Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and The University of the West Indies Establish Research Ethics Committee for the Social Sector

December 9th, 2024    |   Related To: The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

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.

Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
Communications Unit
Tel: 623-2608 Ext: 5400/5404/5402
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.social.gov.tt