SOCIAL SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
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SUSTAINING GROWTH, SECURING PROSPERITY
CHAPTER 3: NATIONAL SOCIAL SITUATION
3.7 PEOPLE-CENTRED
DEVELOPMENT
The GoRTT in its thrusts towards sustainable
development values a people-centre approach.
In this regard, cohesion, inclusiveness and
celebration of diversity are fundamental
tenets in building and shaping a strong nation.
The Ministry of National Diversity and Social
Integration (MNDSI), which was established in
June, 2012, has as its core business:
• The promotion of societal cohesion;
• The development among the population
of an appreciation for diversity and the
harnessing of that diversity toward greater
national development;
• The inculcation of a deep sense of patriotism
in the citizenry;
• The facilitation of the effective operations of
the National Archives;
• The maintenance and preservation of our
rich heritage; and
• The provision of the means to access
Government by the citizens, with the aim of
leveraging their views for the development
of the nation as a whole and treating with
issues which are impacting them negatively.
Among the major achievements for fiscal 2013
(October 2012 – July 2013) by this Ministry
were:
• Celebrated the National Year of Patriotism
(August 31st, 2012 to August 31st, 2013),
which was preceded by the Month of
Patriotism (2012). This month began with
the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving
and included the country’s celebrations of
both Independence Day and Republic Day.
The National Month of Patriotism will be
celebrated each year;
• Hosted
the
Most
Patriotic
School
Competition during the first school term.
A total of 13 Secondary and 35 Primary
Schools competed for the title of most
Patriotic Secondary and Primary School,
respectively. Arima Boys Government
won the Primary School category and
San Fernando West Secondary won the
Secondary School category for displaying a
practical understanding of patriotism;
• Conducted a Stakeholders Conference on
Tuesday 23rd of October, 2012;
• Established an Inter-Sectoral Steering
Committee on Patriotism. The inaugural
meeting was hosted on Wednesday 26th
September, 2012 and 3 sub-committees
were established: Public Relations, Flag for
Every Home, and the Patriot and Panchyatt;
• Hosted Public Consultations on the
Establishment of the Civil Society Board of
Trinidad and Tobago – Consultations were
held in Trinidad on November 23, 2012 and in
Tobago on December 12, 2012;
• Hosted a ‘National Heroes’ Consultation on
December 11, 2012 in Trinidad and another
in Tobago on January 9, 2013. The ‘National
Heroes’ Policy has been submitted to
Cabinet for approval;
• Hosted the First Patriotic Fair on the
14th December, 2012 at the Brian Lara
Promenade, Port of Spain. And subsequently
hosted three additional Fairs, one at the
same location and at Trincity Mall and Gulf
City Mall;
• Conducted a visit to the proposed site of 25
acres of state lands in Blanchisseuse for the
establishment of an Amerindian Village on
6th March, 2013;
• Hosted Patriotism Week with the theme: “I
am, You are, We are….Trinbago” during the
period 19-23 March, 2013;
• Conducted a ‘Heritage Walk’ around the
Savannah 0n Saturday 24th March, 2013,
with approximately 1,200 citizens;
• Produced, in conjunction with the National
Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, a book entitled
“Built Heritage of Trinidad and Tobago” and
distributed 2,000 copies to stakeholders,
libraries and other organisations. The Trust
