The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST) has appointed a GATE Standing Committee to provide strategic guidance on the operations of the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Programme and to review policies aimed at enhancing the delivery of GATE and other student support services.

Today, Senator Professor Emeritus the Honourable Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, together with Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Ms. Rhoda A. Patiram and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Ms. Bhagwati Manick, met with members of the newly appointed Committee to discuss the current operations of the GATE Programme, opportunities to strengthen governance, and measures to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and long-term sustainability of student financing initiatives.

The Committee brings together expertise from across the tertiary education sector and will provide recommendations to support evidence-based policy development, enhance service delivery, and ensure that Government’s investment in tertiary education continues to meet the evolving needs of students and the national workforce.

The members of the GATE Standing Committee are:

Dr. Nadine Sangster – Chairperson, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship, University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)

Mr. Avenash Ramsoobhag – Manager, Occupational Standards and Sector Support, National Training Agency (NTA)

Ms. Lalita Ramlal-Chirkoot – Dean, School of Workforce Enhancement and Development, College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT)

Mr. Urban Huggins – Director, Funding and Grants Administration Division (FGAD), Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training

Minister Persad reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the GATE Programme remains responsive, transparent and sustainable while continuing to expand access to quality tertiary education for citizens.

The establishment of the GATE Standing Committee reflects MTEST’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and supporting policies that advance human capital development and equip Trinidad and Tobago’s workforce with the knowledge and skills required for national development.