“Be efficient.”
These were the words from the Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Kennedy Swaratsingh, who also has the mandate with responsibility for the environment, to the new members of the Board of Directors of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). Minister Swaratsingh distributed the official instruments to the members of the reconstituted Board on Friday November 14th, 2025.
The Minister informed the members that Trinidad and Tobago lost over TT $30 billion over the past five years and TT $1 billion in investments over the past year alone due to dissatisfaction and perceived delays with the EMA’s processes with regard to various large-scale projects. In this regard, the members were reminded that one of their key functions will be a review of the EMA’s processes, fee structures and regulations while maintaining the highest standards in implementing the Authority’s mandate.
Minister Swaratsingh emphasised the importance of keeping in mind the value of service to the nation’s national development and reminded the members that all need to work together with integrity and clear judgement to continue moving Trinidad and Tobago forward.
The following persons have been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors in accordance of section 6 of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 (the Act) for a period of 2 years: Mr. Doolar Ramlal, Chair and Trustee of the Environmental Trust Fund of the EMA; Ms. Neeala Mongroo, Trustee; Mr. Kadeem Williams, Trustee; Dr. Rebecca Gookool-Bosland, Trustee; Mr. Naresh Ragoonanan, Trustee; Ms. Nova Johnson; Dr. Steve Rajpatty; Mr. Keston Daniel; Mr. Avinash Phagoo and Mr. Keydell Kerr of the Tobago House of Assembly.
The reconstituted Board of Directors will continue the directive of governing the Environmental Management Authority which falls within the purview of the Planning and Economic Affairs Ministry. The work of the board will also involve development and implementation of policies and programmes for the effective management and wise use of the environment, consistent with the objectives of the Environmental Management Act; promote educational and public awareness programs on the environment; develop and establish national environmental standards and criteria; monitor compliance with the standards criteria and programs relating to the environment; take all appropriate action for the prevention and control of pollution along with conservation of the environment inter alia.