Eva Mitchell said the guidelines for the issuance of GSS+ Bonds are designed to connect investors with projects that support economic development, social progress and climate resilience, while creating credible investment opportunities within the local capital market.
“Today is not simply about launching a document. It is about creating another avenue through which capital can support the development of Trinidad and Tobago.”
She explained that the framework aligns with international standards while taking into account local market realities, ensuring investors have confidence in how funds are raised, allocated and reported.
“The framework therefore emphasises transparency, governance, reporting, and, where appropriate, independent external review.”
She noted that sustainable finance is already taking shape in Trinidad and Tobago.
“We have already seen the successful use of a social bond issued locally through the Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank to support access to housing for women. And just last month, Trinidad and Tobago launched a net zero roadmap for the waste and agriculture, forestry, and other land use sectors.”
Ms Mitchell stressed that the initiative is critical to mobilising private capital alongside public and multilateral funding, noting that the public purse alone cannot finance the country’s development needs.
“What sustainable finance allows us to do is connect those commercial objectives with projects that can also strengthen our economy and society over the long term. A renewable energy product can reduce emissions while generating returns. Affordable housing can produce financial returns while addressing a social need. More resilient infrastructure can protect communities while reducing future economic losses.”
Director for Financial Institutions for the Caribbean Region at IDB Invest, Stephen Thomas, said the launch represents an important step in mobilising private investment towards projects that generate measurable environmental and social benefits while providing attractive opportunities for investors.
“The launch of this guide sends a strong signal to the market that Trinidad and Tobago is committed to advancing sustainable finance and continues to position itself as a leader in the Caribbean’s evolving capital markets landscape.”
He added that by aligning with international best practices, the framework can help unlock new sources of capital for national development while strengthening communities, supporting economic resilience and delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.