Good evening, everyone.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Tonight, those words feel especially powerful—not simply as a reminder of what collaboration makes possible, but as a call to imagine how much more we can achieve when we align our strengths, our values, and our vision for the future.
Let me begin by expressing our sincere thanks to the U.S. Embassy for hosting us in this truly remarkable setting. And in particular, I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy – Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz. (Jen – I’m sorry you couldn’t be here with us this evening but, please know that your openness, your authenticity, and your genuine commitment to partnership have done more than strengthen our work—they have helped ignite new energy, new ideas, and new possibilities. For that, we are deeply grateful.)
This residence on Flagstaff Hill is not only a beautiful and historic setting; it holds special meaning for our organization. It is recognized as the birthplace of AMCHAM T&T – the space where visionary leaders first came together, inspired by the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, to establish a Chamber dedicated to strengthening private sector development, trade, and investment.
So, tonight is not just a reception. It is a homecoming. A reminder of where we started – and why we exist.
The United States remains Trinidad and Tobago’s largest trading partner and one of our most important economic allies. Beyond trade, the U.S. continues to be a critical partner to our country in areas of national development, innovation, education, security, and entrepreneurship. We are truly grateful for this enduring relationship and for the role the U.S. Embassy continues to play in supporting progress across our society.
Over the years, the partnership between AMCHAM T&T and the U.S. Embassy has moved well beyond symbolism into real, tangible collaboration.
Together, we have partnered on impactful initiatives that advance business competitiveness, cybersecurity and digital transformation, women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, good governance, youth development and workforce readiness, and high-level dialogue between the private sector, policymakers, and international partners.
These collaborations have delivered forums, workshops, policy discussions, and development programmes that directly benefit our members and contribute to national dialogue and capacity-building. They are proof of what becomes possible when institutions align around shared values and a common purpose.
As we look to 2026 and beyond, our commitment is unwavering. We are determined not only to remain relevant, but to remain impactful — to stand as a partner that adds value where it matters most. It is our intention to work with the Embassy, our AACCLA network, members and members to be to promote and facilitate more trade and investment between our countries.
We also will continue to be valuable to our members who look to us for leadership. Valuable to policymakers who depend on clarity, insight, and collaboration. Valuable to communities whose wellbeing must remain at the heart of progress. And valuable to the next generation of business leaders, innovators, and dreamers who will inherit the Trinidad and Tobago we are shaping today. We owe them nothing less than our very best.
To our members – thank you.
Thank you for your trust and support.
Thank you for your feedback, your collaboration, your challenges, and your belief in this Chamber.
AMCHAM T&T is strong because you show up.
We are impactful because you are committed.
We are credible because you hold us to the highest standards.
And I want to assure you tonight: this Chamber will always be here for you.
Through economic shifts.
Through technological change.
Through global uncertainty and national transformation.
AMCHAM T&T will continue to be your advocate, your partner, and your platform.
It is an honour to serve as President of this organization at such an important moment in our country’s development, and it is a privilege to work alongside partners like the U.S. Embassy who share our belief in the power of collaboration.
Let me close on this note.
The winds of change are real. They are strong. They are reshaping economies and redefining industries. But when we stand in partnership – across sectors, across institutions, across borders – those winds do not weaken us. They carry us forward.
And AMCHAM T&T will continue to work, relentlessly and proudly, on your behalf – building bridges, opening doors, and helping to shape a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive future for Trinidad and Tobago.
Thank you.
END.