spotlight – Parliament

Vacancies at the Office of the Parliament

Leigh Hope — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:23:56 +0000

The Office of the Parliament invites suitably qualified persons to complete an online application for consideration for positions in the Information Systems Division. The deadline for the submission of applications is WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE, 2026 AT MIDNIGHT.

Follow this link to view further details / apply: https://vacancies.ttparliament.org/

Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago hosts 5th CAPAC Conference

Leigh Hope — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:42:53 +0000

The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago recently hosted the fifth (5^th) Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) Conference. It followed the theme “Advancing Accountability: Strengthening the Independence, Capacity and Impact of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) across the Commonwealth”. This programme was held at the Red House, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from June 9-10, 2026.

The Opening Ceremony was held on June 9^th, 2026 with the national anthem of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, sung by members of the Parliament Choir. This was followed by brief remarks from the President of the Senate, Sen. the Hon. Wade Mark. The ceremony concluded with brief remarks by the Honourable Jagdeo Singh, MP Speaker of the House of Representatives.

President of the Senate, Sen. the Hon. Wade Mark, gives brief remarks at the opening of the 5th CAPAC Conference

The conference is convened every two (2) years and hosted on a rotational basis among CAPAC member jurisdictions. The Conference serves as a key forum through which Members share experiences, discuss emerging challenges in public financial scrutiny, and examine developments in best practices that enhance accountability, transparency, and good governance. It also provides the opportunity to convene the General Meeting of the Association, during which elections to the CAPAC Executive Board and Executive Committee are conducted, as necessary.

Through presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants examined innovative approaches to strengthening Public Accounts Committee (PAC) independence, enhancing oversight practices, and maximizing the impact of PAC recommendations on governance and accountability outcomes.

The conference aimed to strengthen the effectiveness and resilience of PACs within the Commonwealth, with particular focus on the Caribbean region, and to advance the framework for ongoing dialogue, sustained collaboration and continued engagement among Commonwealth nations.

There were a total of twenty one (21) participating legislatures, and fifty five (55) participants – thirty three (33) in person participants, and twenty two (22) virtual participants.

At the conclusion of the programme, participants were able to gain skills and insights in the following areas:

To examine and reinforce institutional frameworks including legal, procedural safeguards that support the independence of PACs.
To build technical capacity for effective public financial oversight.
To examine real-life impact, of PACs by comparing national follow-up and monitoring mechanisms for implementing PAC recommendations.
To enhance the platform for peer learning and technical exchange through shared experiences.
To enhance regional cooperation among PACs.
To strengthen the PAC networks across the Commonwealth by sharing lived experiences, deepening collaboration and expanding global professional networks.

Here are some photos from the event:

Participants of the 5th CAPAC Conference

You can view more photos of the Conference by following the links below:

Day 1: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1414058727415017&type=3

Day 2: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1414956077325282&type=3

Opening of the Second Session – 13th Parliament

Leigh Hope — Thu, 21 May 2026 12:39:36 +0000

ln2026-339 Download

Prorogation of 1st Session – 13th Parliament

Leigh Hope — Thu, 21 May 2026 12:36:45 +0000

ln2026-338 Download

Joint Courtesy Call by the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India

Leigh Hope — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:05:16 +0000

The Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, paid a joint courtesy call on the Honourable Jagdeo Singh, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Sen. the Hon. Wade Mark, President of the Senate on May 8, 2026.

Follow the link to view more photos from this courtesy call: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ttparliament&set=a.1385819670238923

Call For Submissions – JSC Land and Physical Infrastructure – Traffic Management

Leigh Hope — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:38:26 +0000

The Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure has commenced an inquiry into the efficiency of the traffic management system in Trinidad and Tobago.

The objectives of this inquiry are as follows:

To examine the extent to which the Traffic Management System has been effective in the management, monitoring and control of traffic;
To be apprised of the traffic management measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion;
To examine the strategies for effective and efficient incident management to ensure traffic flow/movement;
To identify the challenges faced in traffic management.

The Committee is therefore inviting interested persons and organisations to submit written comments, suggestions and recommendations on this matter.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Committee at:

The Secretary

The Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure

Office of the Parliament

Parliamentary Complex

Cabildo Building

St. Vincent Street

Port-of-Spain

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Submissions can also be forwarded via electronic mail to: jsclpi@ttparliament.org.

PLEASE SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS ON OR BEFORE TUESDAY ~~MARCH 31~~ APRIL 14, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.

CLICK TO VIEW GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

HAVE YOUR SAY! – JSC Social Services and Public Administration – Use of Sports to curb Youth Delinquency

Leigh Hope — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:36:27 +0000

The Joint Select Committee on Social Services and Public Administration has commenced an inquiry into the Effectiveness of Sporting Programmes in Diverting Vulnerable Youths from Delinquency and Criminal Activity.

DEADLINE EXTENDED!!

Sports players, athletes, sports enthusiasts, we want to hear from YOU! Please complete a short survey via the QR Code above or via this link! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VW88FK7

The objectives of this inquiry are as follows:

To examine the design and administration of existing state-supported youth sporting programmes, projects and initiatives (“youth sporting activities”) in Trinidad and Tobago;
To examine participation rates of vulnerable youths in different state-supported youth sporting activities across Trinidad and Tobago, including factors influencing their engagement and retention;
To evaluate the effectiveness of existing state-supported youth sporting activities in positively influencing the behaviour, attitudes, and social development of vulnerable youths; and
To understand the issues and challenges adversely affecting state-supported youth sporting activities.

The Committee is therefore inviting interested persons and organisations to submit written comments, suggestions and recommendations on this matter.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MONDAY 20TH APRIL, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Committee at:

The Secretary

The Joint Select Committee on Social Services and Public Administration

Office of the Parliament

Parliamentary Complex

Cabildo Building

St. Vincent Street

Port-of-Spain

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Submissions can also be forwarded via electronic mail to: jscsspa@ttparliament.org.

Should you have any questions, please get in touch with the Committee’s secretariat at 624-7275 Ext. 2283/2277/2425

CLICK TO VIEW GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

CPA Parliamentary Academy hosts successful Development Residency Programme

Leigh Hope — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:26:51 +0000

The CPA Parliamentary Academy, established in 2021, recently delivered their Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme to over twenty (20) Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff across the Commonwealth. This programme was held at the Red House, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from December 8-12, 2025.

The Opening Ceremony was held on December 8, 2025 with the national anthem of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, sung by members of the Parliament Choir. This was followed by brief remarks from the President of the Senate, Sen. the Hon. Wade Mark. The ceremony concluded with brief remarks by CPA Deputy Head of Programmes – Bilateral Engagement, Ms. Lydia Buchanan.

You can view the opening ceremony below.

The programme provided the opportunity for participants to work alongside mentors in order to legislate, scrutinise and advocate/educate around a single, central issue.

Mentors for this programme included Sen. the Hon. Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate of Saint Lucia, Hon. David Agius, MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta, Ms. Shannon Deane, KC, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir, former independent senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Brian Caesar, Clerk of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Ms. Chantal LaRoche, Director of Legal Services of the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Photos from these sessions are available on the Parliament’s Facebook page and are linked below:

At the conclusion of the programme, participants were able to gain skills and insights in the following areas:

Identifying the characteristics of effective parliamentarism in the 21st Century
In-depth analysis and understanding of the legislative process
Strengthened communication, presentation and influencing skills
Improved scrutiny and oversight skills
Greater utilization of engagement with external stakeholders for mutual gain
Increased capacity around analysis, planning, evaluation and research.

22nd National Youth Parliamentary Debate

Leigh Hope — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:15:40 +0000

After two months of training in vocal, research, etiquette and parliamentary skills, the time had finally come!

On Monday 24 November, 2025, thirty-six (36) youth participants, representing various schools across Trinidad and Tobago, took part in the 22nd National Youth Parliamentary Debate. This debate focused on a private motion raised by the Leader of the Opposition, on mitigating the effects of cyberbullying.

Take a look at photos from the debate, the prize giving ceremony and the reception by clicking on the images below.

Take a look at the debate on our YouTube Channel, ParlView.

MOTION RAISED

WHEREAS technology is increasingly being used to send, post or share negative, harmful, false, sexual or private content about another person with the intent to harass, threaten, embarrass, dehumanise or target that person through the widespread scourge of cyberbullying;

AND WHEREAS victims of cyberbullying may experience anxiety, depression, social isolation, loss of self-esteem, or may inflict self-harm or commit suicide;

AND WHEREAS the Government has a duty to protect the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago against cyberbullying which damages social cohesion, creates unsafe school and work environments and violates persons’ rights to life, liberty security and respect for their private life;

AND WHEREAS this Youth Parliament will propose policies to punish perpetrators, protect victims and prevent further incidents of cyberbullying;

BE IT RESOLVED that this Youth Parliament calls on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to urgently enact legislation and implement data driven policies to mitigate the effects of cyberbullying.

(By the Leader of the Opposition)

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Speaker of the House

Joshua Jitta

University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

GOVERNMENT

1. Member for Couva South

Minister of Public Utilities

Leader of the House

Nicholai Rampersad

Youth Inspiration Trinidad and Tobago

2. Member for Siparia

Prime Minister

Nirad Maharaj

Naparima College

3. Member for Barataria/San Juan

Attorney General

Delano Joefield

Tobago Youth Council

4. Member for Fyzabad

Minister of Finance

Janak Meighoo

Presentation College (Chaguanas)

5. Member for Couva North

Minister of Works and Infrastructure

Sheldon Ramdhan

Trinidad and Tobago Youth Advocacy Network (TTYAN)

6. Member for Oropouche East

Minister of Energy and Energy Industries

Zachery Lucas

College of Science, Technology and Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT)

7. Member for Caroni Central

Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs

Kyarra Durant

Waterloo Secondary School

8. Member for St. Augustine

Minister of Rural Development and Local Government

Járdel Samuel

San Juan North Secondary School

9. Member for Tunapuna

Minister of Homeland Security

Zara Modeste

Institute of Law and Academic Studies (ILAS)

10. Member for Aranguez/St. Joseph

Minister of Justice

Nkengi Joseph

ASJA Girls College (Charlieville)

11. Member for Chaguanas East

Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services

Gabrielle Jacob

Heroes Foundation

12. Member for Toco/Sangre Grande

Minister of Defence

Natania Alexander

College of Science, Technology and Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT)

13. Member for Oropouche West

Minister of Health

Ahira-Marie Atkinson

St Joseph’s Convent (San Fernando

14. Member for San Fernando West

Minister of Education

Leandra Quintero

Arima North Secondary

15. Member for Princes Town

Deputy Speaker

Briana Oliver

St. Augustine Girls’ High School

16. Member for Moruga/Tableland

Minister of Culture and Community Development

Shariyah Superville

Sixth Form Government School (Polytechnic Institute)

17. Member for Tabaquite

Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence

Zayne Bissoon

Trinidad Youth Council

18. Member for Caroni East

Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training

Samisha Maharaj

University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

19. Member for Point Fortin

Minister of Labour

Ajay Kissoon

University of Trinidad and Tobago

PORTFOLIO	STUDENT	SCHOOL
OPPOSITION
1. Member for Arouca/Lopinot Chief Whip	Mischa Lynch	Trinidad and Tobago Youth Ambassadors
2. Member for Arima	Kachay Marcano	Sixth Form Government School (Polytechnic Institute)
3. Member for Diego Martin North/East	Adam Paramsook	Presentation College (San Fernando)
4. Member for St. Ann’s East	Nahum Joseph	Junior Chamber International
5. Member for Port of Spain North/St. Ann’s West	Jalan Maughn	St. Mary’s College
6. Member for Port of Spain South	Rishon Warner	St George’s College
7. Member for Trincity/Maloney	Hadassah Reid	Bishop Anstey High School (POS)
8. Member for Diego Martin Central	Dariel Lewis	Diego Martin Central
9. Member for San Fernando East	Gabriel Fortune	Marabella North Secondary
10. Member for Laventille West	Vishala Boodlal	Rio Claro West Secondary
11. Member for Diego Martin West	Jada Constantine	Holy Faith Convent, Penal
12. Member for Laventille East/Morvant	Sanjay Maraj	Cowen Hamilton
13. Member for Mausica	Johann George	MILAT
14. Member for Malabar	Janique Miller	Toco Secondary School
15. Member for Tobago East	Faith Charles	Goodwood Secondary School
16. Member for Tobago West	Bree Powder	Signal Hill Secondary School

Congratulations to all our Youth Parliamentarians!

CPA Parliamentary Academy 2025 – Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Course

Leigh Hope — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:24:56 +0000

Link to Conference Page