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:
  •   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.
 
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 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

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?
  • Members of the public who cannot afford private legal representation or advice.
  • The Judiciary and the Courts of Trinidad and Tobago.
  • The Ministry of Justice and other justice-sector agencies.
  • The Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago.
  • Attorneys-at-law and legal practitioners.
  • The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS)
  • The Trinidad and Tobago Prisons Service (TTPrS)
  • Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
For more information on the Legal Aid and Advisory Authority, please call us at (868) 638-5222, email info@laaa.gov.tt or visit our website https://laaa.org.tt/

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) was established in 2006 to provide a simple effective, equitable and humane means whereby a victim of a crime of violence can obtain compensation for injuries suffered.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Department is the administrative arm of the Board. The Department investigates and processes all applications and makes a recommendation to the Board for its consideration.
 
Our Core Functions
 
The core function of the Board is to receive and consider applications for compensation and to decide what compensation, if any shall be paid.
Who can apply?
  • Victims who have suffered physical and mental injury due to violence
  • A dependant of a deceased victim.
  • The parent/guardian acting on behalf of the dependant (s) of a deceased victim.
  • Guardian of the victim or dependant, who has suffered financial loss or has incurred expenses in the care of the injured victim or dependant.
  • Guardian of a mentally ill dependant of a deceased victim, or a duly authorized medical officer.
Who is considered to be a victim?
 
Anyone who has suffered physical or mental injury due to a violent crime as indicated below:
  • Murder
  • Manslaughter
  • The parent/guardian acting on behalf of the dependant (s) of a deceased victim.
  • Wounding with intent
  • Guardian of a mentally ill dependant of a deceased victim, or a duly authorized medical officer.
  • Inflicting injuring with or without a weapon
  • Using a drug with intent to commit an offence
  • Administering poison or other destructive or noxious substances so as to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm
  • Administering poison with intent to injure or annoy
  • Offences under the Sexual Offences Act (Act no. 27 of 1986).
Who is considered to be a dependant?
 
  • A spouse or former spouse who was being maintained by the victim at the time of the victim’s death
  • A person who was living in a co-habitational relationship with the victim for not less than three years before his/her death
  • A child under the age of eighteen
  • A child under the age of eighteen
  • A person who at the time of the victim’s death was financially dependent on him/her (Act 21 of 1999).
How do I file a claim?
  • Complete your Application Form. (Forms are available on the Services page of the Ministry of Justice website.)
  • If the applicant is the victim, submit medical certificate indicating injuries sustained.
  • If the applicant is filing on behalf of a defendant, submit a death certificate.
  • A police report must be submitted for the crime for which the application is filed.
  • You must submit three (3) copies of your application form and other documents within one year of the date of the injury or death of the victim.
  • The Board may request a hearing or additional documents from the applicant to make a decision. 
What are the limitations on compensation?
 
  • Compensation will not be given unless the application is made within one year after the date of injury or death.
  • Compensation will not be paid where the victim was guilty of breaking, or failed to comply with any law, which caused or contributed to his injuries.
  • Compensation will not be paid where the victim was injured as a result of the operation of a motor vehicle, boat or aeroplane, unless the same was used as a weapon in a deliberate attempt to do the victim harm, or to cause bodily injury.
For more information on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, please email cicb.reports@gov.tt or Call us at 624-4696, 627-2374.

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

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