Social Infrastructure

Corporate Social Responsibility

The TTMA recognizes that the business community is part of the social fabric, and has a role to play in the development of the society in which it operates.

In this regard, the TTMA has been promoting the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility among its membership.

Corporate Social Responsibility is about how business takes account of its economic, social, and environmental impacts, and encompasses the voluntary actions that a company can take, over and above compliance with minimum legal requirements, to address both its competitive interests and the interests of the wider society.

Some of the advantages for business include:

• * developing trust and goodwill in communities
• * securing or expanding market position
• * enhancing brand image
• * improving risk management.

The TTMA believes that CSR can have a positive impact on alleviating some of the problems being experienced in the country.

The UN Global Compact

In December of 2006, the TTMA pledged support for the United Nations Global Compact.

The Global Compact is a voluntary initiative that ensures that business plays its part in achieving the United Nations’ vision of a more sustainable and equitable global economy.

By signing on to the Global Compact, the TTMA has committed to making the Compact’s ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption part of the strategy, culture and day-to-day operations of the Association.

The TTMA is currently actively seeking support from members to establish a local network of Global Compact participants, which would greatly facilitate changes to business operations within organizations in Trinidad and Tobago.

The local network will act as a country or regional platform for dialogue on issues related to the ten principles, responsible corporate citizenship and the advancement of the eight UN Millennium Development Goals, in addition to developing PartnershipProjects to contribute to the achievement of these goals.

Crime

The TTMA is a member of the Organizations Representative of the Private Sector of Trinidad and Tobago, which was formed to press the authorities to do more to tackle the scourge of crime.

The Organizations Representative of the Private Sector of Trinidad and Tobago continue to lobby for swift action on other outstanding pieces of legislation: the DNA Act, the Bail Bill and the Justice Protection Programme Act.

The TTMA will also look at other proposals to tackle the crime problem, including CSR initiatives, such as the establishment of day care/homework supervision centres.

Education and Skills Development

The TTMA hosts seminars, workshops and presentations for stakeholders on topics of interest.
TTMA members are also involved in community and in-house education and skills enhancement initiatives for the benefit of all citizens.