Read full statement below;
On 3rd June 2026, Dr the Honourable Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy
Industries along with the Honourable Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy
and Energy Industries, Mrs Ava Mahabir-Dass, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) at the Ministry
of Energy and Energy Industries and Mr. Monty Beharry, Director of Minerals, met with
representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association (TTAPA).
The representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association
(TTAPA) present at the meeting were, Mr Nigel Tenia, President; Mr Sean Maharaj,
Director; and Mr Bevon Cook, Director.
At the meeting the parties discussed the hold-over letters issued by the Ministry of Energy
and Energy Industries (MEEI) to quarry operators. The TTAPA welcomed the issuance
of the hold-over letters under the terms and conditions that allow for the continuity of the
validity of the operators’ licences as it facilitates clarity and transparency within the mining
industry. Further to this both parties agreed to a framework that ensures that new
applicants meet the statutory requirements for mining licences.
In an effort to foster further dialogue on the matter with multiple stakeholder groups, the
Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries will be hosting an ‘Open Day’ at the end of June
2026 where all members of the Minerals Advisory Committee including the Environmental
Management Authority (EMA), Water and Sewage Authority, Town and Country Planning
Division and the Commissioner of State Lands will be available to meet with applicants to
provide guidance and assistance with the completion of applications.
The meeting concluded with both representatives of the MEEI and TTAPA pledging their
commitment to bringing clarity and transparency to the operations of the industry.