Budgetary Statement Page 1
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
BUDGETARY STATEMENT
Delegation of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Secretariat for Finance and Administration
20th Regular Session, 2016
General Statement:
The Delegation of Trinidad and Tobago is delighted and honored to be among its fellow delegates at the General Assembly at the 20th Summit of the Americas, 2016. This delegation looks forward to the constructive dialogue that will be occurring over the 3 day summit. During this summit we will be presenting many resolutions for this committee’s consideration, and despite the limited funding of the Organization of the American States (OAS) we hope that we will fund resolutions that are fruitful and fulsome. The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago is very aware of the OAS’ limited budget which was set at approximately 82 million dollars[i]. We are well aware that this budget cannot fund all of the ambitious programs that will be presented to our committee. Despite this limited budget we look ahead with optimism in knowing that previous summits have been though similar budget constraints and have overcome these constraints to fund resolutions that have helped out our hemisphere.
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has presented 7 resolutions to the General Assembly. These resolutions tackle a gamut of problems present in the hemisphere. Our first priority is the youth in our hemisphere. Many of the resolutions presented here concern our youth, as a nation where 1/3 of our population is under 24[ii], Trinidad and Tobago sees that youth are the future of our hemisphere and if we give them the right tools to succeed in life we can create a much stronger and prosperous hemisphere. Another priority for the Delegation of Trinidad and Tobago is human and civil rights. We strongly believe in Chapter 2, Article 3, Subsection J, of the OAS Charter in that “social justice and social security are the bases of lasting peace”[iii]. Lastly Trinidad and Tobago also pushes for gun reform and environmental policies that will help out our hemisphere.
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago extends its deepest gratitude toward members of the General Assembly in taking the time in looking over our resolutions. The delegation would like to remind all of the delegates in attendance on the reason we gather here today, and we would like to encourage all member states to move forward in this conference in the spirit of diplomacy. We are optimistic that the resolutions that will be passed by the General Assembly will foster a brighter, more inclusive future for the hemisphere, and we thank all the delegates in attendance for their continuous effort in attending to these matters.
Resolution 1 (General Committee): Trafficking in Persons Relief
The resolution that is presented here combats human trafficking and its terrible consequences. We note with sadness that Trinidad and Tobago is a major hub when it comes to human trafficking. This delegation also notes that human trafficking transcends the borders of Trinidad and Tobago and affects many countries within the hemisphere, which is why we believe this resolution deserves the utmost attention of our fellow delegates. It is hoped with this resolution that we will be able to reintegrate trafficking victims into society, by giving member states the resources to give their people who are victims the resources such as safe spaces for victims to heal from their horrific experience. This resolution also wants to encourage member states to prosecute fairly those who partake in the trafficking of persons. Lastly this resolution wants to encourage member states to continue to attend workshops that concern human trafficking and its victims so that they may deal with and handle trafficked people with the care, respect, and attention they deserve.
This resolution will be funded through various Non-Governmental Organizations. One organization that will help fund this resolution is the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The CRS have provided funding for programs that are similar to the resolution that has been presented. With Catholicism being the predominant religion in the hemisphere, the Delegation of Trinidad and Tobago also hopes that victims will be able to connect with the religious values of CRS to help them through this tough time. Aside from the CRS, this delegation is also calling for funding from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking. Through this fund we will be able to facilitate “actual, on-the-ground humanitarian, legal and financial aid to victims of trafficking”[iv]
Resolution 2 (Executive Secretariat for Integral Development): The Enactment of Technological Equality among Youth Students throughout the Hemisphere
This resolution is created to help students across the hemisphere learn and thrive in the age of globalization and information. Through this resolution we recommend the member states of the OAS to implement the eConnect and Learn (eCAL) program. The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has implemented the eCAL program with great success, and with that success the delegation has presented this resolution with that in mind. There are many goals that this program has such as “to improve the quality of instruction and support the infusion of ICT in teaching and learning and the development of 21st century skills in students.”[v]In addition to this goal, there are other goals that are included to implement equal access to technology, and improve student achievement. It is hoped that with the implementation of this program, member states will keep their youth in schools to learn trades and skills, and then implement those skills and trades in meaningful employment to grow that member state’s economy.
The way that this resolution will be funded is through the donation of laptops from computer corporations such as Dell, Apple, and Microsoft to member states so that they may have the equipment to implement the goals of eCAL. Other funding would come from the World Bank. The World Bank has funded programs that are in a similar nature under their education funds.
Resolution 3 (Executive Secretariat for Integral Development): Increasing Usage of Alternative Sources of Energy across the Hemisphere
On improving energy efficiency for the hemisphere, the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago has attacked the points of increasing research towards the use of alternative resources. With all of the inexhaustible resources that the nations of the OAS have to offer, this delegation believes that we as an organization, should focus on utilizing these assets to their fullest potential. As oil waste becomes more and more of an issue in the hemisphere, we, as delegates need to come together as a unified body to combat this issue. Finding cleaner methods of disposing of waste products could contribute to the preservation of the hemisphere, and the world as a whole, and this delegation believes that the resolution on the table could truly contribute to this. With various organizations with interests in different the portions of the resolution, the funding for this resolution believes it will find no issue funding the resolution at hand.
With contributions for research coming from the Renewable Energy Agency, International Hydropower Association, and other non-governmental agencies that choose to contribute, the delegation sees that all fields of research will be accomplished in the near future after the passing of this bill. As funding for the reduction of waste will primarily come from the National Resources Defense Council, and the CERES Coalition’s, along with the contributions of other willing NGOs, these funds will be spread to cover the remainder of any funding remaining on the projects that will be implemented in this bill, marking this bill as a highly efficient and highly funded resolution.
Resolution 4 (Secretariat for Multidimensional Security): The Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence
The Secretariat for Multidimensional Security (SMS) has focused on an extremely pertinent issue that has plagued the hemisphere for decades, and one that will continue to effect member states unless we, as an organization, do something to stop it; combating gun violence. With the amount of crimes that occur across the hemisphere, the rate of gun violence has increased substantially. Under Chapter 1, Article 2, subsection H in the OAS Charter it states that, “achieving an effective limitation of conventional weapons that will make it possible to devote the largest amount of resources to the economic and social development of the member states”[vi] is one of the organization’s essential purposes.
With this resolution, the delegation would like to combat this issue full force. By increasing fines on the possession of unregistered weapons and implementing stricter laws on fun registration, this delegate believes that we, as an organization can decrease these gun related crimes, simply by the means of forceful deterrence. As we try to decrease the crimes on undocumented weapons across the hemisphere, the delegate proposes to begin a new task force in the member states that is directed at combating gun violence in dangerous, gang run areas. In preventive measures to limit the trade of these undocumented weapons, the delegation presents a proposal towards the stricter monitoring of the various borders across the OAS in search of the trafficking of these illegal weapons.
In support from the International Action Network on Small Arms, as well as their partners representing various member states across the hemisphere, for example the Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WIFAD) in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Brady Campaign located in the United States, we as a delegation believe this resolution is sound and will be funded completely. Considering the funding of this resolution comes from NGO’s we strongly believe that that resolution can make a huge impact on our hemisphere, but not our budget, and would kindly encourage our fellow SAF members to follow suit.
Resolution 5 (Secretariat for Multidimensional Security): Promulgating Juvenile Delinquency in the Hemisphere
The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago is honored to bring forth the juvenile delinquency resolution that was discussed amongst the delegates of the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security committee. As this delegate brings forth the resolves listed in the resolution, the delegation would like to remind you all of our hemisphere’s future. With children being lost to the world of drug and gang violence across the hemisphere, we as an organization are losing more than just tax dollars to incarcerate these young children. We, as a hemisphere are losing possible members of our communities that could help make a difference. Instead of giving up, this delegate requests we give a little of our time and money towards trying to help save the future of the youth across this wonderful hemisphere.
This delegation proposes that a pilot program is begun in Trinidad and Tobago called Juvenile Fairness Assessment, to be instated across the member states upon completion and success. The program that this delegation plans to begin counseling services, as well as trade/skill trainings in the Juvenile Delinquency Detention Centers (JDDC). The goal for these programs is to help the children already in the Juvenile Detention Centers gain the abilities to have a smoother transition back into society after their release, hopefully reducing their chances of recidivism. With the way the resolution tries to attack the youth in the general public, this delegate proposes that all member states begin a prevention course that would be started in different primary education systems across the OAS. The goal of the course would be to illustrate the dangers of a life of crime, and attempt to deter children from crime before they become victim to the juvenile court systems. The second resolve focuses on the implementing of a Juvenile Bill of Rights that will be passed with certain rights that can be discussed and voted on among the individual member states. With the passing of this resolution, the member states will begin to open juvenile specific courts; member states are also encouraged by the delegation to follow some of the ideals listed in the Children of Act Treaty of 2012 from Trinidad and Tobago.
As far as funding goes, the delegation will be requesting funding from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, as well as any voluntary member states and non-governmental organizations that are wishing to take part. With these organizations and with the support from previous UN treaties, we as a delegation believe that this resolution would be funded with ease, and this delegate hopes the committee can bring these resolves into effect.
Resolution 6 (Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy): Advancing the Hemispheric Elimination of Racial Tensions in Schools and Local Communities
This resolution that’s presented here addresses eliminating racial tensions in schools and local communities. A common theme throughout this summit is the inexhaustible truth that children are our future. This resolution is here to address that by implementing the Student Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R)program. In this program, member states will be able to teach their youth about cultural diversity and acceptance. There will also be a mascot named Sadie the Star to make this program more relatable to children, who are the target audience. With this resolution it is hoped that the youth of member states are positively influenced and foster a sense of diversity and acceptance to ensure that this hemisphere is more inclusive to those that live in it.
This resolution would be funded by UNESCO’s International Fund for the Promotion of Culture (IFPC). “The resources of the IFPC are intended to promote: (a). Cultures as sources of knowledge, meanings, values, and identity; (b). The role of Culture for sustainable development; (c). Artistic creativity in all its forms, while respecting freedom of expression; (d). international and regional cultural cooperation.”[vii]It can be seen here that UNESCO and the IFPC would fund and promote a program such as S.T.A.R. This resolution is also asking for member states to donate money to this program as well.
Resolution 7 (Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy): Increasing Civil Registration across the Americas
Human exploitation across the hemisphere is no laughing matter. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are approximately 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally; in either, but not limited to prostitution, forced labor, and other Black Market industries.[viii]With high amounts of these black market and human trafficking crimes coming from member states of the OAS, the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago would also like to address the apparent correlation between the amount of people enacting in these crimes, and the number of unregistered citizens that take part.
As the delegation has proposed this resolution in front of us, the delegation believes that attacking the issue of civil registration in the hemisphere, will in fact, combat issues surrounding human exploitation as well. With the resolution on the table, this delegation would like to encourage all member states of the OAS to attempt to move towards 100% registration in their respective countries. This delegation would begin this program by training more civilians in becoming able to notarize on these civil registrations, so the member states can begin to open more areas for people to get registered; for example, in churches and community centers. As these new registration centers begin to open, we as a delegation propose providing various job fairs to take place at these sites on certain dates. Presenting more job incentives as well as bring forth the benefits of civil registration should, in this delegate’s eyes, highly motivate unregistered citizens to come and do so. With efforts on reducing the amount of unregistered citizens and providing accessible outlets for victims to receive citizenship, as well as jobs, we as a delegation believe this resolution is very essential and will progressively attack a pertinent issue in the hemisphere. With the numbers of unregistered citizens decreasing, the amount of possible undetectable human exploitation victims decreases as well, which limits the number of possible victims/members in the human trafficking and black market trades.
With hopeful contributions from various NGOs that already have backed similar resolutions such the Polaris Project, Hope For Justice, the Alliance Against Modern Slavery, ECPAT, any voluntary funding from member states, as well as any other willing non-governmental organizations, the resolution on the table should be funded completely, and not require any additional funding out of the already limited OAS budget. As Trinidad and Tobago would like to show gratitude to all of the delegates that have made it a priority to attend this organization’s 20th annual meeting, we would also like to remind the delegates on how much of an impact the passing this resolution could not only have for their delegations, but also for the hemisphere as a whole.
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[ii]2016 CIA World Factbook, pg. 746, Skyhorse Publishing, 2015
[iii]OAS Charter
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[v]
[vi]OAS Charter
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[viii]