Land Settlement Agency Launch of Outreach - Coming Down by You

Remarks by

The Honourable Adrian Leonce, M.P.

Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

National Racquet Sports Centre

Tacarigua

Monday, July 3, 2023 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

SALUTATIONS

• The Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Housing and Urban Development and Member of Parliament for Arouca/Maloney
• Mrs. Shanmatee Singh Ng Sang, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
• Mr. Hazar Hosein, Chief Executive Officer of the Land Settlement Agency
• Senior Officials and staff of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and of the Land Settlement Agency
• Representatives of Community Groups
• Specially invited guests
• Members of the Media
• Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning everyone,

July 3, 2023 will go down in history as the day squatting communities in Trinidad and Tobago formed a partnership for development with the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago. As Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, I have the honour to serve under the leadership of the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, who will today launch and share details about this very important initiative of the Land Settlement Agency.

Today is therefore an important day on the calendar because it is the day the LSA joins together with the communities it oversees, to form a partnership for sustainable communities.  This is an unprecedented agreement to coordinate and plan for the betterment of LSA communities across the nation.

In this alliance, you can plan for your present and future housing, transportation, and health needs.  The environment can be better looked after by the very people who would be impacted most – you.  The need for public health must be better considered.  Too often, several communities inadvertently deny themselves of equitable development.  Daily and easy access to schools, workplaces, public transport, health centres and other public amenities may not have been at the forefront of our communities’ minds when they chose a site to settle. As your government, committed to you and your development, we are here to help you address the challenges you face.  Through the LSA, we are here to provide support.

As a responsible government, we always keep in mind the bigger picture, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to which Trinidad and Tobago’s National Development Strategy – Vision 2030 is closely aligned. In particular, we work hard every day in pursuit of the broader urban and metropolitan agenda, and that is the Sustainable Development Goal 11: to build Sustainable Cities and Communities, guided by principles of partnership for communal livability.

Today is significant because today we tear down walls of division and build bridges of unity, of hope, and ultimately, of prosperity.  Close, regular, positive and constructive community interaction is what we all want, so that’s our communities can take a more collaborative and holistic approach to better anticipate their own needs, and lift themselves up to heights never seen before.

That is what we, in this government, want everyone in every village, town, and city to enjoy: access to quality public transportation, utilities and traditional amenities like markets, schools, parks, and medical facilities.

With your input and after a lot of hard work together, I know we will achieve our goals. I know that progress will come at the pace at which we push for it.

Working together, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Ask questions, make comments, and embrace the opportunities this day presents. That is how we will ensure that every citizen in every community can enjoy the high quality of life that we want you to enjoy.  With these few words, I thank you, and I wish you and your families all the very best.  May God bless you, and may God continue to richly bless our nation.

I thank you.