Did you know that Trinidad and Tobago was the first independent country in the world to officially declare Emancipation Day as a public holiday to celebrate the abolition of slavery? On August 1, 1985, Emancipation Day replaced Columbus Discovery Day, which commemorated the arrival of Columbus to Moruga. It made the shift from celebrating the moment our country was colonised to instead honouring and celebrating our African ancestors who brought a rich culture to our shores and the contributions of their descendants to our country’s development.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2022/08/01/emancipation-greetings-from-the-eoc/

Section 18 of the Act refers to this category as the Provision of Accommodation and the status grounds protected by the Act are: race, ethnicity, sex, disability, marital status, origin including geographical origin and religion.

The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) joins United Nations members in celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day). Each year on July 18, the birthday of Mandela, the world unites to reflect on the life and legacy of this global advocate for equality, justice, dignity and human rights.

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/2022/07/18/nelson-mandela-day/                     

This was the topic of discussion on EOC’s third episode of Sex and Prejudice and the panel of experts delivered on their ability to provide thought provoking discussions as well as short-and long-term solutions.

It is unlawful for any educational establishment, board, or other institution to discriminate against both applicants and/or students who are already enrolled in a school or programme, based on any of seven protected status grounds under the act.

The Equal Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination based on a person’s marital status (along with five other status grounds). According to the act, marital status means the status or condition of being: (a) single; (b) married; (c) married but living separately and apart from one’s spouse; (d) divorced; or (e) widowed.

Sex and gender are sometimes used interchangeably but they are not the same, a distinction important to note, as the Equal Opportunity Act protects against discrimination on the ground of sex (and six other status grounds) but not on the ground of gender.

The Equal Opportunity Act, prohibits discrimination based on religion. Religious discrimination refers to treating individuals (employees, customers, tenants, students) differently because of their religious beliefs and practices, and or their request for accommodations associated with those beliefs and practices.

When we conduct our free inclusivity training sessions with organisations or when we do public education exercises, we explain the complaints process at the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) from the point of lodging a complaint to a resolution of the matter via conciliation.

In some cases, we are asked about the process of conciliation and what typically happens at a session. This column seeks to provide clarity on the process of conciliation and how it is a helpful and beneficial tool.

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/2022/06/13/try-conciliation-instead-of-litigation/

Data at the commission shows that in many instances, members of the public are unable to differentiate between race and ethnicity. In most cases, complaints are lodged using the two characteristics otherwise known as status grounds, either incorrectly or interchangeably.

The television programme, ‘Sex and Prejudice’ has been solidified as one of the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC) successful educational programmes. On the second Tuesday of each month, viewers can expect to see a panel of qualified and expert activists and advocates discuss sex and gender issues in relation to discrimination and inequality and proffer solutions to these issues.

Not only does it matter where we came from but, more so, that we have created and continue to create an envious paradise on this earth, not yet perfect but full of promise, an ever-evolving work in progress championed by our multiracial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious people seeking to achieve a nation that is wholesome, equitable and empowered by its diverse human capabilities. As part of this work in progress, the Equal Opportunity Commission plays a crucial role in the development of our national identity as the state body mandated to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2022/05/30/happy-indian-arrival-day

On May 16, United Nation member states celebrated International Day of Living Together in Peace. The day is observed to regularly mobilise the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. If we had to encapsulate the vision of the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), it would be just that. Simply put, we are working towards living together in peace. The vision of the EOC is “a society which is free from discrimination and prejudice, where human rights and diversity are respected, and where there is equality of opportunity for all.”

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2022/05/23/towards-living-together-in-peace/

In our past publications we addressed reasonable accommodation and the process of requesting accommodation in the workplace. The question you may be thinking is, “What happens next?”

Persons living with HIV and Aids (PLWHA) who face discrimination in certain settings because they are infected with HIV or Aids can lodge a complaint and get relief at the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC).