Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar Highlights Youth-Focused Policies on International Youth Day

August 12, 2025 – On International Youth Day 2025, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar affirmed her government’s commitment to empowering young people in Trinidad and Tobago. In a message marking the occasion, she emphasised that the twin-island nation is joining the global community in celebrating youth as agents of change.

The Prime Minister’s message outlined a series of youth-focused policies, including raising the legal age for alcohol consumption to 21 and for gambling and marijuana use to 25, a move she stated demonstrates a commitment to the health and future of young citizens. Looking ahead, the government’s youth policies will focus on major investments in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and digital skills. The plan also includes expanded support for youth entrepreneurship and civic engagement, as well as broader access to mentorship and financing. Persad-Bissessar urged young people to channel their energy and ideas into their communities, and called upon civil society and the private sector to ensure youth voices are heard and talents are nurtured