The Americas Economy

The new administration of Tobago takes office at a time of both opportunity and challenge. Tobago is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled islands in the Caribbean, which is a highly attractive proposition in today’s competitive tourism environment.

In October 2016 the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) published a new strategic plan, covering the five years between FY 2017 and FY 2021. This was the second medium-term plan adopted by the CBTT. The first had initially covered the three years between FY 2012 and FY 2014, under the theme of enhancing financial stability, governance...

The relationship between the public and private sector in Trinidad and Tobago is both important and complex. At one level it is competitive and sometimes antagonistic, with each side seeking to widen its share of total economic activity and criticising the other, often on ideological grounds. On another level, however, it is deeply collaborative,...

With its beautiful beaches, biodiverse tropical forests and wide range of leisure activities, there is undoubtedly major potential for the further development of tourism in Tobago, which remains relatively unchanged by the industry.

Along with tourism, agro-processing is another area that holds significant potential for the diversification of Tobago’s economy. According to stakeholders there are three developments that will help to realise this potential of the industry. The first includes a revival of the island’s traditional agriculture and livestock production. Farm...

For an island economy, air and sea transport links are critically important. There is lively debate about the current state of Tobago’s transport links and the need to upgrade in the future. One of its main connections is the regular air bridge service of shuttle flights between Trinidad’s Piarco Airport and ANR Robinson International Airport...