2025 – the year to hit ‘reset’ in T&T

By Dr Marlene Attzs, Economist.

Email: marlene.attzs@gmail.com

As 2025 continues to unfold, Trinidad and Tobago faces defining moments in its journey forward. Five years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our systems, triggering emotional, economic, and social upheaval.

While the immediate pandemic crisis has subsided, the scars remain. Crime—particularly among our youth—is rampant, the issue of an education deficit among our youth, worsened by the pandemic, persists and the overall well-being of our citizens is under strain.

Compounding these challenges is the volatility of the energy market, which continues to be a major pain point for revenue generation in our resource-dependent economy.

2025 is the year we must reset—to rethink and restructure our economic policies and redefine our social values, norms, and systems to create a fairer, more equitable, and resilient country. The ‘reset’ is not just politically, but mentally and economically—to secure a sustainable future.

Beyond political winds: a call for a new mentality

It is no longer sufficient to wait for political winds to bring change. While leadership is critical, it cannot be the only engine of transformation.

Trinidad and Tobago needs a cultural and mental shift—a collective embrace of responsibility and collaboration. True progress necessitates that we, beyond partisan divides, focus on shared goals and values that benefit all citizens.

This reset must also include a rethinking of our economic dependencies. For too long, our reliance on the energy sector has left us vulnerable to global market volatility.

The Covid-19 years reinforced this vulnerability, and fluctuating prices of oil and gas have repeatedly disrupted our fiscal stability, demonstrating that we cannot rely on these resources alone to sustain our economy.

2025 must be the year we actively pursue diversification—through the green, blue, and orange economies—while also addressing crime, education, and well-being as interconnected pillars of renewal.

The orange, green, and blue economies represent innovative approaches to economic diversification by focusing on creativity, sustainability, and marine resources, respectively.

The orange economy centres on cultural and creative industries such as music, film, fashion, and art, which leverage our unique heritage and talent. By exporting these cultural products, we diversify our revenue streams and create opportunities to earn valuable foreign exchange.

Many of our local artistes already have ‘diversified’ their revenue streams as they travel globally year-round to showcase their talents at international events.

The green economy focuses on sustainable development through renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and eco-friendly practices, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and creating jobs in areas like solar, wind, and sustainable agriculture.

The blue economy leverages the Caribbean Sea promoting activities like fisheries, offshore renewable energy, and marine tourism.

Together, these economies reduce dependence on traditional sectors like oil and gas by tapping into underutilised resources and fostering innovation, leading to a more balanced and resilient economy.

From recovery to renewal

The legacy of the pandemic continues to shape our reality, but 2025 offers a unique opportunity to move beyond recovery toward renewal. This requires addressing multiple, at times connected, critical areas of concern.

Crime is one of the most visible and damaging challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago. It undermines economic growth, social cohesion, and quality of life. Addressing this issue demands a holistic approach that goes beyond reactive measures. Crime is a societal issue, and its resolution requires collective action and accountability.

Second, our education system must evolve to meet the demands of a changing social and economic reality. A reliance on traditional curricula no longer aligns with the opportunities presented by diversification into the green, blue, and orange economies.

Education is not just a means of individual advancement but a cornerstone of economic diversification and national development.

The path forward: collective responsibility and new leadership

2025 must be the year Trinidad and Tobago stops depending solely on political change to drive progress. Transformation begins with a change in mentality—one that emphasises shared ownership of the nation’s challenges and solutions. Citizens, private sector leaders, and policymakers must work together to create an inclusive vision for the future.

Imagine a Trinidad and Tobago where crime is curbed through greater focus on morals and proactive community engagement; where education empowers the next generation to lead in emerging industries, and a country in which economic diversification strengthens our resilience against global shocks.

Envision a society that values well-being, sustainability, and innovation–a nation that lives, not just for the moment, but for generations to come.

As challenging as our circumstances currently are, I believe this vision is within our reach, but it requires much more than rhetoric or political promises. It requires decisive action, bold policies, and a collective commitment to renewal—emphasis on the collective.

Let 2025 be the year we reset our course and embrace a future of progress, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

That’s just my point of view!