Mission Statement
The Mission of the Treasury Solicitor’s Department is to support the Ministry of Finance in realizing its objectives by providing high quality legal services.
Overview
The Treasury Solicitor’s Department is one of several support Divisions within the Ministry of Finance. This Department’s core mandate is to render legal advice on all matters within the portfolios of responsibility under the Ministry of Finance.
Role and Functions
The Treasury Solicitor’s Department contributes to the Government’s broader goals by providing advice on, among other things, the legal implications of policy decisions, including legislative action to be taken. Specific Duties include:
- Provides legal advice to all Divisions in the Ministry including the Treasury Division (Comptroller of Accounts), Valuations Division, Investments Division, Economic Management Division, Budget Division and Human Resource Management Division;
- Advises on the legal effectiveness of fiscal policies formulated by the Ministry and prepares briefs, on among other things, legislation and other matters which have an impact on the fiscal/financial affairs of the State;
- Advises on legislation pertinent to the Ministry and recommends the formulation of clear, concise and thoroughly researched legislation or the amendment of legislation;
- Advises on and prepares legal and other documents related to the Ministry and which have a revenue/fiscal impact;
- Is involved in the negotiation of agreements including international bilateral and multilateral treaties and local and foreign commercial arrangements;
- Prepares responses to pre-action protocol letters, briefs, and instructions for counsel and court documents and represents the Ministry in court and before other tribunals where necessary.
The advice provided by the Treasury Solicitor’s Department is highly confidential and is subject to legal professional privilege.
Contact Information
Treasury Solicitor’s Division
Ministry of Finance
Level 16
Eric Williams Finance Building
Independence Square
Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 612-9700, extension: 2601