Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh distributed instruments of appointment to the Board of Directors of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) on Monday October 6th, 2025 at the Head Office of the Planning Ministry in the Eric Williams Finance Building. The CDA falls within the remit of this Ministry.
The nine members of the Board range from legal, industry, business, HR and medical sectors and include Ms. Calise Narinesingh-Martin, Chair; Ms. Kirby Joseph, Deputy Chair; Mr. Manmohan Balkaran; Dr. Louis Percival Anthony Nurse; Ms. Jamie Sarah Edwards; Ms. Nalini Goindoo; Ms. Shelly Balkissoon; Dr. Nalini Kokaram and Ms. Felicia Holder.
Minister Swaratsingh expressed his appreciation for the Members’ acceptance of the appointments and reminded them of the importance of the Chaguaramas Peninsula to Trinidad and Tobago from an economic historical, environmental and cultural perspective. The Minister stated that while development has been on auto-pilot for the past ten years, master plans for Chaguaramas do exist and therefore can be used as sources of ideas for the enhancement of the space.
Some key items of attention, according to Minister Swaratsingh, include a review of the facilities and amenities under the CDA’s remit; ad hoc property development; the abandonment of derelict vessels in the surrounding waters; the pollution of the ocean and the current state of leases. The Minister also raised the enhancement of tourism and entertainment on the peninsula as well as the revitalization of the hotel school and the exploration of other ideas to contribute to national economic enhancement and opportunities for citizens.
The Board was reminded of the agricultural designation of parts of Chaguaramas and the idea of the lands being a key part of the development of a medical cannabis industry in Trinidad and Tobago was raised. Members were also reminded that the Chaguaramas Peninsula has the potential to be a foreign exchange generator for Trinidad and Tobago and can build the economy through the development of entrepreneurs. The need for a policy for the minor islands in the west, commonly referred to as Down the Islands or DDI as well as the revitalization of the yachting sector were also outlined as important items for consideration.
In closing, the new Board was encouraged to enjoy the appointment and to partake in the natural wonders of Chaguaramas to inspire ideas for development that also take into consideration the care of natural features such as the beaches, trails, animals such as the capuchin and howler monkeys and the historical features and infrastructure. Minister Swaratsingh implored members to keep the history of the Peninsula in mind while focusing on making it an amazing place for the heritage, citizens and future well-being of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 1972 to administer and coordinate the development of the northwestern peninsula. The CDA, is vested with all the land of the north west peninsula of the island of Trinidad, including the offshore islands.
