Vivian Rambarath-Parasram LL.B LL.M (IMO IMLI) LEC

Director & Head

Vivian is an Attorney at Law with over 20 years' experience in Maritime law, international environmental law, corporate governance and commercial law. She has been affiliated with The University of Trinidad and Tobago since 2007 and joined the full time faculty at the Maritime Campus in 2008. During this time she has developed degrees and courses that are specifically designed to fuel the development of the local and regional maritime industry. Vivian is the course leader for a suite of maritime law courses ranging from marine environmental protection to admiralty law. Vivian was appointed programme leader for all of Maritime Studies between the periods of 2012-2015 and resumed this role in June 2016. Prior to joining the UTT Vivian spent 9 years as a researcher, principal investigator and eventually Officer in Charge of the Legal and Policy Research Programme at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA). Vivian also spent 3 years in the Business Energy and Tax practice area of the Lex Mundi law firm of M. Hamel-Smith & Company. During the span of her career, Vivian has frequently and successfully managed major commercial and academic projects. Vivian's primary areas of research interests include: maritime border security, marine surveillance and determining methods for overcoming legal and institutional challenges to maritime regulatory reform in the Caribbean Commonwealth

Stephan Nanan BSc. MSc.

Deputy Director and Greenhouse Gas Adviser

Stephan Nanan is a Senior Instructor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) who holds fourteen years combined teaching and research experience at UTT and The University of the West Indies (UWI). With a BSc. Physics and Minors in Environmental Physics and Materials Science he progressed to complete a MSc. Environmental Science and Management. His key focus area is renewable energies but has interest in reducing energy consumption and pollution associated with all modes of transportation. He has completed a number of research projects in these fields including "Designing a 'Zero Emission House' Appropriate for Trinidad and Tobago and Risk Assessment on Diesel Exhaust in Trinidad and Tobago".

Captain Sukhjit Singh, Master Master Mariner, M.Sc., PGDip

Technical Expert

Captain Sukhjit Singh is a maritime sustainability expert with over 26 years of experience in the shipping industry and maritime operations. Having a good grasp of energy and safety management systems within the maritime domain, Capt. Singh actively supports various technical and capacity-building projects managed by the UN and other global and regional organizations. Buoyed by his MS in International Management from the University of Liverpool and his Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Energy Management from the World Maritime University, he is actively engaged in providing sustainable and innovative solutions for ships and ports. Currently, he is working on the socio-economic impacts of the maritime GHG emission reduction measures on the sustainable development of Small Islands and Developing States. He is also a qualified expert reviewer for National Communication and Biennial Reports under UNFCCC.

Suzette Balkaran, M.Sc., B.Sc.

Energy Efficiency Advisor

Suzette is a graduate of the MSc. in Operational Maritime Management, BSc. in Nautical Science/Maritime Operations and Diploma Maritime Operations-Engineering of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. She has experience training on board LPG carriers and has provided shore support to vessels engaged in local towage and harbor operations. Suzette is also a graduate of the Associate in Applied Science for Environmental Engineering of the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, and engages in initiatives for the development of the maritime sector, with particular interest to the protection of the marine environment. Suzette has served as the Public Relations Officer of the Student Guild and as the Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Maritime Officers Association, and is recognized by the University of Trinidad and Tobago for her dedication to the development of the Maritime Campus.

Miichael Razack, M.Sc., BSc.

MTCC Project Manager

Mr Razack is the Project Manager at the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for the Caribbean and a Part-Time Lecturer at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). As Project Manager at MTCC Caribbean, Michael is currently responsible for the Management of the TEST Biofouling Project. Michael is also engaged through the GMN Project and assisting with the implementation of the IMO CARES Project and other studies and consultancies facilitated by MTCC Caribbean, with the overall aim of Maritime Climate Action in the Caribbean Region.

Michael has developed a solid background in Maritime Operations, the Blue Economy, Maritime Climate Action, the IMO GHG Strategy, Maritime Energy Management and Sustainable Shipping. He currently holds a Master’s Degree in Operational Maritime Management from UTT and serves as a National Maritime GHG Emission Champion on the IMO-RoK GHG SMART Training Programme for Trinidad and Tobago.

Michael’s main area focus is assisting in the development of the local and regional maritime ecosystem, by utilizing the guiding principles under concepts such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Blue Economy. Through his involvement in various projects and consultations, Michael hopes to contribute towards raising awareness of the maritime sector within LDCs and SIDS and building a sustainable future, for the local, regional, and international Maritime industry.

Sarita Emmanuel , M.Sc.

MTCC Project Officer

Sarita is a dedicated environmental conservationist and wetland scientist for more than 10 years, with a strong commitment to protecting and conserving ecosystems. With a Master's degree in Wetland Science and Conservation, she has honed her skills in research, data analysis, and ecosystem management. Throughout her career, Sarita has undertaken diverse research projects, delving into wetland habitats and their crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Moreover, her academic journey includes a Master's degree in Maritime Management from the University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT), enriching her expertise with a focus on sustainable shipping operations and maritime environmental policies. She has taught with the Maritime Programmes for 8 years at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and possesses a wide range of technical and data analysis proficiencies.  Sarita brings a comprehensive background in research, ecosystem management, and maritime knowledge to the MTCC Caribbean and their projects. She has an unwavering dedication to environmental protection, coupled with a passion for science education and active community service.