Padarath meets EPA

Minister of Public Utilities, Barry Padarath, met with Deryck Richardson, President of the Estate Police Association of Trinidad and Tobago (EPA), to address issues raised by the EPA on behalf of its members.

The EPA outlined unresolved matters including non-payment of salaries and deductions, wage negotiations, payment of statutory deductions to financial institutions, gratuity payments for retirees, standards for the importation of bulletproof vests, and amendments to legislation.

The Association stated that these matters had remained unaddressed by the previous administration, which it said had not prioritised the welfare of the organisation or its personnel. The EPA reported that within the first 100 days of the new administration, it had experienced more engagement than in the past decade combined.

The parties agreed to continue dialogue aimed at sustainable solutions. Minister Padarath invited the EPA to participate in ongoing stakeholder discussions with the Ministry of Public Utilities and other agencies. He acknowledged the Association’s approach and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaboration.

Also in attendance were the Clyde Elder, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities; Shivanna Sam, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities; Adrian Barran, Chairman, MTS; Adilah Elahie, CEO (Ag), MTS; Neela Ram-Atwaroo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities; Robert Ottley, General Secretary, EPA; Vedesh Bhagwandeen, First Vice President, EPA; and Zahir Khan, EPA member.

Both the Ministry and the EPA committed to maintaining open communication and a solutions-oriented approach as discussions continue.