Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the NPIA 'Trini News' - a phrase borrowed from the self acclaimed 'world famous' version that is broadcast every weekday evening on Ebony 104 FM. 

My name is Keith Brimacombe and whilst not as famous as 'Trini's finest' - 'Jus Jas' - the DJ that hosts the real Trini News - I do manage the programme of NPIA products and services that are being provided here at SAUTT's Leadership / Management Institute (LMI).  At this time of year, with Carnival a distant memory, Trini can be very grey, wet and wild where the concerns are flooding and the ever increasing food prices.  Yet despite the storms and worries the learning continues.

Our training year commenced on the 1st April with both an Initial and Commanders Programme, providing opportunities for personal development and improving professional practice.  As with previous programmes students found the learning concerning self awareness and adult learning particularly satisfying and a good foundation for their continued development. 

We are part way through the second Commanders Programme which continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and requirements of the agencies within the Ministry of National Security.  Students are challenged to find solutions to actual work place problems.  They are encouraged to analyse a selected problem, consider the options available and then plan a response within existing budget and resources to improve the situation.  Follow up seminars are planned for 2009 to evaluate progress in implementing these action plans.

Student evaluation suggests that students of all ranks value the learning many months after the event and do consider themselves more professional, competent and capable when they return to the workplace.  The increase in confidence sits well for a future that sees leaders impacting on performance problems that exist within their organisation.  Such a positive approach can only assist in achieving the Trinidad and Tobago aspiration for first world status by 2020.

Programmes continue to be delivered on time, to quality and within budget.  Students continue to report either very or extreme satisfaction with the SAUTT / NPIA experience.  There are still administrative problems and the occasional cultural challenge to be overcome.  But regardless of this there have been some real improvements.  Take the LMI as an example.  There is now access to an online university library facility and a document management centre has been established.

NPIA trainers, serving officers from forces across the UK, and associate tutors who have contributed to the programmes have been warmly welcomed and have enjoyed the whole Trinidad and Tobago experience.  It is not just the opportunity to share in the privilege of training colleagues from the security sector but also participation in the recent initiative that aims to assist local tutors to develop their trainer skills.  And then there are the turtles, rotis (mind the bones or go veggie), the beaches (but do be careful of the big wave), shark and bake at Maracas, Caroni Swamp, doubles (not too much pepper), the music and TTYC rum punch!

That said, crime does still represent a significant social problem and the enabling legislation for SAUTT which would formalise organisational arrangements is awaited.  Yet despite these challenges and uncertainties there are exciting plans being pursued by all the agencies to try and improve the situation.

As part of the institutional capacity building underway it has already been agreed that NPIA will continue to deliver a range of products at the LMI in 2009.  Building on the success of the previous programmes, two Strategic, two Commanders, three Core and three Initial courses; plus a number of the 'Access' workshops will be delivered.  This represents a continued investment in the Trinidad and Tobago security sector leadership capacity, confidence and capability. 

The SAUTT / NPIA partnership has continued where it left off last year.  It remains passionate about providing first class training and development.  The excellent learning delivered is making a real difference.  It has and continues to make a positive contribution to the safety and security of citizens in Trinidad and Tobago.