our team members
Meet the Executive Team
Honourable Phillip Watts
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs
Senator David Nakhid
Parliamentary Secretary
Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
Mrs. Penelope Bradshaw-Niles
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
Ms. Beverly Reid-Samuel
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
Ms. Savitri Balkaran
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
Ms. Charmaine Yearwood
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
executive team Profiles
The Honourable Phillip Watts
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs
Mr. Phillip Watts was elected to the House of Representatives in the 13th Republican Parliament as the representative for La Horquetta/Talparo. He was appointed to serve as Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs.
Mr. Watts is a seasoned business professional, bringing over 23 years of experience in business, project management, and political leadership.
Mr. Watts previously served as the Constituency Executive Chairman for the PNM in La Horquetta/Talparo, but has since crossed the political aisle, driven by a renewed commitment to inclusive development and community-centered progress.
Mr. Watts’ background spans successful ventures both locally and internationally, with a strong focus on strategic planning, organizational growth, and sustainable management. Beyond the boardroom, Mr. Watts has devoted much of his time to youth empowerment and community development, leading innovative initiatives designed to uplift individuals and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Ms. Beverly Reid-Samuel
Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mrs. Penelope Bradshaw-Niles
Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mrs. Penelope Bradshaw-Niles was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on September 29, 2025.
Mrs. Bradshaw-Niles has over twenty-five years of professional experience in the public service of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, having previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.
In her previous role at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Mrs. Bradshaw-Niles was responsible for the overall performance management of the Ministry, including petroleum, minerals and renewable energy.
Mrs. Niles also served as the Chair of the Cabinet appointed Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Steering Committee, Executive Board Member of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and Chair of the Minerals Advisory Committee.
Mrs. Bradshaw-Niles holds a BSc. in Chemical Engineering, an MSc. in Engineering Management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Petroleum Management from the University of Kansas.
Ms. Savitri Balkaran
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Ms. Savitri Balkaran joined the MYDNS family as Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) on Monday 02nd October, 2023. As a two-time recipient of Awards by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, her expertise in the Public Service spans over 21 years. In 1997, she received a Special Additional National Scholarship, followed by a Social Services Award/Scholarship in 2012.
DPS Balkaran’s career began in December 2001 at the Ministry of Public Administration where she acted as Deputy Permanent Secretary. After serving for 18 years, she joined the Ministry of Communications for a short time before being appointed at the Ministry of Public Utilities where she also acted as DPS.
DPS Balkaran is a proud holder of a Masters Degree in Social Policy from the University of York, UK, and an alumni of the University of the West Indies with a B.Sc. in Management Studies (Special). She enjoys travelling and going to the beach in her leisure time.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service warmly welcomes DPS Balkaran. We wish our new DPS every success as she joins us in advancing the Youth Development Agenda and promoting National Service across Trinidad and Tobago.
Ms. Charmaine Yearwood
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)
Mr. David Nakhid
Parliamentary Secretary
Mr. David Nakhid was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on May 22, 2025. He also serves as a Senator in the 13th Republican Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, where he sits on the Committee for Social Services and Public Administration and the Committee on Public Administration and Appropriations.
Since entering Parliament in 2020, Mr. Nakhid has been an active contributor to national policy debates, bringing insight and conviction to legislation on education, agriculture, national security, and youth development. He has participated in deliberations on key bills, including the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Finance (Supplementary Appropriation) (Financial Year 2025) Bill, 2025. His prior service in the 12th Republican Parliament included membership on the Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee, the Committee on Social Services and Public Administration, and the Special Select Committee on the St. Dominic’s Children’s Home (Incorporation) Bill, 2023.