On 26 March 2026, the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in Trinidad and Tobago issued a notice indicating that over 3,000 non-profit organisations (NPOs) were at risk of suspension and cancellation due to failure to submit the required annual return (Form 6) under the Non-Profit Organisations Act. The deadline for compliance was set for 27 April 2026. Form 6, introduced following legislative amendments in 2024–2025, requires detailed reporting on organisational structure, including controllers, members, and beneficiaries, and must be submitted annually within 30 days of an organisation’s registration anniversary.
However, significant confusion arose across the sector. Many organisations believed they were compliant through submission of the previously required Form 29, and several reported only becoming aware of the new requirement or the notice itself in mid-April 2026. In a televised interview, an NGO representative noted that many organisations received communication from the RGD only shortly before the deadline. Civil society actors also reported attempts to comply that were hindered by administrative challenges, including rejected submissions and unclear guidance.
The notice triggered widespread concern across the sector regarding potential deregistration and disruption of operations. In response, the RGD subsequently issued a follow-up notice postponing the suspension and cancellation exercise. While this reduced the immediate risk, underlying issues remain unresolved.
Civil society responses, including formal engagement by The Cropper Foundation, highlight persistent challenges such as lack of clarity around compliance requirements, limited and late-stage communication, and the administrative burden associated with new reporting obligations. These concerns point to a broader pattern in the governance of civil society in Trinidad and Tobago, characterised by regulatory changes introduced with limited early engagement and insufficient support for implementation.
The postponement creates an opportunity for more constructive engagement. Key areas identified for action include improved communication and outreach, clearer transitional guidance (particularly regarding Form 29 and Form 6), and more structured dialogue between the RGD and civil society to ensure a more enabling and proportionate regulatory environment.