Trinbotex Files

Consulate General of the
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Tel: (305)374-2199 WOO Brickell Avenue,

Fax: (305) 374-3 1 99 Suite 800,

E-mail: Consulate@ttcamiami.com Miami, FL 33131 -3047

CGM: 1/3/21

April 5, 2011

Dear Nationals,

Request for a Foresightinq Exercise from the Ministry of Planning, Economic and Social
Restructuring and Gender Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago

The Ministry of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs is in the
process of conducting the first phase of a foresighting exercise which is an integral part of the
economic diversification of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. This exercise requires the
input of experts in various areas of interest (see attached list).

In this regard, the Consulate General would be most pleased to receive the assistance
of the Heads of Trinidad and Tobago Associations (President/ Chairpersons) in identifying
among their membership, those persons who possess the relevant skills and expertise as
specified.

Also, invited to submit their names and contact information would be other skilled
professionals who may not have membership in any of the Diaspora Associations but would
wish to be included in this initiative as well as who may reside within the following ten states
under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General:

• Florida, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina,

Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

The invitation is also inclusive of CARICOM nationals who similarly reside in the
aforementioned states.

Looking forward to a positive response.

Sincerely,

Consul General

Rle 5/4/1

Minister of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs

Senator the Honourable Mary K. King
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

15/03/2011

Consul General Ms. Laura Marie West

Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Miami

1000 Brickell Avenue

Suite 800

Miami Fl 33131 -3047

United States of America

Dear Consul-General,

Subi.:-Assistance for a Foresighting Exercise

The Ministry of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs of Trinidad
and Tobago is currently conducting the first phase of a foresighting exercise. This foresighting
exercise is an integral part of the economic diversification thrust of the Government of Trinidad
and Tobago. The Cabinet of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has agreed to the use of a
National Innovation System, in particular the Innovation Diamond as the vehicle for the
diversification of the economy (the Innovation Diamond is at Attachment I).

The foresighting exercise requires the input of experts in various areas of interest (for the list of
areas, please see Attachment II) and the engagement of our Caribbean Diaspora would be highly
valuable. It is for this reason that this Ministry requires the assistance of your Consulate in
providing a list of Trinidad & Tobago and CARICOM nationals who reside in your jurisdiction
and have expertise in the areas identified in Attachment II. The relevant contact information for
these persons would also be required.

We look forward to your positive response. Kindly indicate whether you would be willing to
assist by contacting 627-9700 ext. 1372/1423; or by emailing stacy.harricharan@phe.gov.tt or
annitra.boodoo@phe.gov.tt.

Sincerely, .

Mary K. King
Minister

Level 14, Eric Williams Finance Building, Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, P.O. Box 834
Telephone: (868) 623-3716; Fax: (868) 627-4195; Email: Mary.King@phe.gov.tt

Minister of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs

Senator the Honourable Mary K. King
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Attachment I

The Innovation Diamond

The Innovation Diamond illustrated below encapsulates how the NISTT will operate. It features an interconnected
system of institutions that work toward the goal of wealth generation.

The Innovation Diamond

The following is a brief explanation of how the Diamond will work:

The Centres of Excellence (CoEs) -• Learning systems are critical for the production of human capability
and capacity to create and diffuse knowledge. In the CoEs there will be focused R&D (in areas chosen from
a foresighting exercise) which will facilitate the exploration of new theories as well as the exploitation of
the more profitable of the new ideas. The CoEs will also facilitate entrepreneurs with exploitable ideas.
Finance - The Innovation System cannot be implemented without financing. Our private banking sector is
extremely risk averse, hence, the government will lead by example by providing R&D grant funding, proof
of concept funding and venture capital to also facilitate innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),
via for example government economic development bonds the proceeds of which are made available to this
higher risk development.

Test Market, Marketing and Market Development - These are critical for the support of the product,
service and process development.

Entrepreneurs, SMEs, Corporate Expansion - Entrepreneurs are the final output of the innovation system.
The innovation system will provide support to these SMEs and the expansion of existing organizations to
form the various clusters many defined by the work of the CoEs

Organizations - It is important that all of the Diamond points are strongly networked to ensure that they
grow the system together.

Level 14, Eric Williams Finance Building, Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, P.O. Box 834
Telephone: (868) 623-3716; Fax: (868) 627-4195; Email: Mary.King@phe.gov.tt

Minister of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs

Senator the Honourable Mary K. King
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Attachment II

List of Areas of Interest

1 . Agriculture

2. Construction

3. Culture

4. Education

5. Energy

6. Finance

7. ICT

8. Infrastructure

9. Manufacturing

1 0. Medicine

1 1 . Tourism

Level 14, Eric Williams Finance Building, Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, P.O. Box 834
Telephone: (868) 623-3716; Fax: (868) 627-4195; Email: Maiy.King@phe.gov.tt