United Nations Development Programme

  Trinidad and Tobago


 

Governance

Since its initial presence in 1961, UNDP has been partnering with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as it seeks to create an effective and efficient democratic response to nation building.

During 2004-2006, UNDP provided technical assistance to the “Vision 2020” planning process by providing advisory services through participation on national technical sub-committees on Poverty, Democratic Governance, Environment, HIV and AIDS and Gender.

The critical importance of democratic governance in the developing world was highlighted at the Millennium Summit, where world leaders resolved to "Spare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development."

UNDP finalized the design of a decentralized Social Services Delivery System in Trinidad and Tobago, which was implemented as a pilot under the European Union (EU) funded Poverty Reduction Programme. Additionally, UNDP assisted with reform of the Local Government System for more efficient delivery of goods and services at the regional level.

UNDP’s governance portfolio in Trinidad and Tobago is concentrated in the following areas:

 

UNDP Project Title: Effective control and monitoring of precursor chemicals in Trinidad & Tobago

UNDP Project number:

Focus Area: Governance

 TDB

Key Result Area: Enhancing conflict and disaster risk management capabilities

Dates: 2010 - 2011

Status: Will Start on 1 June 2010

Location: Trinidad and Tobago

Executing Partner: Strategic Services Agencies (SSA), Ministry of National Security

Financial Information

Source of Funds:

Government

 US$71,305.31

UNDP

 US$40,113.18

Third-Party

 UNDEF: $262,500

 

Budget:

US$119,217.78

Expenditure to date:

Will start on 1 June 2010

Brief Description:

This project will bring on board a project management methodology that will energize ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening collaboration with and bringing synergy to the activities all stakeholders in relation to precursor chemical monitoring. The project will develop a Bill and establish a Precursor Chemical Unit to operationalise the provisions of the Bill. Finally, capacity will be developed with stakeholders in the area of Complex Systems as they relate to precursor chemical monitoring and policy recommendations will be developed.

Project Document Link

Contact:  Beverly Chase


UNDP Project Title: Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Support for the Ministry of Education

UNDP Project number:

Focus Area: Governance

 00048590

Service Line:

Dates: 2005-2011

Status: Ongoing

Location: Trinidad and Tobago

Implementing Partner: Ministry of Education

Financial Information

Source of Funds:

Government

 $338,776

UNDP

 

Third-Party

 

 

Budget:

$561,521.25

Expenditure to date:

$445,314.00

Brief Description:

As a follow up to the implementation of the Secondary Education Modernization Programme (SEMP) and the need for strengthening and building the capacity of the Ministry of Education to accelerate project activities, the Ministry sought technical support from UNDP.   The overall objective of this project was to provide technical personnel through the UN Volunteer modality.  

This project provided 6 UN Volunteer professionals in the area of educational planning.   Several reports to facilitate education reform were completed.  These included censuses of primary and secondary schools; an evaluation of specialist secondary schools; a study of critical education issues in Trinidad and Tobago; databases for primary and secondary schools; and a demographic report on pre-school and school-age population in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

Project Document

Contact:  Sandra Baptiste-Caruth

 

UNDP Project Title: Put A Woman

UNDP Project number:

Focus Area: Governance

 00056081

Service Line:

Dates: 2007-2008

Status: Ongoing

Location: Trinidad and Tobago

Implementing Partner: NGO Network for the Advancement of Women

Financial Information

Source of Funds:

Government

 

UNDP

 

Third-Party

 UNDEF: $262,500

 

Budget:

US$262,500.00

Expenditure to date:

US$253,632.00

Brief Description:

This project aims to prepare women and young persons to have a participatory role in local Government and General Elections. At the same time, it will  strengthen the networking and build the capacity of women working towards this goal. 'Put A Woman' will contribute to the Global 50/50 campaign with particular consideration to the financial initiative. Its main beneficiaries are female political activists and those interested in becoming part of Local Government.

This project produced  a Youth Manifesto; Women's manifesto; A historical perspective of Women in Local Government in Trinidad and Tobago; A Study to provide financial support for women wishing  to enter politics; and Training of women who wanted to run for political office.  

Project Document

Contact:  Beverly Chase

 

UNDP Project Title: Capacity Development in Project Management in the Ministry of Local Government

UNDP Project number:

Focus Area: Governance

00062515

Service Line:

Dates: 2006 - 2007

Status: Ongoing

Location: Trinidad and Tobago

Implementing Partner: DEX

Financial Information

Source of Funds:

Government

 282,520.00

UNDP

 

Third-Party

 

 

Budget:

$282,520.00

Expenditure to date:

 $141,840.00

Brief Description:

This project is intended to train personnel of the Ministry of Local Government in project management methodology (Prince 2) and a strategy to develop a Results Based Management system.

Through access to the UNDP Learning Management System, over 200 staff of the Ministry were certified in Prince 2 foundation training. 

a strategy for development and implementation of an RBM system was also agreed for the Ministry and its municipalities.

Project Document

Contact:  Beverly Chase

 

UNDP Project Title: Institutional Strengthening and Support to the Ministry of Local Government

UNDP Project number:

Focus Area: Governance

 00053674

Service Line:

Dates:  2006-2010

Status: Ongoing

Location: Trinidad and Tobago

Implementing Partner: Ministry of Local Government

Financial Information

Source of Funds:

Government

 $716,275.34

UNDP

 $9,200.00

Third-Party

 

 

Budget:

$681,759.00

Expenditure to date:

$231,000

Brief Description:

Recent economic growth and resulting urban and rural development have placed new demands on the existing Local Government systems.  These demands dictate that the local system improves its operation levels and service delivery to its clients. There is therefore need to revise the structure and functions of the Ministry and its arms, the local government bodies; as well as to draft a legislative framework and provisions to effect local government reform policy, prescriptions and programmes.  

During 2009, final reports on the institutional and legislative framework were submitted to the Ministry of Local Government; two (2) UN volunteers were also deployed to assist with reforms requested in the areas of Information Technology and Taxation.   

Project Document

Contact:  Beverly Chase

 

Contact:

Mrs Sandra Baptiste Caruth

Programme Specialist

sandra.baptiste-caruth@undp.org.tt