Trinidad and Tobago government defends procurement reforms

The government is defending proposed amendments to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Bill, 2026, aimed at accelerating project implementation. Minister in the Ministry of Finance Kennedy Swaratsingh stated that the changes seek to reduce procedural burdens while maintaining accountability and safeguards.

A key component of the proposal involves reducing the procurement standstill period. Swaratsingh clarified that the period would be adjusted from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 15 days down to a minimum of five to a maximum of 10 days. He argued this reduction would prevent unnecessary delays in essential services and capital projects without removing the ability for contractors to conduct meaningful reviews.