This requires mobilizing private capital and deploying innovative, structured, and transparent financial instruments, which would allow us to direct investment toward sustainable development.

That is precisely why we are here today.

Green, Social and Sustainability Bonds have emerged as some of the most important tools available for mobilising capital towards environmental and social objectives.

These Bonds provide a mechanism through which climate ambitions can be transformed into renewable energy projects, resilient infrastructure, sustainable water systems and climate adaptation investments. Additionally, such Bonds unlock opportunities in affordable housing, healthcare access, education and other social priorities.“

The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, as we come to this House to amend the Appropriation Act 2026, we do so with a clear understanding that when resources are limited, every dollar must be used carefully and every dollar must serve the people.

We understand that responsible government is not only about careful budgeting; it is also about responsive and effective stewardship.

Throughout the fiscal year, circumstances evolve, priorities emerge, and the pace of implementation can create legitimate requirements for adjustments to previously approved allocations.

This observation was made by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai who observed, “The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves.”

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Mr. President, the removal of Trinidad and Tobago from the EU’s list signals renewed confidence in our financial governance framework.
It strengthens our standing with international investors and trading partners.
It improves our ability to access capital and to engage with global markets without stigma or suspicion.
It also enhances our reputation as a responsible and compliant member of the international financial
community.

It is indeed my distinct pleasure to open this training session, where we will explore the practical applications of Satellite Data and Geographic Information Systems. Today, we are not merely discussing imagery but we are also advancing our broader mission of advancing our national development through digital transformation.

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The Forum will examine the region’s economic outlook and development priorities in a context of heightened global uncertainty, with discussions spanning macroeconomic stability, sustainable growth, productivity, investment, climate resilience, infrastructure, innovation, and regional integration. The programme includes plenary sessions, thematic panels, closed-door ministerial dialogues, and a business matchmaking forum aimed at strengthening investment and commercial ties across the region.

Featured speakers will include, His Excellency, Jose Raul Mulino Quintero, President of the Republic of Panama, His Excellency, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness.

The Finance Minister will also be participating in the Caribbean Ministerial Dialogue titled- Accelerating Development Financing for the Caribbean: Agility, Flexibility, Impact scheduled for Thursday 29th January, 2026. The session is designed to nurture a solution-oriented exchange with a view to signing CAF’s development financing with national development priorities, strengthening implementation of existing projects, and positioning CAF as a long-term strategic partner for advancing sustainable and inclusive growth in the Caribbean.

Minister Tancoo is currently the Chairman of CAF’s Board of Directors until March 31st,2026, having assumed the position in April 2025.

For additional information about the International Economic Forum, including the agenda, speakers, panelists, please access the following link: https://www.caf.com/…/international-economic-forum…/

Earlier Today, Wednesday 28th January, 2026, Finance Minister, The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo participated in CAF’s International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean Plenary Session titled ‘Economic Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean: Between Stability and Growth |Session 2: The Growth Agenda Investment, Productivity, and Productive Transformation.

The plenary session offers a broad comparative view of the region’s economic outlook towards 2026, in a context of rising demands on economic policy and the growing attention to the sustainability of public finances. The discussions examined the key balances shaping today’s agenda: how to preserve creditability and predictability through solid fiscal frameworks, responsible debt management and improvements in the quality and efficiency of public spending, while rebuilding room to foster more dynamic and sustainable growth.

Session Two (2) explored productivity and investment as key drivers of sustainable growth, linking macroeconomic fundamentals with the conditions needed to strengthen competitiveness, diversification and economic performances over the medium term.

Panellist also included, Ms. Denisse Azucena Miralles, Minister of Economy and Finance of Peru, The Honourable Dennis Cornwall, Minister of Finance, Grenada, Mr. Jorge Quiroz, Head of Economic Program of Chile’s President -elect- Jose Antonio Kast and Mr. Felipe Larrain (Moderator), Former Minster of Finance of Chile and Director of the Latin American Center for Economic and Social Policy at the Pontifical Catholic University.

See video clipping attached to view the Honorable Minister of Finance Presentation at the session.

For additional information about the International Economic Forum, including the agenda, speakers, panelists, please access the following link: https://www.caf.com/…/international-economic-forum…/

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The global financial landscape is moving quickly and, Trinidad and Tobago cannot remain still.

In fact, later today in Parliament, I will have the privilege of piloting the Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill, 2025 a key step toward modernising our legislative framework and keeping pace with digital monetary developments.

In this rapidly changing world, we must remain vigilant and adaptive, to stay one step ahead of those who would use emerging innovations to exploit our systems.

This year’s theme speaks directly to the moment we are in: Future Ready. Innovation. Transformation. Resilience.

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