Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her administration will focus on economic rebuilding and service delivery in 2026 as she reflected on her government’s tenure in office.
In her New Year’s message, Persad-Bissessar said she issued a clear directive to Cabinet ministers and state agencies that 2026 must be a year of “economic rebuilding, recovery, and delivery,” warning that inefficiency, delays and waste would not be tolerated.
She described 2025 as a turning point, noting that voters handed her administration a mandate on April 28 to restore what she called seriousness to governance, improve public safety and bring fairness to working families.
The prime minister said her government moved quickly from promises to action after taking office.
Public safety, she said, continues to be a central focus of the government.
Persad-Bissessar highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s strengthened cooperation with international partners, particularly the United States, aimed at tackling violent crime, gang activity, illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking.
She said intelligence sharing, maritime cooperation and joint operations had expanded, contributing to improved enforcement outcomes.
She stressed that the approach would continue in 2026, with sustained pressure on criminal networks and greater reliance on intelligence-led policing and international collaboration.
The prime minister also highlighted legislative measures passed in 2025, including Stand Your Ground and Home Invasion laws, which she said were intended to better protect law-abiding citizens in their homes.
Beyond security, Persad-Bissessar outlined what she described as key achievements across health, education and infrastructure.
She said the reopening and rededication of the Couva Children’s Hospital fulfilled a long-standing national commitment, returning the facility to its intended role as a centre for specialised paediatric care.
Looking ahead, Persad-Bissessar said the government’s 2026 agenda would focus on stimulating economic growth, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, accelerating infrastructure projects, strengthening both energy and non-energy sectors, and expanding job opportunities.
She said the guiding principle of her administration remained “Trinidad and Tobago first,” adding that every policy decision and dollar spent must advance the safety, prosperity and dignity of citizens.
Persad-Bissessar said the year ahead would require discipline, unity and hard work, but expressed confidence that it would also bring new opportunities for safer communities, a stronger economy and renewed hope for the nation.
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