Community Development

Community development in Trinidad and Tobago subscribes to the broad tenets as defined by the internationally accepted United Nations definition of community development. This initiative subscribes to the combined efforts of people in local communities and the government and other external agencies as a developmental method for improving the social, cultural and economic conditions of communities and for integrating communities into the national planning framework.

Mediation

The Community Mediation Services Division considers that sustainable social transformation of our society and the achievement of social justice requires the permeation and pervasive presence of restorative behaviour throughout our society. Therefore, the division executes a number of initiatives which aim to encourage the adoption of behaviours that are consistent with the underpinning philosophy of mediation, restoration and peace building.

The Prime Minister's Best Village Trophy Competition starts in January of each year, and is a year round programme that provides an opportunity for communities to be more conscious of their culture and environment. The programme also seeks to preserve, protect, and build on our Folk Traditions, and to facilitate the growth of our national culture through competition.