Mrs. Calise Narinesingh-Martin - Chair CDA Board
Mrs. Calise Narinesingh-Martin is a senior Attorney-at-law with over 12 years of experience spanning oil and gas law, corporate governance, environmental law, and regulatory compliance. She has held key roles across the public and private sectors, including General Counsel at Petrotrin, Legislative Draftsman at the Environmental Management Authority, and legal positions at the Land Settlement Agency and the Chaguaramas Development Authority.
She brings significant board and governance expertise, having served as Corporate Secretary and Senior Legal Counsel to several statutory bodies, with a focus on compliance, contracts, and risk management.
Mrs. Narinesingh-Martin has also contributed at the international and policy levels, serving on the Attorney General’s Legislative and Parliamentary Committee and as a liaison to the World Bank and U.S. EPA, as well as representing Trinidad and Tobago in regional and United Nations environmental law and compliance networks.
Ms. Kirby Joseph - Deputy Chair CDA Board
The Deputy Chairman is an Attorney-at-Law with over 11 years experience, she holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Legal Education Certificate. Her professional background includes criminal litigation, civil law, and family matters, reflecting strong advocacy skills, sound legal judgment, and a steadfast commitment to fairness and accountability.
As Deputy Chairman of the Chaguaramas Development Authority, she provides strategic oversight in support of the Authority’s mandate. She also chairs the Tenants and Leases Sub-Committee, guiding tenancy and lease matters with diligence, transparency, and a solutions-oriented approach.
Mr. Manmohan Balkaran - Director
Manmohan Balkaran is an accomplished Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the Oil & Gas and Construction industries, specializing in project management, maintenance, and high-value construction projects. He holds a BSc in Industrial Engineering from the University of the West Indies and has completed extensive professional training in project management, risk management, corporate governance, and leadership.
Mr. Balkaran has a strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering complex projects on time and within budget, and ensuring compliance with HSE standards. He brings additional governance expertise to the Board as Chairman of the Special Projects and Contracts Sub-Committee.
Dr. Louis Percival Anthony Nurse - Director
Dr. Louis Nurse brings over 30 years of experience across the public and private sectors in project management, construction, finance, and corporate governance. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), an MBA, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Commercial Law, and a Diploma in Management, with expertise in strategic planning, risk-based project execution, and organizational development.
As a former senior public-sector executive and current part-time university lecturer, Dr. Nurse provides strategic oversight, ensuring effective governance, compliance, and performance management. He currently chairs the Finance Sub-Committee and the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Sub-Committee, guiding the Board in achieving transparency, efficiency, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Ms. Jamie Sarah Edwards - Director
Ms. Jamie Sarah Edwards is a seasoned Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) professional with over 13 years of experience driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the oil and gas, manufacturing, and public sectors. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Environmental Safety and Health with Distinction from The University of the West Indies and is NEBOSH National General Certificate certified in Occupational Health and Safety.
Throughout her career, Ms. Edwards has demonstrated a strong track record in developing and strengthening HSE management systems, business continuity strategies, crisis response frameworks, and workforce safety cultures within complex operational environments. Her expertise spans occupational safety, environmental stewardship, compliance assurance, emergency preparedness, incident prevention, and organizational resilience.
Recognized for her strategic mindset, analytical approach, and collaborative leadership style, Ms. Edwards is committed to aligning HSE performance with broader organizational objectives while fostering sustainable, high-performing, and safety-driven workplaces. She is regarded as a trusted professional dedicated to advancing operational integrity, continuous improvement, and corporate responsibility at all levels of business'
Ms. Nalini Goindoo - Director
Ms. Nalini Goindoo brings over three decades of experience in education, community development, and social advocacy. A trained educator and holder of a Bachelor of Education in Educational Administration from The University of the West Indies, she served with the Ministry of Education for 30 years and has also worked in disaster management and community outreach initiatives.
Ms. Goindoo is the Founder and President of Working Against Stigmatization & Poverty (W.A.S.P.), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to community empowerment and social development. Her extensive experience in education, leadership, volunteerism, and community service continues to support her role as a Director of the Chaguaramas Development Authority Board.
Ms. Shelly Balkissoon, MTA Dip. MLaw, MBA (Dist), MBA, Dip FM, BSC (Hon) - Director
Shelly Balkissoon is a results-oriented business and logistics professional with extensive experience across the maritime, logistics, oil and gas, and petrochemical sectors. Her expertise spans maritime law and operations, international trade, procurement, financial management, and organisational leadership. She is known for applying a disciplined, strategic approach to complex operational environments, with a strong emphasis on governance, operational efficiency, and performance improvement.
Shelly holds a Diploma in Maritime Law and an MBA with Distinction in International Trade, Logistics and Procurement from the University of the West Indies, as well as a second MBA in General Management from Henley Business School, University of Reading, U.K. She also holds the ACCA Diploma in Financial Management and a BSc (General) in Natural Sciences, majoring in Chemistry, with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from the University of the West Indies.
Recognised for her ability to translate technical, financial, and regulatory requirements into practical business solutions, Shelly supports organisations in achieving growth, strengthening compliance, and advancing operational sustainability across both public and private sector environments.
Dr. Nalini Kokaram - Director
Dr. Nalini Kokaram is a Consultant Radiologist with over 25 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in medical imaging, diagnostics, and healthcare management. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists, UK, and holds an MBBS from the University of the West Indies.
Dr. Kokaram has led radiology departments, managed healthcare organizations, and driven innovations to improve patient outcomes, including the development of national protocols for obstetric scanning and radiology infection control. She also brings governance experience through her role as Chairman of the North West Regional Health Authority, providing strategic leadership, policy oversight, and advancing national healthcare initiatives.
Ms. Felicia Holder - Director
Ms. Felicia Holder is a communications and operations specialist with extensive experience in strategic communications, organisational management, and stakeholder engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literatures in English and Human Communications and has led communications, finance, and operations functions across corporate, non-profit, and entrepreneurial settings.
Ms. Holder brings to the Board strong expertise in internal communications, governance support, financial oversight, and stakeholder relations, helping to ensure transparency, effective engagement, and alignment between leadership and staff.
General Manager Ag. - Olivia Ramesar
"Olivia Ramesar is an Attorney-at-Law with over nine (9) years of experience in corporate governance, statutory compliance, regulatory administration, and legal advisory services. As General Manager (Ag.), she provides strategic leadership and oversight over the Authority’s operations, organisational planning, stakeholder engagement, and performance management. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Ramesar served as Corporate Secretary and Legal Officer at the CDA, advising the Board of Directors and Executive Management on governance, legal, and regulatory matters and ensuring compliance with applicable legislative frameworks.
Ms. Ramesar holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Corporate and Commercial Law and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from The University of the West Indies, along with a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School. Her expertise includes corporate governance, board administration, procurement compliance, policy development, litigation oversight, and public sector administration."
