The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago will revamp its Safe To Work (STOW) Programme.
This follows Thursday’s announcement by Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr. Roodal Moonilal on the complete termination of the certification regime for State-owned entities.
Speaking at the Energy Chamber Conference and Tradeshow on Monday, the Chair of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, Mala Baliraj, said the body is aware of issues with the programme.
“We have committed to reflect, review, and make changes as needed. Our intention is always to work towards a collaborative approach with all of our stakeholders. As such, we hope to be able to reposition and create a space for open and structured engagement with the government.”
Ms. Baliraj said the concerns were raised publicly during the 2025 Energy Conference, noting that cost implications for contractors were a key issue.
“The concern of cost associated with consulting advice and training of staff for certification was highlighted with the aim of resolving. Given the clear position of the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, this configuration of contractor safety management certification and contractor pre-qualification will not be maintained in its current construct.”
The Energy Chamber Chair noted that the energy sector is a dangerous place to work and that health and safety standards are of paramount importance.
“Our industry needs robust, high-quality safety practices to be maintained. This is not a theoretical issue but a day-to-day operating reality for every human that we have at every site and every asset in the sector. Across our industry, for all our operators, maintaining high safety levels is not optional.”
The Trinidad and Tobago Energy Chamber Conference and Tradeshow runs from January 26th to January 28th.