Executive Leadership


Minister of Works and Transport

Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan

Born in the community of Sangre Grande, Minister Sinanan entered the world of business and entrepreneurship over 36 years, eventually becoming the chief Executive Officer of a large and dynamic holdings company. In his capacity as CEO, Senator Sinanan has extensively worked in diverse areas of finance, insurance, real estate and the food industry.  His pursuit into the dynamic world of business developed as a consequence of his attentiveness in his father’s long history and career as a well know businessman in the food industry in the community.
 
Senator Sinanan holds an MBA in Business Administration and has served as the Deputy Chairman of the Tunapuna /Piarco Regional Corporation.  His successful career in business did not limit his passion for helping people and over the last 20 years Senator Sinanan has been involved in charities and several volunteer organizations.
 
Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan also holds substantial political experience. As a long-standing member of the People’s National Movement, he as well serves as the party’s current Deputy Political Leader.
 
Senator Sinanan is happily married to Pamela Ramkissoon-Sinanan, with one child.
 

Permanent Secretary

Mrs. Sonia Francis-Yearwood

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport Mrs. Sonia Francis-Yearwood has over 20 years' experience, in the fields of Project Management, Project Financing, Economics and Aviation. Her project experience encompasses all areas of transport as well as road and building infrastructure.

Mrs. Francis-Yearwood holds two MBAs in Aviation Management and Implementation of Development Projects from the University of the West Indies and the University Of Manchester Institute Of Science and Technology and her expertise in the field of finance was honed through her BSc. in Economics and her ACCA Diploma in Financial Management. She has represented the Ministry of Works and Transport on several international and regional committees.

Her journey in the public service is evidence of her commitment to national service, having risen through the ranks from Planning Officer I, Project Analyst, Senior Economist, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Permanent Secretary in July 2017. Her vision is to see the Ministry of Works and Transport provide safe, high-quality infrastructure and an integrated transportation system that supports the contemporary needs of our country.
 

Deputy Permanent Secretary

Ms. Dhanmattee Ramdath

Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Dhanmattee Ramdath retains a keen interest in the enhancement of staff development and output and corporate service optimization at the Ministry of Works and Transport. 
 
With over 35 years of contribution to the Public Service, Ms. Ramdath began her career at the office of the Chief Personnel Officer, Personnel Department and served in the areas of financial administration, records and registry management, procurement, human resource management, policy development and project management. Additionally, Ms. Ramdath was appointed at the Judiciary (2002 to 2005), Ministry of Planning and Development (2005-2008). Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment (2008-2010), and the Ministry of Housing and the Environment (2010 - 2012).

During her time at the MOWT, Ms. Ramdath was responsible for overseeing the highly modernized Caroni Licensing Office. This feat included the consolidation of the former Chaguanas Licensing Office along with various services from the Port of Spain office. Caroni is now considered the headquarters of all licensing offices in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Ms. Ramdath steered the team responsible for the establishment of the Procurement Unit; a new organ of the MOWT designed to deliver a streamlined and transparent means of public spending to provide value for money on all projects. She likewise led the team that developed the major guiding policy of the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. 

Ms. Ramdath acknowledges the hard work and dedication of her team.

Deputy Permanent Secretary

Ms. Chandrani Jagrup

Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport Ms. Chandrani Jagrup has been a public servant of over 35 years.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Jagrup began her career at the Ministry of Trade and Industry for six years.  In 1990 she moved on to Customs and Excise Division in the capacity of Customs Officer for seven years. 

She later served in the field of Human Resources at Ministry of Labour and Enterprise Development (1997- 2010). She served as Senior HRO (2010 – 2016) then Director at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.  Ms. Jagrup was HR Director at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs (2016 to 2017).

Ms. Jagrup acted as Deputy Permanent Secretary (2017-2018) at the Ministry of Planning and Development before joining the MOWT team. Ms. Chandrani Jagrup holds oversight for state enterprises: the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Helicopter Services Limited, and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.  She also guides the operations of the Facilities Management Unit, the Mechanical Services, Maintenance and Construction Divisions and Security. 

Deputy Permanent Secretary Jagrup holds firm to the credo “Service to man is service to God.”

Deputy Permanent Secretary

Ms. Charmaine Jennings

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport Ms. Charmaine Jennings has extensive experience in the fields of human resource, management and administration. She is determined to utilise her skills and expertise to achieve excellence.
 
DPS Jennings holds a Masters’ Degree in Public Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Sector Management with a minor in Social Policy and Administration, both obtained at the University of the West Indies. She is also the holder of several certificates including project management, mediation, mentoring and enhancing human resource skills.
 
DPS Jennings began her stint in the public service in 1980 as a Clerk 1 at the Comptroller of Accounts Department at the Ministry of Finance. She then became a Senior Human Resource executive at the Ministry of Science and Tertiary Education. Her journey at the Ministry of Works and Transport began in 2012 and she held the position of the Director of Human Resource Management. The position of Deputy Permanent Secretary was awarded to her on April 11th, 2017 at the Ministry of Health and she assumed duties at the Ministry of Works and Transport on November 1st, 2019 in the same capacity.
 
Her impressive resume and dedication to national service is evident in her works in several ministries. With her competency, knowledge and dedication, DPS Jennings’ objective for Ministry of Works and Transport is to keep a dynamic vision and remain resolute to serve national community.