Prime Minister Outlines 2026 Priorities: Economic Rebuilding, Public Safety, And Worker Support
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has committed to making 2026 a year of bold action, focusing on economic recovery, intensifying the fight against crime, and empowering workers.
In her New Year’s Message to the nation, she emphasised that the coming year demands strong leadership and accountability. As such, she said she gave a clear directive to the Cabinet to deliver results.
« As we enter 2026, I have issued a clear mandate to every Cabinet Minister and Government agency that this year must be a year of economic rebuilding, recovery, and delivery. Every ministry is required to work diligently, coordinate effectively, and execute programmes with measurable outcomes. Inefficiency, delay, and waste will not be tolerated. Our focus in 2026 will be on stimulating economic growth, supporting small and medium enterprises, accelerating public infrastructure projects, strengthening both the energy and non-energy sectors, expanding job opportunities, and ensuring that public spending translates into tangible benefits for citizens. »
The Prime Minister said that after assuming office eight months ago, her government acted with urgency and purpose, moving decisively from promise to performance. She reminded the public of her pledge to reopen and rededicate the Couva Children’s Hospital, restart the laptop programme for secondary school students, and address workers’ welfare – all of which have been achieved.
“This Government has also stood firmly with workers. In 2025, public officers received a cash advance on their back pay before Christmas, providing immediate relief to families. Structured negotiations continue to finalise remaining arrears lawfully and sustainably. Commitments made have been honoured.”
The Prime Minister said safety and security remain a cornerstone of her government’s agenda and she detailed continued efforts to combat crime and protect citizens.
“My Government’s commitment to confronting violent crime, gang activity, and narcotics trafficking is ongoing and unwavering. We have strengthened strategic alliances with international partners, particularly the United States, to disrupt transnational criminal networks, intercept illegal firearms, and secure our borders by land, sea, and air. Intelligence sharing, maritime cooperation, and joint operations have expanded, contributing to crime reduction and stronger enforcement outcomes. This is not a temporary focus. It is a sustained national effort.”
The Prime Minister stressed that she will not allow Trinidad and Tobago to be a corridor for criminal enterprise, and authorities will continue to apply relentless pressure on gangs, illegal firearms, and narcotics traffickers, while strengthening intelligence-led policing and international cooperation.
She also praised recent legislative efforts: “In 2025, Parliament passed the Stand Your Ground and Home Invasion legislation, restoring balance to a justice system that must protect victims and law-abiding citizens. Families now have clearer legal protection within their homes. We also enacted Fireworks and Noise Pollution legislation, bringing long-overdue order, enforcement, and public safety to communities, hospitals, the elderly, and vulnerable populations.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said that as 2026 begins, her government remains confident and grounded in performance that will benefit all citizens.
« The year ahead will demand discipline, unity, and hard work, but it will also bring opportunity. Let us move forward together with faith in our people, pride in our nation, and confidence in the future we are building: Trinidad and Tobago first, above all. May God bless you, and may God bless Trinidad and Tobago. »
