By Nalini Sudama
COSTAATT Intern
A GLOBAL Hub Revitalization Blueprint has been launched to create an economic transformation of Trinidad and Tobago into a world-class logistics and investment hub, straying from dependence on the energy sector.
This includes the involvement of Carrera Prison Island, the prison in Port-of-Spain and Golden Grove Prison in Arouca to create “Tamana prison campus,” covering 500 acres.
The launch took place on Thursday at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s during the second phase of the National Recruitment Drive.
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John unveiled a government-driven strategy to modernise infrastructure, attract investments and introduce job opportunities utilising Trinidad and Tobago’s position outside the hurricane belt.
Being outside of the hurricane belt, prevented the region from severe storms and offers year-round operations for investors, she said.
The Blueprint includes projects in logistics, security, healthcare, housing, tourism and renewable energy.
During construction phases of all projects, John said over 50,919 jobs will be created with the help of the private sector.
Using a powerpoint presentation, John focused on initiatives to enhance national security infrastructure focusing on the consolidation of correctional facilities and accredited Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro for the vision for a national security complex.
About the Tamana Prison Campus aimed at modernising justice and security, John said, “Whether it is a youth detention center, agriculture facilities, the general population, training, maximum security, all of it consolidated into one hub. It’s security reimagined, a unified force for a safer tomorrow, consolidation of police, subdivisions, global security integration.”
Consolidation was done with consultation, she said.
The Tamana Judicial and Correction Centre will also facilitate the National Security Complex to integrate, analyse and maintain national security operations aimed at addressing domestic and international threats.
John said, “The national security complex serves as the premier operational and strategic headquarters. Functions as the central nerve centre, integrating, analysing and commanding all aspects of national security operations.”
She added, “It establishes a unified rapid response mechanism for domestic and international threats and ensures that the national security apparatus operates as a single, cohesive and agile organism.”
Security will also be improved at borders and other aging infrastructures, John said.
The minister also spoke about the transformation of the San Fernando Waterfront, a project undertaken for years under the previous administration.
John said the proposal was to have a shopping plaza, hotel and conference centre, focus on health and residential aspects.
She also spoke about developments for Port-of-Spain and Invaders Bay emphasising government needed to “scale up.”
Attendees at the function would have received a QR code which when scanned will be led to an e-tender portal where they could submit their tenders for varying projects.
The process will continue till mid-January John said with a forecast timeline of 2025 to 2030 for phase 1 of projects.
She is expecting that projects should be awarded by next year and construction to begin by 2027.
“By August 2028, we will be emptying Carrera Island,” John said.
