Afloat in the Atlantic

Abstract

This paper examines appropriate models for the education and accreditation of planners in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Using primarily the examples of Trinidad and Tobago and some broader Caribbean experiences, the paper examines the evolution of planning in the Caribbean and its specific needs for local training in planning. It evaluates the existing regional university programmes in planning, using a relevant Commonwealth model from the New Zealand and Australian environments. Notwithstanding the specific requirements of the region, its training programmes are found to be very similar to the broader Commonwealth model. Even given the colonial heritage of the region, there seems to be a case for more relevant teaching materials and methods in the Caribbean. Finally, while local forms of quality control are suggested for any accreditation process, the paper recommends a continued relationship with a broader Commonwealth accreditation process.