Statutory Boards, Committees and Other Bodies

The Environmental Commission of Trinidad & Tobago

The Environmental Commission’s role pursuant to the EM Act is effectively that of a specialist environmental court which was established in order to enforce the provisions of the Act and to adjudicate on disputes that arise with respect to the decisions, actions and inactions of the EMA under the Act.  The mandate of the Environmental Commission, pursuant to the EM Act is inter-alia:
  • The Environmental Commission’s role pursuant to the EM Act is effectively that of a specialist environmental court which was established in order to enforce the provisions of the Act and to adjudicate on disputes that arise with respect to the decisions, actions and inactions of the EMA under the Act.  The mandate of the Environmental Commission, pursuant to the EM Act is inter-alia:  To hear and determine appeals from decisions or actions of the Authority.  Persons may challenge the EMA’s findings, decisions and actions by appealing to the Commission.
    • To hear and determine applications by the EMA for enforcement of Consent Agreements. The consent agreement contains, among other things, an admission of breach by the party of an environmental requirement under the Act and an agreement to rectify the breach and to pay the necessary compensation to the Authority.
        To hear and determine appeals from decisions or actions of the Authority.  Persons may challenge the EMA’s findings, decisions and actions by appealing to the Commission.
    • To determine the amount of civil assessment that is compensated to the EMA for damage and loss incurred as a result of the violation of an environmental requirement.
    • To hear and determine appeals from decisions of the EMA to refuse to grant Certificate of Environmental Clearances (CEC’s) or from conditions imposed on CEC’s.
      To hear and determine applications by the EMA for enforcement of Consent Agreements. The consent agreement contains, among other things, an admission of breach by the party of an environmental requirement under the Act and an agreement to rectify the breach and to pay the necessary compensation to the Authority.
    • To hear and determine applications for a deferment of a decision of the EMA, made under sections 25 and 41 of the Environmental Management Act, to designate environmentally sensitive areas and environmentally sensitive species;
    • To hear and determine appeals from designations of environmentally sensitive areas or environmentally sensitive species by the EMA.To hear and determine applications made by the EMA for injunctive relief or restraining orders to prohibit the continued violation of an environmental requirement or prevent the activity which leads to the violation.
      • To hear and determine complaints that are brought by private persons (the Applicant) against any other person (the Respondent) on the basis that the Respondent has violated environmental requirements that are specified in the EM Act. This is known as a Direct Private Party Action. It is the only type of action before the Commission that does not involve the EMA as a Party since it involves one private individual bringing an action against another individual or institution.
  • Such other matters as may be prescribed by or arise under this Act or any other written law where jurisdiction in the Commission is specifically provided.
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    Who Do We Serve?
    The Environmental Commission focuses its activities on serving and interacting with a broad range of stakeholders, including:
    • The Public (Society at Large): The Commission makes decisions in the best interest of the public and aims to contribute to the public's understanding of the judicial process relating to environmental justice through ongoing education.
    • Litigants/Parties to Disputes: The Commission provides public access to an independent forum for the resolution of disputes and commits to equal and timely justice for all appearing before it.
    • The Legislature and Executive: The Commission advocates for policies and resources necessary to fulfill its mission, requiring engagement with the governmental branches responsible for funding and lawmaking.
    • Internal Stakeholders (Commissioners and Staff): The Commission promotes a competent, responsive, and ethical Commission and staff through comprehensive education and training programs.
    • NPOs, NGOs, CBOs focused on environmental protection, preservation and environmental justice.
    For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact us at communications@ec.gov.tt or visit https://www.ec.gov.tt/

     

    Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC)


    The Equal Opportunity Act seeks to protect citizens against discrimination as it relates to employment, education, the provision of goods and services and the provision of accommodation. Under the Act, citizens are entitled to equality and fair treatment for all, despite different racial, ethnic, religious, marital and gender backgrounds. Further, all persons are entitled to equal treatment despite geographical origin or physical disabilities.
    The Equal Opportunity Commission was established by Section 26(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2000, for the purpose of exercising the jurisdiction conferred upon it by that Act. The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) was appointed on the 21st April, 2008 with a mandate to work towards the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality and good relations between persons of different statuses.

    The Equal Opportunity Act seeks to protect citizens against discrimination as it relates to employment, education, the provision of goods and services and the provision of accommodation. Under the Act, citizens are entitled to equality and fair treatment for all, despite different racial, ethnic, religious, marital and gender backgrounds. Further, all persons are entitled to equal treatment despite geographical origin or physical disabilities.
    Our Core Functions
    • To secure effective legislative and regulatory framework for equality and human rights.
    • To build a society without prejudice, promote good relations, and foster a vibrant equality and human rights culture.
    • To promote understanding and awareness of rights and duties and deliver timely and accurate advice and guidance to individuals and employers.
    • To build an authoritative and responsive organisation.
    Who Do We Serve?
    Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago including:
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    • Employees
    • Students or Group of Persons,
    • Organisations,
    • Employers or Service Providers
    For more information on the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), please email communications@eoc.gov.tt , visit our website https://equalopportunity.gov.tt/ or Call 627-8173 and 627-3193.

    Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT)

    The Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT) is established under the Equal Opportunity Act, Chapter 22:03, to adjudicate complaints of discrimination and offensive behaviour. It is the only specialised judicial institution in the English-speaking Caribbean dedicated exclusively to determining matters of equality and non-discrimination. The Tribunal ensures fair and impartial adjudication in cases related to employment, education, accommodation, and the provision of goods and services, based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, sex, marital status, disability, or origin.
    Our Core Functions
    The Tribunal’s core functions include:
    • Hearing and determining complaints of discrimination and offensive behaviour referred by the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC).
    • Issuing orders, declarations, and awards of compensation or dismissing claims as appropriate.
    • Granting injunctions and requiring parties to appear or produce documents relevant to proceedings.
    • Enforcing compliance with its rulings through orders for contempt.
    • Promoting judicial excellence in non-discrimination, DEI law through capacity building, education, and engagement.
    Who Do We Serve?
    The Tribunal primarily serves:
    • Members of the public who seek justice for unfair treatment or discrimination.
    • The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), as matters are referred to the Tribunal following unsuccessful conciliation.
    • Legal practitioners and representatives appearing before the Tribunal.
    • Government ministries, state agencies, and private entities.
    For more information on the EOT, please email eot.info@gov.tt or visit our website https://www.equalrightscourt.org/.

     

    Legal Aid and Advisory Authority

    The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority (LAAA) is mandated to make legal aid and advice in Trinidad and Tobago readily available for persons of small or moderate means. To enable the cost of legal aid or advice granted to persons to be defrayed wholly or partly out of moneys provided by Parliament, and for purposes connected thereto. This is the legislative mandate as set out in the Legal Aid and Advice Act, Chapter 7:07.
    Our Core Functions
    • Providing legal representation in criminal and civil matters for eligible persons. This is done through the Public Defenders’ Department (criminal matters) and the Civil Legal Department (civil matters). Legal representation is also facilitated through Attorneys in private practice who register on legal Aid’s Panel of Attorneys.
    • Providing legal advice and guidance to the public.
    • Managing Duty Counsel services for adults detained for capital offences or minors for all offences.
    • Conducting public legal education and outreach initiatives.
    • Liaising with the Judiciary, law enforcement, and other justice sector partners to support fair and timely access to legal services.
      • Who Do We Serve?

    Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

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    Tax Appeal Board

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    Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon (Mercy Committee)

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    Police Complaints Authority (PCA)

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