Statutory Boards, Advisory Committees and Similar Bodies
In addition to the Specially-Mandated Agencies, Units and Sections under the purview of the General Administration Division, there are several Statutory Boards, Advisory Committees and Similar Bodies, which fall under its remit:-
The Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon is established under Section 87 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Committee considers applications for Presidential Pardon, on a case by case basis, and makes recommendations to the President for the granting of same.
Originally called the Young Offenders’ Detention Institute, the Youth Training Centre (YTC) facility was established at St. James in 1926. It was relocated from its original site to a seventeen-acre site opposite the Golden Grove Prison, declared an Industrial Institution and renamed the Youth Training Centre in 1949. In 2019, the facility was renamed the Youth Training and Rehabilitation Centre. It houses male offenders under the age of 18.
Regulation 2 to 5 of the Young Offenders (Male) Detention Regulations made under section 5 of the Young Offenders Act, Chap. 13:05 provide for the YTC to be under the direction and control of the Commissioner of Prisons, who shall be assisted by a Board of Management, consisting of the Inspector of Prisons (as chairman) and five (5) other persons appointed by the Minister of National Security.
The responsibility of the Board of Management includes visiting the YTC to hear and record complaints and requests made by the offenders housed at the institution, as well as recording observations and recommendations.
Regulation 5 of the Cadet Force Act Chapter 14:02, provides for the establishment of the Cadet Force Advisory Committee.
This Committee is required to advise the Minister of National Security on matters of policy relating to the Cadet Force, and to advise the Commandant on matters as are mentioned in the Regulations.
The Committee may make recommendations with respect to appointments, withdrawals of Commissions, and promotions. The Committee also advises on the establishment of new units and the regulation of the strength of established units.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, 21 of 1999 was established to provide compensation to persons or the dependants of persons who suffered injury as a direct result of a crime of violence listed in the First schedule. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board is given the mandate to evaluate and determine awards for compensation to such victims and/or their dependants.
The Defence Council is established under Section 7 of the Defence Act, Chap 14:01, and is responsible for the command, administration and discipline of and all other matters relating to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
The Defence Force Commissions Board is established pursuant to Section 10 of the Defence Act, Chap 14:01. The Board advises the President, through the Minister of National Security, on appointments to commissions and promotions in the Force up to the rank of Major/Lieutenant Commander.
The Firearms Appeal Board is established pursuant to the Firearms Act, No. 44 of 1970. This Board hears and determines appeals from members of the public on decisions of the Commissioner of Police in relation to the denial or revocation of Firearm User’s Licence (FUL).
The mandate and composition of the Firearms Appeal Board are set out in Section 22 of the Firearms Act Chapter 16:01.
The Immigration Advisory Committee consists of persons appointed by the Minister of National Security, for the purpose of advising him as to the performance of his functions and the exercise of his powers under section 27 of the Immigration Act Chapter 18:01.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago established the National Drug Council (NDC) by Cabinet approval in 2000. Its primary role is to provide a forum for stakeholders to meet and exchange information on all drug-related initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago. The NDC further monitors the implementation of the Anti-Drug Plan, advises on policy, liaises with local, regional, and international partners as well as coordinates activities that require contributions from principal agencies.
The National Drug Council is mandated to monitor, evaluate and coordinate the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan.
The National Emblems Committee is established pursuant to Section 4 of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) Act, Chap 19:04.
The Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the Minister of National Security on such matters as the Minister may refer to it from time to time, and may also advise the Minister on the following matters:
- the grant and refusal of licences;
- the texture, workmanship and quality of material to be used in the manufacture of the Coat of Arms, the National Flag or any replica or facsimile thereof;
- any amendments which may be necessary to the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) Act Chapter 19:04 or the Regulations made thereunder;
- the fees to be payable as royalties by persons to whom permission has been granted to sell or offer for sale articles on which are imposed representations of any of the national emblems.
Upon the recommendation of the Minister of National Security, Cabinet agreed to the establishment of a National Security Officers’ Foundation (NSOF) and the declaration of April 26 each year as National Security Officers Day of Appreciation, dedicated to honouring and remembering the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country, and those who continue to serve despite the odds.
On October 24, 2012, the Minister of National Security launched the National Security Foundation.
The primary roles and functions of the National Security Officers Foundation Board include the following:
- Sensitize national security agencies and the citizenry about the Foundation and its roles and responsibilities.
- Approve applications for inductions and awards.
- Retract awards and inductions subject to the discovery of new information that impinges on the approval process.
- Provide on-going emotional, practical and financial support to survivors in coping with and overcoming the loss of their loved ones.
- Collaborate with public and private sector organizations on behalf of National Security Officers and their families to assist in prioritizing their access to housing, medical and other socioeconomic benefits.
- Establish sustainable partnerships with the corporate sector to provide support for NSOF initiatives.
- Maintain a website hosting a database for inductees of the National Security Officers Memorial and recipients of National Security Awards.
The Protective Services Compensation Committee (PSCC) came into operation on June 16, 1997 pursuant to Section 5 of the Protective Services Compensation Act, Chapter 23:60.
The Committee oversees the process for the compensation of the officers of the Protective Services who suffer injury or die in circumstances arising out of and in the course of employment with the State.
The Protective Services in this context comprise members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service.
The Seized Assets Advisory Committee is a Cabinet-appointed Committee established in accordance with Part III of the Proceeds of Crime Act Chapter 11:27.
The Committee is appointed by the Minister of National Security to advise on the use of funds from the Seized Assets Fund, for community development, drug abuse treatment, rehabilitation projects and law enforcement.
In March 1966, Cabinet appointed the first Work Permit Advisory Committee to provide advice to the Minister in charge of National Security on the issuance of Work Permits to non-nationals, and to create comprehensive guidelines to streamline the processing of applications for Work Permits.