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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.