About Us

Who We Are

The CEPEP Company Limited is an Agency of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government.

This company develops, implements and manages programmes that protect, enhance and beautify the environment in service areas known as environmental work areas (EWAs). The Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) – our designated company name – was officially launched on the 29th of July 2002 by our former Prime Minister, Mr. Patrick Manning and it suitably represents our mandate.

The foremost goal of CEPEP is to educate communities about the need to improve and preserve our natural environment.

CEPEP’s goals are achieved through the enlistment of contracting companies that are independently responsible for the recruitment and management of workers.

CEPEP cares for its labour force because we understand the significance of their contribution to our work. We have designed programmes uniquely tailored to develop our contractors and their employees through continuous training and certification.

The CEPEP Company Limited further encourages integrity and social dialogue among its contractor workers through its Decent Work Agenda consultations. These consultations focus on freedom of speech, equity, security and human dignity.

Our Ste Madeleine location is the home to our head office and our Tobago arm is managed under the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

The CEPEP Company Limited strives to be the premier environmental protection company and will continue along its path to growth and positive development as it remains committed to its vision, mission, and social responsibility.

MISSION

Working for the nation by protecting, enhancing, and building our communities through environmental entrepreneurship.

VISION

To be the premier environmental protection company which fosters national pride at the community level.

CORE VALUES

Community Driven
To support viable initiatives at the community level and to promote disciplined and responsible behavior through all our activities.
Entrepreneurship
To combine resources to seize any business opportunity that presents itself in the interest of our contractors and community entrepreneurs.
Partnership
To partner with other government and/or private agencies in the furtherance of the objectives of business development and environmental enhancement.
Environmental Friendliness
To ensure that our contractors operate according to global standards in caring for the environment.
Public Accountability
To stand up to the scrutiny of our major stakeholders, the public of Trinidad and Tobago

PILLARS

We are committed to service for the good of every citizen in Trinidad and Tobago.
Business Incubation
Empowering citizens to become entrepreneurs, by providing qualifying businesses with contract opportunities, and the technical support required to expand the range and scope of their services to become independent contractors providing construction services to the public and private sectors.
Developmental Training
Giving entrepreneurs and their employees access to mandatory training to improve their skill sets, through academic and vocational courses conducted by public organisations and institutions with the relevant knowledge and infrastructure.
Enhanced Community Integration
Increasing its footprint in our communities, taking a more active role, and partnering with community-oriented individuals, organisations and institutions, to provide support for environmental, cultural, and educational investment and interaction across the nation.
Agriculture Support
Working in our communities, giving a helping hand to people involved in agriculture, to increase yields on the home front, and put more food on the table.

Our Minister

The Minister of Rural Development and Local Government – The Honourable Faris Al-Rawi, M.P.

Mr. Faris Al-Rawi served as the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs from September 9, 2015 to March 16^th 2022. Mr. Al-Rawi first entered the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago in June 2010 as an Opposition Senator and served as the Public Relations Officer of the Peoples’ National Movement for two (2) consecutive terms.

Prior to his appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Al-Rawi was heavily involved in areas of corporate commercial law, civil litigation, industrial relations, intellectual property, mortgaging and conveyancing law and securities.

Mr. Al-Rawi was admitted to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago in 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of the West Indies and Masters of Law in Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution from King’s College London, University of London. He also holds a Certificate of Legal Education from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Mr. Al-Rawi is a polyglot conversant in English, Arabic, Spanish and French and a very strong supporter of various charities, in particular, the Scout movement and of the Trinidad and Tobago Karate Association of which he is a member and past instructor.

To date, former AG Faris Al-Rawi has debated over ninety (90) Bills in the House of Representatives from 2015 to present that range from the most recent The Interception of Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2020 to the Whistle Blower Protection Bill 2015.

He assumed his new portfolio of Minister of Rural Development and Local Government on Wednesday 16^th March 2022.

Our Board of Directors

The Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of persons appointed in accordance with the Companies Act of Trinidad and Tobago. The Chair and eight (8) other members are accountable to the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government. The Board of Directors was appointed in 2017.

Chairman

Ms. Marilyn Michael

Deputy Chairman

Mr. Derek Ambrose

Board Members

Mr. Sabeer Ali

Ms. Phyllis Wickman-Stewart

Mrs. Cheryl Ann Ryan-Mohammed

Mr. Rajcoomar Bhagaloo

Ms. Heather Tardieu

Mr. Glen Roach

Mr. Cecil Santana

Leadership

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Keith Eddy

Corporate Secretary

Mrs. Nicole Gopaulsingh

Senior Operations Officer

Mr. Matthew Kailah

Senior Marketing & Communications Officer

Ms. Sherry-Ann Lawerance

Senior Human Resource Officer

Mrs. Willa Guy-Straker

Senior Financial Officer

Mr. Gary Stoddard

Senior Audit Officer

Ms. Alicia Austin

Departments

Information Technology (IT) Department

The IT Department ensures that each piece of hardware devise and software system are performing at optimal standard in the day-to-day activities of the Company. Their core focus is to avoid the lapse of downtime when any hardware devise or software system fails whilst safeguarding the Company’s internal operations.

Internal Audit Department

In accordance with the code of conduct the role of the Internal Audit Department is to provide independent assurance that the Company’s risk management, governance and internal control processes are operating effectively. The professional staff of this unit are independent of the Company’s operations as to provide an unbiased evaluation when reporting.

Finance Department

The dedicated members of the Finance Department ensures that the fiscal soundness of the Company is maintained. They are responsible for the proper and timely implementation of accounts payable and receivable, ensuring that each department functions within budgetary boundaries and payroll.

Legal Department

As this department is considered to be one of the most prominent unit of the Company, they are responsible for properly discharging the Company’s affairs. The Legal Department follows well defined rules and regulations ensuring that contracted companies are in conformity with all laws and regulations as bound by their contracts. They are also liable for providing legal consultation as well as creating and reviewing contracts and agreements generated from the other departments as well as outside parties.

Compliance Department

Amongst their various activities this Department ensures that the Contractors comply with certain terms of their contract with the CEPEP Company Limited which include accurate payments to statutory bodies and provision of insurance for their field workers. It provides a range of administrative services (file/document registry) that support and reviews the Core contractors’ statutory obligations to their field workers. The Department processes and analyses payments made by the contractors to the relevant statutory bodies which are to be submitted to the said Department.

Human Resource Department

The Human Resource Department may be considered as the central pillar of the Company. They are responsible for staffing the Company, the development of staff members, identifying appropriate compensation based on person’s roles, performances and legal requirements, health and safety practices of the in-house staff and act as a mediator regarding labour relations.

Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Department

The above unit is responsible for the developing and implementing the Company’s safety policies and guidelines. They focus on generating safety awareness, knowledge and preparedness across the Company including the contracted companies engaged with CEPEP. Safety meeting are held daily as a reminder to the contracted companies’ workers to practice safety at all times.

Marketing and Communications Department

The Marketing and Communications Department is an integral unit as it serves as the face of the Company. The Unit is responsible for the highlighting of all works and projects being done by the Company and tasked with the responsibility of generating income as well as foreseeing the training and development of all contracted companies.

Operations Department

This unit is considered the muscle of the Company. The Operations Department is by far the largest unit of the Company and focuses on the ensuring the environmental work areas throughout the country is kept in an immaculately prime condition. All contracted companies are governed by this unit together with the facilities unit and transport unit of the Company.

Procurement Department

The procurement Department ensures that good and services are purchased at the right time and the right quality and quantity. All corporate policies are followed when purchasing stocks and impeccable negotiations skills are displayed in getting the best prices.

What we Do

Environmental Clean-up, Beautification and Maintenance

Our contractors and their team members specialize in the cleaning up of areas that contain substances that could have a harmful affect on humans and/or the environment. Fully equipped and outfitted to handle hazardous substances, our workers are also able to do restorative landscaping to help enhance our environment.

Cleaning and sanitization of buildings, auditoriums, community centres, wholesale and retail buildings or warehouses and fish markets.

Disaster and Emergency Response (DERT)

The CEPEP Company Limited partners with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), as a second responder, to provide cleanup operations during natural disasters such as floods, landslides and other natural disasters. The DERT embodies our fourth pillar which is, Enhanced Community Integration, this ensures that CEPEP builds and foster the well-beings of the communities.

Waste Removal

Collection, Sorting and Batching of recyclable materials. This goes hand in hand with our mandate of environmental protection and preservation. The CEPEP Company Limited is committed to ensuring that all waste is disposed of in a sustainable way that preserves the environment.

Eco-Sites Management

Nature trails, picnic sites and many other open spaces are maintained by the CEPEP Company Limited. Our Eco-Sites are maintained to ensure that our public stakeholders have a clean and enjoyable space for those quality moments.

Dead Animal Removal Team (DART)

The DART is responsible for the removal of dead animals from all major roadways across Trinidad. CEPEP removes dead animals that are under the weight of 50 kgs from public areas. The animal’s carcass is then disposed in the nearest landfill. These landfills include: Beetham landfill, Forest Park and Guanapo landfill.

Our Business Services

The CEPEP Company Limited provides commercial and residential services. All necessary resources are available to get the job done.

Commercial and Residential Landscaping Services

Landscaping services range from simple maintenance to creating a natural escape in residential or commercial spaces of all types. Natural and manmade elements are merged to create the sanctuary desired within a budget. Services include:

Tree pruning (encouraging tree development, stimulating flower production, reduce pest problems)
Grass cutting
Maintenance of surroundings

Outdoor Grounds Maintenance

With years of experience in ground maintenance, the CEPEP Company Limited offers services which include removal and cleaning of debris, white waste removal (which includes large appliances, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washers, dryers and air conditioners) and power washing. This service can also be requested for public open spaces which include, but are not limited to, recreation fields and public parks.

Small Construction Services

Small Construction Services of the CEPEP Company Limited include:

Environmental Civil Works – provision of environmental services
Stewardship services – consultation for responsible planning and management of environmental resources.

Irrigation

Farmers and home gardeners who need assistance to supply their dry land with water for agricultural preparation, can engage us for this service. The provision of this service also includes the creation systems using canals, channels, and hoses.

Waste Collection and Disposal Services

Another great service offered is solid waste management. The Company undertakes waste collection inclusive of the removal of old appliances, furniture, bulk waste and ensures it is disposed or recycled effectively.

Desilting

We have the equipment and manpower to undertake projects that entail the clearance of drains and water courses which can lead to blockages or obstructions that cause flooding.

Heavy Equipment Rental

The CEPEP Company Limited has a fleet of heavy equipment which includes rental of backhoes, excavators, cranes to meet commercial and residential needs.

Haulage

We provide commercial transport services for goods. This includes the horizontal transport of supplies, waste (cartage or drayage), ore, soil, sand and other materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the acronym CEPEP mean?

CEPEP means Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme.

What is the CEPEP Company Limited?

The CEPEP Company Limited, an Agency of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is one of the main pillars in the National strategy for development of the Green Economy of Trinidad and Tobago. It is responsible for managing the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) with its head office located in Ste. Madeleine. CEPEP focuses on environmental protection, enhancement and beautification in service areas known as environmental work areas (EWAs). At the community level, CEPEP seeks to enlighten communities on the need to improve and protect the environment. The programme is organized on the basis of contractual work in EWAs, where contracting companies are responsible for recruiting and managing workers to achieve targets. The programme also presents the opportunity for contractor and employee development.

What does CEPEP do for my community?

CEPEP adds value to communities. The presence of CEPEP in a community has the following benefits:
• Environmental protection and enhancement of the community,
• Employment opportunities and income earning capability for indigent citizens,
• Generation of small business entrepreneurs,
• Provision of opportunity for purposeful training
(The CEPEP Company Limited signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions such as College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) and National Training Agency (NTA) for CEPEP workers to have the opportunity to obtain technical and vocational skills. An MoU was also signed with National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO) for contractors to have access to financial literacy training),
• Community partnering through social responsibility initiatives such as repairing or building homes, cleanups and donations to community members in need.

How do I become a contractor or worker of a CEPEP team?

You can call our office at 698-CPEP (2737) or visit during the hours of 8am to 4pm for more information. Individuals seeking employment may apply to any contracting company in his/her environmental work area (EWA).

Who is eligible to work in the CEPEP programme?

Individuals seeking employment through this programme should:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be unemployed
• Reside within the communities in which they wish to be employed

What services are provided by CEPEP?

Visit our What We Do section on this page to learn more.

Dead Animal Removal Team (DART)

How can the DART teams be contacted?

Calls can be made to the public DART line at 800-DART.

How many DART teams currently exist?

Currently, there are two (2) DART teams.

How is the DART service run?

Teams are deployed to retrieve dead animals via calls made from the public to the Dart Line (800–DART). Teams also retrieve dead animals via observation whilst maneuvering through their respective routes. One DART team is responsible for the East-West Corridor while the second team is responsible for the entire area covering north to south. Teams alternate routes on a monthly basis.

What times do they work?

Working hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Do the DART teams work on weekends?

No, the teams do not work on weekends.