“As promised by Kamla” the UNC Party is committed to raising the legal drinking age to 21, while gambling and cannabis use would be restricted to those aged 25. The reforms mark a major policy shift, to position Trinidad and Tobago as the strictest Caribbean state on adult activities.
Persad-Bissessar unveiled the measures during her first official address since her general election victory on 28 April, reaffirming the UNC Party’s ambitions and promising “tough decisions” to bring long-term stability and fairness.
The reforms are being bundled into a wider legislative manifest that also includes a review of pension tax laws. The Prime Minister pledged to exempt retirement benefits from taxation for individuals over 60, arguing that taxing pensions after decades of contribution amounts to double taxation and imposes undue strain on seniors with fixed incomes.
“These changes are about fairness, safety, and building a healthier future. You don’t want the next five years to be as terrible as the last ten,” she told supporters during a UNC meeting in Penal.
Cautious Support from Business Community
The proposal has received early backing from three major business chambers, including the Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce (GSFCC), whose president Kiran Singh praised the government’s focus on addiction prevention and urged it to go further by restricting vaping among minors.
Singh downplayed concerns about potential losses to nightlife and gaming industries, stating that the societal benefits would outweigh economic costs, and noted that most youth spending in these sectors is marginal or reliant on borrowed money.
However, Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) president Baldath Maharaj urged greater consultation, warning that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment could face setbacks during an already fragile post-pandemic recovery. He recommended a phased implementation strategy, backed by education campaigns and support measures for affected businesses.
The Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the intent but called for a balanced approach, citing concerns that the age increase may inadvertently hurt local businesses that cater to younger demographics. Its president, Anjie Jairam, emphasised the need for evidence-based policymaking and engagement with both the private sector and youth groups.
In Parliament Opposition to Kamla plans, have cautioned that stringent age restrictions—particularly if applied to nightlife, casinos, and recreational venues—could deter western visitors, opting for neighbouring Caribbean destinations perceived as more permissive
Unfinished Oversight of Gambling
While the government seeks to raise the legal gambling age, Trinidad and Tobago has yet to fully implement its 2021 Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act. Though passed and partially proclaimed, the Act’s full regulatory framework including licensing, inspections, and enforcement remains inactive, in need of a final proclamation.
The law would establish a dedicated Gambling Control Commission to oversee five casino venues and 80 gambling/betting establishments (public and private) operating in Trinidad and Tobago
In parallel, the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (FIUTT) has stepped up enforcement in the gambling sector to combat money laundering and financial crime. In 2024, it held multiple stakeholder engagement sessions and public consultations, and collaborated with the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT to align the sector with international standards.
The FIUTT has become a key actor in bridging the regulatory vacuum while the 2021 Act awaits full implementation, with increased scrutiny on unregulated gambling environments and risk-based supervision.
The proposed social reform Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming session, yet the new government has made no statement on the proclamation of the Gambling Control Act.
