2026 ESG SPEAKERS
Anna Henderson
President, AMCHAM T&T & Chief Executive Officer, Amaranth Business Solutions
Mrs. Anna Henderson has over twenty (25) years’ experience in Sales, Marketing, Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management. In 2007, as Director-Sales and Marketing, Mrs. Henderson played a pivotal role in the Change Management needed to ensure the smooth transitioning of Pereira & Company Ltd. from a privately-owned company to a strategic acquisition in the widely known, Regional Conglomerate, Massy. Appointed to the position of CEO in 2009, Mrs. Henderson has guided the company in doubling its profitability by strengthening its core printing and imaging business, focused development of the Office Interiors Division and growing its regional business in the Eastern Caribbean countries. Most notably, in 2011, she led Massy Technologies Applied Imaging through a successful bid process for the relocation of Parliament. Here, she successfully led her team in setting a new standard for the local construction and project management industry by completing and outfitting 70,000 square feet of office space in less than eleven (11) weeks.
Mrs. Henderson holds a BA in Marketing from the University of St. Mary’s, Minnesota, and has completed leadership courses at the Richard Ivey School in London, Ontario and Leadership Management Institute. She is considered an expert in the areas of Technology, Strategic Leadership, and People Development. Mrs. Henderson has held numerous board positions, including chairman for the Massy Share Ownership Plan.
Nirad Tewarie
Chief Executive Officer, AMCHAM T&T
Nirad Tewarie is the CEO of AMCHAM T&T. He has more than twenty-five years’ experience in media, communications, management, education and international relations. Nirad is also the Chairman of C15 studios, a Member of the Board of Directors of Aspire Fund Management, and the Loan for Enterprise and Network Development.
Passionate about youth development and using his expertise for good, Nirad is the Chairman of the 50-year-old, San Juan Jabloteh Sports Club and Manager of the Hillview College Football Teams, where he oversaw the promotion of the Senior Team to the Championship Division of the Secondary Schools’ Football League after just one season.
Nirad was formerly the CEO of the T&T Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), Chairman of the Caribbean Network of Services Coalitions, a member of the Communications and Public Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK and a columnist for the Trinidad Guardian.
A keen supporter of the arts, Nirad is an Associate Producer of Bazodee the Movie, and the former Chairman of the Cabinet Appointed Fashion Industry Development Committee.
Nirad holds a BSc. in Mass Communications from Florida International University and an MSc in International Relations from the Institute of International Relations, UWI. He regularly speaks at regional conferences on matters related to technology & economic development.
The Honourable Jearlean John
Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
The Honourable Jearlean John is a powerhouse of transformational leadership with over 30 years of distinguished service across the public and private sectors. A Chartered Accountant and holder of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Minister John is widely respected for her strategic mindset, fearless decision-making, and unwavering dedication to people-centred development.
Currently serving as the Minister of Works and Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for Couva North, she is spearheading national efforts to modernise Trinidad and Tobago’s infrastructure with a bold focus on innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Her leadership is marked by clarity, courage, and conviction whether in the boardroom or on the ground with citizens.
Minister John has previously served in several Cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Transport and Minister of Tourism and Tobago Affairs. She has also held some of the most influential executive positions in the country, including Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT), and Chief Executive Officer of the Pizza Boys Group. In each role, she has consistently broken barriers, especially in male-dominated industries, leading large-scale national projects with vision and impact.
Daniel Best
President, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
Mr. Best is the 7th President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Region’s sole indigenous multilateral development finance institution based in Barbados.
A highly professional and diverse leader, Mr. Best was a Senior Infrastructure and Development Advisor to the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, seconded from his role as Director, Projects Department at CDB. With over 30 years of experience as a Civil Engineer, Project Management Professional, and Development Banker, he is known for his ability to foster strong working relationships and lead teams to success.
Under his leadership, the CDB Projects Department was able to transform the lives of approximately 1.6 million Caribbean people in the areas of education, access to resilient infrastructure, and expansion of inclusive opportunities for women and girls. He not only spearheaded the Bank’s collaboration outreach to other regional IFIs but also led the development of the Bank’s first Sustainable Financing Framework and created the window to mobilise private capital for regional development.
Mr. Best graduated from the University of Durham with a Master of Business Administration and holds a Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine).
He is widely recognised as a regional authority in the ideation and delivery of resilient, inclusive development solutions that meet the transformational needs of the Caribbean. His leadership, professionalism, and understanding of the value of collaborative relationships have been key to his success.
Gregory Hill
Managing Partner, ACERO CAPITAL Inc
Gregory N. Hill, BSc, FCCA, EMBA is a Caribbean investment banking executive and development finance leader with extensive experience in capital mobilization, investment banking, and financial advisory across emerging markets. He has structured over USD 12 billion in financing transactions spanning sovereign issuances, infrastructure projects, corporate financing, and capital markets across the Caribbean and international markets.
He is the Managing Partner of ACERO CAPITAL Inc., a Caribbean-based investment banking and advisory firm. Previously, Mr. Hill served as Vice President, Finance & Corporate Services at the Caribbean Development Bank, where he led financial management, governance, and capital mobilization initiatives. He also spent 16 years as Managing Director of ANSA Merchant Bank Ltd., transforming the institution into a leading regional investment bank and executing over USD 7 billion in transactions.
Mr. Hill has held senior executive roles in Corporate and Investment Banking at RBC Group and Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago. He holds a BSc in Economics from The University of the West Indies, an Executive MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). He has also completed executive leadership programmes at Harvard.
John Hadad
Co-Chief Executive Officer, HADCO
John Hadad presides over HADCO as Co-Chief Executive Officer, a portfolio which he has shared with his two brothers, Robert and Joseph, for the last 34 years. Prior to this, he held the position of Logging Engineer at Schlumberger International from 1985-1990and embarked on a leadership role at a local manufacturer during the period 1990-1992, where he gained added hands-on experience in the Manufacturing Sector.
His extensive knowledge and experience within the Electrical sector were well aligned to start and further develop HADCO’s Electrical & Lighting Subdivision and the Manufacturing arm which he oversees, in addition to his integral role in directing the Finance Department. His love for nature has resulted in the creation of HADCO Experiences, which focuses on eco-tourism, which he is deeply passionate about.
John’s contribution grew with his exposure in many areas through several memberships and appointments by external institutes. He is a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers in Trinidad and Tobago, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta and appointed to the Board of Directors of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited.
He graduated from Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics and later completed the Owner/President Management Program from Harvard Business School in 2016.
Melanie Richards
Head of Sustainability and Social Investment, ANSA McAL Group
Melanie Richards was recently appointed Head of Sustainability and Social Investment at the ANSA McAL Group, responsible for leading and embedding the Group’s Sustainability agenda across all business units, cross functional teams, and territories.
Additionally, in her capacity as Head of Sustainability and Social Investment, she has strategic and operational oversight of the ANSA McAL Foundation and the Anthony N. Sabga Awards – Caribbean Excellence in areas of local and regional community engagement and impact creation.
Previously, a Corporate Sustainability Practitioner and a pioneer in the field, Melanie established CSR Solutions Limited in 2007, a consultancy focused on working with organisations to become more socially and environmentally responsible. She was a founding member of the CSR Committee at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) established in 2008.
In 2011, Melanie was appointed by the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) as the Chairperson of the National Mirror Committee in Trinidad and Tobago for ISO 26000 Standard on Social Responsibility and was awarded a Special Service Award in 2014 in recognition of “Special Contribution and Service as Chairperson of a National Standards Committee”.
Melanie also has a deep passion for the work for civil society and has supported various local and regional NGOs, particularly on governance and legal and regulatory compliance.
Melanie attended the University of the West Indies where she obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Management (Tourism Specialisation), Master of Business Administration (MBA) Marketing, and Bachelor of Laws (LLB). She is also a holder of a Master of Arts (MA) in Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of Nottingham. She obtained a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Council of Legal Education and has completed ACCA Level 1 and 2.
In 2022, Melanie went on sabbatical to pursue studies in law and was called to the bar as an Attorney at Law in November 2024.
Muhammad Muwakil
Lead Vocal, Freetown Collective
Muhammad Muwakil is a Trinidad & Tobago–based artist, poet, and lead singer of Freetown Collective–one of the Caribbean’s most influential contemporary bands. Over the past 15 years, his work has helped redefine modern Calypso by blending music, poetry, and visual art with social consciousness and storytelling.
As the voice behind widely resonant songs such as “Feel the Love,” “MAS,” “Take Me Home,” and “Kaya,” Muwakil has created contemporary anthems that explore belonging, freedom, spirituality, and collective joy. His work has reached audiences locally and internationally through toured performances, critically respected releases, and cultural moments that extend beyond the stage.
Through educational masterclasses across the Caribbean and cross-disciplinary collaborations in visual art and fashion, Muwakil’s practice centers Caribbean identity, liberation, and collective memory—positioning art as both cultural preservation and an active force for social awakening
Om Lalla
Attorney at Law, KR Lalla and Company
Om Lalla is a seasoned Attorney-at-Law with over two decades of experience spanning civil, commercial, and criminal litigation. Known for his strong courtroom presence and strategic insight, he has built a formidable reputation as a fierce advocate and trusted advisor in some of the most complex and high-stakes legal matters.
Mr. Lalla’s practice is marked by his ability to navigate multifaceted disputes from contractual and corporate conflicts to serious criminal proceedings always with a focus on achieving pragmatic and effective outcomes for his clients. He has also handled numerous matters involving industrial relations and health and safety law, including disputes under the Occupational Safety and Health Act Chapter 88:08 (OSHA).
Highly regarded for his meticulous case preparation, clear legal thinking, and calm under pressure, Mr. Lalla is frequently engaged in crisis management, not only in managing legal risk, but also in guiding clients through reputational, regulatory, and operational challenges.
Wayne Simon Rajkumar
Senior Manager - Environmental Analysis and Coordination, Environmental Management Authority (EMA)
Wayne Simon Rajkumar is a seasoned environmental professional with over three decades of experience in environmental management and analysis. He is currently the Senior Manager of Environmental Analysis and Coordination at the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). In this role he ensures that robust scientific insights translate into well-coordinated, data-driven decisions that effectively guide environmental policies and operations.
Wayne holds a M.Phil. in Chemistry and a B.Sc. (Hons.) from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. His extensive career includes key positions such as Manager of Technical Services and Assistant Manager of the Water/Waste/GIS Unit as well as Technical Coordinator at the EMA. His deep technical expertise is underpinned by his early career roles as a research chemist and a science teacher, which have provided him with a solid foundation in both practical and academic aspects of environmental science.
Throughout his career, Wayne has been instrumental in numerous environmental projects, including the development of the water pollution rules, ambient water quality standards, environmental remediation efforts, and published papers on Suspended Particular Matter Concentrations along the East-West Corridor and conducted the first ever Blood Lead Level Survey in Primary School Children in Trinidad and Tobago. Wayne's dedication to environmental management is further demonstrated by his involvement in several national and international committees.
Wayne is dedicated to leveraging innovative technologies and data-driven strategies to enhance regulatory effectiveness and promote sustainable environmental practices. His commitment to technical excellence and collaborative stakeholder engagement continues to drive forward the Authority’s mission of environmental stewardship and conservation.
Wendell Ramoutar
Partner, Assurance Services and Sustainability and NetZero Leader, PwC Trinidad and Tobago
With over 25 years of experience in audit and accounting, Wendell has built a distinguished career serving clients across the state sector and energy industries.
He is a practicing member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (ICATT) and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). He holds a bachelor’s degree in management studies (First Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies and a master’s degree in professional accountancy from the University of London. He also holds an ACCA certificate in Sustainability for Finance and an ACCA certificate in Integrated Reporting. Wendell has served as ACCA’s International Assembly Representative for Trinidad and Tobago from 2016 to 2022 and ACCA’s Chapter Chair for Trinidad and Tobago from 2020 to 2024.
In recent years, Wendell has emerged as a leading advocate for sustainability transformation in the Caribbean through several initiatives with ACCA including public presentations and participation in a global study. He leads sustainability initiatives for PwC Trinidad and Tobago and has delivered multiple presentations and led training sessions on sustainability reporting under IFRS S1 and S2, strategy, and assurance.
He has also collaborated with PwC’s global and regional teams to develop sustainability service capabilities and support clients in navigating the evolving sustainability landscape.
Wendell’s commitment to sustainability is not just professional, it’s personal. He believes in sustainability as a strategic imperative and a catalyst for inclusive growth, transparency, and long-term value creation.
Giselle Thompson
Deputy Managing Director ,Proman Trinidad
Giselle Thompson is the Deputy Managing Director, Trinidad at Proman. With over 28 years of experience in multinational organisations, including 19 years at BP Trinidad and Tobago, Giselle has established herself as a senior executive with a proven track record in managing diverse teams and projects. Her expertise spans various functions, including communications, corporate responsibility, government and stakeholder relations, crisis management, ethics and compliance, facilities management, and enterprise risk.
Throughout her career at BP, Giselle has played a pivotal role in managing BP's reputation and country relationships through a multidisciplinary approach. She has also served as the leadership champion for the company's emission reduction strategy, ensuring the efficient integration of cross-functional activities to achieve the company's emission reduction goals and support industry and country efforts in navigating the energy transition.
Giselle has been instrumental in supporting corporate strategy development and leading advocacy efforts for BP's Trinidad and Tobago business. Her contributions include supporting new growth activities such as solar energy, facilitating access to Venezuela cross-border gas, and collaborating with commercial and legal teams on negotiations and deals, including the Atlantic LNG commercial restructuring.
Passionate about people development, employee engagement, and shaping a positive corporate culture, Giselle has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Giselle joined BP Trinidad and Tobago in 2005 as Corporate Brand Manager and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming VP Communications and External Affairs in 2007 and VP Corporate Operations in 2013. She last served as Vice President of Corporate Operations for BP Trinidad and Tobago before joining Proman, Trinidad as Deputy Managing Director.
Prior to her tenure at BP, she spent eight years in the pharmaceutical industry with GlaxoSmithKline, where she held senior marketing positions in their Caribbean and Central American operations.
Giselle holds an MBA from the University of Cumbria, UK, and an honors degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, where she was awarded their distinguished alumni award in 2014.
Giselle also serves on the boards of Ansa Bank, the Heroes Foundation, the Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development, AmCham TT, and the Maple Leaf International School.
Greer Quan
Group COO & President of Guardian Shared Services Limited
Guardian Group
Greer Quan joined Guardian Group as Chief Operating Officer on the 1st January, 2025, bringing extensive leadership experience and a results-driven approach. She provides strategic oversight of key shared service functions, including Corporate Shared Services, Information Technology and Security, Group Marketing and Communication, Human Capital, Health and Safety, Procurement, Project and Programme Management. With a sharp focus on service excellence, process optimisation and innovation, Greer plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and driving performance across the Group.
With over 17 years of C-suite experience—more than a decade in Banking and Financial Services—Greer is a dynamic leader who is known for her expertise in corporate strategy, financial oversight, and operational transformation. She has held influential leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer – Caribbean at Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) and Chief Operations Officer at the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT). In these roles, she spearheaded transformative initiatives, delivered measurable results and built a reputation for driving operational improvements and fostering sustainable growth.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Greer has contributed significantly to industry development through board-level roles with the Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Institute (TTII) and the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM TT). Her expertise in corporate governance, risk management and process optimisation has positioned her as a thought leader in shaping industry standards, driving innovation and navigating complex organisational challenges.
Prior to her tenure at BP, she spent eight years in the pharmaceutical industry with GlaxoSmithKline, where she held senior marketing positions in their Caribbean and Central American operations.
Giselle holds an MBA from the University of Cumbria, UK, and an honors degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, where she was awarded their distinguished alumni award in 2014.
Giselle also serves on the boards of Ansa Bank, the Heroes Foundation, the Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development, AmCham TT, and the Maple Leaf International School.
Marsha Ramnanan
Partner, Assurance ServicesPwC Trinidad and Tobago
Marsha has been with PwC for 25 years and her clientele has included large publicly traded conglomerates, financial services providers and leading energy providers where she has built a strong and respected reputation for quality, technical expertise, and a dedication to exceptional client service. She is responsible for Assurance methodology as a member of the Risk and Quality Team and is also the Trinidad and Tobago Assurance transformation leader.
Marsha is passionate about giving people the tools to succeed. She believes that agility is necessary for surviving and thriving, and that journey must always start with curiosity.
Marsha is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago and a CISA platinum member.
Brent McFee
Chief Executive Officer Ag., Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank
Mr. Brent Mc Fee is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Banker by profession and has over thirty-five (35) years’ experience within the financial services sector.
Brent is a holder of an Executive MBA with distinction from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and holds an MBA from the Chartered Bankers’ Institute, where he is also a member.
He completed the International Housing Finance Programme – Certification in Securitisation and Certification in assessing Commercial Real Estate Investments and Markets at the Wharton School of Business.
Brent joined Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank Ltd ( formerly TTMF) in 2007 and currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer (Ag.). Brent serves as a Director of the Security Dealers Association of Trinidad and Tobago and serves on the Boards of a Credit Union and of a State-Owned Enterprise.
Prior to her tenure at BP, she spent eight years in the pharmaceutical industry with GlaxoSmithKline, where she held senior marketing positions in their Caribbean and Central American operations.
Giselle holds an MBA from the University of Cumbria, UK, and an honors degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, where she was awarded their distinguished alumni award in 2014.
Giselle also serves on the boards of Ansa Bank, the Heroes Foundation, the Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development, AmCham TT, and the Maple Leaf International School.
Karissa Bissoon
Vice President Communications & External Affairs | bpTT
Karissa Bissoon is the Vice President of Communications & External Affairs at bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT). With over 16 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Karissa has built a reputation for her ability to lead, connect and engage meaningfully.
In her current role, Karissa sits on the bpTT leadership team and is responsible for shaping and executing bpTT’s corporate reputation strategy, managing critical external relationships, overseeing corporate communications, stakeholder and government relations, employee engagement, community investment, and social performance.
A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Karissa holds a MSc. In Environmental Engineering and a BSc. with a major in Environmental and Natural Resource Management and a minor in Business Management. She has served in various leadership and advisory roles during her career (including Business Advisor to the President of bpTT and roles in regulatory compliance and HSE management). She is passionate about supporting initiatives that drive business performance, foster people development, and strong country and community partnerships.
Karissa currently sits on the Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development (MIPED) board.
Shinelle Grant Sealey
Vice - President Environment Social Governance, Guardian Group
Shinelle Grant-Sealey is the Vice President, Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) at Guardian Group and NCB Financial Group, where she leads the development and execution of the Group’s sustainability strategy across its Caribbean operations.
Her work focuses on embedding ESG and climate considerations into business strategy, enterprise risk management, investment decision-making and product development, while strengthening governance, regulatory readiness and long-term resilience. She works closely with Boards, executive leadership and business units to translate evolving sustainability expectations into practical business action.
With more than 15 years of experience in strategic transformation, governance and organisational change, Shinelle has led complex initiatives focused on strengthening institutions and delivering sustainable business outcomes.
She holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University, and a BSc in Management Studies from The University of the West Indies. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Prosci Change Management Practitioner.
A frequent speaker and facilitator on ESG, sustainable finance, climate resilience and responsible business, Shinelle is particularly interested in how organisations can move beyond compliance to use sustainability as a lens for managing risk, identifying opportunity and creating long-term value.
Anya Ayoung Chee
Caribbean Fashion-Tech Entrepreneur and Global Ecosystem Builder, Spöol
Anya Ayoung-Chee is a Caribbean fashion-tech entrepreneur and global ecosystem builder. A former Project Runway winner, she founded her first fashion line in 2009 and relaunched her independent resort wear line in 2025, exporting to luxury destinations across the Caribbean, and North America and now entering the European market. She created Spöol—a digital matchmaking platform connecting makers of apparel and accessories with global clientele for bespoke fashion products, micro-manufacturing, and alterations services. Spöol has graduated 90+ participants and secured 24 job placements. Previously, she led Nudge Caribbean, which supported 200+ MSMEs and facilitated US$323K+ in funding. She now focuses on fashion, technology, and impact—building infrastructure that democratizes access to quality craftsmanship globally.
Pedro Ravelo
Senior Executive, Regional Management Office for the Caribbean, CAF
Mr. Ravelo is a senior economist and finance executive with over 20 years of international experience in development banking, infrastructure project finance, and strategic planning. He currently serves as a Senior Executive in the Regional Management Office for the Caribbean at CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Throughout his career, he has successfully led the financial structuring, evaluation, and business development of infrastructure and development programs exceeding USD 3.3 billion across Latin America and the Caribbean. Mr. Ravelo holds advanced degrees in finance and economics from Tulane University, IESA and UCAB.
Stephen Grell
Managing Director, ANSA Merchant Bank Limited (AMBL)
Stephen Grell, is an accomplished financial services executive and brings a wealth of experience with over two decades of knowledge spanning retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking and asset management across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. He is widely respected for his collaborative leadership style, analytical rigor, and deep understanding of regional and international financial markets.
Before assuming his current role at AMBL, Mr. Grell led the Guyana operations of one of the Caribbean’s largest institutions, where he oversaw strategic initiatives in what is considered the world’s fastest growing economy.
He holds a Master of Science in Finance from Florida International University – College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the same institution.
Stephen leads the Bank in its continued mission to redefine banking by offering accessible and tailored financial solutions, that empower our customers to achieve their financial goals.
Rodney Seemungal
C.E.O/ Managing Director, SGP Studios and JJ and Friends Limited
Rodney Seemungal is a Trinidad and Tobago-based producer, director, advertising strategist and media executive with more than three decades of experience across film, television, advertising and digital media. As Founder and CEO of Star Global Production Studios (SGP Studios), he has helped build one of the Caribbean’s leading full-service production companies, combining compelling storytelling with strong commercial strategy.
Through SGP Studios, Rodney has led major advertising campaigns, branded entertainment projects and television productions for governments, multinational brands and leading regional institutions. His work reflects a career centred on creative excellence, technological innovation and culturally authentic Caribbean storytelling.