标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled an ambitious Revitalization Blueprint, aiming to transform the nation into a first-world country within a decade. The plan, announced on November 7, includes over 129 construction projects focused on key areas such as the Port of Spain and San Fernando waterfronts, Invaders Bay, Queen’s Park Savannah, and major expansions to the Port of Spain Port. The initiative promises to create more than 50,000 jobs and establish TT as a regional leader in excellence. However, the feasibility, investment, and timeline of these projects remain critical challenges. Business leaders have expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for private sector engagement and foreign direct investment. Vivek Charran, President of the Confederation of Regional Business Owners, highlighted potential low-hanging fruit projects like the decommissioning of Carrera Island and road construction from San Fernando to Mayaro. He also noted the potential for high-rise residential buildings in Port of Spain and San Fernando, which could boost tourism and local economies. MovieTowne CEO Derek Chin emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and the need for projects to make financial sense, warning against ‘white elephants’ like the National Academy for Performing Arts. While the plan has garnered significant endorsements, its success will depend on the government’s ability to attract investment and address past shortcomings.

Climate technology, or climate tech, has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a present-day necessity, according to a recent report by ACCA. As global organizations strive to achieve net-zero and sustainability goals, climate tech is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of innovation and investment. However, the readiness to adopt these technologies varies significantly across sectors. With COP30 underway in Brazil, the report highlights both the momentum and challenges in integrating climate tech into organizational strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of accountants in bridging the gap between ambition and action. Climate tech is reshaping industries, creating opportunities, and attracting investment. While only 15% of organizations currently invest with clear financial or strategic rationale, there is growing interest in cautious investment (42%) and non-financial returns such as ESG and brand value (21%). Key areas of adoption include energy efficiency, carbon compliance, and sustainable supply chains, with green finance, carbon offsetting, and climate risk planning emerging as strategic priorities. Accountants are instrumental in guiding investments, embedding climate considerations into strategy, and ensuring transparent reporting. The report identifies challenges such as data readiness, long-term ROI, and internal capabilities but underscores the potential of AI and robust frameworks to unlock measurable value. Emmeline Skelton, ACCA’s Head of Sustainability, noted that while climate tech investments often involve high upfront costs and long payback periods, their true value lies in enhancing resilience, reducing long-term risks, and fostering sustainable value in a low-carbon economy. She emphasized the role of finance teams in shifting focus from quick returns to long-term benefits. The research also reveals a significant readiness gap, with 72% of organizations struggling with fragmented data, weak governance, or insufficient knowledge. Government support through policy, tax incentives, and skills development is deemed essential by 77% of organizations. By combining strong data, strategic oversight, and supportive public policy, accountants can help scale climate tech and rethink ROI. Additionally, ACCA’s research highlights the importance of interconnected sustainability and financial information for organizational resilience. Many respondents struggle to understand vital resources (25%) and stakeholder information needs (33%). The report offers ten recommendations, including moving beyond compliance, championing sustainability, and building agile systems to address these challenges.

Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has underscored the critical importance of discipline and safety in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector revival, asserting that economic growth is meaningless if it jeopardizes lives or the environment. Speaking at Amcham’s 29th Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) conference on November 11, Moonilal emphasized that effective HSSE policies are not just legal obligations but essential for protecting workers, communities, and the environment while ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability. His remarks come as the ministry seeks to transform recent energy production stabilization into sustained investor confidence. Moonilal outlined several initiatives, including annual HSSE workshops for energy companies, a review of national oil-spill contingency plans, and the potential engagement of an HSSE consulting firm to assess and improve domestic practices. He also referenced a 2016 facilities audit by DNV GL, which highlighted significant variations in asset-integrity management across the sector, and called for a fresh, targeted review. Government statistics cited in his speech revealed a decline in significant incidents from 58 in 2016 to 24 in 2024, with 20 incidents reported so far this year. However, Moonilal stressed that further improvements are necessary, noting that 305 incidents, including 44 fires or explosions resulting in eight fatalities, were reported over the period under review. He linked stronger HSSE regimes to reduced downtime and protected export-earning capacity, crucial for a gas-dependent economy. Moonilal also addressed household-level risks, particularly after a series of LPG cylinder explosions caused injuries, fatalities, and property damage. He ordered an urgent review of LPG safety standards and highlighted technologies like automatic shut-offs and leak detectors to mitigate residential risks. Moonilal concluded that the energy sector’s recovery hinges not only on hydrocarbon output but also on robust safety systems and regulatory trust, stating, ‘Safety is good business — it protects lives, assets, and the national brand.’

The Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) recently launched its Gateway to Africa Leadership Course, a transformative program designed to strengthen ties between Africa and its diaspora. Hosted via Zoom on November 10, the event featured remarks from Vashti G Guyadeen, CEO of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce and PALI ambassador. The course welcomed 25 senior leaders from 13 countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, Jamaica, Canada, the UK, the USA, and Italy, reflecting the program’s global reach and commitment to diversity. Guyadeen emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering unity and collaboration across continents. The four-week course offers participants a comprehensive exploration of Africa’s history, culture, economics, and emerging markets, alongside practical insights into doing business and traveling on the continent. It also addresses the legacy of colonization and ongoing efforts to heal and unite Africa with its diaspora. Guyadeen highlighted the program’s interactive nature, encouraging participants to engage in discussions, share perspectives, and build lasting professional and personal connections. She also extended an invitation to PALI’s 2025 Graduation and Leadership Immersion ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago, where participants can experience the country’s rich culture and forge deeper bonds with global leaders. The course underscores PALI’s mission to create a connected Pan-African world, empowering leaders to drive impactful change in their communities.

Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal’s recent announcement of increased oil and gas production in Trinidad and Tobago has sparked cautious optimism. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce’s annual health and safety conference on November 11, Dr. Moonilal revealed a rise in oil output from 52,357 to 55,271 barrels per day and an increase in natural gas production from 2.41 to 2.63 billion cubic feet per day between the second and third quarters of 2025. These figures represent a 6% and 9% increase, respectively.