分类： business

In a significant workforce development initiative, five electrical program graduates have been selected for a two-month professional placement at Angostura Holdings beginning January. The selection follows the completion of an intensive nine-week training program called ‘Wired for Success,’ funded by the renowned beverage company and administered in partnership with the NESC Technical Institute (NESC-TI).

The specialized curriculum focused on residential electrical installation with commercial applications, attracting approximately 600 applicants within days of its September 30 announcement. From this pool, thirty participants from diverse national communities were chosen to undergo the rigorous training regimen.

During a December 17 graduation ceremony at Angostura House in Laventille, successful participants received NESC-TI certifications aligned with Caribbean Vocational Qualification standards. The event was attended by key figures including Hansen Narinesingh, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Angostura Holdings Chairman Gary Hunt, NESC-TI President Kern Dass, and Acting Angostura CEO Ian Forbes.

Gary Hunt emphasized the program’s practical objectives: ‘Our aim is to provide real-world, job-ready skills that open doors. Through programmes like Wired for Success, participants have not only built technical capability but have also developed responsibility, confidence, and the professional readiness needed to succeed in a growing field.’

The comprehensive training covered critical areas including lock-out/tag-out safety procedures, electrical laws and circuit analysis, code compliance, conduit bending and installation, and the operation of electrical testing instruments. Participants additionally gained exposure to commercial electrical applications, including foundational knowledge of splitter units used in multi-unit buildings—providing them with competitive advantages in the job market.

Kern Dass highlighted the successful industry-education partnership: ‘Wired for Success demonstrates the impactful results achievable through collaboration between industry and NESC-TI. We take pride in partnering with Angostura to deliver relevant training that equips participants with practical, employment-ready skills.’

The two-month on-the-job training component will enable the five selected graduates to apply their newly acquired expertise within Angostura’s operational environment, representing both a workforce transition opportunity and an investment in developing the next generation of electrical professionals.

In a groundbreaking achievement for Caribbean business standards, Digicel Group has secured the prestigious Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Corporate Ethical Procurement and Supply Kitemark, becoming the first Caribbean-based organization to receive this international recognition. The historic announcement was made during the inaugural CIPS Caribbean Conference and Awards 2025 held at Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where Digicel’s procurement leadership accepted the distinction.

The telecommunications giant, operating across 25 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America including Trinidad and Tobago, now joins an exclusive global consortium of enterprises recognized for exemplary ethical procurement practices and supply chain integrity. The accreditation follows rigorous independent audits that validated Digicel’s adherence to consistent ethical standards throughout its procurement operations.

Arshad Ali, Director of Group Procurement, Supply Chain and Real Estate for Digicel, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This accreditation fundamentally reflects our business philosophy. It showcases the substantial advancements we’ve achieved in implementing ethical, transparent, and accountable procurement methodologies across the Group while reinforcing our dedication to establishing new benchmarks for responsible sourcing and supply chain governance throughout the region.”

The CIPS Kitemark serves as a powerful assurance mechanism for customers and business partners, confirming that Digicel maintains ethical and responsible operations throughout its extensive supply network. Procurement decisions are now demonstrably guided by both commercial merit and ethical considerations, ensuring all business interactions embody integrity and accountability.

Michael Watson, Chief Compliance and Cyber Security Officer for Digicel Group, added: “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to ethical business conduct and the continuous improvement of our ethics and compliance programs. It provides our customers, suppliers, and partners with concrete evidence that Digicel upholds the most stringent ethical standards in all operations.”

This landmark achievement solidifies Digicel’s position as an ethical leader in the telecommunications sector while demonstrating the company’s dedication to responsible growth and sustainable value creation for the Caribbean region and beyond.

Veteran procurement leader John Dickson has issued a compelling call for the profession’s fundamental transformation, challenging deep-seated industry conventions during his keynote address at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s Caribbean Conference and Awards 2025.

Addressing regional supply chain leaders at Port of Spain’s Hyatt Regency on December 10, Dickson argued that procurement stands at a critical inflection point, requiring a decisive move beyond its traditional cost-cutting obsession. He proposed a radical repositioning of the function as a strategic driver of organizational value, resilience, and long-term competitive advantage.

Dickson employed a powerful iceberg analogy to illustrate how most organizations perceive procurement: “The one-ninth that businesses see typically concerns cost reduction and cash generation,” he noted, emphasizing that “what drives this function runs much deeper than surface-level financial metrics.”

Drawing upon four decades of industry experience, Dickson traced procurement’s evolutionary trajectory from 1990s cost control through 2000s process efficiency reforms to the digital transformation era of the 2010s. The current phase, he asserted, represents “true intelligent integration” fueled by artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning technologies.

However, Dickson delivered a crucial caveat against technological determinism: “Procurement needs to align intelligence with purpose. Technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. The critical question becomes how digital tools mold into organizational direction and strategy.”

This technological integration directly connects to procurement’s strategic relevance. Dickson challenged professionals to examine whether their function remains deeply embedded within business ecosystems or merely influences spending patterns: “When discussing the broader business agenda, that’s where procurement sometimes underperforms,” he observed, referencing conversations with executives who question why procurement rarely features at board-level discussions.

The address gained particular resonance within the Caribbean context, where regional vulnerabilities including hurricane exposure, fuel price volatility, and global trade disruptions dominated earlier conference panels. Dickson emphasized that these realities demand procurement’s evolution from reactive problem-solving to predictive scenario planning, even when not all risks can be anticipated.

He illustrated this imperative with a compelling case study from AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine development, which achieved in eight months what typically requires six years. This breakthrough succeeded because “suppliers didn’t engage in usual trading off or negotiation—we lacked the time. The concept of shared purpose proved critical for ecosystem collaboration.”

This experience fundamentally shaped Dickson’s perspectives on sustainability, which he reframed not as competitive advantage but as potential disadvantage when ignored: “I perceive sustainability as competitive disadvantage when organizations fail to engage collectively, particularly in industries relying on shared supplier bases.”

While addressing growing cybersecurity concerns and resilience-building through supplier risk assessment, Dickson firmly rejected notions of human obsolescence: “Human-centric talent isn’t disappearing—it’s transforming. Leaders should remain curious and learn from younger, digitally-fluent colleagues rather than pretending to master every emerging technology.”

Returning to his central thesis, Dickson concluded that people remain the foundation of procurement performance: “Cultivate the soil. Care for your people. Know your people.” For a profession historically defined by savings targets, he asserted that future success hinges on deeper integration, shared purpose, and translating intelligence into consequential decisions—particularly in disruption-prone regions where theoretical concepts must yield practical resilience.

In a significant move consolidating state influence over Trinidad and Tobago’s financial sector, Republic Financial Holdings Ltd has undergone a comprehensive board reconstitution effective December 15. The appointment of Yashmid Karamath as chairman this week finalizes the government’s pledge to assert stronger control over the nation’s most extensive banking network, casting doubt on prospects for banking liberalization.

The leadership transition follows the retirement of former chairman Vincent Perreira, 70, who steered the institution through a period of remarkable financial growth despite customer service complaints. Under Perreira’s tenure from 2020 onward, post-tax profits demonstrated consistent growth: from $1.3 billion in 2021 to $2.2 billion in 2025, while total assets expanded from $109.2 billion to $127.1 billion. This financial performance occurred against the backdrop of pandemic-related economic challenges, though service quality concerns persisted among account holders.

Karamath assumes leadership amidst broader board restructuring triggered by the untimely passing of director Mark Loquan and resignations of Waltnel Sosa and Shameer Mohammed. The newly configured board features several government-backed appointments including Timothy Affonso (public international law expert), Nalini Bansee (legal practitioner), Rhion Karim (security and counter-terrorism specialist), Patricia Mohammed (gender scholar with economics training), Sandra Sookram (economist), and Gregory Armorer (civil attorney). This directorate is mandated to serve a three-year term.

This governance shift aligns with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October budget commitment to install a majority director bloc at Republic Bank, echoing similar changes at First Citizens and EximBank. The administration has explicitly stated intentions to collaborate with these financial institutions and the National Insurance Board to fulfill public sector obligations.

Ownership structure analysis reveals substantial government-linked entities hold dominant stakes: National Investment Fund (29.9%), National Insurance Board (18.8%), Trintrust Ltd (7%), and other state-connected holders. This ownership framework, originating from the 2008 Clico bailout, now appears permanently institutionalized under the current administration.

While the new board establishes nominal government oversight with purported operational independence, industry observers express concern regarding this trend’s implications for privatization and competitive banking. The critical question remains whether heightened state involvement will ultimately benefit consumers who continue grappling with service deficiencies, elevated fees, unfavorable interest rates, and foreign exchange scarcity.

In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has formally issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to Houston-based EOG Resources for offshore gas exploration activities. The authorization permits the company to proceed with drilling operations at two designated gas wells, TG1 and TG2, situated within the NCMA 4(a) Unlimited Block off the nation’s North Coast.

The approval marks the first CEC issued by the EMA under its newly appointed board of directors. Chairman Doolar Ramlal emphasized that the decision was rendered well within the statutory timeframe, highlighting the agency’s dedication to efficient, transparent, and timely regulatory processes. The application, initially submitted on March 5, underwent a comprehensive technical review. This rigorous assessment included advanced hydrocarbon spill modeling, drill cuttings dispersion analysis based on comparable offshore projects, and evaluation of a detailed emergency response plan for potential accidents and natural disasters.

EOG Resources, which has maintained operations in Trinidad and Tobago since the 1990s, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country’s upstream energy sector. This sentiment was echoed during a November meeting between EOG Chairman Ezra Yacob and Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal. Both parties expressed mutual interest in strengthening collaboration to boost oil and gas production, advance the nation’s hydrocarbon development agenda, and support broader energy objectives. The UNC government acknowledged EOG’s consistent contributions to local production and emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.

The EMA’s approval demonstrates a balanced approach to facilitating energy development while upholding stringent environmental safeguards, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable national development.

In a significant development for Caribbean-Latin American economic relations, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has established a formal trade partnership with Mexico’s Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). The landmark memorandum of understanding was signed on October 30 during the 31st Mexican Foreign Trade Congress in Querétaro, facilitated by the Mexican Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

This institutional framework creates a structured collaboration mechanism between the private sectors of both nations, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and regional economic integration. The agreement establishes concrete cooperation protocols for joint project development, information exchange, business missions, and mutual support in trade and investment promotion.

The signing ceremony occurred within the context of a comprehensive TT trade mission to Mexico from October 25-31, led by TT Chamber president Sonji Pierre-Chase. During high-level working sessions, Pierre-Chase presented substantial collaboration opportunities to Mexican business leaders, emphasizing her organization’s role as Trinidad and Tobago’s primary economic representative and the largest business association within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

A particularly strategic dimension emerged through the TT Chamber’s participation in the COMCE Mesoamerican Foreign Trade Council, which convened public and private sector representatives across Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s crucial position within Caribbean markets and Mexico’s opportunity to diversify exports while integrating more deeply into regional value chains. The diplomat specifically noted TT’s potential role in maritime transport initiatives due to its extensive infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

Pierre-Chase stated, ‘Our participation in COMCE provides significant leverage for TT businesses to explore opportunities beyond Caricom markets. Given how global politics directly impact trade, we consider it prudent to seek new market opportunities within the Pan Caribbean region. This engagement positions Trinidad and Tobago to potentially become the first English-speaking country invited to join Mesoamerica.’

The Congress featured thematic panels on global logistics trends, disruptive trade strategies, corporate responsibility, and artificial intelligence’s impact on business management. The TT delegation actively engaged in the Made in Mexico with Quality B2B program, demonstrating strong interest in developing strategic supply chains and joint manufacturing partnerships.

The mission included substantive meetings with Querétaro government officials to explore initiatives promoting trade, investment, and cultural-educational exchanges. Business representatives Sarah Gangadeen and Clint Groves of Firestone Bread Co Ltd conducted successful negotiations with San Luis Potosí officials and local producers, establishing food sector procurement agreements and arranging acquisition of additional industrial baking equipment with Mexican embassy support.

Flavio González, the embassy’s head of trade and cooperation, outlined Mexico’s trade promotion strategies in TT while highlighting opportunities to strengthen regional presence and engage Caribbean partners for internationalizing the ‘Plan Mexico’ initiative.

The trade mission successfully enhanced bilateral economic cooperation, established new business collaboration channels, and positioned both nations as dynamic, reliable partners in the region. The TT Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional economic growth through continued engagement with business chambers, relevant organizations, and governments.

A profound transformation is reshaping career advancement pathways across the Caribbean region, where traditional markers of professional success are rapidly losing relevance. According to digital strategist Keron Rose, the established formula of academic credentials, job titles, and seniority no longer guarantees career progression or financial growth in the contemporary Caribbean business landscape.

Many professionals throughout the islands report increasing frustration despite following conventional paths to success. Despite obtaining qualifications and demonstrating workplace commitment, numerous individuals find themselves constrained by stagnant compensation structures and limited advancement opportunities within often sluggish institutional frameworks. This widespread sentiment has prompted many to consider whether regional departure represents the only viable route to meaningful career development.

Rose identifies 2026 as a pivotal juncture where intangible capabilities will outweigh formal credentials in determining professional achievement. The emerging success paradigm emphasizes personal leverage within imperfect systems rather than reliance on traditional institutional pathways. This shift demands fundamentally new approaches to professional development and value proposition articulation.

Five transformative skills have emerged as critical differentiators for Caribbean professionals seeking advancement:

1. Value Communication Mastery: Moving beyond job descriptions to articulate concrete problem-solving capabilities, risk mitigation, and revenue impact represents the foundation of modern professional positioning. Professionals must learn to express outcomes rather than responsibilities.

2. Adaptive Learning Agility: With technological acceleration shortening skill relevance cycles, the capacity for rapid knowledge acquisition surpasses static expertise. Professionals must embrace continuous learning through global digital platforms rather than relying solely on formal education systems.

3. Strategic Personal Branding: Visibility has become professional currency in the digital age. Building a discernible professional identity through platforms like LinkedIn enables Caribbean talent to transcend geographical limitations and connect with global opportunities.

4. Systemic Efficiency Cultivation: Success increasingly belongs to those who maintain high performance standards despite working within inefficient systems. Professionals must resist normalizing mediocrity and instead champion excellence regardless of institutional constraints.

5. Strategic Positioning: Conscious career navigation that anticipates market shifts and aligns skill development with emerging opportunities separates advancing professionals from stagnant counterparts.

Rose emphasizes that these competencies collectively create leverage—the critical factor separating thriving professionals from those experiencing stagnation. The Caribbean region possesses abundant talent but requires new frameworks for channeling that potential effectively within evolving global economic structures.

The digital strategist concludes that while institutional transformation may progress slowly, individual professionals can immediately begin repositioning themselves for success through deliberate skill development and strategic visibility enhancement.

Trinidad and Tobago’s recent alcohol duty increases have unexpectedly created a competitive advantage for the nation’s artisanal wine producers, transforming economic challenges into opportunities for growth. The substantial tax hikes implemented in October 2025—which doubled excise duties on spirits from $79.25 to $158.50 per litre of pure alcohol—have dramatically elevated prices of commercial liquors, effectively leveling the pricing field for small-batch local producers.

This fiscal shift has catalyzed a notable consumer migration toward locally crafted wines, as reported by several family-run enterprises. Jabari Mayers of Wine and Whimsy observed that previously hesitant customers are now embracing local products: “The price increases for shelf drinks are forcing even those not originally inclined to support local in that direction.” His wife Shantelle noted that their specialized production methods using wine yeast rather than conventional yeast previously positioned their products at premium prices, but the tax adjustments have narrowed this gap significantly.

The movement extends beyond mere price considerations. Jenissa Williams of Williams Wines identifies a cultural transformation: “People have developed a genuine appreciation for local wine across all age demographics. Younger consumers are increasingly participating in wine culture through tastings and sip-and-paint events.” Her business, sustained for over eleven years, utilizes indigenous fruits including sorrel, guava, passion fruit, and lay lay cherries, offering both full-size and sample-size bottles to accommodate consumer preferences.

Retail expansion is simultaneously accelerating. Sisters Lynissa and Lyndi Jordan of Aurora Bitayson Ltd reported unprecedented interest from chain-store retailers at the 2025 Trade and Investment Convention, necessitating production scale-ups to meet distributor demands. They attribute this growth to both market trends and institutional support through government-sponsored wine-making courses, with one virtual program attracting over 300 participants.

These enterprises represent more than commercial ventures—they embody cultural preservation. Williams traces her winemaking expertise to childhood observations of her great-grandmother’s techniques, while Aurora Bitayson honors their grandmother through eponymous branding while diversifying into fruit syrups, concentrates, and skincare products.

The industry’s vitality reflects broader global patterns. PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ 2025 Global Family Business Survey revealed that 25% of family enterprises achieved double-digit sales growth despite economic contractions, underscoring the resilience of purpose-driven, family-rooted businesses that leverage long-term investment strategies and community reputation.