分类： business

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has unveiled the government’s Revitalisation Blueprint, a comprehensive and actionable strategy aimed at redefining Trinidad and Tobago’s economic landscape. Unlike previous plans that often lacked substance, this blueprint is rooted in economic logic and structured ambition, offering a clear pathway for sustainable growth. The initiative has garnered significant support from key business leaders, including A. Norman Sabga, Executive Chairman of ANSA McAL, who emphasized the importance of dreaming big to achieve national progress. Sabga’s endorsement underscores the critical role of the private sector in driving innovation, employment, and investment confidence. The blueprint is not just a government-led effort but a call for national collaboration, where policy stability and infrastructure from the government meet the capital, innovation, and operational excellence of businesses. This initiative is designed to benefit not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises, creative entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. With ANSA McAL, a symbol of stability and regional success, leading the charge, the blueprint is poised to inspire broader economic momentum. The plan highlights the collective responsibility of citizens, companies, and leaders in building a stronger Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that economic transformation is a shared endeavor. As Sabga aptly stated, ‘We need to dream big, manage the details, and move the country forward.’

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently unveiled the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, a comprehensive plan aimed at reshaping Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and physical infrastructure. Launched at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 6, this initiative draws inspiration from globally successful models such as America’s New Deal, Singapore’s urban transformation, and Dubai’s rapid development. The blueprint outlines over 100 major projects targeting job creation, urban renewal, and sustainable development, with a focus on diversifying the economy beyond energy into construction, tourism, digital transformation, and manufacturing. The government envisions this plan as a catalyst for economic recovery, aiming to create over 50,000 jobs and attract private sector investment. Key projects include the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment and the Port of Spain Invaders Bay development, which mirror Dubai’s emphasis on tourism and urban design, as well as industrial renewal zones inspired by Singapore’s economic clustering. While the blueprint has been praised for its bold vision, its success will hinge on effective execution, strong governance, and long-term planning. If implemented successfully, it could position Trinidad and Tobago as a global example of infrastructure-driven economic transformation.

Pennywise Cosmetics Ltd, a leading health and beauty retail chain in the Caribbean, has been granted exclusive commercial rights to distribute the ZO Skin Health line of medical-grade skincare products in Trinidad and Tobago. This decision follows a resolution of a legal dispute between Pennywise and the Maraval-based Skin Health Institute (SHI), led by dermatologist Dr. Rachel Eckel. The SHI had previously obtained a High Court injunction in April 2024, preventing Pennywise from selling ZO Skin Health products in its ten local outlets, arguing that the products should only be sold under medical supervision. Pennywise contested the injunction, asserting that it had legally imported genuine products and offered them at competitive prices. After months of negotiations, both parties reached a settlement, allowing Pennywise to become the exclusive authorized retailer. Justice Joan Charles had initially ruled in favor of SHI, stating that Pennywise’s marketing practices created a false impression of an exclusive partnership with SHI, potentially misleading customers. Despite allegations of unfair competition and “passing off” by SHI, Eckel, and Dermedica Medical Ltd., Pennywise maintained its innocence, emphasizing its commitment to honest business practices. The settlement marks a significant milestone for Pennywise, reinforcing its position in the Caribbean’s health and beauty market. ZO Skin Health products, developed by renowned dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi, are now set to reach a broader audience through Pennywise’s extensive retail network.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, has announced a significant uptick in the nation’s oil and gas production, attributing the growth to renewed investor confidence and the return of ExxonMobil after a 22-year absence. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce TT’s Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Conference in Port of Spain on November 11, Moonilal revealed a 5.5% increase in oil output, rising from 52,357 barrels per day in April to 55,271 barrels per day in October. Natural gas production also saw a boost, climbing from 2.41 to 2.63 billion cubic feet per day between April and June. Moonilal emphasized that the new UNC administration’s aggressive policy interventions and expedited negotiations have revitalized exploration activities and restored investor trust. He highlighted ExxonMobil’s return as a pivotal moment, describing it as achieving ‘the gold standard for the pace of negotiations.’ The minister also noted the potential for over $20 billion in investment from ExxonMobil’s ultra-deepwater campaign in the Eastern Tobago Basin, targeting depths exceeding 2,000 metres. Despite these advancements, production levels remain below historical highs, with sustained growth dependent on new exploration projects, regulatory stability, and market conditions. Moonilal expressed optimism, stating, ‘We are bringing change with optimism and hope. And with that optimism will come results.’ Additionally, he mentioned progress in talks with Shell on the Manatee Plus project and securing a new U.S. licence to advance work on Venezuela’s Dragon gas field, despite recent tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

On November 11, four prominent hotels in Tobago were awarded approximately $1.7 million in financial reimbursements and grants by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL). The recipients—Crown Point Beach Hotel, Shepherd’s Inn, Tropikist Beach Hotel and Resort, and Sparkle’s B Lovely Events and Accommodation—were recognized for their commitment to enhancing the island’s tourism sector. The funds were disbursed under the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project (TAUP) and phase two of the Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant (TARG) programme, both aimed at elevating Tobago’s hospitality standards and fostering a sustainable tourism industry. The TAUP initiative, approved by the Cabinet, provides partial reimbursements to eligible accommodation providers for infrastructural improvements that enhance visitor experiences. Meanwhile, the TARG programme offers crucial financial support to help operators maintain high standards. Notable upgrades funded by these initiatives include the installation of solar energy and waste management systems at Shepherd’s Inn Tobago, refurbishments at Crown Point Beach Hotel, and significant health and safety improvements at Tropikist Beach Hotel & Resort and Sparkle’s B Lovely Events and Accommodation. At the grant distribution ceremony, Secretary for Tourism Tashia Burris highlighted the importance of these investments in positioning Tobago as a competitive destination. She emphasized the need to elevate accommodation standards to meet global expectations and called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to showcase Tobago’s unique cultural and natural offerings. TTAL reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the island’s tourism infrastructure and ensuring visitors experience Tobago’s unspoiled charm and Beyond Ordinary appeal.

Ian Ramrattan, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), has been appointed as the new substantive general manager of the state-owned power company, effective December 1, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath during an address to a group of 25 T&TEC employees preparing for restoration and repair works in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Ramrattan will succeed acting general manager Vijai Ramnanansingh. With a career at T&TEC spanning since 1990, Ramrattan has held various key positions, including distribution engineer, communications systems manager, and assistant general manager of administration. His leadership has been instrumental in significant projects, such as securing a lucrative contract with Digicel TT and overhauling T&TEC’s procurement processes to enhance transparency. Ramrattan holds a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, underscoring his technical and managerial expertise.