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Building a Culture of Safety and Awareness
AMCHAM T&T’s HSE Youth Outreach  
 

 
LINKAGE Q2 (2025) - SUSTAINABILITY: FROM INTENTION TO IMPACT
The HSE Committee of AMCHAM T&T launched a series of impactful youth outreach sessions in secondary schools led by Committee Chair Balchan Jadoonanan and Melissa Pierre, AMCHAM’s Senior Trade and Policy Specialist, as part of the Chamber’s commitment to building a future-ready, safety-conscious generation.

Held in January through April 2025, the outreach engaged Form 4 and 5 students from Success Laventille Secondary School, Presentation College Chaguanas, Waterloo High School and Naparima College San Fernando.

The outreach sessions covered a spectrum of critical issues affecting youth today. Presentations were facilitated by subject matter experts and included:

· "Effects of Cigarettes: Exploring the Health Implications and Rising Trends Among Youth" by Dr. Mitra Maharaj

· "Self-Esteem and Mental Health – CREATE Leaders" by Dr. Safeeya Mohammed

· "Climate Change: Understanding its Impact on Our Environment and Future" by Varsha Ramharrack, Regional HSE Lead Caribbean at Contour Global Trinity Power Limited



Each session was designed to move beyond theory, offering real-world knowledge and tools to help students make informed decisions about their health, safety, and the environment. More importantly, it encouraged students to see themselves as leaders and advocates of HSE in their schools, communities, and future workplaces.

“Educating our youth about HSE isn't just about awareness – it’s about creating lifelong advocates who will carry these values into every area of their lives,” said Melissa Pierre. “We want them to understand that the choices they make today will have a lasting impact on their communities and the environment. It’s about building responsibility and inspiring leadership.”

From the committee’s perspective, the goal is long-term change.

“The HSSE outreach programme aims to expose the next generation of leaders to key concepts and the benefits of sound HSSE practices,” said Balchan Jadoonanan. “It is intended to equip them with the HSSE knowledge and understanding required to guide and influence future decisions that will help future generations to protect themselves, others, and the environment.”

Continuing the Conversation
This youth outreach initiative signalled a long-term investment in Trinidad and Tobago’s resilience and safety culture. The HSE Committee has already committed to expanding the initiative, with additional youth forums planned for schools throughout the country in the coming months. Real change begins with education—and with our youth.