Investors eye TT's potential in tourism, ICT: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters in New York Saturday there is renewed international interest in investing in Trinidad and Tobago.

She said prospective investors are interested in such fields as the services, tourism, real estate and information and communication technologies, in addition to the energy sector.

The Prime Minister added that she welcomes the investment as Trinidad and Tobago seeks to diversify from its heavy dependence on the hydrocarbon sector.

Asked how her government is safeguarding against corruption, she said there are a number of planned legislative and administrative measures.

One of them is the procurement legislation, which she said will soon be brought to Parliament before going to a Joint Select Committee.

The Prime Minister said the government is also planning other legislation to deal with unjust enrichment and corruption as well as protection for whistleblowers.

She stressed: “We are committed to the fight against corruption; no one is above the law.”

Persad-Bissessar also spoke of measures aimed at improving the quality of life of Trinidadians and Tobago, and cited the Ministry of the People and Social Development as a prime delivery agency. She commended “proactive” Minister Dr. Glen Ramadharsingh.

With respect to Caricom, she said a Search Committee has been appointed to name a successor to retiring Secretary General Edwin Carrington. Journalist Andy Johnson is to serve as a member of the committee.

The Prime Minister revealed that a meeting of Caricom leaders Saturday discussed the filling of the vacancy left by Carrington, who leave the post at the end of the year.

The leaders also discussed the organisation’s governance structure and a proposal to appoint a permanent ambassador in each country to oversee implementation of decisions.

Persad-Bissessar also reported on her meeting earlier in the day with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

See related story: PM Kamla, UN chief discuss arms, health, gender and environmental issues

-Ken Ali | New York