About Us

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and modern transportation systems that connect people and communities across Trinidad and Tobago. Its mandate covers land, air, and public transport, supported by a network of divisions, statutory boards, and majority-owned enterprises that work together to strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility, and advance national developmennt

The Ministry is responsible for:

o Air Services Agreements and Civil Aviation
o Motor Vehicle Registration and Control
o National Transportation
o Airports
o Traffic Management

Executive Leadership

Senator the Honourable Eli Zakour

Senator the Honourable Eli Zakour brings over 28 years of business management and leadership to his role as Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.

A licensed commercial pilot and Certified Fraud Examiner, he also holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Masters of Law (LLM), combining technical skill with a strong grasp of governance and regulatory frameworks.

He served as a Temporary Opposition Senator, during the 11th and 12th Republican Parliaments. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors at the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (UDeCOTT) and the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL).

Appointed Minister in May 2025, he now leads initiatives in licensing, traffic management and civil aviation reform. Senator Zakour is committed to building a future-ready, efficient and sustainable transport network that supports everyday mobility and national growth.

Permanent Secretary Nicolette Duke

Ms. Nicolette Duke officially assumed duty as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (MTCA) on August 19, 2025.

Ms. Duke brings to her new role a wealth of experience in Research and Planning, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Planning, acquired over many years of dedicated service at the middle to senior management and executive levels across several Ministries, Agencies, and Departments within the Public Sector.

Reflecting on her personal philosophy, Ms. Duke shared: “I am convinced that who and where we are today, our detours, trials, accomplishments, and triumphs—are all part of a grander plan at work in each of our lives. There is a tapestry of experiences, events, and individual connections woven into our journey, bringing growth and strength.”

Guided by this outlook, Ms. Duke values teamwork and the power of collaboration. She believes that there are always great opportunities to mutually engage our unique and diverse capabilities and thereby exponentially advance our collective sense of accomplishment as a team.

In her stewardship of the Ministry, Ms. Duke commits to bringing service, partnership, and collaboration to her engagement with all staff and stakeholders of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, as we work together to enhance the quality of life of citizens through the provision of modern transportation systems that lend to improved mobility and support national development.

Acting Permanent Secretary Beverly Reid-Samuel

Mrs. Reid-Samuel officially assumed duty as Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (MTCA) on February 9, 2026.

Mrs. Beverly Reid-Samuel is a career public officer with over 34 years of service. Her trajectory across the ranks of the Public Service, began in 1991 at the Ministry of Health as a Clerk I, and progressed through the Human Resources and Administration levels. This rapid movement was largely due to her drive for success, love for serving people, willingness to accept and overcome challenges, and her belief in the Grace of God.

Mrs. Reid-Samuel, now serves as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, and is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and Henley University of Reading. She holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Degree in Management, and a NEBOSH

Certificate; and is also trained in Change Management, Performance Management, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Dispute Resolution and Future Ready Public Service (Singapore), and many others fields of Management and Human Resources (HR).

Mrs. Samuel is a change agent and facilitator who believes in life-long learning, which is attested by her academic and continuous professional development. She has served on many Change Teams including the Health Sector Reform Transition Team; and as Change Agent for the introduction of strategic initiatives within the public service.

A reservoir of knowledge in Management and HR, Mrs. Samuel also served on several Committees and Boards of Management, including a state company. She is, by nature, a diplomat with excellent interpersonal skills, which she uses well to network within the public service and the private sector.

Mrs. Beverly Reid-Samuel is married with two children; loves cooking and craft, and assists in mentoring young people into productive lifestyles and careers. She grew up in Diego Martin as a member of the Pentecostal Church, now Covenant House of Praise, before moving to south Trinidad (through marriage), where she now serves as a Board Member, Sunday School Teacher and Strategic Advisor at Revival Mission Church, in La Romain.