For decades, oil and gas have powered national development and made Trinidad and Tobago an industrial giant in the region. However, an over-reliance on the energy sector and the need to find new, robust economic activity has been the urgent concern of economists and policymakers for many years. On March 4, students from UWI St Augustine shared fresh perspectives on this persistent national topic.

The UWI Youth Social Impact Platform (UWIYSIP) held the discussion, themed “Building Resilient Economies through Economic Diversification”, at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) Lounge on the St Augustine campus. The event, hosted by the HEU, Centre for Health Economics, the Department of Economics and several student groups, brought together students from across the campus.

The highlight of the event was a student panel discussion moderated by Final Year student Cheyanne Gadar, which featured student panellists Lauralee Seepersad, Varian Narine, Jalen Joseph, Joshua Jitta, Lian Mathura-Singh, and Deviani Harnarinesingh. The discussion explored various perspectives on economic diversification and the role that economics, innovation, entrepreneurship, behaviour change, policy and law can play in strengthening economic resilience in the Caribbean.

Chairpersons Jyasi Murray and Breanna Moolchan opened the session, which was followed by opening remarks from Shinik-Ann Duprey who represented the student clubs, and Dr Ricardo Lalloo, Lecturer in the Department of Economics. In her remarks, Dr Christine Laptiste, Co-ordinator at the HEU, Centre for Health Economics, highlighted the importance of the UWIYSIP to the Centre, and reaffirmed the HEU’s commitment to its long-term sustainability as well as the valuable collaboration with the Department of Economics and the participating student groups.

The Dean of FSS, Dr Acolla Lewis-Cameron, commended the HEU and the Department of Economics for another successful collaboration in her remarks. She encouraged students to remain curious, noting that inquiry is the starting point for innovation. Haleema Ali-Sisbane, Project Specialist at the HEU, highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can participate in discussions on issues that will shape their future.

A key feature of the programme was a student reflection delivered by Dylon Singh, who shared insights from his experience participating in the initiative the previous year. He highlighted the value of the platform in enabling students to engage directly with pressing economic and social issues and noted that his participation helped strengthen his skills in problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication.

The formal proceedings were followed by a networking session that allowed students, faculty members, partners and sponsors to continue conversations and build connections.