Statutory Boards, Committees and Other Bodies

The Environmental Commission of Trinidad & Tobago

The Environmental Commission’s role pursuant to the EM Act is effectively that of a specialist environmental court which was established in order to enforce the provisions of the Act and to adjudicate on disputes that arise with respect to the decisions, actions and inactions of the EMA under the Act.  The mandate of the Environmental Commission, pursuant to the EM Act is inter-alia:
  •   To hear and determine appeals from decisions or actions of the Authority.  Persons may challenge the EMA’s findings, decisions and actions by appealing to the Commission.

Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC)

The Equal Opportunity Commission was established by Section 26(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2000, for the purpose of exercising the jurisdiction conferred upon it by that Act. The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) was appointed on the 21st April, 2008 with a mandate to work towards the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality and good relations between persons of different statuses.

The Equal Opportunity Act seeks to protect citizens against discrimination as it relates to employment, education, the provision of goods and services and the provision of accommodation. Under the Act, citizens are entitled to equality and fair treatment for all, despite different racial, ethnic, religious, marital and gender backgrounds. Further, all persons are entitled to equal treatment despite geographical origin or physical disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT)

The Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT) is established under the Equal Opportunity Act, Chapter 22:03, to adjudicate complaints of discrimination and offensive behaviour. It is the only specialised judicial institution in the English-speaking Caribbean dedicated exclusively to determining matters of equality and non-discrimination. The Tribunal ensures fair and impartial adjudication in cases related to employment, education, accommodation, and the provision of goods and services, based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, sex, marital status, disability, or origin.
Our Core Functions
The Tribunal’s core functions include:
  • Hearing and determining complaints of discrimination and offensive behaviour referred by the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC).
  • Issuing orders, declarations, and awards of compensation or dismissing claims as appropriate.
  • Granting injunctions and requiring parties to appear or produce documents relevant to proceedings.
  • Enforcing compliance with its rulings through orders for contempt.
  • Promoting judicial excellence in non-discrimination, DEI law through capacity building, education, and engagement.
    • Who Do We Serve?
    The Tribunal primarily serves:

Legal Aid and Advisory Authority

Providing legal representation in criminal and civil matters for eligible persons. This is done through the Public Defenders’ Department (criminal matters) and the Civil Legal Department (civil matters). Legal representation is also facilitated through Attorneys in private practice who register on legal Aid’s Panel of Attorneys.
  • Providing legal advice and guidance to the public.
  • Managing Duty Counsel services for adults detained for capital offences or minors for all offences.
    • The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority (LAAA) is mandated to make legal aid and advice in Trinidad and Tobago readily available for persons of small or moderate means. To enable the cost of legal aid or advice granted to persons to be defrayed wholly or partly out of moneys provided by Parliament, and for purposes connected thereto. This is the legislative mandate as set out in the Legal Aid and Advice Act, Chapter 7:07.
  • Liaising with the Judiciary, law enforcement, and other justice sector partners to support fair and timely access to legal services.
    Our Core Functions
    • Providing legal representation in criminal and civil matters for eligible persons. This is done through the Public Defenders’ Department (criminal matters) and the Civil Legal Department (civil matters). Legal representation is also facilitated through Attorneys in private practice who register on legal Aid’s Panel of Attorneys.
    • Providing legal advice and guidance to the public.
    • Managing Duty Counsel services for adults detained for capital offences or minors for all offences.
    • Conducting public legal education and outreach initiatives.
    • Liaising with the Judiciary, law enforcement, and other justice sector partners to support fair and timely access to legal services.
    Who Do We Serve?
    • Members of the public who cannot afford private legal representation or advice.
    • The Judiciary and the Courts of Trinidad and Tobago.
    • The Ministry of Justice and other justice-sector agencies.
    • The Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago.
    • Attorneys-at-law and legal practitioners.
    • The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS)
    • The Trinidad and Tobago Prisons Service (TTPrS)
    • Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
    For more information on the Legal Aid and Advisory Authority, please call us at (868) 638-5222, email info@laaa.gov.tt or visit our website https://laaa.org.tt/

    Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

    The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) was established in 2006 to provide a simple effective, equitable and humane means whereby a victim of a crime of violence can obtain compensation for injuries suffered.
    The Criminal Injuries Compensation Department is the administrative arm of the Board. The Department investigates and processes all applications and makes a recommendation to the Board for its consideration.
     
    Our Core Functions
     
    The core function of the Board is to receive and consider applications for compensation and to decide what compensation, if any shall be paid.
    Who can apply?
    • Victims who have suffered physical and mental injury due to violence
    • A dependant of a deceased victim.
    • The parent/guardian acting on behalf of the dependant (s) of a deceased victim.
    • Guardian of the victim or dependant, who has suffered financial loss or has incurred expenses in the care of the injured victim or dependant.
    • Guardian of a mentally ill dependant of a deceased victim, or a duly authorized medical officer.
    Who is considered to be a victim?
     
    Anyone who has suffered physical or mental injury due to a violent crime as indicated below:
    • Murder
    • Manslaughter
    • The parent/guardian acting on behalf of the dependant (s) of a deceased victim.
    • Wounding with intent
    • Guardian of a mentally ill dependant of a deceased victim, or a duly authorized medical officer.
    • Inflicting injuring with or without a weapon
    • Using a drug with intent to commit an offence
    • Administering poison or other destructive or noxious substances so as to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm
    • Administering poison with intent to injure or annoy
    • Offences under the Sexual Offences Act (Act no. 27 of 1986).

    Tax Appeal Board

    The Tax Appeal Board was established on 1st January, 1966. The legislation governing the Board are:
    • The Tax Appeal Board Act, Chap. 4:50
    • Income Tax Act
    • The Customs Act.
    The Tax Appeal Board encompasses a Chairman and two full-time Ordinary Members. The composition of the Board is set out under the Tax Appeal Board Act Chapter 4:01.
    Vision Statement
    To realize a fully computerized Court (an e-Court) whereby services from the Registry to the Court and also to the Court’s external clients are available online.
     
    Mission Statement
    To deliver to our clients (both internal and external) a prompt and efficient system of appeals, from assessment to the various taxes and duties, and to deal effectively with any other matters which fall under its jurisdiction.
    For more information on the Tax Appeal Board, please call 623-1330/624-3038 or email txab@gov.tt or visit our website https://taxappealboard.gov.tt/

    Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon (Mercy Committee)

    The Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon, also known as the Mercy Committee was established under Section 88 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (Act 4 of 1976). Its purpose is to advise the President on the prerogative of mercy, a discretionary executive power possessed by the head of state.

    The Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon, also known as the Mercy Committee was established under Section 88 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (Act 4 of 1976). Its purpose is to advise the President on the prerogative of mercy, a discretionary executive power possessed by the head of state.
     

    The Committee is given organizational support by a Secretariat which comprises both administrative and legal professionals. Persons seeking clemency should forward their application in the form of a letter, “Request for Presidential Pardon” to the Ministry of Justice (See The Committee is chaired by the Minister of Justice who receives recommendations on a case by case basis at monthly meetings. Inclusive of the Minister; the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecution make up the three ex officio committee members. Additionally, four non-ex officio members are appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.Services
    tab for more). The Committee makes recommendations to the Minister, who can accept or reject this advice. The Minister advises the President, who then may exercise the Power of Pardon.
     
    For more information on the Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon, please email ACPP@gov.tt or Call 223-2452 Ext 3535,3548.

    Police Complaints Authority (PCA)

    The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is Trinidad and Tobago's only Civilian Oversight body. It is an independent body set up by Parliament to keep watch over the Police.
     
    What We Do
     
    We are independent by law and we investigate criminal offences involving police officers, police corruption and serious police misconduct and other related matters.
     
    How we act on complaints

    When we receive a complaint, we may carry out our own investigation if it falls within the remit as defined in the Police Complaints Authority Act.
     
    Police Oversight and Why it Matters
    Effective, efficient Policing services are the cornerstone of a free and democratic society. Independent civilian oversight
    provides assurance for both the public and Police that allegations of criminal offences involving police officers, police
    corruption and serious police misconduct and other related matters are properly addressed.