Statutory Boards, Committees and Other Bodies

The Environmental Commission of Trinidad & Tobago

  • 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.ttThe 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: or visit https://www.ec.gov.tt/

     

  •   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 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 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 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 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 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:
    •  
    • 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 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.
      • 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.
    • 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.
    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

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    Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

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    Tax Appeal Board

    The Tax Appeal Board was established on 1st January, 1966. The legislation governing the Board are:
    • The Tax Appeal Board Act, Chap. 4:50
    • Income Tax Act
    • The Customs Act.
    The Tax Appeal Board encompasses a Chairman and two full-time Ordinary Members. The composition of the Board is set out under the Tax Appeal Board Act Chapter 4:01.
    Vision Statement
    To realize a fully computerized Court (an e-Court) whereby services from the Registry to the Court and also to the Court’s external clients are available online.
     

    Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon (Mercy Committee)

    The Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon, also known as the Mercy Committee was established under Section 88 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (Act 4 of 1976). Its purpose is to advise the President on the prerogative of mercy, a discretionary executive power possessed by the head of state.

    The Committee is chaired by the Minister of Justice who receives recommendations on a case by case basis at monthly meetings. Inclusive of the Minister; the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecution make up the three ex officio committee members. Additionally, four non-ex officio members are appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.
     
    The Committee is given organizational support by a Secretariat which comprises both administrative and legal professionals. Persons seeking clemency should forward their application in the form of a letter, “Request for Presidential Pardon” to the Ministry of Justice (See Services tab for more). The Committee makes recommendations to the Minister, who can accept or reject this advice. The Minister advises the President, who then may exercise the Power of Pardon.
     
    For more information on the Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon, please email ACPP@gov.tt or Call 223-2452 Ext 3535,3548.

    Police Complaints Authority (PCA)

    The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is Trinidad and Tobago's only Civilian Oversight body. It is an independent body set up by Parliament to keep watch over the Police.
     
    What We Do
     
    We are independent by law and we investigate criminal offences involving police officers, police corruption and serious police misconduct and other related matters.
     
    How we act on complaints

    When we receive a complaint, we may carry out our own investigation if it falls within the remit as defined in the Police Complaints Authority Act.
     
    Police Oversight and Why it Matters
    Effective, efficient Policing services are the cornerstone of a free and democratic society. Independent civilian oversight
    provides assurance for both the public and Police that allegations of criminal offences involving police officers, police
    corruption and serious police misconduct and other related matters are properly addressed.
     
    What You need to Know
    • The service of the Authority is free
    • Your complaint is investigated by highly trained investigators, who are not police officers
    • All complaints and evidence are strictly confidential
    • The Police Complaints Authority is neither a section nor division of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Special Reserve Police nor the Municipal Police Force.
    Independent civilian oversight
    • Protects citizens against abuse of those powers, including excessive force
    • Exposes misconduct
    • Improves Police practice and policy
    • Provides public accountability
    • Encourages discipline within the Police
    • Protects against corruption
    • Enhances public trust and confidence in the justice system and
    • Contributes towards the justice sector outcomes of a safe and just society.
    Contact Us:
    Telephone (Trinidad) 1(868) 226-4PCA(4722), (Tobago) Telephone 1(868) 639-5PCA (5722) OR Email: info@pca.org.tt or visit our website https://www.pca.org.tt/