Do I need to register my community group or NGO under the NPO Act 2019?

Under the Non-Profit Organisations Act 2019 (Act No. 7 of 2019), any person operating a non-profit organisation in Trinidad and Tobago is required to register under the Act. There are no exemptions based on size. The Act defines a non-profit organisation broadly — it covers any body of persons (incorporated or unincorporated) established for patriotic, religious, philanthropic, charitable, educational, cultural, scientific, literary, historical, artistic, social, professional, fraternal, sporting, or athletic purposes, that raises or disburses funds for that purpose and does not pay profits to its members or officers.

The only notable exemption is for societies registered under the Friendly Societies Act, which are exempt from this registration requirement.

Operating without registration is an offence under Section 5(2) of the Act — the penalty on conviction is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for up to seven years. Registration is done through the Registrar General’s Department.