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🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago /Economy & Trade

Fix Trinidad and Tobago’s real problems before digitising everything

From Trinidad Express · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • The commentary questions the government’s focus on digitising land records, payments and public services.
  • It argues that Port of Spain still faces neglected streets, street homelessness and an underdeveloped tourism product after 63 years of independence.
  • The writer calls for attention to the physical conditions in which people live and asks whether everyone is benefiting.

Trinidad and Tobago’s government appears determined to digitise land records, payments and public services. But digitisation cannot substitute for fixing the problems people see every day, argues Gordon Laughlin.

After 63 years of independence, Frederick Street, South Quay and the Brian Lara Promenade look much as they did before, the commentary says. Port of Spain remains dirty, street dwellers remain a major problem, and the country’s tourism product needs serious attention.

The writer contrasts the millions reportedly being spent on digital initiatives with the neglected appearance and infrastructure of the capital. The suggested priority is straightforward: spend less time on distractions and more time repairing the country in which people actually live.

The commentary ends with a basic test for government policy: “Is everyone winning?”

Is everyone winning?

· Gordon LaughlinHe ends the commentary by questioning who benefits from the government’s priorities.
About this summary

Originally published by Trinidad Express in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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