Speakers

Dr. Roodal Moonilal is a distinguished politician, academic, and labour relations expert from Trinidad and Tobago, recognized for his extensive contributions to governance, industrial development, and regional cooperation. He currently serves as the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and is an elected Member of Parliament in the 13th Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency of Oropouche East, a position he has held for over 20 years, steadfastly serving the people of his Constituency with distinction and dedication.

A respected scholar, Dr. Moonilal holds a BSc (Hons.) in Government from the University of the West Indies (UWI), an LLB from the University of London, and a Master of Arts in Labour and Development from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands. He earned his PhD in Development Studies at ISS, specializing in Industrialization, Labour Relations, and Urban Employment, becoming the first graduate in the program’s history to receive the distinction cum laude. He also obtained his Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2010.

Dr. Moonilal has made significant academic and policy contributions across the Caribbean. He has lectured at UWI on topics such as Industrial Relations in the Public Sector and Compensation Management and has published extensively on labour relations, human resource management, trade unionism, and public sector reform.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Moonilal has held key leadership roles, including Director of the Policy Monitoring Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister and Head of Education, Research, and Training at the All-Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union. Internationally, he serves as an Associate of Hagen Resources International (HRI), a management consultancy based in Geneva.

With more than two decades in public life, Dr. Moonilal has served in several Cabinet positions, including Minister of Housing, Environment, Land, and Marine Affairs and Leader of Government 2 Business in Parliament (2010–2015). During his tenure, he oversaw major development initiatives and advanced significant parliamentary reforms.

A dynamic speaker and dedicated advocate for social justice, Dr. Moonilal was featured in the International WHO’S WHO of Professionals (2003–2004). He has also served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (2007–2010) and has been a member of numerous parliamentary committees addressing critical national issues, including national security, finance, and broadcasting.