AMBASSADOR'S RECEPTION 2024
WELCOME REMARKS BY AMCHAM T&T'S PRESIDENT
STUART FRANCO
Good evening, everyone.
It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I extend a warm welcome to every one of you on this joyous occasion – our annual AMCHAM T&T Ambassador's Reception. Today is a moment of celebration, an opportunity for us to come together and express our sincere appreciation for the unwavering support and commitment of our esteemed members.
Over the past three decades, you have become the backbone of AMCHAM T&T. Your continued dedication has propelled us forward and your commitment to our organization has been one of the driving forces behind our shared successes, and for that, we are truly thankful.
Before we delve further into the festivities of this special evening, I must take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to a distinguished guest and a dear friend of AMCHAM T&T - Her Excellency Candace Bond, the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.
Ambassador Bond, your presence here today not only elevates this occasion but adds a unique significance to our gathering. On behalf of AMCHAM T&T, I extend our sincere appreciation for your gracious hospitality in once again opening the doors of what we fondly recognized as the birthplace of our organization. As we come together, let us reflect on the shared history, collaborative efforts, and the promising future that lies ahead. Your warm welcome symbolizes the strength of the bond we share, and we are truly honoured to be hosted by you.
The U.S. Embassy’s commitment to fostering strong ties between our nations and supporting the business community in Trinidad and Tobago is vital to our success. Just this past year, we were honoured to have you as our featured speaker at both our Women’s Leadership and HSSE Conferences. We value your leadership on these very important initiatives, we thank you for your continuous support, and may our collaboration continue to flourish for years to come.
To all our esteemed members, your presence here today fills my heart, and I cannot adequately express how much it means to see a room filled with individuals who share a common commitment to collaboration, progress, and excellence. These values are not just words but guiding principles that we hold close to our hearts at AMCHAM T&T.
As ambassadors of these ideals, each one of you plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of our businesses, communities, and nation. Your dedication to working together has been the cornerstone of our success, and I am proud to carry forward the message of unity and shared purpose that defines our organization.
In our pursuit of greater collaboration, progress, and excellence, we are not just striving for success within the confines of our businesses but also contributing to the greater goal of building a nation where no one is left behind. This inclusivity and shared vision are at the core of our mission, and it is heartening to witness the impact we can collectively make on the broader tapestry of our society once we continue to work together for the betterment of ALL.
As we begin a new year, I am optimistic and resolute in my belief that 2024 holds immense potential for increased progress and success for each one of us. Yes, challenges may arise, and hurdles may need to be overcome, but I believe that with our unwavering focus and commitment to collaboration, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
So, let us look forward to a year of breaking barriers, realizing dreams, and building a bigger, better, and brighter future for our companies, communities, and citizens. Together, as a united force, we have the power to shape the destiny of our shared journey, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
That’s why I would like to use this opportunity to invite each of you to embrace a more powerful mindset in 2024—one that transcends challenges and fosters greater positive change. In this room, we are not just individuals; we are a collective force of influence, a gathering of important and influential people who can be changemakers in our society.
Each one of us has the potential to be a catalyst for positive transformation in someone's life, in how we interact with each other, and in the way we conduct business.
This room, filled with talent, expertise, and influence, is a microcosm of the broader society we aim to improve. If we desire change, it starts right here, right now. Instead of being weighed down by the obstacles we may encounter, let's view them as opportunities for both small and substantial steps toward transformation.
So, I humbly ask each of you to consider how you can contribute to this collective effort. Whether through mentorship, innovative business practices, or increased community engagement, your actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others and the trajectory of our nation.
Together, we can build a nation where every citizen benefits, and where our collective efforts lead to a brighter and more inclusive future. I really hope that you pay attention to my offerings today and choose to be the architects of the positive change our country needs.
Next week Wednesday we will be going into further details about these changes at our annual Economic Outlook Forum. I look forward to seeing each of you there contributing to the discourse that will help shape our economic prospects for the future.
Before I leave, I would like to extend my gratitude to my colleagues on the AMCHAM T&T Board, the CEO, and the Secretariat. Thank you once more for your continued dedication, support, and commitment to our members and our organization.
Even though the holiday season is behind us, I hope that our acts of charity and thoughtfulness towards each other will be a constant all year long, creating a workplace and a society where everyone feels valued, included, appreciated, and respected.
Happy New Year, everyone and I hope you have a wonderful evening!
Thank you very much and God bless.
END.