Examining creative solutions to employment insecurities in Trinidad and Tobago through the use of “community media projects”

Abstract

Trinidad and Tobago are the leading oil and gas production economy in the Caribbean. Countless reports prove the significant contribution oil production makes to this nation's economy. This twin island is also one of the foremost global exporters of methanol and ammonia to the U.S market (IHS Chemical, World Methanol Analysis 2013; FERTECON Ammonia Outlook 2014). However, some may argue that this resource-rich country remains heavily reliant on revenues generated by gas production. Although Trinidad and Tobago have succeeded, to a limited extent, in diversifying the economy from energy to manufacturing, services and eco-tourism, it currently faces a major economic insecurity. More recently, several local economists including Hosein (2016) have issued statements warning the Trinidad and Tobago Government that failure to reform the economy particularly in areas of economic diversification can result in a repeat of the 1989 IMF Structural Adjustment Loan fiasco. Hosein (2016) and others argue that economic diversification will reduce risk and ensure long-term industrial development. In this vein, I use my presentation to examine the concept and importance of economic diversification in light the brief situation analysis outlined above.

There have been continuous debates about the industrial value of creativity and culture in societies (see the works of Eleonora Belfiore). The basic idea is that wealth and income-generating opportunities can be obtained through individual creativity skills, talent and local culture. In this vein, I present some of the findings from my impact case study of the Shoot To Live project, a community media project in Trinidad and Tobago, which explores creative and social entrepreneurial outlets as one of the solutions to Trinidad and Tobago's economic insecurity.