ABSTRACT
Human settlements planners in Trinidad and Tobago face two major changes. First, planning is coming to the end of an era, and the institutions and procedures put in place at the time of independence now need review and reassessment in the light of experience and changing needs. Secondly, the growth and development of a modem society in Trinidad and Tobago, coupled with world-wide developments in microelectronics, calls for an assessment of new methods and techniques available to planners. Microcomputers represent a qualitative change in computer technology because they are meant to be used by ordinary people. The planning process is implemented primarily through the Town and Country Planning Division of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Development planning in the Division has been focused primarily on preparation of various planning documents. Development control by the Town and Country Planning Division is focused largely on processing applications for development permission and then monitoring for compliance.
