Permanent Secretary Profiles

Mr. Videsh Maharaj

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security

Mr. Videsh Maharaj is an accomplished executive leader in the public service with extensive experience in economic policy, investment promotion, and international trade. He currently serves as the acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Homeland Security, where he oversees critical portfolios related to Homeland Security, Immigration, Defence and Public Safety. His leadership supports the Ministry’s mandate to safeguard national resilience, enhance border protection, and ensure coordinated law enforcement responses across agencies. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Maharaj served as the acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, where he led national strategies for tourism recovery, cultural development, and international branding of Trinidad and Tobago. He also held the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, guiding infrastructure modernization and school safety policies. Throughout his career, Mr. Maharaj has demonstrated a strong commitment to national development, having served in various senior roles at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, including Director of Investment, Senior Investment Specialist and Senior Economist. He has successfully negotiated international investment agreements, facilitated strategic projects, and led public sector reforms that foster economic diversification. Mr. Maharaj holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of the West Indies. He is also internationally certified in investment promotion, trade negotiation, project management, and public policy from institutions including UNCTAD, WTO, and the Protocol School of Washington. A strategic thinker and effective communicator, Mr. Maharaj is driven by a deep sense of duty to public service and national advancement. He is also actively involved in youth mentorship and community development and enjoys cricket, football, and hiking.

Dr. Wilson Henderson Jr.

Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Homeland Security

Dr. Wilson Henderson Jr. serves as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security, providing strategic stewardship and administrative leadership in support of the Government’s national security, public safety and institutional resilience priorities. In this capacity, he helps translate government policy into coordinated action, stronger institutions and improved public services. With more than two decades of leadership and management experience, Dr. Henderson Jr. has held senior positions across the public and private sectors. Before joining the Ministry of Homeland Security, he served as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, where he provided executive oversight for major portfolios and contributed to policy implementation, organizational improvement and the delivery of key national education priorities. Throughout his public-service career, Dr. Henderson has played a leading role in complex cross-government initiatives involving governance, strategic planning, digital transformation, institutional performance and public-sector modernization. He brings a results-oriented and collaborative approach to leadership, with a strong focus on strengthening accountability, building organizational capacity and aligning people, systems and resources with national priorities. His leadership is grounded in integrity, professionalism, sound judgement and an unwavering commitment to advancing the public interest. Dr. Henderson Jr. holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration, specializing in Strategic Human Resource Management, from The University of the West Indies.