Sen. The Honourable Leroy Baptiste, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development (MLSMED) appointed members to the Board of Governors of the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies (CCLCS) yesterday May 27, 2026 at the Ministry’s Head Office.
Addressing incoming members and attendees at the appointment ceremony, Senator Baptiste shared that the College, which is commemorating its 60th anniversary this year, stands not only as a centre of academic learning, but as a platform for socio-economic transformation – supporting trade unions, co-operative societies, the informal economy, public sector workers, aspiring entrepreneurs and the working class in general. He added that as the global and regional labour landscape undergo dramatic shifts driven by digitalization, the College must continue to serve as a thought leader and training hub in this national effort – ensuring that our young people are not only employed, but truly empowered.
Chairperson of the new Board, Ms. Wendy Augustus in her address accepted her responsibility with a clear sense of purpose and with a focus on national development. Ms. Augustus is acutely familiar with the College’s operations having served in several capacities over a ten-year period at the College. She reiterated that the Board’s role must be rooted in effective governance, forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving needs of the society. She reiterated that in the face of change the Board’s task is to ensure that the College remains innovative, relevant and accessible. She is particularly interested in the College expanding opportunities for lifelong learning and building strong communities thereby ensuring workers voices are represented and respected.
Established in accordance with the provisions of the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies Act, Chapter 39:51, Section 12 of the Act lists the following duties and responsibilities of the College:
(a) To provide educational facilities and courses for Trade Unions and Co-operatives and workers generally in such fields as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Governors;
(b) To issue certificates and diplomas in connection with its courses;
(c) To co-operate with other educational institutions or bodies established for the advancement of workers’ education generally;
(d) To co-operate with the labour movements in the Caribbean;
(e) To promote and encourage the educational facilities and courses referred to in paragraph (a) both in Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere by the grant of prizes, scholarships, or other awards or distinctions and by such other means as may from time to time be determined; and
(f) To pursue all charitable objects or things and undertake such charitable trusts as are incidental or conducive to the performance of the above duties.
The Composition of the Board is as follows:
| Members | NAME |
| Chair | Ms. Wendy Augustus |
| Deputy Chair | Mr. Wendell Seepersad |
| Member | Ms. Natalie Willis |
| Member | Mr. Michael Annisette |
| Member | Ms. Ermine De Bique Meade |
| Member | Ms. Felisha Thomas |
| Member | Ms. June James |
| Member | Ms. Lisa Madray-Valadere |
| Member | Ms. Lauren Murray |
To witness the Ceremony were members of the Ministry’s Executives, Ms. Natalie Willis, Permanent Secretary who was also appointed as a Member, Ms. Lorris Alfred, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Mr. Sheldon Salino, Deputy Director of the College, Mr. Samuel Duntin, Corporate Secretary (CCLCS), Ms. Akeba Wilson, General Secretary, Contractors and General Workers Trade Union, Ms. Omalisa Baldeo, Director, Research and Planning Division of the MLSMED along with members of staff of the Ministry.