La Brea Committee on Sustainable Community Development (CSCD) launches inaugural Economic Development Day

The inaugural La Brea Economic Development Day, held on July 10 at the Vessigny Secondary School, marked a significant milestone for La Brea’s sustainable economic development and empowerment. It brought together government agencies, the private sector, and the community to collaborate, innovate, and create lasting economic opportunities. The initiative is aimed to help residents and entrepreneurs acquire the necessary skills and education for the current job market, enabling them to access employment opportunities and establish businesses.

The economic development day was held under the patronage of the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, Member of Parliament for La Brea and Minister of Labour. Speaking at the launch of the event, Gabre Jesu Mc Tair, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sport and Community Development emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and community members to achieve sustainable development goals. He also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to continued progress and innovation in this area. Renrick Campbell, Chair of the La Brea Committee on Sustainable Community Development also shared that the committee is pursuing several economic development initiatives to boost La Brea residents’ employability, encourage sustainable entrepreneurship, and encourage community-based tourism.

British High Commissioner Her Excellency Harriet Cross, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia His Excellency William Sidney Bush Howard and Ambassador of Japan His Excellency Yutaka Matsubara all attended the event.

Incorporated as part of the Economic Development Day was a Business Pitch Competition, which saw thirteen (13) La Brea startups and entrepreneurs awarded more than $300,000 in prizes, courtesy of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) and Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited, with six-months of entrepreneurship support provided by NEDCO. Commenting on her success, the winner of the Light Manufacturing category, Jamie Thorpe of Brighton Steps Milk Products, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering entrepreneurship within the community. She encouraged residents to take advantage of programs like the La Brea Business Pitch Competition to pursue their business ideas and contribute to the community’s economic growth.

The event featured registration for a skills bank, job readiness training by Eve Anderson Recruitment, career guidance and degree financing by the UWI, and a business exposition with over 65 exhibitors, entrepreneurs, artisans and food vendors. It also featured organisations such as Tourism Trinidad Limited, National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO), Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, NGC and the La Brea Industrial Development Company Ltd (LABIDCO). Attendees had the opportunity to network with representatives from a wide range of industries and government agencies, gaining valuable insights into potential career paths and business opportunities. The event provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, fostering a spirit of innovation and growth.

This project, which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development under the National Policy on Sustainable Community Development (NPSCD), is a first for the region. It employs all aspects of the society including international organisations, government agencies, various Ministries, and the private sector. The goal of this project is to create a more sustainable and inclusive community through collaborative community leadership and multi-sectoral partnerships. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, the project aims to address key challenges in communities.

This initiative was spearheaded by the La Brea Committee on Sustainable Community Development and GrowLaBrea in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, NEDCO, Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited and Trinidad Generation Unlimited.