United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in MCO Trinidad and Tobago:

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24 April 2023

Record UN Investment in T&T in 2022

The UN Country Team in Trinidad and Tobago spent a record US $10 million investing in the country's sustainable development in 2022, as it deepens its commitment to post-pandemic recovery and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN in T&T unveiled its 2022 Results Report during a launch event on April 19, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. Government partners, donors, international financial institutions, development actors, private sector representatives and civil society groups attended the launch. "The UN Country Team is accelerating our delivery as we count a mere seven years left until 2030," said Resident Coordinator a.i., Reuben Robertson, during his welcome remarks. "That enhanced delivery is bringing expanded resources with it. These resources are being invested in areas which T&T has deemed a priority: data modernisation, health, education, climate adaptation and environmental management, child welfare, women’s empowerment and agriculture." During an overview of key deliverables, the UN Country Team revealed that 15 UN agencies conducted projects in T&T in 2022. They spent a total of US $10.01m, up from US $7.82m in 2021. This funding was spent on a total of 137 activities. The bulk of these activities was concentrated on SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 15 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 1 (No Poverty). Minister of Planning and Development, The Honourable Pennelope Beckles, reaffirmed Government's commitment to partnering with the UN to shape sustainable development progress. "The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago commends the UN for its invaluable contributions to the growth and development of our twin-island State. I want to re-emphasise our commitment to sustainable development cooperation with our UN counterparts toward realising Vision 2030, the country's long-term development strategy, and the Sustainable Develppment Goals. I commend you all for the work you have been doing and continue to do." Major projects highlighted during the launch included: the development of a renewable energy policy, an accompanying implementation plan including a Feed in Tariff policy for renewable power users to generate their own power and sell excess energy back to the main grid, and the piloting of 12 solar panel installations across T&T the installation of 7 stream gauges in densely-populated, flood-prone communities - 5 in Trinidad and 2 in Tobago- alongside the handover of a high speed flood modelling computer for the Water Resources Agency to generate flood model maps within 24 hours the launch of a National Children's Registry to monitor developmental milestones among children the training of 1700+ Government officials and partner staff on mental health support and social protection the development and launch of National Clinical and Policy Guidelines for the healthcare sector's response to gender-based violence the development and launch of e-textbooks for every level of primary and secondary school in Math, English and Spanish During the launch, the UN Country Team also unveiled a magazine digest of its 2022 Results Report, called Snapshots of Success. The magazine was distributed to all attendees. As part of the launch, 11 UN agencies and programmes hosted an expo to feature interactive displays of the work they did in 2022. The full 2022 Annual Results Report can be found here.

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21 March 2023

Police Trained On Mental Health Care For Migrants, GBV Survivors

Forty-six officers from the Community-Oriented Policing Section (COPS) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) have graduated from a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Training course implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to improve their service to vulnerable populations including migrants and survivors of gender-based violence. The sessions were designed to strengthen the capacity of the COPS in responding to the psychosocial needs of both management and staff, as well as improving their service to vulnerable populations including migrants and survivors of gender-based violence. Topics covered in the course for these frontline officers included Psychological First Aid; Trauma Informed Care; Mental Health Awareness and Self Care for Staff; Team Care and Peer Care; Psychosocial Support for Gender-Based Violence Survivors This training, funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), is the latest in a series conducted in collaboration with the NGO Families in Action. To date, over 100 members of the COPS have graduated from the training course. At the graduation ceremony, held on Friday 3rd March, PRM Regional Refugee Coordinator, Mr. Eric Aldrich said that the PRM’s priorities are to “save lives, ease human suffering and to promote the dignity of displaced populations and the communities that host them.” As such, he noted that the US Government is proud to partner with the IOM and other partners to support capacity building across various sectors - including the police department – throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. Ms. Jewel Ali, Head of Office, IOM remarked that, “IOM seeks to provide capacity building for Government stakeholders and NGOs in a number of areas including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support which includes elements of psychological first aid and Trauma Informed Care. IOM is also closely working with the TTPS on several other initiatives, including providing welfare kits to the Gender Based Violence Unit and working with the Police Youth Clubs throughout Trinidad and Tobago to bring migrants and locals together through the use of culture and food.” Inspector (Ag.) Kurt Callender, COPS remarked that this Mental Health and Psychosocial support training, assists the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to fulfill its mandate as it is in keeping with the TTPS Strategic Plan for 2022-2024 especially as it pertains to Strategic Priority Area Number Five that speaks to occupational health and wellness for all officers. IOM’s programmatic approach to protection includes the integration of MHPSS and other capacity building sessions including Trafficking in Persons into its multisectoral response and the recognition of opportunities to collaborate, as well as engage with key partners, such as law enforcement/frontline officials who comprise the protection continuum. --END--

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09 March 2023

Historic Milestone As Spotlight Initiative Launches Healthcare Guidelines to Treat GBV Survivors

March 09, 2023. The Spotlight Initiative, a global United Nations initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls supported with funding by the European Union, marked International Women's Day with the launch of The National Clinical and Policy Guidelines on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence: Trinidad and Tobago. The launch featured the ceremonial handover of 100 copies of the Guidelines and IT equipment to support data collection on the healthcare sector’s response to intimate partner violence and sexual violence. The Spotlight Initiative and the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the UN entity overseeing the development of the Guidelines, donated the equipment.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Health noted the unacceptable levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) in Trinidad and Tobago. Citing the 2017 National Women's Health Survey, he revealed that 1 in 3 women in Trinidad and Tobago have experienced IPV, and 1 in 5 have faced sexual violence from a non-partner in their lifetime.
The Minister acknowledged the historical significance of the country's first National Clinical and Policy Guidelines and promised the Ministry would integrate them into its health care regime "from Charlotteville to Charlieville." He also noted the Guidelines build on past successes in addressing maternal mortality, proving that the Ministry could tackle difficult women's health issues with a concerted approach. Dr. Faith B.Yisrael, Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), indicated that if survivors are to receive proper care, health authorities need to orient and train healthcare providers. She expressed confidence that the Guidelines can be effective in providing the appropriate guidance. Notably, Dr. B.Yisrael also highlighted the need to consider how we talk to boys and men about handling their emotions. She said society should embrace equity to ensure that both women and men are wholesome human beings.
Dr. Erica Wheeler, PAHO/WHO Country Representative, noted how fitting it was for the Ministry of Health to mark International Women's Day with partner agencies, saying that launching guidelines to enable the health system to respond to Violence Against Women was the best way to mark the occasion. She emphasized the importance of close collaboration to help ensure the guidelines' implementation.
Dr. Wheeler outlined plans to continue building capacity to treat survivors of IPV and SV in the healthcare sector through additional “train the trainers” workshops in the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs). Added to this is curricula development for students who are training in helping professions (medicine, nursing, social work, and psychology). The RHAs have already trained around 250 healthcare workers to care for survivors. The Ministry of Health and the RHAs plan further structured staff training on implementing the guidelines with support from PAHO/ WHO. His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago, said that with the launch of the Guidelines, "a light has been cast into the shadows.”
The EU-funded Spotlight Initiative began in 2017. The global donation of the EU to the Spotlight Initiative is 500 million Euros, including 4.5 million to the Trinidad and Tobago programme. This grant is historically the largest funded global initiative to address violence against women and girls. Commending Trinidad and Tobago on its historic achievement, His Excellency pledged the support of the EU to this issue beyond the end of the Spotlight programme in December 2023.
PAHO/WHO's Director, NCDs and Mental Health, Dr. Anselm Hennis, commended the leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for adopting the Regional Strategy and Plan of Action to Strengthen Health Systems to Address Violence Against Women. He observed that Trinidad and Tobago has met one of the major indicators in achieving the Regional Plan by having national clinical guidelines.
Quality and accessible data are critical to informing clinical and policy decision-making. A form is included in the Guidelines to enable healthcare workers to gather information and generate reports on health conditions and care provided to survivors of IPV and SV. A manual for using the health care form has been developed. The IT equipment presented at the launch will support analysis of the data collected through the Trinidad and Tobago IPV and SV Health Care Form.
Trinidad and Tobago is now the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to develop an electronic health information system on violence against women. PAHO/ WHO plans to use the Trinidad and Tobago experience as a benchmark for technical cooperation to develop similar information systems on violence against women in other countries of the Americas.
In her presentation, Dr. Roma Bridgelal-Nagassar, Manager, Medical Research and Audit, Directorate of Women's Health, emphasised that a range of national stakeholders gave inputs to shape the Guidelines, which are based on existing national laws and protocols and aligned with guidance from the World Health Organization.
Ms. Ayana John, Acting Director in the Health Education Division, spoke on behalf of the Committee of Ministry of Health Representatives for the Spotlight Initiative. She described steps in the continuum of care, including procedures for identifying violence, first-line support, immediate care, post-sexual assault care and referrals between services.
Copies of the Guidelines were presented to senior THA representatives and executives of the five RHAs. A copy was also presented ceremoniously to Mrs. Sharon Clarke-Rowley in her capacity as National Champion of the Spotlight Initiative.
As the agency responsible for Sustainable Development Goal 3: To ensure health and well-being for all, PAHO/WHO leads on two of the six Pillars of the Spotlight Initiative. They are Pillars 4: Strengthened service delivery to survivors and 5: Quality and accessible data to inform policymaking.
The launch of the guidelines and the handover of the IT equipment were significant strides in achieving these objectives.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Caroline Allen, Spotlight Initiative Project Manager at the PAHO/WHO Country Office, at allencar2@paho.org or 1-868-491 3593 * This press release was originally drafted by PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago.

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01 June 2023

Media Release: UN Country Team Congratulates Trinidad and Tobago on UNGA Presidency

June 1, 2023: The UN Country Team extends congratulations to Trinidad and Tobago on the election of its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Dennis Francis, as the 78th President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This is the first time that a nominee from Trinidad and Tobago has been elected UNGA President. The election of the President of the 78th session of the UNGA took place on June 1, 2023, in the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The UNGA President presides over high-level meetings, shapes the priorities of the General Assembly and plays a crucial role in facilitating negotiations among member states. Presidency of the UNGA is therefore a prestigious platform for a country to promote international cooperation, build consensus on key global issues and raise the profile of its own multilateral priorities on the global stage. Trinidad and Tobago continues to be a leading Caribbean voice championing the needs and challenges of Small Island Developing States. This hallmark of Trinidad and Tobago’s global advocacy dovetails seamlessly with the stated priority of President-elect Francis to facilitate, among other conferences, the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States taking place in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024. The watchwords of “peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability” chosen by President-elect Francis as the pillars of his one-year presidency also resonate deeply with the overarching commitment of Agenda 2030 to Leave No One Behind. The UN Country Team acknowledges with deep appreciation the recent statement by Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. the Honourable Amery Browne, that Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to seek election as UNGA President is testament to the country’s unshakeable commitment to multilateralism and to the United Nations as a convener and facilitator of the multilateral process. We congratulate the Honourable Minister for leading a successful country campaign for the UNGA Presidency. The UN Country Team stands ready to support Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs as it works with President-elect Francis to chart this historic journey. We extend best wishes to President-elect Francis for a successful stewardship of the UNGA. Dennis Zulu UN Resident Coordinator a.i. for Trinidad and Tobago -- END-- For additional information, please contact the Development Coordination Officer (Programme Communications and Advocacy) at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Faine Richards, at faine.richards@un.org or 1-868-389-6106.

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17 May 2023

Empowered for Self-Defense

Brazilian-born Jiu Jitsu Grand Master, Rorion Gracie, once said, “Self defense is not just a set of techniques, it's a state of mind that begins with the belief that you are worth defending.” On Sunday April 3, 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) celebrated the third edition of the Amethyst Security Training Academy, (ASMA), Personal and Community Safety Project- StrongHer, SafeHer, TogetHer at a graduation ceremony for participants at the Arima West Government Primary School. Over the course of two months, a total of 25 Venezuelan women and 30 local women, together with eight Venezuelan children and seven local children gathered weekly to learn self-defense techniques to build their confidence, consciousness, and assertiveness as it relates to their personal safety. The initial acceptance of this innovative project proposal was guided by a number of factors including the rise of gender-based violence in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the results of the IOM’s 2022 Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) which revealed that Gender Based Violence (GBV), and xenophobia were key challenges faced by migrants. Ms. Jewel Ali, Head of Office for IOM Port of Spain, said “Because of this compelling evidence, IOM Port of Spain identified the need to empower women and transform the social structures and relationships that make violence against them possible. Further, tofoster integration among Venezuelan migrants and host communities, and in this case female Venezuelans, to enable their effective participation and leadership in peaceful coexistence and advocacy efforts, the promotion of sports and cultural activities to reinforce social integration, the development of leadership skills for women, it was felt that this empowerment-based self-defense training was fitting.” “I want to endorse the “StrongHer, SafeHer, togetHer” project as an empowerment-based self-defense training course, that is important to empower women, with the skills to defend yourself in the event of an assault against you.” Honourable Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development and Member of Parliament for Arima said. The Honourable Minister further went on to say that “What stood out to me was the integration of cultures through language, where I saw everyone learning a phrase or two in Spanish during the session. I was further touched and elated that the program featured hearing impaired participants, ensuring that they were included in learning to defend themselves.” Funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, Economic Officer, U.S. Embassy, Ms. Valerie Laboy, noted that “this training included simple but effective verbal and physical self-defense techniques, assertiveness skills and de-escalation strategies, environmental and perpetrator warning signs, and the range of available options for prevention and self-defense. These activities were all aimed at reducing the risk of violence against women, increasing their self-efficacy and self-confidence, and improving their ability to identify risky situations. Through the promotion of sporting and cultural activities to reinforce social integration and develop leadership skills for women, IOM Port of Spain remains committed to fostering integration among migrants and host communities.

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ASMA graduates toss their caps in the air

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05 May 2023

Charting the Course to a Cashless Society

Global phenomena such as climate change and the pandemic have compounded the sense of urgency for digital transformation across public and private sectors. Digital finance and financial inclusion are no longer important but essential for building economic resilience, reducing crime, and promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Financial services delivered over mobile phones are a key driver of financial inclusion, not only because they enable anyone with a mobile phone to receive, store and transfer funds without fear for personal safety, but also because they provide access to basic financial services such as saving, credit, e-commerce, and insurance which are generally reserved to a small portion of the population. Moreover, the digitalisation of government-to-person payments can facilitate distribution of social benefits that reach most vulnerable groups while improving efficiency, transparency, and security, thus reducing the possibilities for corruption and crime. In Trinidad and Tobago, the journey towards a cashless society is gaining momentum thanks to its progressive policy environment and strong mobile and internet infrastructure. With high 3G and 4G coverage, and well-developed telecommunications systems, 85% of the population have access to internet. This widespread connectivity has been instrumental in enabling 57% of SMEs to utilize online banking services, further integrating digital finance into the local economy. Despite such advancement, the country's payment landscape is characterized by cash usage. To improve financial inclusion, recent efforts have led to significant strides in modernizing policies and stimulating the deployment of digital payment products. The nation's Minister of Finance, Honourable Colm Imbert, MP, emphasized the commitment to the digital finance agenda during the EU-UNCDF "Advancing Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion" Technical Workshop series, showcasing a range of achievements as milestones in Trinidad and Tobago's digital transformation journey. The legal and regulatory landscape improved with the introduction of policies such as the: (i) DRAFT E-Money Policy (2018) (finalized policy not yet published online); (ii) FinTech Policy (2019); (iii) E-Money Issuer Order (2020); (iv) Draft guidelines for Non-Bank Non-Financial Institutions in Retail Payments (2020); and (v) Simplified Due Diligence Requirements (2021) with its companion guidance to apply simplified due diligence requirements for basic bank accounts. Meanwhile in 2020, three key institutions in Trinidad & Tobago’s financial ecosystem – the Central Bank, the Security Exchange Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Unit – joined forces to establish a Regulatory Innovation Hub (The Hub) which serves as a central point of contact for FinTechs. Given the complexity involved in regulating emerging technologies that transcend multiple authorities, new coordination mechanisms and expertise were necessary to facilitate progress in licensing, especially for E-Money Issuers (EMIs) which can accelerate financial inclusion exponentially. The Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC), which expanded its mandate with additional support from the Ministry of Finance, plays a crucial role in driving the transition to a cashless society by focusing on three key pillars: advancing financial inclusion, accelerating digital payments across public entities, and stimulating FinTech innovation. Under the umbrella of the TTIFC, a regionally focused Hub “One FinTech Avenue” is being established to empower FinTech companies to develop, test, and scale innovative solutions that promote economic growth and inclusion. To that end, the TTIFC has been instrumental in fostering partnerships and building capacity of a wide variety of stakeholders not only in Trinidad & Tobago but also around the region. The UNCDF was proud to launch the EU-UNCDF Caribbean FinTech Sprint for Financial Inclusion with the TTIFC this year, a collaborative effort aimed to scale innovative solutions that address digital financial inclusion challenges. Owing to the collective impact of these diverse national efforts, Trinidad and Tobago's public sector has begun to embrace cashless transactions through various methods, such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, Automated Clearing House (ACH), and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS). In addition, three e-money issuance applicants have been granted provisional registration and one bank was approved to issue e-money under the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) 2008. This shift towards digital payments can create a safer and more inclusive financial environment, and can directly benefit the nation's financially excluded and underserved communities. Furthermore, the government has enabled electronic payment systems within the judiciary system and is working on strengthening consumer protection legislation. The upcoming payments proposal among other legislative amendments identified in the CBTT’s strategic work plan can strengthen oversight of the payment system and modernize key infrastructures to drive financial inclusion and minimize threats to cybersecurity. The progress made in the digital finance ecosystem is encouraging. To strengthen these efforts, reach more underserved groups at scale, and expedite digital financial inclusion, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) identified opportunities for Trinidad & Tobago to further strengthen the enabling environment for inclusive digital finance: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) can build on the progress made through the FinTech Policy (2019), E-Money Policy (2018), and the E-Money Issuer Order (2020) to add flexibilities for innovation in digital wallets using risk-based approaches. Together, flexibility and risk mitigation during the licensing process of financial technologies hold promise for financial inclusion while ensuring stability of the financial system. Trinidad and Tobago can designate a Secretariat for drafting digital finance strategies, coordinating the agenda, and supporting research and analysis. Typically, such agencies also house National Digital Financial Inclusion Surveys and establish Financial Inclusion Roadmaps on behalf of the nation with clear goals and targets. The TTIFC may be well positioned for such role and has committed to assess the current level of financial inclusion among citizens, as well as the remaining barriers that hinder access to digital financial services. This information is critical for the establishment of a National Financial Inclusion Roadmap for the country. Non-bank institutions, such as credit unions and e-money issuers, do not yet have direct access to certain payment infrastructures. To foster inclusion in the digital economy, the government can take a leading role in facilitating open payment systems and infrastructures which can increase efficiency of payment transactions and lower transaction costs. Faster payment systems, e-payment gateways and open-source software’s that facilitate interoperability of digital payment systems make financial services more affordable. Cheaper services are critical for digital financial inclusion and can be achieved by streamlining revenue realization and cash balance recognition. Such open payment systems also facilitate easy integration of innovative e-services that can reach the last mile more effectively. A review of the current financial consumer protection framework can identify risks posed by emerging digital finance business models. Once analyzed, the risks can be prevented or mitigated by adapting existing rules, reporting requirements, or processes. In addition, collaboration mechanisms between the financial sector and telecom regulators must be formalized to increase the cyber resilience of digital finance. Such collaboration must also be expanded to the private sector to embrace a holistic security assurance framework. By establishing relevant strategies, building adequate data infrastructures, and strengthening stakeholder engagement, the country will foster cooperation, boost the economy, and improve access to digital financial services for everyone. The EU-UNCDF-OACPS partnership for digital financial inclusion, is pleased to have the opportunity to support policymakers to achieve their digital finance and financial inclusion goals and looks forward to continued engagement. This article was made possible by the European Union (EU), Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) partnership to accelerate digital financial inclusion across selected Eastern Caribbean Islands. The program also benefits from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the UNDP Trinidad and Tobago Multi-Country Office hosting UNCDF’s Caribbean office. The Digital Financial Inclusion Programme is a four-year joint initiative signed by the OACPS, funded by the EU and implemented by the UNCDF, with Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) states eligible for services.

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21 March 2023

Grant Funding for FinTech to Improve Financial Inclusion in T&T & the Eastern Caribbean

Local, regional and global FinTechs can receive grant funding to develop digital payment solutions to solve industry-wide issues impacting citizens' access to financial services across the region. The EU-UNCDF-OACPS Eastern Caribbean Digital Financial Inclusion Programme launched a Caribbean FinTech Sprint for Financial Inclusion, in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Center and with support provided by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. The Caribbean FinTech Sprint for Financial Inclusion aims to attract local and global FinTechs with market-ready solutions to address 3 identified digital payment problem statements across the region. A maximum of 5 successful applicants may be awarded up to $100,000USD each. Sprint partners include Trinidad and Tobago National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation, RHAND and CLICO Credit Unions under the Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s DCash initiative, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, VISA, the American Chamber of Commerce, and the European Chamber of Commerce. The challenge aims to strengthen cross-sector collaboration by bringing together the financial ecosystem across the Caribbean identify innovation which tackles the following identified challenges: Digital payment solutions for underserved users of Credit Unions Expand e-commerce solutions for smallholder farmers Optimization of remote onboarding for D-Cash For more information please see the Caribbean FinTech Sprint for Financial Inclusion Website: https://www.uncdf.org/inclusiveinnovation/caribbean-fintech-sprint-for-financial-inclusion Inquiries may be submitted by email to: eastern.caribbean@uncdf.org.

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23 February 2023

IOM Trains Public Officials On Trafficking in Persons

February 9th, 2023 - Twenty-eight government officials participated in a one-day Trafficking in Persons training conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and coordinated under the Heal Empower Rise-Counter Trafficking in Persons (HER CTIP) Project and the Access, Support and Coordination (ASC) Programme, which are currently being implemented by IOM Port of Spain. This critical training focused on victim identification and response planning but also covered legal concepts, trauma-informed care, national referral mechanisms, developing relevant plans of action, and a simulated Case Study on identifying and working with victims of trafficking. The training was held today at the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs in Port of Spain and organized by the Ministry of Labour. Sessions were facilitated by IOM's Team comprising its Senior Regional Protection Specialist Tim Howe, Case Coordinator Tinestia Haynes and Project Officer Zeke Beharry. This in-person session will now be followed by a self-paced, certifiable e-learning component on IOM's e-campus. During the opening session, Head of Office for IOM Port of Spain, Jewel Ali stressed that "combatting trafficking in persons requires comprehensive approaches and strong partnerships". Mr Farouk Mohammed, Chief Labour Inspector Specialist on delivering remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary (Ag.) stated that "the training will improve the capacity of front-line officials, such as Labour Inspectors to screen, identify and refer potential trafficking victims for care and support." US Embassy Political Officer John Miller emphasized, “we need to be more vigilant and not succumb to cynicism or indifference to the plight of those being exploited and trafficked around us. He also stated that “trafficking can be seen in many forms and it touches many industries around the world.” USAID’s Governance and Rule of Law Specialist Sharon Ramsaran commented on the training saying, “The HER CTIP Project aims to strengthen the care, support and social services for Survivors of Trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago”. She added, “USAID’s aim is to promote trauma-informed and survivor-centered approaches in countering -Trafficking in Persons programming to increase survivor empowerment.” The training is funded by both the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and IOM's Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. The in-person training and the following e-learning component are part of a joint effort to support the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and encourage the implementation of migration approaches that benefit communities of origin, transit, and destination.

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