In a bold move to bridge the gap between global technology demands and local talent, HRIZONS Caribbean has established a thriving hub in Trinidad and Tobago. Spearheaded by Cassandra Patrovani, Managing Director of HRIZONS Caribbean, the initiative began with a candid conversation at a 2023 tech conference. Patrovani challenged Jim Newman, founder of HRIZONS, on the lack of knowledge transfer to the Caribbean despite years of operations in the region. This frank exchange sparked a collaboration that has since transformed into a dynamic workspace at Albion Plaza, Port of Spain, where young professionals are delivering high-quality, billable work for international clients.
The initiative leverages Trinidad and Tobago’s existing frameworks, including the Special Economic Zone and the On-the-Job Training (OJT) programme, to nurture talent from institutions like the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). By March 2024, HRIZONS had partnered with the Ministry of Labour and InvesTT, recognizing the region’s potential as a cost-effective alternative to traditional tech hubs like India and Colombia.
Starting with a rigorous selection process, 100 students were narrowed down to seven finalists, all UTT graduates, who began operations on January 6, 2024. Dubbed the ‘Magnificent Seven,’ these young professionals are now handling back-end technology and front-end client interfaces. By May, the team expanded to include a UWI graduate preparing to take over the IT leadership role. As of September, 12 employees, all under 25, are driving business development efforts.
The HRIZONS Caribbean model emphasizes flexibility, with core office days from Tuesday to Thursday and the ability to work across time zones. Patrovani highlights the importance of adaptability, noting that employees often adjust their schedules to meet the demands of global clients, such as those in Japan. The physical office space fosters collaboration, with teams currently working on projects for Yamaha and preparing for SAP certification exams.
SAP, a cornerstone of HRIZONS’ operations, is a challenging yet essential platform for international business. Patrovani underscores the need for mindset shifts and behavioral changes to effectively adopt such technologies. She also calls for a broader transformation in HR practices, urging professionals to integrate technology and finance into their strategic discussions.
Jim Newman views HRIZONS Caribbean as a pivotal step in the company’s growth, emphasizing its dual focus on client service and talent development. By offering opportunities to work on advanced platforms like SAP and Microsoft, HRIZONS is not only delivering innovative HR solutions but also cultivating the next generation of tech professionals in the region. The partnership with the OJT programme has been particularly rewarding, creating meaningful career pathways and contributing to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic development.
As HRIZONS Caribbean continues to expand, its impact on both the local tech ecosystem and the global business landscape is poised to grow, setting a new standard for talent development and innovation in the Caribbean.