Media Release- Minister of Labour appoints Members to the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago- Tuesday 28 November 2023
Minister of Labour, the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie has appointed 13 members to the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee. This appointment ceremony was held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Ministry of Labour’s Head Office, Tower C, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain.
Dr. Hyacinth Guy returns as the Chairperson for the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee and other members include Ms. Sabina Gomez, Ms. Sanika Tyson and Mr. Elon Mayo representing Government; Mr. Keston Nancoo, Ms. Dianne Joseph and Ms. Lynetth Bhairosingh representing Employers; Mr. Clifton Simpson and Mr. Clyde Elder representing Workers; Dr. Paul Balwant and Mrs. Coreen Copland-Campbell representing Academia; Mr. Emerson Martin and Ms. Carol David Kendell representing Industrial Relations/Human Resource Professionals and Ms. Servaus Samuel serving as the Technical Secretary.
In his remarks, Minister of Labour, the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Hyacinth Guy for recommitting to take up the mantle to steer the efforts of the Advisory Committee for the next two years. Minister Mc Clashie also indicated that the Team chosen, has vast knowledge and expertise as it relates to industrial relations in Trinidad and Tobago and stressed upon the critical role which the Advisory Committee plays. This allows for the continuous review of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) in keeping with the advancement and changes in the industrial relations climate, both regionally and globally, and allows for the adaption of our industrial relations policies and practices. Minister Mc Clashie also commended the outgoing Committee for the solid foundation built on the following undertakings which they would have been instrumental in formulating:
- A Policy Position Paper on amendments to the Maternity Protection Act, Chapter 45:57
- Recommendations on proposed amendments to the Minimum Wages Act, Chapter 88:04
Ongoing work include:
- “Ways to enhance Social Dialogue and Tripartism in our current and emerging context”
- “Industrial Relations issues in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”
- “Lessons for Industrial Relations Practice from the Covid-19 Pandemic”
Dr. Guy in her brief remarks stated that she was pleased to return as the Chair and commended the Committee for the work achieved and her intentions for the upcoming term. She stated that the Tripartite Advisory Committee has as its remit to keep the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01 under review with a view to ensuring its development and reform, including in particular, the modification of any of the provisions thereof and the elimination of anomalies, and for that purpose to prepare and submit to the Minister, from time to time, specific proposals for changes therein.
This Committee is expected to serve from 2023-2025.
Minister of Labour, the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie presenting letter of appointment to newly installed Chairperson of the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee, Dr. Hyacinth Guy
The Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, Minister of Labour (centre), flanked by Ms. Natalie Willis (Permanent Secretary) to his left, Dr. Hyacinth Guy (Chairperson of IRAC) to his right and is joined by other members of the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee. From L-R: Servaus Samuel (Technical Secretary), Coreen Copland-Campbell, Mr. Clifton Sampson, Mr. Keston Nancoo, Mr. Emerson Martin, Ms. Diane Joseph, Mr. Elon Mayo, Ms. Sabina Gomez, Ms. Lynetth Bhairosingh and Ms. Sanika Tyson.
Missing: Mr. Clyde Elder, Dr. Paul Balwant, Ms. Carol David-Kendell
For further information please contact the Corporate Communications Unit: Tel: 625-8478 Ext. 1203,1509,1208 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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