Trinidad and Tobago at a Crossroads: UNC Promises and the Promise of Delivery

Trinidad and Tobago’s new UNC administration set out on the campaign trail with sweeping pledges to rejuvenate key sectors—from energy and agriculture to youth development and digital governance. Six weeks into governance, however, the bold ambition of mini-manifesto commitments faces the crucible of real-world execution.

Power Plays Offshore: Big Promises, Bigger Stakes

The government’s headline-grabber is the 2025 Deepwater Bid Round for 26 offshore oil and gas blocks—a bet on rekindling upstream investment and securing much-needed gas reserves. Though projected to generate substantial revenue and jobs, the round’s success hinges on attracting credible bidders and ensuring environmental oversight. With bid awards only due after July, all eyes are on whether contracts adhere to the vision of sustainable economic renewal.  

Just days later, Shell’s Aphrodite gas field received final investment approval, expected to flow gas by 2027—breathing life into Trinidad’s struggling Atlantic LNG facility and easing a long-standing shortfall.

Why it matters: These projects underpin SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and national energy diversification. Yet previous bid rounds failed to yield lasting upstream growth. Without clear timelines and transparency, enthusiasm risks reverting to frustration.

Rural Renewal and Youth Resurgence

The UNC’s mini‑manifesto promises to unlock rural economies through agricultural cannabis expansion and sports infrastructure development—particularly in underserved districts like Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, Sangre Grande, and parts of Tobago.

Why it matters: These initiatives address SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Economic Growth), and 11 (Sustainable Communities). But scaling pilot projects into sustainable livelihoods requires investment clarity—and legal follow-through for sensitive industries like cannabis. Track the rollout of pilot farms and sports complexes in targeted regions.

Digital Government: Infrastructure or Friction?

The manifesto’s pledge to modernise public services via AI, social media, and digital platforms marks a progressive departure from bureaucracy-heavy governance .

Why it matters: Effective e-governance enables SDG 16 (Peace, Institutions) and SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation). Yet instant digitalisation without user-centred design can alienate citizens. The coming weeks will show whether northern constituencies experience real service improvements—or digital dead ends.

Tobago’s Turn to Shine

For Tobago, the manifesto brings a suite of promises: local governance reform, transport upgrades, tourism investment, and the roll-out of renewable energy pilot schemes, including solar and hydrogen.

Why it matters: Small-island regions are acutely vulnerable to climate change, making SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Clean Energy) critical. Tobago’s first green-energy tender—whenever it happens—will test the government's sincerity and ministerial capacity.

Early Verdict: Are We Seeing Substance or Showmanship?

The UNC administration entered office boasting digital government, cannabis agribusiness, rural sports revival, and energy-sector overhaul. So far, however, deliverables have been limited to tender announcements and feasibility statements—not construction, contracts, or community rollout.

Potential pitfalls:

• Energy dependence without economic diversification: Simply boosting upstream activity without downstream planning leaves jobs and fiscal resilience hanging in the balance.

• Technology hype vs. inclusion: Digital promises must include rural and low-resource populations—otherwise, they deepen service gaps.

• Pilot fatigue: Be wary of stalled initiatives that disappear after buzz dies.

  
  

The High Bar Ahead

For Staging2030.org and stakeholders alike, these signals are vital to measure against Vision 2030 and the UN’s SDGs. This year will test whether policies mature into implemented programmes—with transparent timelines, inclusive oversight, and citizen feedback mechanisms.

Key markers to watch:

• Award and oversight conditions for deepwater bid blocks

• First cannabis farming licenses and sports centre inaugurations

• Deployment status of public-digital platforms across constituencies

• Official launch of renewable energy pilots in Tobago

  
  

The UNC’s mini-manifesto painted a canvas of reform and renewal. Now, Trinidad and Tobago waits to see whether these are brushstrokes—or broad, transformative strokes on history’s canvas.