The Authority & Governance.

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The Authority & Governance

Our Governance Framework

The Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority (TTSEZA) operates under a structured governance framework established by the Special Economic Zones Act, 2022. This framework ensures transparency, regulatory oversight, and strategic leadership in the management and development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), fostering a robust environment for investment and economic growth.

Stephen de Gannes

Message from the CEO (April 2025)

“At the Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority, we are proud of the significant progress made in advancing the development of Special Economic Zones nationwide. Our mission is focused on driving sustainable, inclusive growth by expanding opportunities in key non-energy sectors such as Manufacturing, Maritime Services, Agriculture and Agro-processing, Fishing and Fish Processing, ICT, Creative Industries, Financial Services, Renewable Energy, Logistics and Distribution, and Business Process Outsourcing.

We are equally committed to supporting enterprises of all sizes—from large-scale investors to small and micro businesses—ensuring that economic development is broad-based and benefits all levels of society. As we look ahead, we see immense potential for diversification, particularly in emerging high-value sectors such as Medical Tourism, Aviation Services, and other knowledge-intensive industries.

The Authority remains dedicated to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investment. Through a robust incentive framework—including tax relief and trade facilitation—we have successfully engaged a wide range of businesses, from Business Process Outsourcing firms to manufacturers contributing critical foreign exchange to the economy. Licensing successes highlight enduring confidence in the regime and TTSEZA's commitment to economic growth for Trinidad and Tobago.

We are excited to be shaping a more vibrant, diverse, and resilient economy for Trinidad and Tobago—one that creates lasting value for current and future generations.”

Board Structure & Responsibilities

Our Board ensures strategic alignment with TTSEZA’s objectives, overseeing organizational performance with integrity and accountability, as outlined in the TTSEZA Act.

Board of Directors

TTSEZA is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors, appointed in accordance with the SEZ Act. The Board is responsible for providing policy direction, regulatory oversight, and strategic decision-making to facilitate the sustainable development of SEZs.

The Board consists of

Six professionals with at least seven years of experience in fields such as finance, economics, business management, international trade, logistics, engineering, information technology, or supply chain management. These members are appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry.
Two attorneys-at-law, each with a minimum of seven years of legal experience, appointed by the Minister based on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TTSEZA, serving in an ex officio capacity.
A senior official from the Town and Country Planning Division, nominated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning.
A senior official from the Inland Revenue Division, nominated by the Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue.

The Chairman and Deputy Chairman are appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry from among the Board members, excluding the CEO.

Board Responsibilities

The Board plays a pivotal role in overseeing TTSEZA’s regulatory framework, guiding investment policies, and ensuring the successful operation of SEZs. Key responsibilities include:

Licensing & Compliance – Reviewing and approving applications for Operator Licences, Special Economic Zone Enterprise Licences, and Single Zone Enterprise Licences while ensuring businesses meet compliance standards.
Regulation & Supervision – Monitoring the performance of SEZs to ensure they operate in alignment with national and international best practices.
Policy Development – Providing strategic recommendations to the Minister of Trade and Industry to enhance SEZ regulations and governance.
Designation of SEZs – Recommending locations for SEZ designation based on economic potential, infrastructure readiness, and investment opportunities.
Performance Audits & Reporting – Evaluating SEZs to ensure they meet economic growth, job creation, and investment targets, and submitting findings to the relevant authorities.

TTSEZA Leadership & Board Appointments

The current TTSEZA Board was formally appointed on July 26, 2022, with members bringing expertise in key economic and regulatory sectors. The appointed directors include:

Chairman

Deputy Chairman

Director

Management

Anastacia Samuel-James

Manager Operations

Sean Caesar

Manager Compliance

Krystal Richardson

Manager Policy and Planning

Giselle Granger

Manager Finance

Haimdath Ramoutar

Manager Human Resources

Vinda Maharaj

Manager Legal

This team is entrusted with driving TTSEZA’s vision of transforming Trinidad and Tobago into a competitive investment hub through well-regulated and strategically developed Special Economic Zones.

Strategic Vision & Objectives

TTSEZA’s governance framework is designed to support national economic goals while ensuring accountability, compliance, and investor confidence. The Authority is committed to:

Enhancing Economic Growth – Attracting both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI).
Promoting Industrial Diversification – Expanding into high-value industries such as manufacturing, technology, and logistics.
Fostering Employment & Skill Development – Creating opportunities for job creation, workforce training, and skills enhancement.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance – Upholding international best practices in taxation, trade, and corporate governance.
Facilitating Sustainable Development – Balancing economic expansion with environmental and social responsibility.

Through strong governance, strategic oversight, and a commitment to global investment standards, TTSEZA continues to drive the sustainable growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s Special Economic Zones.

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago