A Government bond is an instrument used by governments to borrow money.
It is one of the most secure types of investments available as the likelihood that the government will not repay its debt is very low. In Trinidad and Tobago, government bonds are issued for periods of more than five (5) years.
During the life of the bond, the government pays interest to bondholders and the principal amount borrowed is returned either at the end of the period or over some specified period.
How are Bonds Issued?
Currently government bonds are issued through an electronic auction system at the Central Bank.
An auction is opened for approximately two weeks. Information on the bond is documented in a Bond Information Memorandum which is published in the daily newspapers and posted on the Central Bank’s website. The purpose for the issue of a particular bond is explained in this document. The public can purchase bonds on a competitive or a non-competitive basis. You can learn more about the bidding process in the Bonds Q & A.
More information about the Bond Market can be found in the Public Education Pamphlet Series no. 4 entitled The Government Securities Market in Trinidad and Tobago.
Bonds Application Procedure
Applications to purchase bonds are made through Government Securities Intermediaries. Information can be obtained from The Domestic Market Operations Department.
Download the Bonds Application Form
Secondary Market
The 'primary market' refers to the sale of a bond directly by government to a buyer, that is, the first-time issue of the bond. The 'secondary market' refers to the subsequent trading in these bonds, after their date of issue but before their maturity date.
A list of institutions authorized to trade in bonds is provided below. You can also read or download more information on the bond trading here, in two parts:
Brochure Part 1 Brochure Part 2
Directory of Institutions Authorized to Trade Government Bonds (Exchange Members)
