Motions

WHEREAS section 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Chap. 1:01, affirms the principle of social justice including equality of opportunity and access to decent work;

AND WHEREAS the economic transformation and sustainable development of Trinidad and Tobago require coordinated and forward-looking national workforce planning;

AND WHEREAS persistent labour market mismatches, including skills gaps, youth unemployment, underemployment and misalignment between education and national economic priorities, continue to constrain productivity and economic participation;

AND WHEREAS international best practice among advanced economies demonstrates the value of integrated workforce development frameworks grounded in labour market intelligence and strong collaboration among government, industry, education and training institutions;

AND WHEREAS a National Workforce and Manpower Strategic Plan for Trinidad and Tobago should provide for coordinated labour market forecasting; alignment of education and technical and vocational training systems with national development priorities; strengthened industry-education partnerships and work-integrated learning opportunities; development of digital, critical-thinking, green economy and entrepreneurial skills; measures to address youth unemployment and participation disparities; and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, including periodic reporting to Parliament;

BE IT RESOLVED that this Senate calls upon the Government to prepare and table in Parliament, within twelve (12) months, a comprehensive National Workforce and Manpower Strategic Plan for Trinidad and Tobago, inclusive of a legislative and institutional framework.

(By Senator Dr. Marlene Attzs)