Communication and Information

Professional Profile and Sector Leadership

As Head of the Communication and Information Sector of the Trinidad and Tobago National Commission for UNESCO, I provide leadership and strategic direction in advancing UNESCO's Communication and Information mandate at the national level. My role focuses on promoting access to information, strengthening literacy, advancing media and information literacy (MIL), encouraging digital inclusion, and empowering individuals to become informed, critical and responsible participants in an increasingly digital society.

Drawing on my professional background in Library and Information Science, I bring a strong information services perspective to the sector. My professional experience has reinforced my understanding that literacy extends beyond the ability to read and write. It encompasses the ability to locate, access, evaluate, interpret, create and communicate information effectively and ethically.

My leadership is guided by the belief that access to reliable information is fundamental to education, informed decision-making, personal development and meaningful participation in society. I therefore seek to strengthen the relationship between libraries, education, information services, technology and community development, while ensuring that UNESCO's ideals are translated into relevant and sustainable national initiatives.

Alignment with UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goals

My work within the Communication and Information Sector contributes particularly to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promoting literacy, inclusive learning, information literacy and lifelong learning opportunities.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Encouraging equitable access to information, digital resources and opportunities for women and girls.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Supporting digital transformation, innovation and access to information and communication technologies.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Advocating for equitable access to information and reducing digital and information inequalities.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promoting access to information, freedom of expression, informed citizenship and the responsible use of information.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening collaboration among institutions and stakeholders to advance sustainable development initiatives.

My Vision for the Communication and Information Sector

My vision is to contribute to a society in which every individual has equitable access to reliable information and the literacy competencies necessary to use that information meaningfully, critically and responsibly.

I would like the Communication and Information Sector to be recognised for its contribution to developing an informed, digitally competent and critically aware population. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programmes, literacy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, I hope to strengthen the role of information as a catalyst for education, empowerment, social inclusion and national development.

Ultimately, my goal is to help cultivate a generation of readers, thinkers, researchers, creators and responsible digital citizens who are not merely consumers of information but are also capable of questioning, evaluating, creating and using knowledge to improve their communities and contribute meaningfully to society.