About Our Ministry
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence (MPAAI) is leading the charge in transforming the Public Service towards a digital age. Through innovative policy-making, cutting-edge technology and strategic human resource development, the Ministry is building a smarter, more responsive Government. Our goal is to deliver efficient, citizen-focused services that meet the evolving needs of our people, today and into the future.
About The Minister
Senator the Honourable Dominic Smith is at the forefront of reimagining how Government wants to serve its people. As Minister, he brings visionary leadership and a bold commitment to innovation, efficiency and citizen-centric service.
Historical Growth
Since its early beginnings, the Ministry has been a catalyst for progress in the Public Sector. In recent years, the Ministry has expanded its mandate to include Artificial Intelligence into its portfolio, reflecting our commitment to innovation and future-ready governance.
Driving Public Service Excellence
Building a stronger, more responsive and deeply connected public service.
Managing the Public Sector
The Ministry remains committed to building a high-performing Public Service. This includes:
- Empowering Public Officers through continuous training and professional development.
- Managing Government Real Estate assets to ensure efficient use and sustainability.
- Providing expert consulting services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enhance operations and service delivery.
Our goal is to create a more agile, capable and citizen-focused Public Sector.
Accelerating Trinidad and Tobago
Digital transformation is instrumental to National Development. With this in mind, the Ministry is working to:
- Expand internet access across all communities.
- Create safe, inclusive spaces where citizens can build digital skills.
- Support innovation hubs that develop tech-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
- Promote open data and transparent processes to build public trust and encourage civic participation.
The Ministry is vigorously working towards building a connected, empowered and digitally inclusive Trinidad and Tobago.
Driving AI for Development
The Ministry’s approach to Artificial Intelligence is thoughtful, ethical and people-first. This is being achieved by:
- Developing National Strategies to guide responsible AI adoption.
- Ensuring AI is used to enhance public services, not replace the human touch.
- Focusing on meaningful, inclusive applications that benefit all citizens.
AI is not just about technology; it’s about creating a smarter, more responsive Government for everyone.
Organisational and Leadership
Historical Timeline
2025
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence
Minister
Senator Hon. Dominic Smith
Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
(Up to May, 2025)
Cory Belfon
(w.e.f. May, 2025)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Abigail Bynoe
(Up to May, 2025)
Sherry Ann Smith-Simmons
(w.e.f. March, 2025)
Rhoda Pattiram
(w.e.f. May, 2025)
2023
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration
Minister
Senator Hon. Allyson West
Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
(up to April 30, 2023)
Abigail Bynoe
(w.e.f. May 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Angela Lum-Joseph
(up to February 5, 2023)
Abigail Bynoe
(Appointed w.e.f. February 7, 2023)
Ramdai Sookdeo
(w.e.f. March 13, 2023) &
Ray McCarthy
(w.e.f October 2, 2023)
2022
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration
Minister
Senator Hon. Allyson West
Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Angela Lum-Joseph
Abigail Bynoe
(Temporarily appointed w.e.f. November 21, 2022)
2021
Portfolio
MPADT split to form 2 ministries:
- Ministry of Public Administration
- Ministry of Digital Transformation National ICT, iGovTT and TATT assigned to Digital Transformation
Minister
Senator Hon. Allyson West
(w.e.f. Jul 12, 2021)
Senator Hon. Hassel Bacchus
Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
(up to October 14, 2021)
(Appointed w.e.f. November 18, 2021)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Angela Lum-Joseph
2020
Portfolio
Renaming of Ministry to Public Administration and Digital Transformation following General Elections
Minister
Senator Hon. Allyson West
(w.e.f August 19, 2020)
Senator Hon. Hassel Bacchus,
Minister in the Ministry
Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
(w.e.f October 2, 2019 to March 11, 2021)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Angela Lum-Joseph
(w.e.f. June 15, 2020)
2019
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration
Minister
The Hon. Dr. Kieth Rowley
Appointment of new Minister,
Senator Hon. Allyson West
(w.e.f August 14, 2019
Permanent Secretary
Joan Mendez
(up to October 2, 2019) Proceeded on Pre-retirement Leave w.e.f December 31, 2019
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
(up to October 1, 2019)
2018
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration and Communications split to form 2 ministries:
- Printery, Archives, Information Division, FOI Unit, Government Communications, NALIS, BOFC, CNMG/TTT
Minister
Marlene McDonald, M.P. Minister in the Ministry
(w.e.f. April 9, 2018 - Appointment revoked June 7, 2018)
Maxie Cuffie, Parliamentary Secretary
(Stuart Young, M.P. Minister of Communications)
Permanent Secretary
Joan Mendez
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Claudelle McKellar
2017
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration and Communications:
- ttConnect
Minister
Maxie Cuffie, M.P.
Permanent Secretary
Joan Mendez
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Kurt Meyer
(up to July 13, 2017) &
Claudelle McKellar
(Assumed w.e.f. August 2, 2017)
2016
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration and Communications (merge):
Ministry of Communications (Printery, Archives, Information Division, FOI Unit, Government Communications, NALIS, BOFC, CNMG)
Minister
Maxie Cuffie, M.P.
Permanent Secretary
Richard Madray
(up to April 3, 2016)
Lydia Jacobs
(w.e.f. April 4, 2016 to September 4, 2016)
Kurt Meyer
(w.e.f. September 5, 2016 to October 9, 2016) &
Joan Mendez
(w.e.f. October 10, 2016)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Kurt Meyer &
Denise Duncan
(w.e.f. June 1, 2016 to August 27, 2016)
2015
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration reconfigured following General Elections:
- Scholarships and Advanced Training transferred to Ministry of Education.
- Property and Real Estate Services transferred from the Ministry of Housing
- ICT and Telecommunications transferred from the Ministry of Science and Technology (TATT and iGovTT)
Minister
Randall Mitchell,
M.P (w.e.f. September 14, 2015)
Permanent Secretary
Angela Edwards
(w.e.f. November 9, 2015 to April 3, 2016) &
Richard Madray
(w.e.f September 14, 2015)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Angela Sinaswee-Gervais
(w.e.f. September 11, 2015 to February 15, 2016) &
Kurt Meyer
(w.e.f March 16, 2015)
2011
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration reconfigured:
- Property and Real Estate Services Division transferred to the Ministry of Housing and the Environment
- ICT transferred to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education
Minister
Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan,
M.P. (w.e.f. June 27, 2011)
Permanent Secretary
Gillian Macintyre
(up to April 6, 2015) &
Jennifer Daniel
(w.e.f. April 7, 2015 to September 13, 2015)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Richard Madray
(up to April 30, 2014) &
Prabhawatie Maraj
(w.e.f. August 8, 2011 to June 1, 2015)
2010
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration following General Elections:
Secretariat for the Implementation of Spanish transferred to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education
Minister
Senator Rudrawatee Nan Gosine-Ramgoolam
(w.e.f. May 28, 2010)
Permanent Secretary
Arlene McComie
(up to February 28, 2011) &
Gillian Macintyre
(w.e.f. February 28, 2011)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Donna Ferraz
(w.e.f October 1, 2009 to June 12, 2011) &
Richard Madray
(w.e.f. April 16, 2010)
2007
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration split:
Government Information, FOI, Libraries, Archives, Printery, NISC, BOFC, GISL and CNMG transferred to the Ministry of Information
Minister
Kennedy Swaratsingh
M.P (w.e.f. November 11, 2007
Permanent Secretary
Arlene McComie
(w.e.f. March 16, 2007)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Donna Ferraz
(w.e.f. March 26, 2007 to May 31, 2008)
2002
Portfolio
Reconstituted as the Ministry of Public Administration and Information: Communications ICT and Telecommunications
Minister
Senator Dr. Lenny Saith
April 5, 2002 to November 7, 2007
Permanent Secretary
Jacqueline Wilson
(Promoted PS w.e.f. December 31, 2001)
Jacqueline Wilson
(up to January 1, 2007) &
Gillian Macintyre
(ICT Portfolio, w.e.f. May 16, 2003 to September 16, 2008)
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Gillian Macintyre
(w.e.f. July 26, 2002 to May 15, 2003) &
Myrna Thompson
(w.e.f. August 1, 2004 to March 25, 2006)
2000
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration was dissolved
1999
Portfolio
Reconfigured as Ministry of Public Administration
Minister
Wade Mark
May 28, 1999 to December 11, 2000
Permanent Secretary
Jacqueline Wilson
(w.e.f. 1999)
1995
Portfolio
Ministry of Public Administration and Information established with a broader portfolio
Minister
Wade Mark
November 14, 1995 to May 27, 1999
Permanent Secretary
Rita Portillo
(w.e.f. December 12, 1995)
1992
Portfolio
Public Administration established as a division in the Office of the Prime Minister
Minister
Gordon Draper
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
January 1992 to May 1995
Permanent Secretary
Ainsley Tim Pow
(w.e.f. January 1 1994)