T&T..Dream big, certainly — but build wisely.
The unveiling of the Trinidad and Tobago Revitalization Blueprint brought with it a gust of optimism, the kind of collective energy this country hasn’t felt in a while. The plan’s scope, as outlined by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her team, is undeniably ambitious: over 100 infrastructure projects and more than 50,000 promised jobs. On paper, it sounds like the makings of a new national awakening. But the question remains: can the dream hold if the foundations aren’t secure, as with the last government failures?
ANSA McAL’s Executive Chairman, A. Norman Sabga, captured a sentiment shared by many in the business community when he called the plan “very exciting.” His call to “dream big and manage the details” reflects the mood of cautious enthusiasm rippling through much of the private sector. Big vision is something this country sorely needs. Trinidad and Tobago has played small for too long, and any attempt to chart a transformative course should be welcomed.
But even the most visionary plan demands pragmatism. Gregory Aboud of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association made a crucial point: we cannot build gleaming waterfronts while the streets flood after every heavy rainfall, as the previous government accomplished. Transportation remains a daily struggle, and doing business is mired in red tape. It's refreshing to hear acknowledgment of those long-standing impediments, but acknowledgment without action gets us nowhere.
Hope has been aroused by the government's enthusiasm and drive, particularly as demonstrated by Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John. Her assurance, characterizing the blueprint as "world-class" and "revolutionary," demonstrates the kind of audacity leaders need to inspire a country. However, boldness by itself won't fund the projects or address the persistent infrastructure neglect that frequently jeopardizes ambitious plans.
A fair hearing should be given to the opposition's doubts, especially those raised by former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding funding sources, since he left the government in debt. Another legitimate worry expressed by San Fernando East MP Brian Manning is that some aspects of this plan seem similar to Vision 2020. Repetition isn't always a bad thing; after all, when the time is right, good ideas can occasionally resurface. However, citizens should be transparent.
For all its promise, the blueprint must be anchored in fiscal reality, competent execution, and genuine collaboration between government and private enterprise. As Aboud rightly noted, local investors might not have the deep capital reserves for projects of this magnitude, making foreign partnerships inevitable. It takes more than just eye-catching presentations to draw in that investment; it also takes a track record of effectiveness, equity, and commitment.
That being said, this plan is exciting. The hope that Trinidad and Tobago can achieve global standards instead of just aiming for them is revived. But unless we address our drainage, streamline our bureaucracy, and commit to continued transparency, all of this excitement might remain just that—excitement.
In the end, Trinidad and Tobago's revitalization won't be determined by speeches or artwork, as we have witnessed over the past ten years. It will depend on whether or not people can travel without traffic jams, live without being overrun, and trust that promises made during the launch lights won't be broken by the next administration.
Yes, have lofty goals, but take your time building them.
Sarge