MARK DOOKERAN
376 Navet Vge, Rio Claro
Summary
High-performing professional with substantial experience developing and implementing safety and health programs. Creates safety protocols, conducts hazard assessments and provides education. Strong knowledge of public health regulations and committed to promoting industrial hygiene and environmental health. Efficient Chief Public Health Inspector with solid background in emergency response procedures and management. Skilled in implementing public health prevention and control of diseases programs and conducting risk assessments and investigations. Strong organizational skills with extensive knowledge of public health compliance and regulations.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Public Health Inspector
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2023.02 - Current
- Increased awareness among the general public about the importance of maintaining clean environments by participating in outreach activities and educational programs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends, emerging threats to public health, and best practices for effective inspection techniques.
- Evaluated new construction projects for compliance with applicable building codes related to environmental health concerns before issuing permits or licenses.
- Promoted a positive image of the public health department by maintaining a high level of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality when interacting with business owners and community members.
- Educated establishment operators on best practices in sanitation, hygiene, and pest management to minimize public health risks.
- Enhanced community safety through timely investigation of complaint-driven inspections and follow-up visits.
- Reviewed food establishment plans during pre-construction phases to verify that proposed designs met local regulatory requirements regarding sanitation facilities and equipment layout.
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR IV
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2020.06 - 2023.02
• The key components of Environmental Health in Trinidad and Tobago are Vector Control, Food Safety, Epidemiology, Port Health, Environmental Management, and Occupational Health and Safety. I have served as Public Health Inspector IV at the Insect Vector Control Division, Public Health Engineering Department and at various County Medical Officers of Health Departments.
• Head of Public Health Engineering Department
• Head of Field Operations at the Insect Vector Control Division
• Head of Environmental Health Department at various County Medical Officers of Heath Departments.
• Procurement of Equipment and Chemicals
• Conflict Resolution and Non-Crisis meetings with NUGFW and PSA
• Management of more than 700 members of staff – Public Health Inspectors (III, II and I), Health Control Officers (III, II, I), Motor Vehicle Drivers, Malaria Evaluators, Chargehands, Perifocal Operators, Sprayers, Mechanics, checkers and clerical officers.
• Planning, organization, implementation and evaluation of Environmental Health programs (Food Safety, Vector Control and Environmental Management)
• Inspection and Registration of Food Establishments including Food Processing Plants, Restaurants, Supermarkets etc.
• Study disease trends to determine the effects of individual variables on disease occurrence and the combined interrelated effects of several variables. Determine intervention strategies, and administer control programs.
• Management of Port Health services.
LECTURER
Food Science and Technology Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2018.05 - 2020.05
- On Secondment from the Ministry of Health
- LECTURER (Full/Part Time) - Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies.
• Conduct Lectures/Presentations on Risk Analysis and Modelling, Food Microbiology, Sanitation in Food Processing, Quality Assurance, Preservation and Processing of Meat and Poultry, Preservation and Processing of Fruits and Vegetables, Biotechnology.
• Supervision of Research Projects and Literature Surveys.
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR IV
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2013.01 - 2018.05
Same as aforementioned
LECTURER
Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2012.01 - 2016.01
Part Time
Same as aforementioned for full time Lecturer
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR III
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2012.09 - 2013.01
• Supervision of Staff with responsibilities for the functions below i.e. Public Health Inspectors I and II (Food Inspectors and Vector Control Inspectors).
• Management of Vector Control at the County Level (Include Management of approximately 70 persons - 5 levels of Supervision, Vehicles (6), Chemicals, Office Staff, Equipment and Supplies, Intersectoral Collaboration, Planning and Implementation of Control Strategies).
• Conduct epidemiological investigations of food-borne, waterborne and vector borne diseases, such as salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, shigellosis, malaria, chikungunya, zika, yellow fever and dengue fever.
• Enforcement of the Public Health Ordinance
o Routine inspections and investigation of complaints to ensure compliance with the Public Health Ordinance.
o Ensures premises where food is offered for sale, including processing and storage areas, meet the requirements of the Public Health Ordinance.
o Taking food and water Samples.
o Inspection of workplaces to identify areas of negligence within working areas, which may lead to safety concerns.
o Inspection of farms and places where animals are kept.
o Initiating legal proceedings and giving evidence in court.
o Meat Inspection
o Approval of Building Plans and Layouts
o Public Cleansing and Disinfection
o Monitoring of Sewage/Wastewater disposal systems
o Monitoring of drains
o Monitoring of garbage collection, transportation and disposal.
• Analyzing the source of problems, suggesting solutions and, where necessary, making recommendations for changes in policy or strategy.
INSTRUCTOR III
Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2011.01 - 2012.09
On Secondment from the Ministry of Health
Functions similar to Lecturer
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR III
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2010.01 - 2011.01
Same as aforementioned for Public Health Inspector III
ASSISTANT LECTURER
Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2010.01 - 2011.01
- Part Time
- Functions similar to Instructor III
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR II (FOOD & VECTOR CONTROL)
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2004.01 - 2010.01
Along the same stream as Public Health Inspector III
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR I
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
1990.01 - 2004.01
Along the stream as Public Health Inspector II and III
Education
CERTIFICATE - Certificate in University Teaching and Learning
University of The West Indies
St Augustine2020
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - Food Science and Technology (Risk Analysis)
University of The West Indies
St Augustine10.2011
MASTER OF SCIENCE - Food Science and Technology
University of The West Indies
St Augustine08.2003
MASTER OF SCIENCE - Science and Management of Tropical Environments
University of The West Indies
St Augustine10.2000
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE - Public Health Engineering
University of The West Indies
St Augustine11.1999
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Environmental Studies
Chadwick University (USA)
USA11.1997
DIPLOMA - Environmental Health (Public Health Inspection)
National Institute Of Higher Education Research Science And Technology (Trinidad And Tobago)
Port Of Spain07.1990
Skills
- Interpersonal Team Work Skills
- Self-Management and Professional Development Skills
- Intellectual, Research and Communication Skills including Scientific Communication Technology Skills
- Computer Operations including Microsoft Office, @Risk, Epi Info, Minitab
- Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulations
- Technical Drawing (e.g. Building Plans)
- Estimation of Project Costs and preparation of budgets and financial accounts.
- Empowering Others
- Influencing Others
- Building Collaborative Relationships
- Technical Expertise
- Analytical/Scientific Thinking
Certification
- Inter-American Development Bank/ Indiana University /Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 06/30/16, Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) in Health - Vector Control
- United Nations/ Pan American Health Organisation/ Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations/Indiana University/Government of the Republic of Trinidaad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 05/09/16, Strategic Communication Planning: Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) in Health and Social Development - Food Safety
- Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION, 07/10/13, Security Awareness Programme
- CARICOM, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 06/28/13, Human Resources Training in Tropical Disease Control (Vector-Borne Diseases)
- 1st Biotechnology World Congress:The Premier Biotechnology Conference, CERTIFICATE, 02/15/12, Session Speaker
- CAREC/PAHO/WHO, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 10/26/05, An Update on Vector Management Skills
- Tuskegee University/ PAHO/WHO/UWI, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 06/18/04, Risk Analysis and Modeling Sanitary/Phytosanitary (SPS) Capacity Building Course
- Eastern Regional Health Authority, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 05/21/01, Food and Water Borne Diseases
- AMOCO Energy Company of Trinidad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE, 02/22/01, Basic Safety Training Course
Bookpublication
Ginger Beer: Chemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Characteristics of Ginger Beer Produced by Natural and Controlled Fermentation, VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co., 2010, 124
Oralpresentations
- CARICOM Workshop on Human Resources Training in Tropical Disease Control (Vector-Borne Diseases), 06/24/13, Mexico City
- 1st Biotechnology World Congress, 02/14/12, Dubai Men’s College, United Arab Emirates
- Society for Risk Analysis - Annual Meeting and Conference, 12/06/09, Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace, Baltimore, Maryland
- 26th West Indies Agricultural Economics Conference (Caribbean Agro-Economics Society) in Collaboration with the 42nd Caribbean Food Crops Society Meeting, 07/09/06, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Membershipofprofessionalorganizations
- Society for Risk Analysis - 2009
- Caribbean Agro Economic Society- 2006
- Caribbean Food Crop Society - 2006
Representativeoncommittees
- Nominee for the Cabinet appointed Food Advisory Committee
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the Specification Committee for Good Manufacturing Practices in the Food Industry – Bureau of Standards
- Trinidad and Tobago’s representative on the Caribbean Vector Borne Diseases Network –CARPHA
- Trinidad and Tobago’s representative on the Caribbean Vector Control and Surveillance Technical Advisory Group – CARPHA
- Merit Reviewer for CARPHA - Evidence brief on the topic of 'Strengthening Individual and Community Action for Prevention and Control of Arboviral diseases in the Caribbean'
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the steering committee for the project entitled 'Preparation of Trinidad and Tobago’s Third National Communication and First Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)' – Ministry of Planning and Development
- Trinidad and Tobago’s Climate Change and Air Pollution Focal Point to complete the Climate Change Country Profile – PAHO/WHO
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the European Union Technical Advisory Environment Programme Trinidad and Tobago – Technical Advisory Committee and Technical Working Group – Human Health and the Environment - Ministry of Planning and Development
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the National Climate Outlook Forum – Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the National Committee to comply with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants - Ministry of Planning and Development
- Ministry of Health’s representative on WASA’s Technical Advisory Team for the development of dry season and drought water supply management plan for Trinidad and Tobago
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the Specification Committee for Wastewater Reuse in Food and Agriculture
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the Specification Committee for Good Management Practices in Food and Agriculture
- Ministry of Health’s representative on the Caribbean Agriculture Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA)
Areasofresearch
- Applying Epidemiologic Principles in Developing Quantitative Risk Assessments
- Constructing Quantitative Risk Assessment Models to improve the safety of food products and the risk of vector-borne diseases, in which the variables can be interchanged to determine an acceptable level of protection. Recommendations are made for control/mitigation measures to reduce the occurrence of morbidity and mortality in the human population.
- Collaboration is ongoing with the Department of Chemistry, University of the West Indies to determine the effectiveness of chemicals used in vector control in Trinidad and Tobago and to assess the effectiveness of new compounds for vector control use in Trinidad and Tobago.
Tel
(868) 682-3289
Scientificjournalpublications
- Assessing Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella on Cooked Broiler Chicken Carcasses in Trinidad and Tobago, The Open Conference Proceedings Journal, 08/02/12, 2210-2892, 10.2174/2210289201203020012
- Transmission of Salmonella on Broiler Chickens and Carcasses from Production to Retail in Trinidad and Tobago, Journal of Agriculture and Biodiversity Research, 2277-0836
- Assessing Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella on Cooked Broiler Chicken Carcasses in Trinidad and Tobago (Abstract), Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Abstracts, 1st Biotechnology World Congress, February 14th – 15th, 2012, Dubai, U.A.E.)
- Quantitative Risk Assessment Model for Salmonella and Chilled Broiler Chicken Carcasses from Large-Scale Processors in Trinidad and Tobago (Abstract), Risk Analysis: The Evolution of a Science. 2009 Annual Meeting, December 6-9, 2009, Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace, Baltimore, Maryland
- An Approach to a microbiological risk assessment in the poultry sector in Trinidad, Proceedings of the 26th West Indies Agricultural Economics Conference (Caribbean Agro-Economics Society) in Collaboration with the 42nd Caribbean Food Crops Society Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 9th-14th 2006
- Laboratory manufacture and comparison of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) beer quality, Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 05/27/68
- Nationality: Trinidadian
References
- Dr Roshan Parasram, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, roshan.parasram@health.gov.tt, (868) 785-2762 (cellular), (868) 627-0100 (office)
- Dr Vishwanath Partapsingh, Principal Medical Officer (Environmental Health), Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, vishwanath.partapsingh@health.gov.tt, (868)-285-9126 EXT. 2580; 2581, Cellular: 783-0000
- Mr Neil Rampersad, Chief Public Health Inspector, Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, neil.rampersad@health.gov.tt, (868)-285-9126 EXT. 2580; 2581, Cellular: 486-6195
Timeline
Chief Public Health Inspector
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2023.02 - Current
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR IV
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2020.06 - 2023.02
LECTURER
Food Science and Technology Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2018.05 - 2020.05
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR IV
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2013.01 - 2018.05
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR III
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2012.09 - 2013.01
LECTURER
Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2012.01 - 2016.01
INSTRUCTOR III
Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2011.01 - 2012.09
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR III
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2010.01 - 2011.01
ASSISTANT LECTURER
Food Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies
2010.01 - 2011.01
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR II (FOOD & VECTOR CONTROL)
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
2004.01 - 2010.01
PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR I
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
1990.01 - 2004.01
CERTIFICATE - Certificate in University Teaching and Learning
University of The West Indies
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - Food Science and Technology (Risk Analysis)
University of The West Indies
MASTER OF SCIENCE - Food Science and Technology
University of The West Indies
MASTER OF SCIENCE - Science and Management of Tropical Environments
University of The West Indies
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE - Public Health Engineering
University of The West Indies
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Environmental Studies
Chadwick University (USA)
DIPLOMA - Environmental Health (Public Health Inspection)
National Institute Of Higher Education Research Science And Technology (Trinidad And Tobago)
- Inter-American Development Bank/ Indiana University /Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 06/30/16, Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) in Health - Vector Control
- United Nations/ Pan American Health Organisation/ Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations/Indiana University/Government of the Republic of Trinidaad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 05/09/16, Strategic Communication Planning: Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) in Health and Social Development - Food Safety
- Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION, 07/10/13, Security Awareness Programme
- CARICOM, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 06/28/13, Human Resources Training in Tropical Disease Control (Vector-Borne Diseases)
- 1st Biotechnology World Congress:The Premier Biotechnology Conference, CERTIFICATE, 02/15/12, Session Speaker
- CAREC/PAHO/WHO, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 10/26/05, An Update on Vector Management Skills
- Tuskegee University/ PAHO/WHO/UWI, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 06/18/04, Risk Analysis and Modeling Sanitary/Phytosanitary (SPS) Capacity Building Course
- Eastern Regional Health Authority, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION, 05/21/01, Food and Water Borne Diseases
- AMOCO Energy Company of Trinidad and Tobago, CERTIFICATE, 02/22/01, Basic Safety Training Course
Similar Profiles
ASHLEY RAISA CARMEN GOODINGASHLEY RAISA CARMEN GOODING
House Officer - Internal Medicine at North West Regional Health AuthorityHouse Officer - Internal Medicine at North West Regional Health Authority
Andrew VialvaAndrew Vialva
Teacher 1 (Primary) at Ministry Of Education Trinidad And TobagoTeacher 1 (Primary) at Ministry Of Education Trinidad And Tobago
June LashleyJune Lashley
Police Officer at Ministry of National Security - Trinidad and TobagoPolice Officer at Ministry of National Security - Trinidad and Tobago