Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has reiterated the Government’s commitment to economic diversification.
Speaking at the Ceremonial Opening of the Gran Chemin Fishing Centre in Moruga, Dr. Rowley emphasised the continued importance of the energy sector but stressed the need for broader economic development to ensure national stability.
The Prime Minister said while oil and gas have served T&T, the country must look beyond these resources to build a more resilient economy.
He underscored agriculture and fishing as key areas for growth, pointing to Government investments such as the Moruga Agro-Processing Park and infrastructure improvements to support local production.
“If we want to diversify and if we want to relieve ourselves of being the consumers of other people’s effort, what we need to do is to take advantage of the incentives, all the incentives, show that entrepreneurial skill, show that patience and create on the South coast a business that does not now exist, a business where somebody, some people, some organisation, is saying we have chosen pineapples as what we will grow, what we will have processed there, and what we will sell in this country. That’s how it is done. Nobody is going to come here and hand you a future.”
Dr. Rowley also highlighted the importance of utilising local resources effectively, referencing opportunities for the fishing industry in the Columbus Channel and the need for modern processing facilities to stabilise market prices.
He encouraged young entrepreneurs to seize these opportunities, noting that sustainable economic expansion depends on community engagement and innovation.
“Many young men and women in this area can do extremely well if they attach their interest to what’s in the sea outside because the sea is yours. The resources out there, they are yours, and if you spend your time investing out there, working out there and bringing in fish, once the fish comes to land, this facility is here to make sure that you get the great benefit of feeding the nation, ensuring our food security, and looking for export outside of the nation because one thing about fish—there’s a tremendous market for fish across the world.”
Dr. Rowley said the Government continues to enhance road infrastructure and implement initiatives to integrate rural communities like Moruga into the national economy. He urged residents to embrace these developments, positioning Moruga as a vital contributor to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic future.