Trinidad and Tobago defends MiLAT suspension over costs

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has defended its decision to suspend the Military-Led Academic Training Programme (MiLAT), citing high costs and low success rates. Speaking at the National Youth Conference and Exposition in Couva, Government Senator and Technical Coordinator for Youth Affairs and National Service Daniel Rasheed stated that the programme cost taxpayers $41.6 million over three years while enrolling approximately 300 young people.

Rasheed highlighted that the average pass rate was only 37.6%, meaning only about one-third of participants achieved full certification during the 2023-2024 period. He noted that the expenditure amounted to nearly $140,000 per enrolled individual, many of whom left without the intended qualifications. Additionally, annual salary costs were reported at nearly $8 million for a programme serving between 81 and 100 participants.

Beyond financial concerns, Rasheed cited serious issues regarding the welfare of the young people involved. He characterized the suspension as a “pause for a second chance” rather than an abandonment of youth initiatives, stating the government is reviewing programmes to ensure future efforts provide measurable outcomes, employable skills, and recognized certification.