Student News at PAL

Some of our most recent successful IOSH (the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) “Managing Safely” students - front left to right: Selvon Coard, Sasha Mohammed and Edson Jackson are pictured with with PAL staff members Krystle Cooper and Syd Sears.This prestigious, Internationally recognised IOSH qualification, prepares candidates for proactive and therefore effective management of health and safety-related risks in the workplace, something which has to be an asset, but even more so in these times of economic uncertainty. The Managing Safely courses can be completed with four days of study at PAL training facilities or at clients’ premises.

Also of  note were some exceptional achievements in relation to the NEBOSH (the National Examining Board in Occupational Safety and Health) courses. One candidate in particular, Joy Gopaul-Hilaire secured an award from NEBOSH as the highest achieving candidate, at global  level. This was in the Diploma Unit A module“the Management of Health and Safety”. This subject is widely considered as being the ‘toughest’ of the three which have to be completed in addition to a dissertation, in order to gain the Diploma. Joy was supported by PAL and NEBOSH to attend the Graduation and Awards Ceremony at Warwick University in England, earlier this Year (see also www.nebosh.org.uk). The NEBOSH Diploma is a U.K.-accredited qualification set at Honours Degree level. It is by far the most popular route of entry to the professional status of Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner through IOSH which is also Europe’s largest health and safety institution. Subsequent to this qualification, many students progress directly to study at Masters’ Degree level in safety and safety-related disciplines at established UK Universities. For example, check out http://www.lboro.ac.uk/prospectus/pg/courses/dept/bs/ohsm/index.htm.

Pictured above are Nadege Pitt, PAL’s NEBOSH Diploma Coordinator with Joy Gopaul-Hilaire, Shazam Edoo and Riana Rahamut who have recently completed their National Diploma Qualification.In addition to the National Diploma, PAL also offers the Diploma in Environmental Management, which is also accredited in the UK as an Honours Degree-level Qualification. Certificate level programs are offered for the NEBOSH National General Certificate, Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk management, and the Certificate in Construction Health and Safety.




Staff News at PAL

A number of organisational changes have occurred through 2008 under the direction of Dr Dennies Charles, PAL’s founder and Managing Director. These have entailed the following organizational restructuring:

Mr. Syd Sears has joined PAL as their Director of Operations, a strategic role which will focus on sustainable growth and delivery of  high quality training and consultancy services. Particular focus will remain on existing clients, however the need to identify and accommodate new demands and raise health and safety standards to furnish the ambitions enshrined in the Country’s 2020 vision are key drivers for PAL’s health and safety delivery imperatives.

Ms Lynette Joefield, a founder member of PAL is now the Vice Principal and Head Coordinator for all training programs. Having a wealth of experience in this area of activity continues to remain an asset to the organization.

Mr Che Rawlins took up the position of Quality Assurance Officer. Much of his work involves ensuring that policies and procedures are appropriate for their intended purposes and that as a company we meet all criteria for best practice, identifying ways of securing improvements on performance.


Joining the coordinators’ team in 2008 were Cherise Williams, responsible for the NEBOSH Environmental Diploma and National General Certificate programs, and Julia Elie, based at PAL’s recently opened Mayaro training centre and is the coordinator for all programs undertaken there.

PAL is also registered on ACTT’s Official List of  Registered Institutions.

Well, so much for 2008. Please be assured that we have big plans for 2009. We shall continue to provide invaluable service to our customers, be they individuals or corporate clients. We understand the health, safety and environment market and the forces interacting with it.

The global recession cannot be taken lightly, even if it is believed that Trinidad and Tobago is in a stronger position than many countries, we should be mindful that people are our most valuable resource and that we have a legal, but also moral duty to protect them. Cutting back on health and safety in the current climate would certainly be a counter-productive action. There is abundant evidence to support the business argument for integrating HSE with all aspects of business planning and implementation.

At PAL we are confident that we will meet and assist in tackling the challenges associated with making your workplaces healthier and safer environments. Further courses will be offered at existing and higher levels and training facilities will be commensurate with our plans to meet your needs and expectations.

Dr. Dennies Charles,                    
C.E.O./Managing Director