Lovell Francis: TT in an identity crisis

This country is facing an existential crisis in which citizens and society must decide their own identity, said Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr Lovell Francis. He was giving the feature addess at the signing ceremony of a training programme for retrenched workers at the Vehicle Management Corporation of TT’s (VMCOTT) Beetham headquarters on Thursday.

Francis said despite uncertain financial times, all citizens should make an effort to work hard and sacrifice luxuries for the progress of the nation. He urged people not to take lightly training opportunities such as the one offered by VMCOTT and called on everyone to make maximum use of their potential.

“TT is right now going through a watershed historic event. At the end of it we will know very well who we are. Are we people who are so consumed with ourselves that we tear apart the country to simply get what we want or feel that we are entitled to? Or are we the people who understand that in difficult times we must be patriotic and work towards building something better?”

He added that in recent times, the demand for skilled labour in industry has increased, and praised the Youth Training Employment and Partnership Programme (YTEPP) for its collaboration with VMCOTT and the Ministry of Education in establishing the programme, adding that it would go a long way in enhancing the local automotive industry as well as reviving the economy.

“When as a government we look at the figures, it says a number of things. It says that we need more people trained in skilled areas, it says thats what we should be producing. “But for very long we have not been doing that. Any economic growth we have will depend to a significant extent on people who have the technical skills needed for economic diversification.”

YTEPP CEO Nigel Forgenie also expressed his confidence over the programme and praised VMCOTT officials for their foresight and assistance in its launch. He said the current economic climate demanded a fresh look at local industries and was optimistic that it would yield results for both participants and the nation.

The programme, which is expected to last nine months will train participants in mechanical repairs and upkeep of vehicles using technology available at VMCOTT’s three locations. Trainees will be paid a stipend of $60 a day from Monday to Friday.