On 21 May 2026, the Trinidad Guardian reported that Kishan Kumarsingh, Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing climate change negotiator and former head of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit, resigned from the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development following what he described as “policy changes.” Kumarsingh stated that it had become “very challenging” to perform his functions because of changes in policy direction as of May 2025, and that responsibility for climate negotiations had been removed from his portfolio. He described his resignation as a “principled” decision after climate negotiations were “largely sidelined” in his work. He also stated that he had not been offered prior consultation or explanation for the removal of the portfolio, and that attempts to seek clarification had been unsuccessful. The Ministry had not responded to Guardian Media’s questions by press time. Kumarsingh had represented Trinidad and Tobago in climate negotiations for decades, including in processes linked to the Paris Agreement and Small Island Developing States priorities.
The event may negatively affect the enabling environment by signalling reduced state openness and transparency in environmental governance. If a major climate policy shift occurred without clear public explanation or consultation, environmental CSOs may have less access to information, fewer opportunities to influence policy, and weaker channels for engagement with government. It may also affect Trinidad and Tobago’s implementation of the Escazú Agreement, which depends on access to environmental information, public participation, and accountability.