Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the total quality management (TQM) philosophy and the quality management principles (QMPs) in facilities management (FM), and presents the findings of a recent FM study at the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT). Design/methodology/approach - Empirical data were acquired via interviews with the FM management and maintenance personnel and questionnaire survey with port employees. Findings - In Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), many facilities at the port have been operated below optimum ability, and there has been no consistent FM methodology being utilised by PATT. Findings showed that QMPs could be used to revitalise the facilities maintenance practice at PATT. The management philosophy should adhere to the fundamental QMPs where the inspection-oriented practices would be superseded by prevention-oriented FM. Research limitations/implications - Future research would identify key determinants of the TQM approach in FM and institute the approach to refine the maintenance processes and procedures in port operations in T&T and the Caribbean region. Originality/value - As facilities projects become more varied and complex in nature, a fresh management paradigm seems imperative. It is anticipated that the use of TQM approach accompanied with the QMPs would broaden the prevention-oriented FM process and impact management efficiency positively at PATT for years to come.