These thematic areas are grounded in the vision 2020

the country’s transformational agenda to the year 2030. These thematic
areas are grounded in the Vision 2020 pillars, the National Policy Frame-
work, lessons learnt from past development plans and the global devel-
opment agenda by way of the Sustainable Development Goals. For
each of the Themes, there are a number of goals which represent what
is to be achieved in order for the country to realise the long-term vision.
The Development Themes are:
I. Putting People First: Nurturing Our Greatest Asset;
II. Delivering Good Governance and Service Excellence;
III. Improving Productivity through Quality Infrastructure and
Transportation;
IV. Building Globally Competitive Businesses; and
V. Placing the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic
Development.
Of particular note, the Theme Placing the Environment at the Centre of
Social and Economic Development has been made a separate devel-
opment theme because of the burgeoning impact of climate change and
renewable energy, as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s adoption of the global
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its commitments under
various multilateral environmental agreements. Similarly, the Theme of
Improving Productivity through Quality Infrastructure and Trans-
portation has been given prominence since a comprehensive network
of high-quality infrastructure is a key enabler for socio-economic growth
and development.
Further, the Themes are connected and inter-related in that develop-
ments in one particular area impacts another. This is a primary reason
why this document does not adopt a strict sectoral approach although
some sectors fall under specific Themes. Under Putting People First:
Nurturing Our Greatest Asset , for example, at-risk youth is considered
among the vulnerable population, while under-employed youth is con-
sidered under the Competitive Business Theme. Policy makers must,
therefore, consider the integrative nature of all the Themes when tack-
ling development problems.
Development
Themes to 2030
43-44
V I S I O N 2 0 3 0 N AT I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T S T R AT E GY 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 3 0
Envisioning the Future

The Development Themes represent the
long-term perspective or outcomes envisioned
for the country to the year 2030 .
In addition, the Themes highlight some of the
commitments that will be undertaken in the
future as outlined as follows.
DEFINING THE
Development Themes
Statement

Nurturing National Pride: A mother and her son enjoy
the Trinidad and Tobago 54 th Independence Day
celebrations together
P H O T O : K E E G A N C A L L E N D E R
45-46
This Theme acknowledges that our citizens are central to our develop-
ment and in fact are our greatest assets. We must create a society in which
all the basic needs are met and each individual is valued and given the
opportunity to contribute and to self-actualise.