TRINIDAD:

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE

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 TRINIDAD:
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

BACKGROUND 10

GOVERNANCE 12

SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE 14

BASIC URBAN SERVICES 17

INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES 20

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 23

DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT 26

SWOT ANALYSES

GOVERNANCE 28

SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE 29

BASIC URBAN SERVICES 30

INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES 31

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 32

DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT 33

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44
FOREWORD

According to As part of our drive to address this crisis, UN-Habitat

research published is working with the European Commission and the
in UN-Habitat’s1 Brussels-based Secretariat of the African, Caribbean
flagship report, The and Pacific (ACP) Group to support sustainable urban
State of the World’s development. Given the urgent and diverse needs, we
Cities 2010-2011, found it necessary to develop a tool for rapid assessment
all developing and strategic planning to guide immediate, mid and
regions, including long-term interventions. And here we have it in the
the African, form of this series of publications.
Caribbean and
Pacific states, will The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme is based
have more people on the policy dialogue between UN-Habitat, the ACP
living in urban than Secretariat and the European Commission which dates
rural areas by the back to the year 2002. When the three parties met at
year 2030. With UN-Habitat headquarters in June 2009, more than 200
half the world’s delegates from over 50 countries approved a resounding
population already living in urban areas, the challenges call on the international community to pay greater
we face in the battle against urban poverty, our quest for attention to these urbanization matters, and to extend
cities without slums, for cities where women feel safer, the slum upgrading programme to all countries in the
for inclusive cities with power, water and sanitation, ACP Group.
and affordable transport, for better planned cities, and
for cleaner, greener cities is daunting. It is worth recalling here how grateful we are that the
European Commission’s 9th European Development
But as this series shows, there are many interesting Fund for ACP countries provided EUR 4 million (USD
solutions and best practices to which we can turn. After 5.7 million at June 2011 rates) to enable UN-Habitat
all, the figures tell us that during the decade 2000 to to conduct the programme which now serves 59 cities
2010, a total of 227 million people in the developing in 23 African countries, and more than 20 cities in six
countries moved out of slum conditions. In other Pacific, and four Caribbean countries.
words, governments, cities and partner institutions have
collectively exceeded the slum target of the Millennium Indeed, since its inception in 2008, the slum upgrading
Development Goals twice over and ten years ahead of programme has achieved the confidence of partners at
the agreed 2020 deadline. city and country level in Africa, the Caribbean and in
the Pacific. It is making a major contribution aimed
Asia and the Pacific stood at the forefront of successful at helping in urban poverty reduction efforts, as each
efforts to reach the slum target, with all governments report in this series shows."
in the region improving the lives of an estimated 172
million slum dwellers between 2000 and 2010. I wish to express my gratitude to the European
Commission and the ACP Secretariat for their
In sub-Saharan Africa though, the total proportion of commitment to this slum upgrading programme. I
the urban population living in slums has decreased by have every confidence that the results outlined in this
only 5 per cent (or 17 million people). Ghana, Senegal, profile, and others, will serve to guide the development
Uganda, and Rwanda were the most successful countries of responses for capacity building and investments in
in the sub-region, reducing the proportions of slum the urban sector.
dwellers by over one-fifth in the last decade.
Further, I would like to thank each Country Team for
Some 13 per cent of the progress made towards the their continued support to this process which is essential
global slum target occurred in Latin America and the for the successful implementation of the Participatory
Caribbean, where an estimated 30 million people have Slum Upgrading Programme.
moved out of slum conditions since the year 2000.
Yet, UN-Habitat estimates confirm that the progress
made on the slum target has not been sufficient to
counter the demographic expansion in informal
settlements in the developing world. In this sense,
efforts to reduce the numbers of slum dwellers are
neither satisfactory nor adequate.
FOREWORD

Dr. Joan Clos

Executive Director, UN-Habitat
1 UN-Habitat - United Nations Human Settlements Programme

5 5
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION by Act No. 37 (1980) and gives some powers to

Tobago with regard to its finances, policy, planning,
The Urban Profiling is a rapid and action-oriented and administration. Many have complained, however,
urban assessment of needs and capacity-building that the Tobago House of Assembly’s autonomy is too
gaps at national and local levels. It is currently being limited.
implemented in over 20 countries in Africa, the Arab
states, and the Caribbean. Urban profiling uses a
structured approach in which priority interventions are
agreed upon through a consultative process. It consists SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND AND
of three phases: (1) a rapid participatory urban profiling TENURE
at national and local levels, focusing on governance,
informal settlements, urban services, urban safety, “Slums”, as used in the UN context, do not exist in
local economic development, disaster management, Scarborough, but many houses in the Bagatelle, Darryl
environment, and proposed interventions; (2) detailed Spring, and Sangsters Hill areas of Scarborough exhibit
priority proposals; and (3) project implementation. many of the critical characteristics. While the Tobago
House of Assembly allocates funds for settlement
Urban profiling in Trinidad and Tobago encompasses improvement, given other pressing issues, settlement
a national profile, as well as profiles for Port of Spain, improvement does not always receive the appropriate
Scarborough, and San Fernando, each published as a attention.
separate report. This is the Scarborough report and it
constitutes a general background, a synthesis of specific The Land Management Department deals with issues
themes – Governance; Slums, Shelter, Land, and related to state land, which accounts for 34 percent
Tenure; Basic Urban Services; Inclusive and Safer Cities; of all land in Tobago. Squatting is seen as a measure
Local Economic Development; Disaster Management, of “land hunger” in relation to the availability of
Climate Change, and Environment – and priority unused state land. As a result, the Tobago House of
project proposals. Assembly instigated a distribution system in an attempt
to accommodate people who are willing to invest a
minimum sum of money for leased state land.
BACKGROUND
Tobago is the smaller island of the twin island state BASIC URBAN SERVICES
of Trinidad and Tobago. Scarborough falls within the
parish of St Andrews and is the main town in Tobago. There are a number of agencies responsible for the
Its terrain slopes down from the Main Ridge in the provision and coordination of infrastructure and public
north to the Atlantic Ocean in the south. It houses a utilities, including the Tobago House of Assembly, the
deep-water harbour and cruise ship complex and as Water and Sewage Authority, and the Trinidad and
such facilitates the economically important tourism Tobago Electricity Commission. Ninety-one percent of
sector. Scarborough also accommodates the majority Scarborough’s communities receive a piped water supply.
of the island’s commercial offices and governmental Access to houses on slopes can be an issue, and some
agencies. However, many of these services and functions informal settlements depend on rainwater. A number
exist within infrastructure and buildings that are in of residential structures in the informal settlements lack
a poor state. With the exception of the historical proper sanitation facilities, with pit latrines being used
buildings and a few modern ones, the building stock as opposed to proper sewerage connections.
(both residential and commercial) largely has low-
quality building materials. Daunting galvanized iron
and steel structures, which are both unsightly and INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES
unsafe, border many streets and exist in the prime areas
of downtown Scarborough. A complete rehabilitation Whilst Tobago is generally felt to be safer than
and regeneration of Scarborough is imperative in order neighbouring Trinidad in terms of the levels of crime,
to raise the standard of this tourist island. there are times when the police force is very concerned
about crime. Indeed, crime in Tobago has a particular
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

impact on the all-important tourism industry. Within

Scarborough, the design of communities and the
GOVERNANCE buildings within them can encourage social exclusion
Scarborough is the main centre of governance in and unsafe living quarters, while promoting illegal
Tobago, and the Tobago House of Assembly is the activities.
main governance entity. The assembly was established

66
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
While some 57 percent of the workforce is employed
by the Tobago House of Assembly, there is considerable
dependence on the tourism industry. The Cove Eco-
Industrial and Business Park in south-west Tobago was
approved in early 2010 to develop light industries. This
project is expected to provide a range of new jobs as
well as providing opportunities for diversification away
from tourism.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE

CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT
The environment is of primary importance and needs
proper maintenance in order to ensure a sustainable
tourism industry. The Division of Agriculture, Marine
Affairs, and the Environment, which houses a sub-
department of Natural Resources and the Environment,
is responsible for environmental issues. They are
governed by the Environmental Management Act 2000.
Tobago falls within the hurricane belt in the Caribbean.
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency is the
primary emergency management agency in Tobago.
The agency undertook a vulnerability assessment for
the island, and has attempted to relocate persons after
disasters such as hurricanes and landslides.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

77
 BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION Phase two builds on the priorities identified through

pre-feasibility studies and develops detailed capacity-
Urban Profiling building and capital investment projects.
The Trinidad and Tobago urban profiling consists of Phase three implements the projects developed
an accelerated, action-oriented assessment of urban during the two earlier phases, with an emphasis on
conditions, focusing on priority needs, capacity gaps, skills development, institutional strengthening, and
and existing institutional responses at local and national replication.
levels. The purpose of the study is to develop urban
poverty reduction policies at local, national, and regional This report presents the outcomes of Phase One of the
levels, through an assessment of needs and response urban profiling in Scarborough.
mechanisms, and as a contribution to wider-ranging
implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
The study is based on analysis of existing data and a
series of interviews with all relevant urban stakeholders, URBAN PROFILING IN
including local communities and institutions, civil SCARBOROUGH
society, the private sector, development partners, and
others. The consultation typically results in a collective Urban profiling in Scarborough is one of three such
agreement on priorities and their development into exercises conducted in Trinidad and Tobago. Similar
proposed capacity-building and other projects, all exercises are being undertaken in Port of Spain, the
aimed at urban poverty reduction. Urban profiling is capital city, and San Fernando, a medium-sized city
being implemented in many Arab, African, Caribbean, in south Trinidad. Each urban profile is published as a
and Pacific countries. separate report.

In Trinidad and Tobago and the other Caribbean

countries, the urban profiling is being done in REPORT STRUCTURE
partnership with the University of the West Indies. This
offers an opportunity for comparative regional analysis, This report consists of:
with particular customization to the Caribbean context
and history, which holds particular relevance in the 1. a general background of the urban sector in
formulation of the themes. Scarborough, based on the findings of the desk
study undertaken, interviews, and a consultation
that was held in Scarborough on 17 February 2011.
The background includes data on administration,
METHODOLOGY urban planning, the economy, the informal sector,
The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme the private sector, urban poverty, infrastructure,
consists of three phases: water, sanitation, public transport, street lighting,
energy, health and education.
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND

Phase one consists of rapid profiling of urban conditions

at national and local levels. The capital city, a medium- 2. an assessment of the areas of governance; slums,
sized city, and a small city are selected and studied to shelter, land, and tenure; basic urban services;
provide a representative sample in each country. The inclusive and safer cities; local economic
analysis focuses on the following themes: governance; development; and disaster management, climate
slums, shelter, land, and tenure; basic urban services; change, and environment, in terms of the
inclusive and safer cities; local economic development; institutional set-up, regulatory framework, resource
and disaster management, climate change, and mobilization, and performance. It is to be noted that
environment. Information is collected through standard gender was not identified as a specific issue since it
interviews and discussions with institutions and key was felt that gender issues permeated every thematic
informants, in order to assess the strengths, weaknesses, level. This second section also highlights agreed
opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) of the national priorities emerging from the consultation working
and local urban set-ups. The findings are presented groups, and includes a list of identified projects.
and refined during city and national consultation 3. a SWOT analysis and outlines priority project
workshops, and consensus is reached regarding priority proposals for each theme. The proposals include
interventions. National and city reports synthesize the beneficiaries, partners, estimated costs, objectives,
information collected and outline ways forward to activities, and outputs.
reduce urban poverty through holistic approaches.

88
MAP AND GRAPH - SCARBOROUGH IN DATA

1400000

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND

1200000

1000000

Total Population: Trinidad and Tobago

800000
Total Population: Tobago

Total Population: Scarborough Study Area

600000

400000

200000

Sources: Contact Magazine, Vol. 8 Issue 3, and Central Statistical Office.

9 9
 ADMINISTRATION division of the ministry with responsibility for land use
and development management and control.
The Tobago House of Assembly is the main
administrative entity on the island. The assembly was Development planning and control for both
created in 1980 by the Tobago House of Assembly Scarborough and Tobago is undertaken by the Tobago
Act 1980, which gave the assembly limited delegated Regional Office of the Town and Country Planning
powers. The Tobago House of Assembly Act 1996 Division. It has no autonomy in planning matters and
repealed the earlier act, giving the assembly greater is overseen by the Head Office in Port of Spain.
autonomy and power regarding the administration of
this regional body.
The functions of the assembly are carried out by an THE ECONOMIC SITUATION
Executive Committee, made up of the Chief Secretary, Many of the services and government functions on
Deputy Chief Secretary, and up to five secretaries drawn the island are located in Scarborough, spread between
from the assembly members. They are appointed by upper and lower Scarborough. Shopping facilities
the President on the advice of the Chief Secretary. The as well as venues for cultural and other functions are
assembly can also set up committees, deciding their found around the market area. Numerous historical and
composition and terms of reference. The responsibilities touristic sites border the city, including forts, museums,
of the assembly are carried out through the following beaches, and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
divisions:
The local economy in Tobago is service-driven, with
t
Agriculture, Marine Affairs, and the Environment a huge focus on tourism. Attempts to diversify the
economy saw the island’s first ever eco-business and
t
Community Development and Culture industrial park being developed in Cove. Investors aim
t
Education, Youth Affairs, and Sport to set up a power plant, a natural gas plant, an agro-
processing plant, and other light industrial activities.
t
Finance and Enterprise Development
t
Health and Social Services URBAN POVERTY
t
Infrastructure and Public Utilities Poverty in Scarborough is visible in the form of poor
housing quality and deficient infrastructure. Local
t
Tourism and Transportation enterprise has been accommodated to some extent, with
t
Office of the Chief Secretary facilities for selling crafts, etc., along the beachfront.
However, the core of Scarborough is still adorned with
t
Settlements and Labour coloured galvanized structures, where those who are
unable to afford mall rents make a living from their
Each of these divisions is under the control and direction businesses. Employment tends not to be stable, which
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND

of one of the secretaries. results in a high incidence of second jobs. .

POPULATION URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND BASIC

Tobago measures approximately 116 square miles and SERVICES
hosts a population of approximately 5 4 , 0 0 0 The infrastructure in Scarborough is largely outdated
people. Scarborough is situated within St Andrews and, all too often, poorly maintained. Part of the
Parish, which has a tabulated population of some problem is a lack of coordination among the agencies
12,838 (the enumerated population for 2000 was charged with infrastructure planning, development,
15,830). In terms of land use, Scarborough comprises operation, and maintenance. The utility lines are
mostly commercial development, with industrial, unsightly, with electricity lines hanging on wooden
tourist-related, and residential development, and a poles and contributing to a poor urban aesthetic and an
small historical zone at the core. unsafe environment.

URBAN PLANNING WATER

Land development falls under the Ministry of Planning, Water is mainly provided from Roxborough Dam,
Economic and Social Restructuring, and Gender Affairs which is situated within the Main Ridge’s major
and is executed through the Town and Country Planning watershed catchment area.
Act. The Town and Country Planning Division is the

10
10
SANITATION AND REFUSE COLLECTION HEALTH
Solid waste is the responsibility of the Tobago House of Health is managed by the Division of Health and Social
Assembly, specifically the Division of Health and Social Services. This department is also responsible for sewage
Services. Solid waste is collected and then disposed of at disposal and other environmental matters, as well as
the Studley Park Landfill, which is the sole landfill on links with other governmental organizations such as the
the island. Littering caused by unregulated vending in Town and Country Planning Division when granting
Scarborough is considered to be a problem, particularly approvals for land use. A new Tobago Regional Hospital
as it is not coordinated with the existing garbage is being built just north of the Claude Noel Highway,
collection schedule in Scarborough. opposite Lambeau. This will replace the existing facility
located next to Fort King George.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
EDUCATION
Public transport in Tobago is provided by Public
Transport Service Corporation buses, which run between Education is coordinated by the Division of Education,
the Scarborough bus station and Crown Point, Buccoo, Youth Affairs, and Sport. It seeks to ensure that the
Plymouth, and Roxborough. These buses are specially best possible quality of primary, secondary, and tertiary
tailored to the topography of Tobago. The service aims education is available. The Analysis of the 2005 Survey
to provide economical transport to residents, especially of Living Conditions for Trinidad and Tobago showed
those who have limited options for transport to the city. that 17.2 percent of individuals in Tobago had low
educational attainment, almost twice as much as
Trinidad (9.2 percent). Additionally, 3.7 percent of
SOURCES OF ENERGY enrolled schoolchildren had missed at least one day of
school in the week preceding the survey.
Electricity is provided by the Trinidad and Tobago
Electricity Commission via underwater cables from Tertiary education opportunities are limited, and even
Trinidad. This is a risky venture, leaving the island though Trinidad has a wide range of courses offered at
vulnerable should something happen to the links. The both local and distance-learning institutions, the cost of
Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park development taking this up is considerable.
will ensure that Tobago has its own supply of electricity
and will no longer depend on Trinidad for this service.

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BACKGROUND

1111
 GOVERNANCE

The Tobago House of Assembly is the single island- 12 electoral districts, 4 councillors, of which 3 are
wide authority for Tobago. It was established in 1980 appointed on the advice of the Chief Secretary and 1
to rectify some of the disparities between the islands on the advice of the minority leader, and a Presiding
of Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to normal local Officer who may or may not be an assemblyman or
government functions, the assembly handles many of councillor.
the responsibilities of central government, but it lacks
the ability to collect taxes or impose local laws or zoning t
Elections to the assembly are under a first-past-the-
regulations. Within the context of national government, post system.
there is a new Ministry of Tobago Development.
However, the relationship between the ministry and the t
There is no known advertising of tenders or
assembly is as yet unclear in terms of the demarcation of publishing of lists of those who have been awarded
their respective responsibilities and authority in matters contracts by the assembly.
concerning Tobago. t
Complete transparency is often not achieved; hence,
The Tobago House of Assembly has the authority to there is often the perception that the government is
create its own budget and determine its development hiding things from the public.
expenditure on the basis of a formula that guarantees t
Tobago House of Assembly divisions have internal
it up to 6.9 percent of the national budget (the lower performance targets. However, these are not based
limit is 4.03 percent, which has been breached). This on a uniform standard, and performance is not
allows for some predictability in the Tobago budget and measured by an independent third party. Projects
in turn allows the assembly to undertake development that are undertaken are monitored and managed by
activities consistent with the wishes of the electorate. the Project Planning Unit within the assembly.
The need to reduce poverty is acknowledged by the
assembly, and the initiatives in this area have focused on t
Of the 16 assemblymen and councillors for Tobago,
the stimulation of employment creation. only 3 are female, and there is a feeling that there are
not enough women in the assembly.

RESOURCE MOBILISATION t
There is a seeming lack of understanding within

the various divisions and departments as to their
t
The Tobago House of Assembly receives a large share respective responsibilities.
of its income from central government. There is a
perception to cover basic needs.
t
The collection of municipal revenue through local THE INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
rates, licenses, charges, and other fees is felt to be The main legislative texts are the following:
moderately effective, with room for improvement.
t
(i) Tobago House of Assembly Act 1980
t
Tourism-derived income is considerable. However,
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - GOVERNANCE

the reinvestment required to sustain the sector t
(ii) Municipal Corporations Act 1990
(e.g. the revitalization of inner Scarborough) is
inadequate. t
(iii) Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Act
1992
t
Finance is often limited and projects must be
prioritized. With the exception of employment t
(iv) Tobago House of Assembly Act 1996
creation, poverty reduction strategies are often t
There are no known mechanisms in place to ensure
expensive. As a result, it often happens that only women’s representation in municipal government.
piecemeal projects are undertaken.
t
It is considered that there is a need for improvement
in terms of training and empowering women to
PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY enable their greater participation in decision making
in municipal affairs.
t
It is not clear whether the Tobago House of Assembly
has a published document articulating a vision for t
It is considered that there is not enough involvement
the management of Scarborough. of civil society in participatory planning and
budgeting.
t
There is no charter or statement that acknowledges
citizens’ right to access to basic services. t
Gender concerns are felt to be insufficiently
addressed in planning, budgeting, and decision
t
The Tobago House of Assembly Act 1996 makes making.
provision for 12 elected assemblymen representing

12
12
CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING
t
-PDBM
HPWFSOBODF
DPVME
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JNQSPWFE
UISPVHI
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following:
o Including people in the development process
o Institutionalizing a process of transparency/
accountability
o Implementation and enforcement of laws
t
ɨF
QPMJUJDBM
MFBEFSTIJQ
JT
OPU
DPOTJEFSFE
UP
CF

sensitized to the importance of involving civil society
in participatory planning and budgeting.
t
8IJMF
UIFSF
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BO
BXBSFOFTT
PG
UIF
JNQPSUBODF
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measuring progress in the improvement of urban
governance, standards or benchmarks remain largely
unimplemented and where implemented, there is
non-compliance

AGREED PRIORITIES
t
Resolution of land ownership issues and
administration, i.e. identifying parcels and
owners and regularizing the same

t
Including people in the process of governance,

i.e. involving and engaging communities
and stakeholder organizations in planning
and decision making; this would improve
transparency and openness and ensure better
information about the provision and utilization

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - GOVERNANCE

of services

t
More effective utilization of existing human

resources, in the interests of ending up with the
best product

t
Institutionalizing transparency/accountability

t
Implementation and enforcement of laws

t
A council for Scarborough, dedicated to its

management

1313
 SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE

The concentration of Tobago’s population in the south- t
The role of the assembly in local economic
west of the island coincides with the predominance of development in Scarborough relates primarily to the
flat land in this area. Pockets of dwellings that meet the allocation of land for development and sponsoring
urban profiling project’s criteria for slum-like housing of local small businesses.
are scattered throughout the Scarborough study area.
The areas of Bagatelle, Darryl Spring, and Sangsters Hill t
It is not considered that there is gender discrimination
in particular exhibit many of the stated characteristics. in terms of the right to land.
The quality of housing in these areas is substandard,
and the areas are also characterized by infrastructure t
The constraints the poor face regarding land
ownership relate largely to the high price of land.
deficiencies
t
The main land management problems relate to the
t
The regulations for Tobago differ from the national lack of formal records regarding land tenure.
legislation and policies.
t
The history and tradition of “family land” has
t
The poor enforcement powers of the Tobago House contributed to the lack of formal records.
of Assembly under the current legislation means
there is heavy reliance on the Town and Country
Planning Division to enforce laws against illegal
construction. Accordingly, squatting is considered TENURE
to be largely unregulated. Land ownership is a strong cultural influence in
Tobago. The statistics on tenancy of land for St Andrews
t
There is no current land use plan that promotes Parish show a high percentage of land ownership and a
access to land for the urban poor. relatively low incidence of squatting:

Owned Rented Leased Rent Free Squatted Don’t TOTAL

Know/
other
Population 2,007 147 63 203 13 83 2,516

14
14
t
There is no legislation that specifically gives t
There are various forms of building assistance,
protection against eviction from land which is which can be obtained by applicants who qualify for
illegally occupied. housing provided by the Tobago House of Assembly.
However, it is often difficult to obtain such funding
t
The lack of clear titles is a key issue in relation to because the procedures are complicated.
perceptions of insecurity of tenure.
t
The cost of living in Tobago is higher than in
t
The Tobago House of Assembly is not known for Trinidad, and building materials cost between 25
evicting residents. and 40 percent more. The higher cost of living
is not factored into the housing policy.
t
Evictions by private landlords are more likely than
evictions by the assembly.
t
There is a perception that the assembly does not give INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
settlement alternatives. t
The Division of Settlements and Labour is
t
Informal tenure arrangements are commonly found responsible for the provision of shelter. Its goal is to
and are often in the form of verbal agreements. provide “affordable, quality housing for the citizens
of Tobago”.
t
There are cases of applicants being approved by the
SHELTER AND SERVICES Tobago House of Assembly for housing, but not
t
There are some provisions in place for disabled and approved for mortgage purposes by the
vulnerable people, including general grants and Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company
housing grants. Limited.
t
While it is felt that collaboration between the

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE

t
There has not been a recent housing survey, but given
Scarborough’s small size, locals know the extent of assembly and NGOs has improved, it could improve
homelessness and the more precarious residential more through the actual implementation of slum-
areas (e.g. the cold storage area at the port). upgrading initiatives.

t
There is an absence of data on access to urban services t
The lack of up-to-date statistical data hinders policy
and the social conditions under which people live, change. Where information exists, it is often for
particularly those in informal settlements. the use of a particular agency and not multiple
organizations.
t
The lack of social policy analysis is a gap in urban
policy.
CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING
t
There are a number of plans and proposals to upgrade
Scarborough in general, but none specifically to t
There is a need for staff with the appropriate
upgrade the areas of informal settlement. technical and professional experience.
t
The Tobago Regional Office of the Town and Country
Planning Division is considered to be understaffed,
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION whereas the Tobago House of Assembly has access
t
The Division of Settlements and Labour obtains to staff but does not have the force of law behind it.
funding from the Division of Finance and Enterprise,
which in turn is allocated a sum of money for Tobago t
There is a need to be more responsive to the needs
from the Central Bank. of the different tiers of society, and consequently a
diversified policy on access to shelter is required.
t
Lack of collateral is one of the constraints the poor
face in accessing credit. t
The social dimension of the issues (e.g. unaffordability
and commensurate problems) needs to be addressed.
t
The lack of enforcement of the law on informal and
unregulated activities serves to promote income- t
and who work in collaboration with Blantyre City
generating activities such as illegal vending, car wash Council to improve the living conditions of the
businesses, etc. residents of informal settlements.

t
The credit unions promote equal access to credit for t
The poor are unable to access housing finance
both men and women. In some instances, women because collateral is required.
are “preferred”, as they are considered to be more
constructive in their borrowing.

15
15
 AGREED PRIORITIES
t
Improving the urban aesthetic

t
Coordinating the management of the holistic

development of Scarborough under a single
entity backed by law

t
Provision of shelters for the homeless

t
Social research to furnish decision making

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE

16
16
BASIC URBAN SERVICES

While urban service provision is not considered a critical The frequency of the water supply is a consideration.
issue for Scarborough, service provision in unplanned Within St Andrews Parish in 2000, approximately one-
settlements has practical challenges, including difficult third of residents had a continuous supply of water,
topography. with another one-third receiving water more than three
times a week. By implication, approximately one-third
In terms of access to potable water, only 4 percent of of residents received water less than three times a week.
households in Tobago had poor access, compared with
6.5 percent in Trinidad. This applies to Scarborough, Scarborough was fully connected to the sewerage grid
where the majority of residents and dwellings receive at some 15 years ago, but currently the sewage treatment
least a piped supply via a public standpipe: plant in Scarborough is considered to be underutilized.

TYPE OF WATER SUPPLY FOR THE PARISH OF ST. ANDREW, TOBAGO

Public Piped Dwelling

Public Yard

Public Standpipe

Private Piped Dwelling

Private Catchment

Truck Borne

Spring/River

Other

Not Stated

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

TYPE OF TOILET FACILITIES - PARISH OF ST. ANDREW, TOBAGO

WC Linked to Sewer

Septic Tank

Pit Latrine

Other

None

Not Stated

1717
 The relatively low rate of connection impacts on the
quality of housing, when toilet facilities are considered.
The Analysis of the 2005 Survey of Living Conditions for
Trinidad and Tobago reported that 23.7 of households
in Tobago had toilets that were pit latrines or worse.
Data for St Andrew’s Parish reveals that almost 20
percent relied on pit latrines and only 4.9 percent were
connected to the sewer system.
The majority of residents (96 percent) have electrical
lighting systems. However, the condition of the existing
electricity poles and the predominance of overhead
wires is a cause for concern, as these are vulnerable to
both bad weather and tall vehicles and represent a safety
hazard to locals and tourists. This contributes to a built
environment that is greatly in need of upgrading, an
issue that the Tobago House of Assembly recognizes as
a priority.
Waste management is seen as a growing problem.
Household collection is not well organized, and areas
used as communal garbage dumps quickly become
unsanitary, with rodents, feral cats, and dogs on the THE INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
increase. “White waste” such as discarded fridges and
stoves is also on the increase. The laws regulating the provision of services include:

Residents do not take responsibility for managing their (i) Water and Sewerage Act
waste, and the commercial sector relies on the Tobago (ii) Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission Act
House of Assembly service rather than making their
own arrangements for collection. Incorrect population (iii) Tobago House of Assembly Act
statistics were used when giving collection contracts,
hence the assembly’s service is inadequate. (iv) Public Health Act
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

Public transport is a key urban service for Scarborough t
Infrastructure and basic services fall under the
and Tobago as a whole. The space for taxis is inadequate, purview of the Division of Infrastructure and Public
as is the area for waiting on and accessing buses. Utilities.
Information on public transport services and schedules
is also poor. There are only three public car parks in t
The division is responsible for undertaking
Scarborough, and as a result parking on the road is capital works for service provision and overseeing
prevalent, which only increases congestion. development projects such as bridge construction
and widening, road reconstruction after landslides,
and major road widening and reconstruction.
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION t
Utility providers such as the Water and Sewage
t
The Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Authority and Trinidad and Tobago Electricity
was allocated TTD 348.1 million in the 2009 Commission manage actual service provision.
budget. Road maintenance accounted for a total t
The division sometimes financially facilitates and
of TTD 132 million. This raises questions about assists the delivery of the following services: water,
the adequacy of the budgets in terms of the split telephone, electricity, public transport, and sea and
between maintenance and capital projects. air transport.
t
The poor face financial difficulties in accessing t
The Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities
urban services. While the main sewer system was has also been involved in the construction of new
installed to enable connection, the financial burden buildings and the refurbishing and reconstruction of
of the connection on individuals was not taken into old and derelict ones.
account. This cost ranges from TTD 15,000 to
20,000. The Tobago House of Assembly is looking at
ways of assisting with the cost of these connections.

1818
CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING
t
There are some public waste education programmes AGREED PRIORITIES
offered through the Department of Public Health. t
Installation of connections between trunk sewers
However, these are often inadequate and are not and houses
sustained.
t
Waste characterization study
t
Information about urban services, including the
household waste collection schedule, should be t
Recycling of waste
better publicized.
t
Improved parking within Scarborough
t
Within the Tobago House of Assembly, training
primarily takes place while on the job or via in- t
Enhanced public transport (bus and taxi) provision
house programmes. and information about services
t
External training courses are available in Trinidad,
but there are cost implications for taking advantage
of these

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

1919
 INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES

Available crime statistics show that Tobago had the t
In terms of the most at-risk groups, small business
lowest crime rate for the nation. Accordingly, compared operators were targeted at one time, but this has
with Trinidad, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service since declined. In recent years, crime against tourists
does not consider that crime is a problem in either and foreign residents has generated much interest in
Tobago in general or Scarborough in particular. the media, both foreign and local.
The impact of crime is considered to be different in t
Responsibility for the provision of safety is considered
Tobago than in Trinidad, in the sense that its impact to be universal, in that it requires a conscious
on the tourism industry severely affects the island’s engagement by the public, in partnership with the
economy. It is acknowledged that while the actual rates Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The provision
of crime might be low, it would only take one incident of of security is the responsibility of the police service.
serious crime, particularly against tourists or foreigners
living in Tobago, to tarnish the image of Tobago as a t
Data on the reporting of crime is kept by the police
tourist destination. service. This shows a perceived increase in violent
personal crime over the last decade:
t
In terms of information, the Citizen Security
KEY ISSUES Programme did a national crime survey in
t
The main safety and security issues facing Scarborough 2008/2009, which included a section on Tobago.
relate to illegal drugs, traffic management, deficient t
Regarding a crime prevention strategy, the Tobago
physical infrastructure (e.g. inadequate pavements House of Assembly did a community safety
for pedestrians), and illegal vending. programme in 2005 that covered the whole of
t
The main causes of crime and violence are considered Tobago. This was built on the concept of mobilizing
to stem from anti-social behaviour arising from drug and empowering communities to take greater
use and the consumption of alcohol. As such, the responsibility for their safety in collaboration with
areas where this is common are considered to be the the state security agencies.
most unsafe. t
The regulations that guide the delivery and provision
t
The statistics for 2009 showed 245 incidents of of security by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES

serious crime in Scarborough. House breaking is in Tobago are the same as those for Trinidad. There
the most prominent “serious crime”, with larceny is, however, a feeling that the impact of crime in
ranking second. Tobago differs from that in Trinidad, and a
unique system is thus required.

TRENDS OF SERIOUS CRIME FOR THE PERIOD 2000-2009

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Pocession of
Attempted House Shooting Wounding
Burglary Kidnapping Larceny Mureder drugs with Rape Robbery
Murder breaking with intent with intent
intent

Tally 7 20 115 3 43 8 10 7 30 1 1

20
SERIOUS CRIMES REPORTED AT THE SCARBOROUGH POLICE STATION - 2009

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Reported Serious Crimes 216 138 172 118 166 263 298 209 222 245

t
The assembly is not directly responsible for national Its budget is approximately USD 35 million for six
security. However, it does have a role in addressing years.
the human and social conditions that often precede
crime. t
Status and class are felt to always impact upon the
ability to access better safety and security services;
t
There is a particular problem in Tobago with hence the poor are generally the most disadvantaged
domestic violence, especially incest. However, there in this respect.

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES

are no known published data or programmes that
address this.
INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
t
There are no specific policies addressing urban safety
for youths. t
The Ministry of National Security is responsible for
the safety of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
t
The working relationship between the Trinidad
and Tobago Police Service and the Citizen Security t
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is both a
Programme in Tobago is seen to be productive. In civil and quasi-military body, which functions in
addition, there is a functioning multi-agency street accordance with the Police Service Act, Chapter
education programme being done in collaboration 15:01.
with the police service and the Tobago Emergency
Management Agency. The police service also t
Each region has police divisional headquarters and
collaborates with the Port Police. substations within its jurisdiction.
t
There is a good relationship between the police t
The Scarborough Police Station is responsible for
service and the assembly, including regularly the study area.
scheduled security meetings chaired by the Chief
Secretary of the assembly. t
The Citizen Security Programme is a project of the
Ministry of National Security that seeks to bring the
management of crime to the community level. Its
mandate is to mobilize and empower communities
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION to take responsibility for their security and safety,
t
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is funded to build capacity, and to coordinate resources. Its
by its central government budget allocation through objective is to facilitate and create an environment
the Ministry of National Security. for citizen empowerment. It believes that crime
flourishes in dysfunctional environments, but that
t
The Citizen Security Programme is a project funded the same environments contain solutions.
by an Inter-American Development Bank loan
executed through the Ministry of National Security.

21
 t
The Citizen Security Programme accesses training
through the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of
Business in areas such as business and professional
writing. There is also in-house training to cover the
many different aspects of the programme.
t
The following could be undertaken to improve
urban safety and security:
o Introducing a full programme to build
awareness and consensus within communities
about the changes that are needed
o Building capacity across communities so that
safety concerns can be cohesively addressed
from a social perspective
o Enhancing the relationship between
communities and the law enforcement services
o Increasing the number of police officers on the
ground
o Introducing security cameras in Scarborough
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES

t
In Tobago, urban safety and security is coordinated AGREED PRIORITIES

by an inter-agency meeting that takes place once
a quarter. It includes representatives from the t
Enforcement of existing laws
Ministry of National Security, who meet with the
Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly t
Introduction of new laws to update and clarify
in advance to ensure that Tobago’s interests are the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies
represented.
t
Addressing illegal vending, squatters, and
t
The activities of the Citizen Security Programme the associated issues of safety and policy
are guided and governed by the public service development
regulations, the Ministry of National Security
guidelines, and the Inter-American Development
Bank provisions on accountability, etc.
t
Planning and budgeting for safety and security is
done through a combination of private and public
consultations.

CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING

t
In terms of capacity building, it is felt that there is
always room for training, not least because social
issues are constantly evolving.

22
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tobago is service-driven, with leisure and tourism sourcing funding for the implementation of projects.
dominating the local economy. The Tobago House
of Assembly is the largest single employer in Tobago, t
There is a perception that the assembly does not
employing an estimated 50 to 60 percent of the local promote equal rights to jobs for both men and
labour force. This has an impact on the local income women.
profile, which reflects the base laid by state employment. t
The poor are also disadvantaged in the job market by
Beyond the state, the next biggest employer is the tourism limited education opportunities and transportation
industry. Tobago has been a key tourist destination, difficulties in Tobago.
and the industry is vital to the local economy. During t
There are more education opportunities in Trinidad,
the peak season, the Tobago workforce can be fully but the cost for Tobagonians is relatively high,
employed and at times the island experiences a shortage especially when the local salary levels are taken into
of workers. Tobago has a relatively small population and consideration.
tourist arrivals considerably expand the local market,
with consequent economic benefits at various scales. t
Large capital projects are generally undertaken by
the assembly.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DYNAMICS t
The tourism sector has experienced a progressive
contraction, illustrated by the figures for tourist
t
With regard to a local economic development arrivals in Tobago.
strategy, there is A Comprehensive Economic
Development Plan for Tobago (2006–2010), the t
In terms of competitive ability, Scarborough has
focus of which is to improve the quality of life of a deep-water harbour that facilitates cruise ships.
the people of Tobago and bring the island within Issues/Concerns
the mainstream of national economic development.
While technically out of date, the document is still t
The existing port facilities are in dire need of
considered to be relevant. improvement at most levels of operation and

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

function, including shipping, exports, imports,
t
The role of the Tobago House of Assembly in cruise ship facilities, port extension, and wholescale
promoting economic development largely relates to redesign and redevelopment.
sourcing land for housing, agriculture, and business.
There is a feeling that its role should extend to t
The potential for Scarborough as a key tourist

SERIOUS CRIMES REPORTED AT THE SCARBOROUGH POLICE STATION - 2009

Arrivals

86,467 83,460
78,729
63,000

37,781
31,452 28,200

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2323
 destination is not currently being realized. It is not
tourist-oriented and lacks the necessary ambience, BEST PRACTICE
with improper signage, lack of defined pathways,
and dilapidated buildings. Furthermore, tourist Mt Pleasant Credit Union
arrivals are not considered to be compatible with
day-to-day life in Scarborough. With a membership of some 13,000, the Mt Pleasant
Credit Union caters for almost 25 percent of Tobago’s
t
There is a perception that municipal support systems population. Land is the flagship concern of the
are needed for both the unemployed and existing credit union. When the large estates were being sold
businesses. off, it stepped in to try to secure land. The aim is
t
There is increasing unregulated and illegal vending to ensure as far as possible that land is available for
in Scarborough, particularly on the roadsides. Tobagonians, with priority given to members. Such
ventures offer savings and investment opportunities
t
There is inadequate provision to cater for the for members, with the prospect of land ownership to
requirements of the disabled. This is relevant to the look forward to. Employment opportunities are also
tourist industry, particularly regarding the law and created, during both construction and operation, in
liability.
the form of small business facilities that respond to
t
There should be a continuous assessment of available the needs of the members.
job opportunities so that these can be matched to
education qualifications.
t
The fact that revenue generated in Tobago goes into
national coffers rather than being directly ploughed MARKET ANALYSIS
back into Tobago is considered to be a major
hindrance. t
On account of the relatively higher prices, there
is a tendency for residents to shop outside of
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Scarborough and Tobago.

EXISTING PROGRAMMES t
Local businesses tend to import human and other
t
Women are active and equal members of credit resources from outside the local area, due to lack of
unions. As such, the credit unions tend to be availability.
effective in providing assistance to women and
households headed by women. The Mt Pleasant t
There are opportunities to develop local business to
Credit Union has received European Union funding cater for local needs, but it needs to be at a scale
to assist females and youth in small businesses, up to that is appropriate to and viable for the local market.
a maximum of TTD 15,000. Credit unions are undertaking development at a
scale that is attractive to local business.
t
Enterprise support offered by the Tobago House of
Assembly is often difficult to access on account of t
A careful analysis of the potential for small-scale
complicated and bureaucratic procedures, which and specialist local enterprise linked to the tourist
tend to be prohibitive for the general public. industry may highlight previously unexplored and
underutilized opportunities, such as making local
spa products.
INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE SET-UP t
Keeping local income in the local economy could be
t
The Tobago House of Assembly is seen as facilitating increased through improved service delivery.
local economic development. In this respect, they t
There is potential to expand local markets via better
are considered to be working well with non- marketing and local branding. These could be
governmental organizations (NGOs) and the credit accessed with government assistance.
unions.
t
It is felt that the current legislative framework
regarding the role of the assembly in the economic CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING
development thrust is inadequate. t
Bilateral and multilateral meetings exist between
t
The credit unions are important players in the public and private sectors. However, more
local economic development in Tobago. Their consultation with communities is needed.
effectiveness relates to their local knowledge t
Training and the supporting equipment is a
and strategic thinking, while operating at a level that key capacity gap in the ability to formulate and
is accessible for members. implement local economic development.

2424
t
The local economy could be improved by identifying
local opportunities (manufacturing, light
industry, food production, downstream petroleum
industry, craftsmanship, fishing, alternative energy
production) and promoting a plan for development.

AGREED PRIORITIES
t
Integrated land development

t
Employment creation

t
Addressing the loss of appreciation for heritage in

the youth

t
Provision of higher quality tourist rooms and

better marketing

t
Improving compatibility with what tourists want

t
Going higher end, given increasing disposable

income

t
Improving investor confidence, which is needed

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

to create a positive investment climate

t
Establishing a development investment fund to

support the business investments on the island

t
Well-put-together plan for partnerships between

large and small hotels and other industries
related to tourism

2525
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE
AND THE ENVIRONMENT

While the environment of Tobago is one of its key

selling points as an international tourist destination, the BEST PRACTICE
geographical location of the island makes it susceptible
to natural and human-made disasters. Tobago Emergency Management Agency
During Tropical Storm Tomas in 2010, the
Tobago Emergency Management Agency
KEY ISSUES warning systems were disabled as a result of
SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

t
The main disaster risks facing Scarborough are a lightning strike. However, information was
related to high winds and torrential storms, effectively disseminated to the public via text
including flooding and landslides. Earthquakes are messages on the mobile phone network.
also an issue.
t
There is a Scarborough Emergency Evacuation Plan,
and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency
has been involved in undertaking “vulnerability
assessments” to establish which areas are most prone INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP
to disasters. t
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency is
t
For the most part, there are gaps between disaster responsible for coordinating a network of agencies
management and development planning. and individuals involved in disaster management
response.
t
Deficiencies in housing quality, infrastructure, and
services increase the susceptibility to risk, as do the t
The agency’s operations maybe impacted by the
lack of a building code and weak enforcement of responsiveness of the agencies that it coordinates.
land regulations. t
The agency partners and collaborates with the Office
t
Development programmes of government agencies of Disaster Preparedness and Management with
and utility companies are often done without proper regard to the national perspective on disaster
environmental impact assessments; for example, management.
works along rivers may result in the water finding t
The agency operates a very informative and up-to-
alternative channels that may increase the risk of date website, describing its mandate and operations
flooding in certain areas and homes. and providing current news and information about
t
The National Environmental Policy covers disaster management activities and initiatives.
Tobago, and the Environmental Management Act t
While the Tobago Emergency Management Agency
provides regulations and powers regarding the is responsible for disaster management, it is felt that
classification, regulation, monitoring, and treatment its location is itself vulnerable and that the
of various types of waste, as well as requirements agency would benefit from a purpose-built facility.
for environmental assessment and the control of
pollution. t
Within the Tobago House of Assembly, the
Department of Natural Resources and the
t
The effectiveness of policy is weakened by deficiencies Environment is responsible for environmental issues
in enforcement.
t
Key environmental issues include the management of
solid waste and wastewater, as well as deforestation.
t
With 20 percent of households in Tobago relying on
pit latrines or worse, there are concerns about the
impact on the quality of groundwater and run-off
into the rivers and sea.
t
The quantity of vehicular traffic and the growing
congestion in Scarborough is another contributor to
the deterioration of the urban environment, as the
level of air pollution is increasing.
t
There is considered to be consultation as opposed to
real participation in terms of planning, budgeting,
and identifying priorities for the environment.

2626
 in Tobago. Its aim is to protect, preserve, and enhance
Tobago’s environment and promote the sustainable AGREED PRIORITIES
use and management of air, land, and water for the
benefit of current and future generations. t
Adherence to regulations requiring environmental
impact assessments for projects
t
There are three environmental NGOs: Environment
Tobago, Buccoo Reef Trust, and Save our Turtles. t
Greater coordination between the Tobago
Emergency Management Authority and other
t
Funding for Department of Natural Resources and

SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE - DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
the Environment activities is part of the annual agencies providing support
budget allocation to the Division of Agriculture, t
Making Scarborough more pedestrian friendly
Marine Affairs, Marketing, and the Environment.
and accessible for differently abled persons
In the 2009 budget, the division was allocated TTD
138.2 million to cover the activities of all t
Addressing the impact of waste disposal on water
departments, including the Department of Natural quality and the environment
Resources and the Environment.
t
Compliance with international environmental
treaties is a challenge, as the process of
institutionalizing these in local legislation is often
very slow.
t
Environment Tobago secures funding through
grants from donor organizations, contributions of
individuals, T-shirt sales, and membership fees.
t
Environment Tobago has a very comprehensive and
informative website and a quarterly newsletter.

CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING

t
The main constraints in implementing proactive
disaster management initiatives are identified as
the lack of up-to-date land use planning policies,
the lack of enforcement of existing policies, and the
lack of maintenance of urban infrastructure such as
drains.
t
Priorities for NGOs such as Environment Tobago
include environmental education in schools,
community outreach and awareness programmes,
advocacy of government for the greater protection
and sustainable use of natural resources, and research
programmes.
t
Financial and human resources are needed in all
areas.

2727
 GOVERNANCE

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITIES

Scarborough is small Poor implementation Restructuring offers Cultural hegemony Resolution of land
and unique possibilities for ownership issues and
Human resource self reliance/self Complacency administration
Structures are in place deficit determination
Caribbean Including people
Strong culture and Limited monitoring Increasingly efficient Community Single in the process of
heritage and evaluation and planning and Market and Economy governance
quality assurance implementation offers
No gender constraints More effective
new opportunities
Limited enforcement utilization of existing
No major ethnic/racial of regulations human resources
issues
Institutionalizing
Good judicial and
the transparency/
governance structures
accountability process
Institutional and
Implementation and
administrative
enforcement of laws
structures exist
A council for
Scarborough,
dedicated to its
management
SWOT ANALYSIS - GOVERNANCE

28
28
SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITIES

Collaboration of The tourism- A small community The negative mindset Improving the urban
different sectors generating capacity makes organizing of some people aesthetic
is weak development activities
Scarborough easier Poor traffic Coordinating the
Beautification Plan Tourism is not management when management of the
integrated into the Tourism potential cruise ships are in holistic development
Historic Restoration life of the people harbour of Scarborough under
Committee Expansion of the port a single entity backed
Tourism is not by law
Scarborough integrated into the Decentralization of
Revitalization Plan local economy services outside the Provision of shelters
urban area for the homeless
The NGO
Environment Tobago Social research to
furnish decision
Scarborough
making
Community Council

Scarborough is not a
slum

Scarborough has
greenery

SWOT ANALYSIS - SLUMS, SHELTER, LAND, AND TENURE

2929
 BASIC URBAN SERVICES

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITIES

Good water supply Lack of separation of Business clustering Lack of trees and Installation of
waste green spaces and the connections between
Well-qualified Scarborough’s consequent negative trunk sewers and
personnel Lack of recycling small size makes it impact on the houses
easier to organize microclimate
Poor urban development Waste
infrastructure such as characterization study
pavements
Recycling of waste
Inadequate
information sharing Improved parking
within Scarborough
Poor public toilet
facilities Enhanced public
transport provision
and information
about these services
SWOT ANALYSIS - BASIC URBAN SERVICES

30
30
INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITIES

ENVIRONMENT

In the national context, Crime has a direct Introduction of security Ongoing development Enforcement of existing
Tobago has a low level impact on tourist arrivals cameras of unregulated vending laws
of reported serious activities and informal
crimes Illegal vending and other Addressing issues settlements Introduction of new
activities surrounding the laws to update and
Higher than average regularization of land Underlying poverty clarify the responsibilities
detection rate for Unclear legislation management to address conditions of law enforcement
reported serious crimes regarding who has the land dereliction agencies
responsibility to address
The smallness of the illegal activities Addressing illegal
community offers vending, informal
a degree of natural Overreliance on public settlements, and
surveillance health legislation associated issues
of safety and policy
Abandoned and
development
underutilized lots
contribute to crime

URBAN DISASTER RISKS

National urban disaster Lack of local level The National Disaster Insufficient funding Community policing.
legislation in existence. legislation to support Preparedness and which makes it
urban disaster risks. Relief Committee difficult to implement Increase the number of
Availability of donor receives funds from the urban disaster fire fighting equipment
funding for dealing with The current legislations government to manage risk management and provide water
urban disaster related are not adequate to disasters. programmes. hydrants in slums.

SWOT ANALYSIS - INCLUSIVE AND SAFER CITIES

issues. address the current
urban disaster risks. Growing awareness Uncontrolled
on the importance of development in fragile
Lack of technical disaster management areas leading to
capacity in times of and preparedness. increased urban disaster
disaster and emergency. risk.
Political will exists to
Lack of adequate address urban disaster Increase in the
financial resources risks. occurrence of natural
allocated by the and man-made
government to disasters.
implement adequate
disaster preparedness Corrupt practices and
and management lack of transparency
measures. undermines building
codes and planning
regulations resulting
in the construction of
substandard buildings
and poor planning
which increases the risk
of urban disaster.

31
 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITIES

Skilled human Lack of assessment of Development of Insufficient autonomy Integrated land
resources skills sectors relating to development
Tobago’s location, Crime
Geographical location Small population climate, and soil Employment creation
(transhipment point)
Brain drain Marine opportunities Addressing the loss
Cheap energy of appreciation of
There is no Duty-free shopping heritage among the
Climate and soil linkage between zone youth
the education
system and the Provision of higher
proposed economic quality tourist rooms
development and better marketing

Lack of or insufficient Improving

autonomy of the compatibility with
Tobago House of what tourists want
Assembly
Going higher end,
Lack of diversification given the increasing
disposable income
Lack of access to
funding Improving investor
confidence, this is
Fragmentation needed to create a
and overlapping in positive investment
development efforts climate

Establishing a
development
investment fund to
support business
investments on the
island
SWOT ANALYSIS - LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Well-put-together
plan for partnerships
between large and
small hotels and other
industries related to
tourism

32
32
DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE
AND THE ENVIRONMENT

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITIES

Well-qualified people Lack of pavements Small size of Ongoing centralization Adherence to
who can offer technical Scarborough is an of development near regulations requiring
advice Duplication of opportunity for the port environmental impact
efforts on account of reorganization assessments for
Capable disaster territoriality is a waste High level of projects
management team that of resources The city has the congestion is a threat
takes work seriously potential to be to evacuation Greater coordination
Lack of information beautiful between the
Good garbage sharing Tobago Emergency
collection in some areas Management Agency
and other agencies
providing support

Making Scarborough
more pedestrian

SWOT ANALYSIS - DISASTER MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

friendly and accessible
for differently abled
persons

Addressing the impact

of waste disposal on
water quality and the
environment

33
33
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park (2007), http://www. Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (2009),
tobagocove.com/ Trinidad and Tobago Budget, Ministry of Finance.

Genivar (2010), Scarborough Integrated Master Plan, Urban Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (2010),
Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Public Transport Commission, http://www.ptsc.co.tt/

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (1984), Kairi Consultants Limited (2007), Analysis of the 2005
National Physical Development Plan, Town and Country Survey of Living Conditions for Trinidad and Tobago
Planning Division.
Tobago House of Assembly (2005), A Comprehensive
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (1991), Economic Development Plan for Tobago (2006–2010)
Tobago Regional Plan, Town and Country Planning Division.
Tobago House of Assembly (2009), Budget Statement 2009,
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (1996), http://www.ttembassy.org/2009NationalBudgetStatement.
The Tobago House of Assembly Act 1996: Chapter 25:03 of pdf
the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Tobago House of Assembly (2010), http://www.tha.gov.tt/
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (2000),
Environmental Management Authority Act 2000, Ministry of Tobago House of Assembly (2010), Tobago Emergency
Planning, Housing, and the Environment. Management Agency, http://www.tema365.com/
 SCARBOROUGH CITY CONSULTATION

ATTENDANCE LIST

NAME AND ORGANIZATION

Ann Marie Forde Mt Pleasant Credit Union
Jon-Marc Arnold, MSITE
Winston Dillon Mt Pleasant Credit Union Raye Sandy, Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Tobago
House of Assembly
Percy Joseph Archdiocese of Port of Spain Kenneth Joseph, citizen
Miriam Moore Tobago West Member of Parliament
Peter Hackett Water and Sewage Authority
Priscilla Campbell Ministry of Tobago Development Aldwin Solomon
Sheryl Anne Haynes Town and Country Planning Division
Meloney Hislop
Dr Victor Wheeler Senator
Anthony McIntosh Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission
Celeste Tobias Planning Department, Tobago House of Assembly
Erol Caesar Division of Settlements and Labour, Tobago House of Assembly
Allan Richards Reycad Associates
Debra George Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago House of Assembly
Tracey Ann Anthony Town and Country Planning Division
Tessa Fernandes-Gordon Malawi Housing Corporation
Bindley Benjamin Ministry of Tobago Development Patrick George, Calder Hall Council
Patrick George Calder Hall Council
Horace Achille Division of Land Management, Tobago House of Assembly
Jassodra Ramlokhan Town and Country Planning Division
Alvin Thompson Tobago House of Assembly
Denise Tsoiafatt Angus Tobago House of Assembly
A. Martineau Martineau’s Transport
Trevor Craig citizen
Keli Gbekor Reycad Associates
Ancilla Ince Peters Tobago Emergency Management Agency
Yvette Parks-Caruth Councillor, Tobago House of Assembly
Kamau Akili Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago
Joan Phillips Tobago House of Assembly
Carlyle Dick Ministry of Tobago Development
Ann Marie de Gazon Citizen Security Programme
Jayson Cuesa Division of Health and Social Services, Tobago House of Assembly
Remiel Hazel Town and Country Planning Division
Dean Brasnell Taxi Owners and Drivers Association
Linford Beckles Division of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sport, Tobago House of Assembly
Chris James Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association
Jerome Carrington
Kairo Martineau Martineau’s Transport
Stacy Ann Martineau Martineau’s Transport

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 SCARBOROUGH URBAN PROFILE

The Scarborough Urban Profiling consists of an accelerated, action-oriented assessment of urban conditions, focusing on
priority needs, capacity gaps, and existing institutional responses at local and national levels. The purpose of the study is to
develop urban poverty reduction policies at local, national, and regional levels, through an assessment of needs and response
mechanisms, and as a contribution to the wider-ranging implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. The study is
based on analysis of existing data and a series of interviews with all relevant urban stakeholders, including local communities
and institutions, civil society, the private sector, development partners, academics, and others. The consultation typically results
in a collective agreement on priorities and their development into proposed capacity-building and other projects that are all
aimed at urban poverty reduction. The urban profiling is being implemented in 30 ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries,
offering an opportunity for comparative regional analysis. Once completed, this series of studies will provide a framework for
central and local authorities and urban actors, as well as donors and external support agencies.

HS Number: HS/070/12E
ISBN Number (Series): 978-92-1-132023-7
ISBN Number (Volume): 978-92-1-132485-3

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME

P.O Box 30030 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-20-7623120
Fax: +254-20-7623426/7 (Central Office)
infohabitat@unhabitat.org
www.unhabitat.org/publications

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