分类： business

The phased shutdown of Nutrien’s Trinidad facility, initiated in October due to disputes over port fees and unreliable natural gas supply, has unexpectedly benefited other companies on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. Gerald Ramdeen, Chairman of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), revealed that the redistribution of gas previously allocated to Nutrien has enabled companies like Proman, Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd, and Methanex to exceed their daily production quotas. Ramdeen emphasized that this redistribution has significantly enhanced the output of nearly all plants on the estate, marking a positive shift in the industrial landscape. Additionally, NGC has increased its capacity to supply gas to Atlantic LNG, further bolstering the nation’s energy sector. In another development, the United States’ decision to remove a 15% tariff on ammonia and ammonia product exports has been hailed as a major win for Trinidad and Tobago. Ramdeen and Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal credited the government’s diplomatic efforts, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Minister Sean Sobers, for this favorable outcome. The tariff removal is expected to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s position in the global fertiliser market and support global food security. However, former Prime Minister Stuart Young criticized the government, alleging that the Nutrien shutdown has damaged the country’s reputation and economy, while dismissing the tariff removal as a distraction.

In a recent letter to the editor, concerns were raised regarding the chairman’s announcement that FCB is prepared to finance government projects. While supporting national infrastructure is undeniably important, the strong stance taken by the bank could jeopardize its financial stability if these projects fail to yield sufficient returns. This could result in diminished profitability, potential impairments, and a subsequent decline in share prices. Shareholders are likely to be cautious about investments that seem to prioritize political or strategic goals over sound financial management. A decline in profits could prompt investors to withdraw their funds and seek safer alternatives, potentially leading to a shift of investments to more stable, profit-driven institutions. This is especially concerning given the potential for increased government influence, such as the appointment of board members in institutions like Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, possibly in December. The pattern of government influence risks creating a cycle where financial institutions become less driven by commercial prudence and more by political directives, potentially leading to a loss of investor confidence and a reduction in the overall stability of the banking sector. While supporting government initiatives is crucial for national development, it is equally important to maintain the financial integrity and independence of banks and other financial institutions. Proper governance, transparent project selection, and adherence to sound banking principles must be prioritized to protect shareholder interests and ensure long-term economic stability.

The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham TT) is urging businesses to prioritize mentorship programmes as a strategic tool for building stronger, more equitable, and resilient organizations. This call was made by Amcham TT President Anna Henderson during the virtual launch of the 8th Annual Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme (WILMP), a collaborative initiative with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Henderson emphasized that mentorship should be viewed as a strategic imperative rather than a mere ‘nice-to-have.’ She highlighted its role in dismantling barriers, challenging biases, and operationalizing gender equity. This year’s programme has achieved a milestone with 87 mentees and 68 mentors, marking the highest participation since its inception. The strong turnout reflects a growing recognition of mentorship as a catalyst for leadership development, professional growth, and workplace gender equity.

The WILMP is specifically designed to address the persistent challenges women face in advancing to senior leadership roles. Female professionals are paired with experienced business leaders across various industries to foster personal and professional growth through structured mentoring relationships. Henderson noted that mentorship transforms obstacles into opportunities, fostering mutual growth for both mentors and mentees.

IDB Chief of Operations Terry-Ann Segree-Brown reiterated the bank’s commitment to inclusive leadership, emphasizing the transformative power of mentoring relationships in inspiring confidence and driving professional growth. Greer Quan, President of Guardian Shared Services Ltd and Amcham TT Vice President, encouraged participants to lead with authenticity, resilience, and compassion, highlighting the importance of generosity and kindness in leadership.

The 2025/2026 WILMP will span six months, pairing female professionals from diverse industries with mentors from both the private and public sectors. The programme will focus on setting professional goals, developing leadership skills, and advancing personal growth to help women achieve their career ambitions. Since its inception, the programme has cultivated a thriving community of women leaders, fostering collaboration, confidence, and empowerment to reshape Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership landscape.