Volume 14
Inside this Issue
Strong economy, football and culture put
Housing gets $2.5 B
2
GATE opens for more students
4
Doha Development Agenda to benefit developing countries
5
Attention Nationals
6
Education in T&T on the right track
8
Ainsley Yearwood’s Art Exhibition
11
Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at TTHC
12
On de road to Germany
15
E-mail the Editor at: tthc.information @btconnect.com
Dec 05 - Jan 2006
Trinidad and Tobago on the world stage Message by H.E. Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip S.C.
In wishing all our nationals and supporters A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year (2006), I take this opportunity to remind all that at the start of 2005 I had said that the year ahead looked exciting for Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in terms of the economic outlook for the country. I dare say that 2005 has lived up to expectations not only in terms of a booming economy that has continued to experience positive growth but also on the sporting and cultural front. By far the most exciting event of 2005 was the win by our national football team, the Soca Warriors, in the qualifying round return match against Bahrain, which has catapulted a small nation of 1.3 million people on to the world scene in a big way. Together with the staff at the London Mission, I wish to congratulate Team Trinidad and Tobago for its self-belief and determination. Due recognition and congratulations must also be given to Mr. Jack Warner
H.E. Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip SC, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
for his continuing support of football in Trinidad and Tobago and to all the other officials who have contributed to the success of the Team. We all look forward to being in Germany to support our Warriors. The excitement and national pride generated by this historic win, coupled with the buoyancy of the economy, should ensure a significant presence of flagwaving supporters at the three venues in Germany where our team would be playing. For, as predicted, the economy continued to grow
in 2005. There was an overall growth of 7%, 4% of which was in the non-energy sector led by construction and manufacturing. Unemployment continued to decrease to just about 7% and the public debt as a share of the Gross Domestic Product declined. The downside to all this is the excess liquidity in the system but the Central Bank seems to be taking the necessary control measures. The prospects for 2006 are even brighter with a projected growth of 10%, fuelled by the revenues expected from the first full (Continues on page 7)