Acting Prime Minister's address at the CONNEX Expo.

Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development and acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Errol Mc Leod

July 04, 2012:

It is with great pleasure that I share this auspicious occasion with you. This is one of the many efforts through which we propose to build social dialogue and close whatever the gaps existing between Government and the people.

Indeed, Government is expected to act as a vehicle of change through which the wheels of productivity are kept in constant motion. Today, the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development proposes to ignite that process in a tangible manner.

In the lead-up to today’s launch, there existed many a view that excessive bureaucracy and doubtful
information culminated in a lingering disconnect between the Government and the general public. This disconnect often led to misunderstandings about the services available and the channels through which they
could be readily accessed.

This deficiency precipitated the desire among the Ministry’s stakeholders to create a viable avenue through which its services could engage the attention of the general public in a relaxed setting. Following these discussions, MOLSMED Connex was born. Among its stated objectives include:

 Opening a space for small and micro enterprises to thrive as they seek to develop and grow their business.
 Creating an atmosphere where small businesses can readily network and interact with other businesses and investors.
 Providing an avenue for mass dissemination of information on the services offered by the Ministry of Labour and its agencies (National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO), Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies, Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA).
 Branding Trinidad & Tobago as a destination of choice to acquire unique goods as well as dynamic services.
 Fostering a greater respect and understanding of the skills and abilities of Trinidad & Tobago nationals.

According to the People’s Partnership Manifesto 2010, the optimum contribution of each and every citizen is crucial. Therefore highlighting that link between longterm human development and people participation was pivotal to our thrust to launch MOLSMED Connex.

On our nation’s fiftieth anniversary of independence, it is critical to link progress with our respective partners. The linkages between Government, business and labour have become even more critical as we work toward establishing a society premised on equity, justice and economic sustainability.

In recognition of the recently declared United Nations’ International Year of Co-operatives, aspiring to the cooperative
goal of economic sustainability and social stability is even more imperative. To this end, the Ministry is involved with its Co-operative Development Division to bring greater prominence to the importance of the co-operative movement to non-traditional markets such as our young people. Seventy-five years after the Anti-Colonial Revolt of 1937 in Fyzabad, the scope of this Ministry has widened considerably beyond basic labour issues. When for example we speak of collective bargaining, in the same breath we are also mindful of the importance of addressing the individual and collective rights and
responsibilities of workers.

As our work priorities are streamlined and the distance between countries and businesses becomes smaller, we are compelled to connect. The importance ofengendering social dialogue in national conversation and promoting new, creative avenues for business growth and development are reflected in initiatives such as the National Business Incubator Systems (IBIS), Fair Share and Green Jobs. Again, this is in keeping with the Ministry’s mission of empowerment that is peoplecentred.

If you want to know about starting a business but you not sure what is required… our IBIS programme can help you. Say you want to learn about protecting the environment while increasing productivity levels on your job…check out our Green Jobs initiative.

Thinking about getting the necessary skills and experience to launch yourself into the job market…I invite you to take a walk over to our National Employment Services (NES) booth. At the international level, our commitment to promoting a decent work agenda is underscored by the recent increase in maternity leave for pregnant employees from 13 weeks to 14 weeks, giving legal protection on the job to domestic labourers and educating our workforce about creating a cogent policy to target HIV/AIDS within the job environment.

Today, the productivity and competitiveness of our country is driven by the ability of our labour market to acclimatize to rapid changes in Information and Communication (ICT) technology. This translates into the viability of our domestic labour entities to stimulate employment, diversify their skills and establish longterm sustainable enterprises. However, country empowerment must start from the ground level and firstly begin with people empowerment. So, whatever your concern, I invite you to readily seize the opportunity to get connected.

Small and Micro Enterprise owners…. get in the know about the Ministry’s current initiatives to boost the success of your business! Public servants… come exchange ideas and information about how the Ministry can better serve you! All students…..why not get a jump start on the world of work and discover the various skills-training programmes available at your fingertips!

Even if you simply want to know how the Government is working for you, this is the ideal forum for your enquiry. Over the course of the next four days, you would be privy to a cadre of services offered by over 150 participants, including members of the local co-operative movement. These services include contemporary areas such as eco-tourism, fashion design, health and wellness, graphic design, landscaping and horticulture.

Yet, today’s launch is not strictly about business. On a lighter note, I invite you to enjoy the live entertainment featuring some of the best of our local talent and the dazzling array of creative talent in the fashion show facilitated by Ms. Lystra Cudjoe.

I thank you for supporting this venture by your presence this morning. May you have many moments of enjoyment interspersed with periods of informative edification.

Thank you and May God richly bless our great nation.