Building Better: The Future of Construction in T&T

The construction sector stands as a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, shaping the nation’s growth and future prospects. As Chairman of NIPDEC (National Insurance Property Development Company Limited), Vijay Gosyne – who oversees some of the country’s most significant projects – is uniquely positioned to offer insight into the sector’s current landscape and emerging opportunities.

Two Forces Shaping Progress
“Over the past two decades, the transformation of the construction sector can be viewed from two important perspectives,” says Gosyne. “The first is the scale, complexity and public purpose of the infrastructure delivered. Through agencies such as NIPDEC, the country has advanced critical projects across healthcare, education, security, transportation, water, commercial and public-sector infrastructure.” These projects have improved access to essential services, supported economic activity and strengthened communities. They have also required a more disciplined approach to project management, stakeholder coordination, procurement, cost control and technical supervision.

Reflecting on recent changes, Gosyne explains, “The second major transformation has been the growing national emphasis on transparency, accountability and value for money in the use of public funds. Infrastructure projects must not only be completed; they must be properly scoped, competitively procured and professionally managed. Going forward, these two forces will define the next stage of the sector’s development.”

Smarter, Greener Project Delivery
He further highlights the organisation’s commitment to modernising project delivery, stating, “Our focus is on delivering smarter projects. We are strengthening each stage of the project lifecycle – from project definition and design coordination to procurement, construction supervision, commissioning and close-out. We utilise integrated delivery models such as design-build, reducing procurement timelines and minimising costly variations during construction. We are strengthening the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), electronic document management and real-time project reporting to improve collaboration, minimise rework and support evidence-based decision-making.”

NIPDEC has also integrated green technologies into its projects, such as upgrading Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems to reduce power consumption and cost – for example, at the NALIS Building Cooling Tower – and including electric vehicle charging stations in new public facilities.

Safety, quality and environmental stewardship are integral to how NIPDEC manages construction projects. They are not treated as separate compliance requirements, but as core elements of responsible project delivery aiming to provide infrastructure that is resilient, responsible and sustainable.

Building Value Through PPPs
Reflecting on PPP prospects, Gosyne clarifies, “PPPs should not be viewed simply as a financing mechanism. Their real value lies in creating well-structured, bankable projects where risks are properly allocated, performance standards are clear, lifecycle costs are considered, and citizens receive measurable benefits.”

The most likely PPP candidates, Gosyne asserts, are sectors and projects that can generate long-term economic and social value. These include the redevelopment of State-owned properties, mixed-use commercial developments, healthcare and educational facilities, as well as carparks and warehousing infrastructure. With its extensive experience in project management, procurement, property development, and facilities management, NIPDEC is well positioned to advance this agenda.

Summing up NIPDEC’s vision, Gosyne concluded, “Our role is to help structure projects that are transparent, commercially sound and aligned with national development priorities. Over the next three to five years, NIPDEC will prioritise construction and infrastructure that improves national productivity, strengthens resilience and creates long-term economic value for Trinidad and Tobago. We will continue to explore opportunities to leverage project management, procurement and infrastructure delivery expertise across the wider Caribbean.”

“Ultimately, unlocking growth is not about building more for its own sake. It is about building better – investing in infrastructure that removes bottlenecks, supports business, strengthens communities, attracts investment and leaves the country with assets that last for generations.”