The creative sector in Trinidad and Tobago is increasingly being recognized as a major driver of economic growth, innovation, and national identity, with business leaders urging urgent action to fully harness the country’s “orange economy.”
From Carnival and calypso to fashion, film, and digital content, the sector represents a dynamic blend of culture and commerce that contributes significantly to employment, tourism, and gross domestic product. Advocates say stronger policies, financing, and global integration could transform the industry into one of the nation’s most sustainable economic pillars.
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According to the CIIF Profile 2022, copyright-based industries accounted for 3.9 percent of Trinidad and Tobago’s GDP and 3.65 percent of national employment in 2011. Radio and television generated approximately TT$666 million in value added, while the music industry contributed TT$169 million and employed more than 5,600 people. The fashion industry generated TT$266 million through over 200 companies, and the film sector produced TT$117 million from hundreds of productions over a 14-year period.
The country’s rich cultural heritage. including Carnival, steelpan, parang, tassa, Hosay, Divali, and UNESCO-recognized sites such as Banwari Trace, continues to serve as the foundation for creative entrepreneurship and tourism development.
Business leaders say Carnival alone functions as a billion-dollar ecosystem, supporting industries ranging from costume design and music production to hospitality and event management. Creatives across film, music, and fashion also continue to draw from Trinidad and Tobago’s African, Indian, European, and Indigenous influences to produce globally marketable content.
Despite the sector’s promise, stakeholders argue that persistent barriers continue to limit growth. Challenges include inadequate financing for small and medium-sized creative enterprises, foreign exchange shortages, outdated intellectual property legislation, fragmented government oversight, and weak international marketing strategies.
Public spending on culture reportedly reached US$64 million in 2018, supported by agencies such as CreativeTT, FilmTT, and the Sports and Culture Fund. Existing incentives include tax breaks for sponsorship and film production rebates of up to 35 percent.
However, advocates are calling for broader reforms, including expanded funding opportunities, preferential loan systems for creatives, dedicated foreign exchange windows, modernized intellectual property protection, and a unified national strategy that balances cultural preservation with commercialization.
The Orange Economy Plan also emphasizes the importance of expanding trade and foreign direct investment through co-production treaties, diaspora engagement, digital commerce, and stronger CARICOM partnerships. Supporters point to international models such as the United Kingdom’s film tax incentives and Canada’s production credits as examples Trinidad and Tobago could adapt to strengthen its own creative ecosystem.
Technology and education are also seen as essential to future growth. Industry leaders are advocating for more specialized academic programs, creative entrepreneurship initiatives, and digital innovation through platforms like Spotify, YouTube, blockchain-based copyright protection, and immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality.
There are also proposals to establish creative clusters across the country, including film hubs in Port of Spain and music-focused development zones in Tobago.
Kiran Maharaj, past president of the T&T Chamber and founder of the Orange Economy Committee, warned that the country risks missing a major economic opportunity if urgent action is not taken.
Supporters argue that by strategically investing in culture, innovation, and digital transformation, Trinidad and Tobago can position itself as a leading Caribbean hub for creative industries while preserving and promoting its unique cultural identity on the global stage.
