CRITICAL infrastructural upgrades and the reliability of the inter-ferry services were just some of the issues discussed when Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John visited the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT).

The visit took place on Tuesday, which the ministry described as “a working session—frank, focused, and future-driven.”

The ministry stated via media release that John met with the general manager and executive management team of PATT, for an in-depth briefing on the operations and strategic outlook of the organisation’s three core business units: the Port of Port of Spain, the Port of Spain Infrastructure Company Limited, and the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Ferry Service.

The discussions tackled a number of issues and the  reforms required to position Trinidad and Tobago’s ports as a regional leader.

Among the top agenda items were:

•        The reliability and resilience of the inter-island ferry service to ensure more seamless passenger and cargo movement

•        Critical infrastructure upgrades; and

•        The progress of the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model

Following the meeting, John toured the Port of Port of Spain, engaging with staff and observing day-to-day port activities.

The site visit provided a first-hand understanding of the strengths and challenges within one of the country’s most vital economic hubs, the ministry stated.

John noted the challenges being faced by the PATT and expressed her commitment to working closely with the management team to elevate the Port’s profile regionally, leveraging its geographic location and strategic advantages to drive growth and innovation.