The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joth Singh as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Singh was formally welcomed to the EMA by the Minister with responsibility for the environment, Senator the Honourable Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, who outlined several critical priorities for the environmental sector, including strengthened noise management, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and the advancement of integrated waste management solutions. The Minister emphasized the important role of the EMA in supporting national environmental stewardship and sustainable development objectives.
Dr. Singh was also welcomed by the EMA’s Chairman, Mr. Doolar Ramlal, Deputy Chairman, Ms. Neeala Mongroo and Director Dr. Steve Rajpatty, who expressed confidence in his ability to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth and transformation. In his remarks, Dr. Singh articulated his commitment to working closely with the Board of Directors, management, staff, and stakeholders to strengthen the EMA and advance its mandate. He underscored his intention to drive organisational transformation under the strategic direction of the Board, while enhancing the EMA’s effectiveness, responsiveness, and impact in addressing Trinidad and Tobago’s environmental challenges.
Dr. Singh brings to the EMA an exceptional wealth of experience in environmental management, sustainable development, policy leadership, and conservation, gained through more than three decades of service at the national, regional, and international levels. Prior to joining the EMA, Dr. Singh served as Senior Director of Policy and Geography Programs for the Caribbean Division of The Nature Conservancy, based at the organisation’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. In that role, he led initiatives focused on policy development, public funding, strategic partnerships, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ocean management across the Caribbean region.
Dr. Singh has held several senior leadership positions throughout his distinguished career, including Technical Director of the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), Executive Director of the Caribbean Conservation Association (CCA), International Director of Wildlife and Habitat at International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Environment Specialist and Program Development Specialist with USAID’s Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission, and Program Manager responsible for establishing and managing the US$60 million sinking fund for the Ecosystem-based Adaptation Facility of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund.
Notably, Dr. Singh served previously as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the EMA from 2008 to 2013. His return marks a significant milestone for the organisation as it continues to strengthen its role in environmental governance and sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago.
Throughout his career, Dr. Singh has developed extensive expertise in organisational leadership, change management, project management, environmental policy, sustainable finance, environmental legislation and regulation, sustainability, climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management and the circular economy, coastal zone management, and water resources management.
Dr. Singh holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The University of the West Indies, a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of London, and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from The University of the West Indies. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, conducting ecotoxicology research at Dalhousie University and Bedford Institute of Oceanography. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Singh developed a lifelong appreciation for the environment through his experiences exploring the country’s diverse natural landscapes. His passion for conservation and sustainable development continues to guide his professional and personal pursuits.
The EMA welcomes Dr. Singh and looks forward to the leadership, vision, and expertise he will bring as the organisation advances its mandate to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable development for present and future generations.
