Diversify economy for survival of TT

The first area for attention must be agriculture.

It has been said by many leaders, including Kenya’s Mio, that “a nation that cannot feed itself cannot claim to be truly independent.” TT is almost totally dependent on the outside world for our food supply. We have the potential to not only feed ourselves but export food. Agriculture, including food processing, must be a prime initiative in restructuring our economy.

The second area for development must be tourism. We must invest in infrastructure and marketing our very valuable tourism package. That is an initiative that must be done in conjunction with the private sector.

The areas for immediate attention must be upgrading our beach facilities, clearing and securing our hiking trails, preserving our mountains, building facilities at the bird sanctuary, the Gasparee caves and the pitch lake.

Additionally, we need to make the steel pan an indigenous thriving industry and package Carnival to be more attractive to visitors.

These can only be achieved in conjunction with our business sector.

As we contemplate the new economic model we must continue to invest in the energy sector. These investments, however, cannot be under the control of the political party in power.

It is critical that for sustainability and growth companies like the National Gas Company, Petrotrin, TSTT , Clico and Caribbean Airlines, among others, are managed by the best minds that TT has to offer.

As such the appointments to these boards must not be subjected to political interference.

The Government’s involvement should be at best that of a shareholder.

The success of these companies means additional income for the Government through taxes. For too long these companies have been a place for “jobs for supporters”.

The success of our nation is directly linked to our ability to provide a better quality of life for our citizens and that is directly linked to our economic survival.

Our survival is dependent on our ability to diversify our economy and partner with our business community in a concerted effort to develop an economic package geared to meet the challenges of an ever- changing world.

We have the infrastructure, personnel, finance, products and markets for success.

What we need is the political will.

Steve Alvarez via email