In 2024, Trinidad and Tobago continued to navigate a rapidly changing world where advances in
renewable energy and digital innovation have created new pathways for economic growth.
Strengthened multilateral commitments under new frameworks like the Pact for the Future
and the New Agenda for Peace, adopted during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in
September 2024, aim to accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and improve access to development financing for vulnerable countries like Caribbean Small Island
Developing States (SIDS). 

PEOPLE

The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda (ABAS), for SIDS adopted in May 2024, set a decisive workplan in pursuit of resilient growth and sustainable development with the support of the international community. ABAS underscores the importance of tailored approaches to meet the needs of SIDS, namely: concessional financing, climate adaptation and sustainable ocean economies. However, persistent global challenges, including the impacts of climate change, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the lingering socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, mean that Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean, need to build resilience.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago strengthened its commitment to inclusive education by allowing a first cohort of 60 Venezuelan children to enter government-funded schools in the first academic term, collapsing a systemic barrier that limited access to formal learning for refugee and migrant children. However, over 8,000 refugee and migrant children are currently excluded from national education as the Government continues working with international and local partners to ensure these children meet the eligibility requirements for school enrollment. 

Other notable developments in Trinidad and Tobago’s education sector include the National Budget allocation of US$ 7.69 million to tackle adult literacy challenges and improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged groups. In Tobago, there was a marked improvement in student performance in the
Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA). Infrastructure issues in schools remain a significant concern, however, as highlighted by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA).

In the health sector, the country recorded a 94 per cent inoculation rate for primary vaccines. This impressive achievement underscores innovative strategies to overcome challenges, including COVID-19 pandemic-induced vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, the country initiated its second STEPS survey, a World Health Organization-backed tool to improve surveillance of non-communicable diseases, which account for 62 per cent of deaths in the country.

PROSPERITY

According to the International Monetary Fund, Trinidad and Tobago’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continued in 2024 with moderate growth, supported by a rebound in the energy sector and diversification efforts. Initiatives to improve the business environment, including digitalization of public services and financial support for small and medium enterprises, continued.

Data Sources

1 Budget Statement 2025, 30 September 2024.
2 CSO, Continuous Sample Survey of Population, accessed 18 February 2025.
3 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2022.
4 FAO, FAOSTAT Country Profile for Trinidad and Tobago, accessed 20 February 2025.
5 EMA Annual Report 2023.
6 Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Total Crime by Month Reports 2024.
7 Based on UNHCR registration statistics.

 Food insecurity – measured year on year by reduced food consumption rates – decreased by 10 per cent between 2023 and 2024 according to the April 2024 World Food Programme (WFP)-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods Survey data for Trinidad and Tobago. However, vulnerabilities such as dependence on energy exports and exposure to external shocks underscore the need for sustained reforms to ensure inclusive and stable growth.  

Government investments in digital infrastructure resulted in ICT Access Centers opening their doors in marginalized communities, however, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ranking of Trinidad and Tobago at 93rd for innovation inputs and 119th for outputs reflects a decline from previous years. This suggests challenges in translating technological investments into tangible innovations.

PLANET

In February 2024, an oil leak from a barge off Tobago’s coast triggered urgent environmental response efforts as authorities raced to contain the spill, protect local marine ecosystems and safeguard coastal communities and livelihoods. The incident highlighted critical gaps in disaster risk resilience, emphasizing the need for integrated, sustainable development strategies that safeguard both environmental and community wellbeing. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries was able
to engage the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, an independent intergovernmental organization established by the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization, to access compensation for this incident. 

Trinidad and Tobago outlined more ambitious carbon reduction commitments in 2024 by completing the next generation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), known as NDC 3.0, as part of its preparation for stocktaking country efforts to meet the obligations in the Paris Agreement. This next generation of NDCs will be presented at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 30 in November 2025. The country’s strategic approach to expanding clean energy production gained significant momentum in 2024. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago neared completion on construction of the country’s first solar power production plant, which is set to meet 10 per cent of national electricity needs by 2026. The Government also began implementation of its first National Adaptation Plan to manage climate change risks, indicating a structured approach to Climate Change Adaptation. The Government also made good progress exploring the potential for wind power by commencing its Wind Resource Assessment Program, alongside an evaluation and feasibility study for a utility-scale wind farm on the east coast of Trinidad.

PEACE

Trinidad and Tobago faced a difficult year of violence with a record-breaking murder toll of 625, surpassing the previous high of 605 in 2022. More than 40 women and 13 children are among the victims. Trinidad saw a tragic surge in mass killings, including 33 double homicides, and multiple incidents involving three or more victims. 

Tobago, too, recorded an unprecedented 26 murders. Despite initiatives like the Call to Order anti-crime campaign which targeted young people to take a stand against violence and crime, the homicide detection rate fell below 15 per cent, underscoring public fear and systemic challenges. On 30 December 2024, the Government announced a State of Emergency in response to intelligence indicating threats of retaliation from criminal elements. Overall, no significant advancement in combatting corruption was made in 2024, and it continued to be a pervasive problem affecting governance and public trust. Trinidad and Tobago dropped one place in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Score from its 2023 position.