Investment in Human Capital and Returns in Trinidad and Tobago

This research addresses an issue that many countries undoubtedly encounter in their pursuit of development, namely, how to apportion investment among economic and social sectors within the economy. In examining theories that have been advanced about the pursuit of specific economic ideologies and development paths that has been followed, and how financing for investment is to be derived, no clear rationalization has been given that has served to justify the investment choices that have been made in the Trinidad and Tobago context. In addressing the principal focus of the work, namely the formation, utilization and accumulation of human capital, a fundamental issue is that of positioning the human capital investment problem within a suitable framework that enables one to relate this to macroeconomic policies and practice that have been followed over time. Whilst recognizing money and investment as central to development one also wishes to establish the role of human capital and the extent of the gap that needs to be filled at this present time. Human capital can be regarded as an essential element in the realization of this objective in this regard.