Media Release - The Ministry of Labour signs Memoranda of Understanding with CEPEP and ECA for Effective Management of HIV and AIDS in the Workplace
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - Friday 21 April, 2023
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) received the commitment of the CEPEP Company Limited and the Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECATT) with both organisations signing a Memoranda of Understanding to address HIV and AIDS as a workplace issue through the development of workplace policies and programmes on HIV and AIDS. This signing took place on Thursday 13th April 2023, at the Ministry’s Head Office, located at the International Waterfront Tower C, in Port of Spain.
Ms. Kevar Williams, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) signed the MOU on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, while Chief Executive Officer Mr. Keith Eddy represented CEPEP and Mr. Ronald Ramlogan signed on behalf of their respective organisations.
CEO of the CEPEP Company, Mr. Eddy indicated that in addition to the employees of the CEPEP Company Limited, advocacy of the National Workplace Policy (NWP) on HIV and AIDS will also take place through CEPEP’s Liberating Innovators for Maximum Benefit- ‘The CLIMB Initiative’, an internal programme tailored for contractors. CEO of the Employers Consultative Association, Mr. Ramlogan stated that there would be greater advocacy afforded through referrals to their member organisations. Both organisations expressed their organisation’s commitment to effectively manage HIV and AIDS in the workplace.
In her brief remarks, Ms. Heather Rodney, Manager of HIV and Aids in the Workplace Unit (HWAU), reiterated the importance of establishing the collaboration with the organisations as they were poised with the opportunity for reaching the wider business community. Ms. Kevar Williams, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Labour commended both organisations on their achievements and contributions to the national community and further expressed great anticipation for the fruits of the Memoranda of Understanding.
The HIV Workplace Advocacy Unit (HWAU), in accordance with their mandate, will provide technical support, training in the development and implementation of their workplace policies and programmes as well as sensitisation sessions for staff.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with HWAU aims to formalise the partnership and seeks to ensure the organisations’ ownership and sustainability of the HIV and AIDS workplace policy and programme; establish procedures to manage HIV and AIDS in the workplace; and support efforts to prevent HIV transmission, HIV related stigma and discrimination, encourage care, treatment and support, and inform workers about resources in the community.
Caption: Permanent Secretary (Ag.) for the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Kevar Williams presents Mr. Ronald Ramlogan, Chief Executive Officer – Employer’s Consultative Association with the signed Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour
Caption: Permanent Secretary (Ag.) for the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Kevar Williams presents Mr. Keith Eddy, Chief Executive Officer – Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) Company Limited with the signed Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour
Caption: Permanent Secretary (Ag.) for the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Kevar Williams (2nd from left) join Mr. Keith Eddy, Chief Executive Officer - Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) Company Limited (left) and Mr. Ronald Ramlogan, Chief Executive Officer – Employer’s Consultative Association (2nd from right) who are displaying their signed Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour. Also, in the photo, Ms Kurlisha McLean-Roberts, HIV Advocacy Officer (centre) and Mr. Nirmal Maraj, Public Relations Officer – ECA (left)
For further information on the National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS or the services of the HWAU, contact the HWAU at: 299-0300 Ext. 2011, 2112 or 462-5236 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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