Lodging a Complaint

The Equal Opportunity Act No. 69 of 2000 as amended by Act No 5 of 2001 provides for the prohibition and prevention of certain kinds of discrimination. It also seeks to promote equal opportunity between persons of different status.

Why Lodge a Complaint?
The Equal Opportunity Act No. 69 of 2000 as amended by Act No 5 of 2001 provides for the prohibition and prevention of certain kinds of discrimination. It also seeks to promote equal opportunity between persons of different status. Pursuant to this Act, the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) and Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT) were established. The function of the EOC is to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations.

Who can Lodge a Complaint?
Any individual who believes that some other body or person has discriminated against him or her.
Any individual who believes that some other body or person is victimizing or guilty of victimization against him or her.
Any individual, who believes that some other body or person has offended, insulted, humiliated or intimidated him or her in public.

What are the Categories of Discrimination?
In order for a person to be eligible to lodge a complaint to the Commission, the acts of discrimination, victimization and offensive behaviour in public MUST fall within one or more of the following categories :

• Employment
• Provision of Education
• Provision of Goods and/or Services
• Provision of Accommodation

How is a Complaint Lodged?
When lodging a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), you are required to fill out a complaint form completely which must be submitted by mail or in person at the EOC office. A complaint is deemed to be made when this form is completed and received at the EOC. Please note that a complaint can only be processed if the form is completed in its entirety and contains all the information required and signed for the EOC to be able to act on your complaint.

Individuals who need an accommodation in order to lodge a complaint (e.g., sign language interpreter, print materials in an accessible format) should inform the EOC office so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Complaint Forms are available electronically at the link set out below or can be collected at any of the following locations :-

• The Regional Corporation in your area
• The Wardens Office and District Revenue Office in your area
• The EOC’s Office

What information must be provided to Lodge a complaint?
Your contact details;

The contact details of the person you are complaining against.

• A short description of the alleged discrimination (the event that caused the complaining party to believe that his or her rights were infringed); and
• The date(s) of the alleged act(s) of discrimination.
• Supporting Evidence (this can be attached  to the complaint form)

What are the limits for filing a Change of Discrimination?

•  A complaint must be lodged with the EOC within six (6) months from the date of the alleged discrimination.
• Complaints made after the six (6) month period will only be processed if exceptional circumstances caused a delay which resulted in the complaint being made outside the stipulated time period. The decision as to whether exceptional circumstances exist will be made by the Commissioners of the EOC.
• When a complaint is received at the EOC you will be notified in writing the date the complaint was received at the EOC’s office.

Where can a Complaint be Lodged?
All complaints can be submitted in person or by post to:

The Equal Opportunity Commission
#55-57 Manic Street
Chaguanas
500621
Trinidad and Tobago West Indies

Contact Information:

Tel:  (868) 672-0928
Fax:  (868) 671-8826
E-mail: eoc@gov.tt

Website: www.equalopportunity.gov.tt

What happens Next?
After receiving your complaint an Investigation Officer will be allocated to investigate your complaint. The Officer will then contact you to discuss the progression of your matter.