Wayne Sturge told Parliament a 5 percent pay deal is being finalized. Defence Force recruitment drew 17,000-plus applications.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge told Parliament on Friday that arrangements are being finalized to pay salary increases and arrears to members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Cabinet approved the settlement on Jan. 22, 2026, for the period Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022. It provides cumulative increases of 5 percent over the three years, along with revisions to some allowances and benefits.
Sturge said about 4,633 serving members are expected to benefit, along with an estimated 224 members who retired during the period, through adjustments to their pensions and retirement entitlements. He put the additional cost of the settlement at $61.25 million and the recurrent annual additional cost at $56.42 million.
The Minister said the force’s approved permanent strength is 5,970, with 4,633 positions filled. In 2026, Cabinet approved recruiting and training 200 personnel for the regiment, 125 for the Coast Guard and 40 for the Air Guard. A selection exercise that began in July drew more than 17,000 applications. Sturge said 104 candidates have been enlisted and are training for the Coast Guard and Air Guard. Regiment selection was scheduled to finish Friday, and another 100 candidates are to begin training afterward. He added that more than $30 million has been allocated for new operational vehicles and equipment.
Sturge said the government is evaluating a proposal to add about 3,300 personnel, bringing the force to 9,270. Proposals will go to Cabinet in the first quarter of 2027, after reviews of infrastructure, accommodation, training, equipment and costs. He also said Cabinet approved a revised retirement framework on May 21, 2026. It raises the compulsory retirement age from 47 to 50 for majors and equivalent ranks and below. It also allows service extensions of up to three additional years, in one-year increments, for senior officers and selected warrant officers.
The Minister did not finish his statement. The Speaker told him the 10-minute limit had expired, and no motion was made to suspend the standing orders to let him continue. Sturge said he was authorized by Cabinet to make the statement.