Ideas I Foundation

Rocky Point at Risk: The EIA You Need to Know About Rocky Point is a sanctuary for nesting sea turtles, a refuge for rare corals, and a site of deep historical significance. A major hotel development now threatens to transform this area, making publ…

🚨 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 🚨

SpeSeas expresses deep concern over the EMA’s decision to grant a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) for the proposed Rocky Point development in Tobago.

This coastline is ecologically critical 🌊🐢

Home to nesting grounds for threatened leatherback and hawksbill turtles, and one of Tobago’s healthiest coral reef systems, Rocky Point also supports vital community, tourism, and recreational activities.

Despite repeated concerns raised during the EIA process about environmental impacts and mitigation measures, key issues remain insufficiently addressed.

We recognise development is ongoing in Trinidad and Tobago, but it must be balanced with science, transparency, and the protection of our natural heritage.

SpeSeas will continue to advocate for evidence-based decision-making and the long-term safeguarding of our coastal and marine ecosystems alongside sustainable development. 🌿🌎

Learn more ➡️ https://speseas.org/2026/05/16/public-statement-granting-of-the-certificate-of-environmental-clearance-for-rocky-point-development/

📢 In Case You Missed It…
Important discussions are continuing behind the scenes as Trinidad and Tobago prepares for the entry into force of the Escazú Agreement. 🌿⚖️
At the recent Escazú Symposium, hosted by CANARI in partnership with Environment Tobago, representatives of the I Foundation proudly joined advocates and stakeholders from across civil society to contribute to this critical national dialogue, map challenges and prioritize next steps.
The symposium brought together voices from organizations including The Cropper Foundation, COPE, Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project, Indigenous representatives, environmental NGOs, and legal professionals — all committed to strengthening environmental governance, public participation, transparency, and access to justice.
While there is still significant work ahead to fully operationalize the Agreement, it is encouraging to witness growing collaboration and proactive engagement among stakeholders working to advance the rights of all citizens to a healthy environment.
The Escazú Agreement represents more than policy — it is an opportunity to ensure that environmental concerns affecting everyday people are heard, addressed fairly, and supported through meaningful access to information and justice.
🌱 Together, we move one step closer toward stronger environmental democracy and sustainable development for all.

🇹🇹🌿 CANARI welcomes the entry into force of the Escazú Agreement in Trinidad and Tobago — a major step forward for environmental democracy and the protection of the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

The Escazú Agreement strengthens:
• Access to environmental information
• Public participation in environmental decision-making
• Access to justice in environmental matters
• Protection of environmental defenders

While this marks an important milestone, meaningful implementation now requires urgent, concrete and measurable action to strengthen environmental governance, transparency and accountability in Trinidad and Tobago.

🔗 Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4wf5qdK

If you are a registered NGO, Faith-based Organisation or Community based Organisation, get familiar with the Trinidad & Tobago’s Non-Profit Organisations Act No. 7 of 2019 today!

So it's the month of June, and if your NPO Certificate was stamped 2019 then this is your year for Renewal. According to the Non Profit Organisation Act No. 7 of 2019 your Registration is valid for 5 years and you have one month from the date of issue to renew your Registration. Remember this does not change your obligations under the Companies Act to file Annual Returns. If you need assistance with either of these feel free to contact The Rose Foundation @ 628-2557 or WhatsApp 487-4219

Do you need more clarity regarding your NPO compliance status? Then don't miss this sessions being hosted on April 29th by the Rose Foundation Governance & Compliance Services. See additional details below.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Non-Profit Organisations Act No. 7 of 2019 introduced a formal legal framework for civil society.

Before this, unincorporated groups could legally operate based on shared purpose and community service.

That has changed.

🧵 Key points from the Act:

1️⃣ Section 3(1): An NPO includes any body (incorporated or not) established for religious, charitable, educational, social or other useful purposes that raises or disburses funds.

➡️ This is a broad definition.
Many NGOs, CBOs, churches & non-profit companies fall within scope.

2️⃣ Section 5(1):
A person shall not operate a non-profit organisation… unless it is registered under this Act.

3️⃣ Section 5(2):
Non-compliance may result in:
⚖️ TT$50,000 fine
⚖️ Up to 7 years imprisonment

💡 The takeaway:
This is not interpretation—this is what the law states.

✔️ The definition is broad
✔️ Registration is mandatory
✔️ There are real legal consequences

For civil society, service must now be matched with compliance.

🔗 For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Act and its requirements: https://tally.so/r/q4WQWd

🌎 Happy Earth Day Trinidad & Tobago!!
This year we are proud to recognize Trinidad and Tobago’s alignment with the Agreement. A landmark regional agreement that strengthens advocacy for the Rights to a Healthy Environment and gives voice to the rights of the itself via the advocacy of Defenders. It also reflects a growing global recognition of our shared responsibility to protect the Earth and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations.
Several local NGOs including .I.Foundation have supported awareness-building and policy development around this important international agreement, and its key pillars that foster inclusion in environmental matters. Join us in advocating for the right to a healthy environment for citizens, nationals and all generations to come!

🌎✊This Earth Day reminds us of the POWER of humanity to work together to solve some of the planet’s most urgent crises, in ways that are fair to all, rooted in nature, and consider current and future generations.
💚
From Nature-based Solutions 🍃restoring degraded ecosystems to Climate Justice⚖️ ensuring that the most marginalised and vulnerable are considered in decision-making, individuals and communities everywhere are coming together for our Planet. 🫶
🩵
🗣🌴Join the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance and The Cropper Foundation as we celebrate Earth Day 2026!

🌿Join us to hear from Caribbean environmental defenders

On 20 April 2026, CANARI and the Caribbean Environmental Defenders Network hosts an official side event at COP4 — the Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Escazú Agreement.

The theme: Recognising, supporting and promoting the work of environmental defenders in the Caribbean.

Environmental defenders across our region — people defending land, water, coastlines and communities — face real risks every day. This session is about hearing their stories and building the recommendations that can change that reality.

📅 Monday 20 April 2026
🕧 12:00 – 1:30 pm (Bahamas time)
💻 Zoom — open to all

🔗Register now here: https://bit.ly/COP4sdevent

NPOs Face Cancellation Mtima Solwazi brings awareness on Section 21C of the Non-Profit Organizations Act, No. 7 of 2019 (Failure to File Form 6 Annual Returns).NPOs not in complian...