Caption: Dr Surujrattan Rambachan
By Alicia Chamely
FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister Surujattan Rambachan is offering the government advice on what should be discussed with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in efforts to bolster the local economy.
Modi’s visit, scheduled for the first week in July, was confirmed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Sunday according to reports.
Persad-Bissessar said, “On behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago I extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi and we are pleased to announce that he will make a state visit to Trinidad and Tobago. He is expected to arrive in the first week of July. Several Memorandums of Understanding will be signed to strengthen bilateral relationships. There are ongoing discussions with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commissioner.”
This news drew the attention of Rambachan, who went on to offer suggestions to ensure economic and diplomatic development between the two nations in a now widely shared Facebook post.
Acknowledging he no longer holds a place within the ranks of the United National Congress (UNC), Rambachan starts, “Recognizing that the current UNC is not desirous of advice I yet with humility offer the following and hope that it will be considered by the PM Kamla Persad Bissessar.PM Modi will be accompanied by a high-powered delegation, possibly of both state officials and private businessmen.”
Rambachan identified the proposed reopening of the Petrotrin oil refinery, as a possible project for collaboration and case for partnership between the two governments. He went further to say the Indian government’s involvement would help the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) develop the “business mind” needed to serve as a participating member in the refinery’s running.
He stated T&T could also engage with India in establishing both wellness and medical tourism sectors, both of which will earn foreign exchange.
Rambachan said, “Given that India has a reputation for wellness tourism, there is a high possibility for resorts dealing with wellness tourism that combines Yoga and Ayurvedic Medicine, especially in places like Toco and Cedros where there are estates that are underutilized.
He added this form of tourism would be marketed in the European and American markets.
Regarding medical tourism he said, “Medical Tourism Has been touted as a foreign exchange earner. The Couva Hospital Provides an excellent opportunity for another major joint venture focusing on medical tourism. India has several successful private hospitals with the model that have proven successful.”
Discussing opportunities of collaborating within the realm of education, he stated, “Collaboration with the world renowned Institute of Management in India to boost our UWI Management Studies Department that will then attract foreign currency paying students. With collaboration in the fields of engineering and technology UTT can attract a new group of foreign students. In other words, we can become a Caribbean hub producing some of the best engineering and technology human resources.”
Rambachan said a lot was to be learned from India, especially in their ability to grow and produce their own food. He said India had almost fully achieved self-sufficient food production, and it would be remiss of our government not to explore this.
He also lobbied for the removal of India’s VISA requirement for Trinbagonian citizens, suggesting a 90 day VISA free stay. He said this was an arrangement for Indian citizens visiting T&T and it would be a reciprocal move by the Indian government.
Rambachan ended his post with the simple line, “Just my thoughts.”
This will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to T&T. He previously visited in 2002 as part of a delegation of Indian Hindus attending the World Hindu Conference.
