Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has convened a meeting with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Environmental Commission of Trinidad and Tobago to advance proposed amendments to the Environmental Management Act, with environmental justice as the guiding principle.
The meeting, focused on strengthening the legislative framework to ensure environmental governance in Trinidad and Tobago is modern, responsive, and firmly grounded in principles of environmental justice.
“The proposed amendments to the Environmental Management Act are in furtherance of environmental justice,” Minister Maharaj stated. “They are designed to ensure that all citizens—regardless of community, socio-economic status, or geographic location—are afforded equal protection under our environmental laws and meaningful opportunities to be heard in decisions that affect their environment and quality of life.”
The proposed amendments aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Act, improve regulatory clarity, and ensure environmental protection mechanisms remain robust and equitable in the face of emerging environmental and climate-related challenges. A programme of public consultation will be central to the reform process, allowing citizens, civil society organizations, industry stakeholders, and community groups to participate in shaping the updated framework.