The performance of the Trinidad and Tobago government in 2024 was not explicitly tied to crime, economy or environmental issues though there were attempts by individuals and political actors on opposing sides to make it so - whenever incidents occurred. Naturally, for every charge, Government cited outside influences as the true source, and therefore out of their remit.
It is not for this NGO to judge, however we do feel the biggest step taken as far as our sector’s prospects are concerned was the adminstration’s attempt to discuss and reform the country’s constitution.
To date the National Advisory Committee on Constitutional Reform (NACCR) identified eight objectives for constitutional reform, including the expansion of rights and freedoms; ensuring efficient, effective government focused on equitable economic growth and development; building/fostering political consensus; creating mechanisms for collaboration and power-sharing; effecting greater separation of powers between the Executive and Legislature; fostering real accountability and timely justice; engendering the taking of personal responsibility; and promoting positive peace.
The NACCR has solicited and received hundreds of submissions and recommendations from the public, office-holders and experts. Environment Tobago also suggested that clearer environmental legislation that could free the way for the relevant SDGs to obtain traction.
There had been previous attempts at constitutional reform, including the Ramadhar Committee (2013), the Clarke draft Constitution (2009), the Principles of Fairness Committee (2006), the Hyatali Commission (1987), and the Wooding Commission Report and draft Constitution (1974).
Key themes that emerged from submissions to the NACCR include the demand for a more democratic society, the recognition and protection of an expanded set of rights, some form of proportional representation, a higher level of accountability from those in power, addressing the problem of corruption, a more efficient and responsive public service, campaign finance reform, a non-political Speaker of the House, elected Senators, entrenching local government in the Constitution, and the need for Members of Parliament to be full-time members. That discussion remains in train for 2025.
Wastage of public funds remains a problem in both islands - ours not to contemplate why. It would seem though that the recommendations passed on to the NACCR by the public points to corruption, poor use of law and an antiquated and inefficient system of governance. The year ended with a State of Emergency imposed on the population which does not help.