The Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport plans to launch the Tobago Skills Training Centre in Tobago west, in the first instance.
This stems from the demonstration of consistent interest in vocational skills training by the island’s residents for the Division’s current programme.

“We started the 2022 cycle of the Vocational Skills Training Programme. What I’ve found is, at the Division for the last two decades or so, they were doing skills training once every year for six months, covering about 30 skilled areas in various parts of the island. The response to the training was so overwhelming, from both the applicants and tutors, that we’ve decided to launch a full training institute in Tobago,” Secretary of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport Terance Baynes said.

The Secretary said that many participants of the skills training programme have gone on to start their own businesses.

“Because of the enthusiasm, and I am one of those who have lamented that people depend too much on the state; so development, independence, and finding your own way, I was very encouraged by that. I continue to support this programme fiercely,” he said. The Division also plans to open a training centre in east Tobago.

In Youth Development, the Secretary indicated that repair works at the island’s seven Y-Zones, which began in March are expected to be completed by April 30^th, while in Sport, the Division is implementing a thorough maintenance schedule for sporting facilities across the island.