The Value Chain Investment Programme 2018

Are we finally getting right T&T? Are we finding the means for our economy to wean off our dependency on natural gas and energy? The Value Chain Investment Programme 2018 is both an amalgamation and continuation of past attempts to realize the commercial potential of our culture. It is understandable that some would be skeptical because there have been several similar initiatives in the past. Is the Value Chain Investment Programme 2018 going to be any different?

Renee White of Saycred Blu Design Studio showcases her designs for Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon. Photo courtesy Jeff Mayers.

The Value Chain Investment Programme 2018 was launched on Saturday 30th June 2018 at Government Plaza Courtyard, Port of Spain. The Ministry of Trade and Industry collaborated with CreativeTT, the parent company of MusicTT, FilmTT and FashionTT. Together they made a thrust towards the elusive goal of economic diversification. A goal T&T has been chasing for over 40 years. Most economists argue that the greatest setback towards diversification is the nation’s inability to make the right strategic investments to produce sustainable and long-term returns.

Trinidad and Tobago is quickly becoming a land of opportunity for artisans. The pieces are finally coming together for musicians, filmmakers, designers, artists and artistes to produce and profit. Value Chain is a step in the right direction to invest in our greatest exportable asset as a nation, our culture. The oil may run out but our culture will last forever.

Sheldon Warner of SMWARNER artwithattitude meets with Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon at the VCIP Launch. Photo courtesy Jeff Mayers.

Value Chain also seeks to empower our people to develop their creative passions into feasible careers. Furthermore, educating the public to “buy local”, creating the infrastructure for high quality, mass production, exploring emerging markets while capitalizing on established ones seem to be the working formula for the Value Chain Investment Programme 2018.

Chairman of CreativeTT, Mr. Calvin Bijou; Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry; GVC designer, Ecliff Elie and FashionTT General Manager, Lisa-Marie Daniel. Photo credit – Ecliff Elie

The recession has taught us that now more than ever we must diversify. We must learn the harsh lessons that have seen citizens unwillingly join the breadline and others leaning precariously close to the edge of doing the same. Lessons that a nation has been slow and stubborn to learn. The Value Chain Programme 2018 is creating the necessary incentives for our creativity and innovation to prosper. Trinidad and Tobago may be finally getting it right.  One can only hope.