CEO's MESSAGE
Engage. Execute. Evolve.
By Nirad Tewarie
CEO | AMCHAM T&T
I am excited to share a few reflections from THIS 2025, our Tech Hub Islands Summit where our theme, “Engage, Execute, Evolve” was much more than just a tagline. It’s a roadmap—not just for digital transformation, but for how we move forward in a fast-changing world.
Start with “Why”
Whenever we step into the world of innovation, my first question is always the same: why? What is the problem that we are trying to solve? Is it a citizen accessing government services, a customer choosing a product, or an employee seeking career growth? At THIS, we heard practical examples of AI, blockchain, and data already reshaping businesses—from Ansa’s smart automation, to Proman’s blockchain-based carbon reporting, to Massy’s data-driven transformation.
Smarter Governance, powered by tech
If we want stronger tax compliance, easier trade, safer communities, and better education outcomes, technology is a key enabler. Imagine using GIS data to find tax leakage. Picture predictive analytics curbing crime by identifying patterns. Think of customs fully digitised with trusted-trader programmes for efficient trade facilitation. These are not futuristic ideas; these things are happening now albeit not being as fully utilised in T&T as they should be.
Education needs a digital reset
Meanwhile, our education system is not keeping pace. Did you know only 45% of CSEC students earned a full certificate including Math and English in 2024? That’s not acceptable in a world that expects us to lead with knowledge and creativity. It’s time to empower adaptive learning (yes, like Khan Academy) and flexible curricula. Critically, we need to elevate our teachers, making the profession respected, fairly rewarded and accountable. Using school data to spot disengaged learners early and stepping in with support is achievable today.
Tech: The engine of economic diversification
Technology isn’t just a means, it’s a sector. Think nearshoring tech jobs in fintech, health-tech, call centres, bio-engineering, RPA, cyber security, for example. Our diaspora is ready to invest and return but we need policies like a Digital Nomad Visa to make it possible. The time for dreaming has passed. Now is the time to design, build, and live that tech future.
The future is not a destination—it’s a decision
Perhaps the most important message from THIS 2025 is that the future isn’t somewhere we end up, it’s what we choose today. The best time to act was yesterday. The next best time is now.
To our members, partners, public sector champions, and especially to you—our reader—I invite you to join us. Engage with the "why." Execute with purpose. And evolve boldly. I think we are ready to build the future that works for all of us.
I hope you enjoy this special issue of LINKAGE Magazine and all of the articles from our amazing contributors that were curated for you around this theme.