The Ministry of Culture and Community Development (MCCD) is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Board of Directors for Queen’s Hall. The official presentation of Instruments of Appointment took place at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry’s Head Office, today, Wednesday September 17th, 2025.
The ceremony was presided over by the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, who was joined by Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary and other senior officials from the Ministry.
The newly appointed Board of Directors of Queen’s Hall comprises:
· Ms. Janice Learmond-Criqui – Chairman
· Ms. Nydika Sylvester – Deputy Chairman
· Mr. Nigel Gokool – Member
· Ms. Avis Bruce – Member
· Mr. Keenan Monro – Member
· Ms. Isha Khan – Member
· Ms. Alicia Alexander – Member
· Mr. Nigel C. Watson – Member
In her brief remarks, Minister Benjamin acknowledged the legacy of Queen’s Hall and the responsibilities entrusted to its new leadership: “Queen’s Hall has been a beacon of cultural excellence for more than six decades. This new Board takes office at an important juncture, with a mandate to ensure the Hall continues to evolve as an inclusive, inspiring space. Their work will shape the experiences of artistes, audiences and communities for generations to come.”
Mandate and Expectations of the New Board
Since opening its doors in 1959, Queen’s Hall has stood as a cornerstone of cultural life in Trinidad and Tobago. Renowned as one of the nation’s premier performance venues, it has hosted a diverse range of events spanning theatre, music, dance, conferences, graduations and national celebrations.
As a statutory body established under the Queen’s Hall Act, Chap. 40:50, the Board is entrusted with the responsibility to:
· Safeguard Queen’s Hall as a premier venue for the performing arts and cultural expression.
· Exercise proper governance, accountability and stewardship of its operations.
· Expand access and opportunities for artistes, cultural practitioners and communities.
· Contribute to the growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s creative and cultural economy.
In carrying out this mandate, the newly appointed Board is expected to:
· Lead with integrity and uphold strong standards of transparency and accountability.
· Provide innovative leadership to position Queen’s Hall as a preferred venue for cultural, artistic and community events.
· Oversee the effective maintenance and modernisation of the facility to meet all needs.
· Strengthen partnerships with the creative sector and private stakeholders to expand programming opportunities.
· Promote the Queen’s Hall as a centre of excellence that enriches the nation’s cultural landscape.
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development congratulates the newly appointed Board of Directors of Queen’s Hall and looks forward to working collaboratively with them to safeguard its legacy, broaden its reach and ensure its continued relevance as a premier cultural institution in Trinidad and Tobago.
