News Releases

MSDFS and The UWI Establish Research Ethics Committee for the Social Sector

For Release Upon Receipt - November 25, 2024

St. Augustine


 

 Partnership in Action: Officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) and The University of the West Indies (The UWI), along with members of the Research Ethics Committee, commemorate the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the St. Augustine Campus on Thursday 13th November 2024

 

ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. November 25, 2024 – The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) and the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a Research Ethics Committee (REC) for the Social Sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The event took place on Thursday 13th November, at the Office of the Campus Principal at the St Augustine campus and included officials from the MSDFS and The UWI.

Mrs Lenor Baptiste-Simmons, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, in her remarks, indicated that ethical research is the cornerstone of scientific integrity and added that the Committee will serve as an independent advisory body tasked with reviewing social research proposals to ensure they meet recognized ethical standards. As researchers, the committee members are not only tasked with producing knowledge, but also with upholding the dignity, rights, and welfare of the individuals and communities involved in their studies. She also underscored that it is essential to ensure that their research does not cause harm, but rather contributes positively to societal well-being.

In addressing the audience, Deputy Principal, Professor Derek Chadee emphasized that, “this MOU symbolizes our joint commitment to advancing research ethics within Trinidad and Tobago’s social sector, underscoring a shared vision where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the foundations of every study conducted to inform our national development.” He also indicated that in this partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, a decisive step is being taken toward creating an environment in which ethical research not only serves as a safeguard for the rights of participants but also as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, social equity, and public trust.

The creation of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) is part of the broader efforts of the Inter-Ministerial Research Council (IMRC), which coordinates the national Social Research Agenda. The responsibilities of the Research Ethics Committee will include:

Reviewing research proposals to assess compliance with ethical principles and guidelines.

Evaluating the research design, methodology, data collection procedures, and any steps taken to protect the rights, privacy, and safety of participants.

Providing recommendations to ensure that research activities do not pose any potential harm to individuals, communities, or the environment.

Offering guidance on best practices in research ethics, ensuring that research contributes to the public good while maintaining high standards of integrity and respect for participants.

The IMRC was reconstituted in March, 2022 and its mandate, includes a wide range of activities designed to strengthen social research capabilities across Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, the core responsibilities of the IMRC include the development of the Social Sector Research Agenda, conducting environmental scans to identify critical research gaps, creating a database of social research, facilitating information-sharing through a Social Sector Research Information System, and strengthening research capacities within government agencies and the social sector at large.

By partnering with The University of the West Indies, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services aims to foster a culture of ethical research that aligns with international standards while addressing social issues in Trinidad and Tobago.

End

 

Making it Official: Professor Derek Chadee (Deputy Principal, The UWI) left, and Mrs Lenor Baptiste-Simmons, PS, MSDFS, sign the MOU for a Research Ethics Committee (REC) for the Social Sector in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday 13th November at The UWI’s St. Augustine Campus.

 

Sealing the Moment: Professor Derek Chadee and Permanent Secretary Lenor Baptiste-Simmons share a light exchange following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of a Research Ethics Committee (REC) for the Social Sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The event took place on Thursday, November 13, at The UWI St. Augustine Campus.

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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