DIVERSIFICATION WITHOUT GOVERNMENT SYMPOSIA TO BE HELD TUES 5TH JULY

The Artists’ Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago alongside the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGOs present a unique symposia entitled ‘Diversification Without Government: Conversation 1’ on Tuesday 5th July, 2016. The event will be held in the CLR James Auditorium at the Cipriani College of Labour & Co-operative Studies, Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Valsayn from 10am- 3pm.

The Symposium asks the question: What can industries and communities that have the potential of transforming into the ‘next big thing’ do if government does nothing to create the enabling environment? This is a practical and philosophical discussion exploring the possibilities of emancipating the capacity of the T&T’s Talented and the next generation of exportable products.

The public- especially students- are invited to come and hear some of the country’s top minds debate the issue. There will be Presentations by: Wendell Mottley; Gregory McGuire; Dean Arlen; Indera Sajewan-Ali; Shiraz Khan; Burton Sankerali; Akins Vidale; Novack George; Camille Selvon-Abrahams; Robert Young; Rubadiri Victor; and reps from the IT, Boat Building, Manufacturing, and other NEXT Sectors.

Planned by ACTT president Rubadiri Victor and marketing professional Radesh Heeralal the symposia is an attempt at creating implementable pathways to community and economic transformation. “Diversification requires legislation, policy, infrastructure, and fiscal enablers. We the People cannot pass laws or ratify policy which are important parts of the Diversification process. We do not have access to government taxation wealth to invest in infrastructure and projects that are needed. Therefore can the Creative Sector, Boat Building, Alternative Energy, Agriculture & Food Processing, IT, Sports, Research and Development sectors jump to the next level on their own?” asks Symposia organiser Victor.

“This will be the first of a number of discussions on the matter which we hope to expand into town hall meetings and across all industries. We hope to create a Working Group out of this that will engage real Diversification leveraging projects in specific industries. The failure to engage this critical issue in any meaningful way over 35 years- despite facing 2 economic slumps- is worrying and so it may be time that the population meditate on how it can make the jump themselves…”

This Forum happens in the midst of a National Recession announced by the Central Bank Governor in December 2015, and a report of entering into ‘Deep Recession’ by the Minister in the Ministry of Finance, with predictions that it will last until 2018. For more details on the Symposia call: 797-0949, 362-8983 or email rubadiri@gmail.com or check out the DIVERSIFICATION WITHOUT GOVERNMENT event page on Facebook.