By Alicia Chamely
THE year 2026 must be a year of economic recovery and growth.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says this is the directive given to every member of her Cabinet, as the nation enters the new year with direction, determination and a sense of responsibility.
Delivering her New Year’s Greeting to the country on Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar stated, “As we enter 2026, I have issued a clear mandate to every Cabinet Minister and Government agency that this year must be a year of economic, rebuilding, recovery, and delivery.”
Persad-Bissessar, stating that inefficiency and waste would not be tolerated, said, “Every decision, every policy, and every dollar spent must advance the safety, prosperity, and dignity of our people.”
She said the government’s focus in 2026 would be on “stimulating economic growth, supporting small and medium enterprises, accelerating public infrastructure projects, strengthening both the energy and non-energy sectors, expanding job opportunities, and ensuring that public spending translates into tangible benefits for citizens.”
Persad-Bissessar stated the new year and economic recovery would demand “discipline, unity and handwork,” but would also bring new opportunities.
The prime minister noted economic recovery could not be achieved without public safety and crime reduction, which she assured would remain a priority.
She stated, “Public safety has been, and remains, a central priority. My government’s commitment to confronting violent crime, gang activity, and narcotics trafficking is ongoing and unwavering.”
Persad-Bissessar said the government’s strengthen strategic alliances with international partners, especially the United Stated had contributed to increased crime reduction and stronger enforcement.
Discussing the way ahead she stated, “This is not a temporary focus. It is a sustained national effort. Trinidad and Tobago will not be a corridor for criminal enterprise.”
“In 2026, we will continue to apply relentless pressure on gangs, illegal firearms, and narcotics traffickers, while strengthening intelligence-led policing and international cooperation,” she continued.
Highlighting legislation and policies such as the Stand Your Ground and Home Invasion legislation and restarting the secondary school laptop programme, put in place since being elected on April 28, Persad-Bissessar said 2025 marked a decisive turning point when people entrusted her government to restore governance, safety and equality.
She said her government had never lost sight of what they were elected for, adding “From our first days in office, we have acted with urgency and purpose, moving decisively from promise to performance.”
Closing her statement, Persad-Bissessar stated, “May 2026 bring safer communities, a stronger economy, and greater opportunity for our young people, dignity for our workers, and renewed hope in every home.”
“Let us move forward together with faith in our people, pride in our nation, and confidence in the future we are building: Trinidad and Tobago first, above all,” she ended
