The Green Manifesto

Frequently-asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is the Green Manifesto?

The Green Manifesto is a working document that will be prepared by the citizens and civil society groups in Trinidad and Tobago via community consultations known as the Green Ideas Market.

The consultations will be based on topics addressing sustainable development; creating a Framework for a Sustainable Nation.

How long will it take?

In the first instance, the Green Ideas Market will take 16 months, starting from September 2008, and 2 months for creating the first edition of the Green Manifesto.

How will the Green Ideas Market work?

A team representing various groups will conduct the Green Ideas Market in communities at community centres and other venues. The key topics for discussion tables are:

Community Food Security, Wellness, Heritage, Security, Environment, and Rights (Governance).

Community participants will have an opportunity to move from table to table taking part in the varying discussions over the 2-hour ‘Market.’

A convenor and a scribe will manage the various discussion tables.

Convenors will come from the civil society groups including the COP.

The COP and other groups will host the ‘Market.’

How many communities will provide Green Ideas Markets?

Any community can provide a ‘market.’ Community groups can invite the Green Manifesto team to set up a ‘market.’

How will the information be gathered?

Information from the Green Ideas Market will be written by the scribes and submitted to the Green Manifesto Secretariat for entry into the Main Green Ideas Market discussion database according to key topics.

Will the Green Ideas Markets be filmed?

Yes. Also where necessary footage will be taken of major problems of the community and shown on various Green Manifesto media outlets.

How will the public know what is going on?

Media ads will be placed, and also posted on website and YouTube.

What will happen to the 1^st Edition of the Green Manifesto after 18 months?

It will be presented to the GOTT for consideration and implementation.

The COP will use the major outcomes for its national manifesto.

Is the Green Manifesto a replacement for vision 2020?

No. The Green Manifesto recognizes the importance of Vision 2020 but does not believe it is being implemented by the GOTT. Also, Vision 2020 does not adequately address Trinidad and Tobago’s response to global warming and climate change.

The Green Manifesto will address all issues towards building sustainable communities and a sustainable nation.

Is the Green Manifesto a COP initiative only?

No.  The Green Manifesto is a response by community and civil society group’s calls for policies towards ensuring sustainable development on issues like agriculture, wellness, crime, poverty, and traffic reduction. The COP is working with civil society groups in the process towards developing the final document.

What can the Green Manifesto do now to help communities?

The Canvas Bag project to replace plastic bags at supermarkets, markets, and stores, was the first initiative launched. Other projects in community recycling, home gardens, home and office greening, National Community Support Clinics (wellness, legal, nutrition, counseling, vet, dental, and social clinics), and other community-based initiatives.

Which other groups are involved in the Green Manifesto?

TTCAN, Fishermen for Othaheite, Voice of youth network, Laventille movers, central action group, New Grant farmers, and other groups, are involved.

Would the Green Manifesto team access the Green Fund?

 Yes. The team would work with various community groups to access the Green Fund for community projects.

Who is the Chairman of the Green Manifesto Team?

 Agriculturalist Wendy Lee Yuen.

 How can I get involved?

Write to: Green Manifesto Secretariat, 12, Pasea Main Road, Tunapuna.

Call 662-1067.

Emails to thegreenmanifesto@gmail.com;

Website: thegreenmanifesto.net

YouTube: www.youtube.com/greenmanifesto