Dillon says country’s image is everyone’s responsibility

Dillon quoted the reason directly from the Global Peace Index 2017 report at page 17 which gave the ranking.

Asked during yesterday’s sitting of the Senate what urgent measures Government was taking to address this negative image of the country, Dillon said the report over the past ten years had ranked TT in 2007 at 98; 2008, 98; 2009, 87; 2010, 94; 2011, 79; 2012, 94; 2013, 90; 2014, 89; 2015, 97; and 2016, 84 considered fairly good ranking.

He listed this year’s ranking at 97. However, the report ranked this country at 65 out of 163 countries.

The matter of the country’s image, he said, is the responsibility of no single ministry, department, agency or person.

“Consistent with our development thrust and overall objectives to improve the quality of life of all citizens,” he said, “Government remains committed to a whole Government approach to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives.

“TT will continue to collaborate with key international partners and agencies to benefit from technical assistance, training, equipment, and the exchange of best practices aimed at enhancing the criminal justice system.” The Global Peace Index which ranks the countries on 23 indicators based on levels of safety and security in society, the extent of domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarisation ranked TT at 67, Jamaica, 72, Cuba, 76, and Haiti, 81. Guyana was ranked at 83.