Education & Health
From The Report: Trinidad & Tobago 2015
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Buoyed by revenues from the oil and gas industry, education is one of T&T’s strengths. In its “Global Competitiveness Report 2014-15”, the World Economic Forum ranked T&T 44th for the general quality of its education system, 43rd for primary education, 35th for maths and science, and 33rd for its management schools, out of 144 countries. Unsurprisingly, the government has made education a priority, allocating 15% of total spending to the sector in the 2015 fiscal year. Meanwhile, as the prevalence of non-communicable diseases rises, T&T’s public health care system is working to expand services while coping with labour shortages. A move to a National Health Insurance System, in which health care is largely funded by a levy on the working population, is being contemplated by authorities. In the meantime, deficiencies in the public system are likely to generate opportunities for health insurers as wealthier Trinbagonians seek better and faster care.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago’s education system is multi-faceted and well funded
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Buoyed by revenues from the oil and gas industry, education can be considered one of the great economic strengths of Trinidad and Tobago, which stands out among emerging markets by this measure. In its “Global Competitiveness Report 2014-15” on 144 countries, the World Economic Forum ranked T&T as 89th for overall competitiveness, but 44th for the general quality of its education system, 43rd for primary education, 35th for maths and science, and 33rd for its management schools. In other…

Analysis

Trinidad and Tobago’s government uses programme approval to steer education towards job market needs
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After years of steady state investment, Trinidad and Tobago is reaping the benefits of increased attention to tertiary education. The student participation rate – the share of those aged 17-21 enrolled in post-secondary courses – has risen from 42% in 2010 to 65% in late 2014, compared to 2001, when it was just 7%. One key change has been the introduction in 2004 of the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme, which ensures citizens can undertake tertiary courses, including…

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago’s public health care system works to expand services while coping with labour shortages
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Many of the health indicators for Trinidad & Tobago are similar to those of developed countries. Well over 90% of the population has access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Regarding childbirth – one of the key health benchmarks for emerging markets – nearly all expectant mothers make at least four doctor visits before giving birth, and virtually all births in the country are attended by health professionals. The percentage of infants who are immunised against poliomyelitis…