PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Engage. Execute. Evolve.
By Anna Henderson
President | AMCHAM T&T
Three simple words—and in today’s business environment, they are more than just a theme, but a roadmap for achieving growth despite the disruption.
If we are honest, many CEOs and business executives here in Trinidad and Tobago and across the world aren’t sleeping soundly these days. The reasons aren’t hard to find. AI is transforming the business landscape faster than ever before. Cyber threats lurk around every corner. Talent shortages are hitting hard. Customer expectations are shifting faster than we can anticipate. And beneath it all lies the same fundamental question: how do we execute a strategy that balances these challenges and delivers sustainable results?
This is not an easy question to answer. But here’s the opportunity: if we engage boldly with these realities, execute effectively on innovation, and evolve how we think about business, we can build not just stronger companies, but a more resilient and prosperous country.
Let’s face it: technology is both the biggest disruptor and the greatest enabler of our time. AI, for example, isn’t coming; it’s already here. From predictive analytics in energy and manufacturing, to AI-powered chatbots in customer service, to smarter tools for healthcare and finance, AI is changing how we work and live.
But with every opportunity comes risk. Left unmanaged, AI can displace workers, amplify biases, and widen the digital divide. Add to that the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, and you quickly realise that embracing tech requires more than enthusiasm, it demands responsibility, investment and foresight.
So how do we get this right? How does Trinidad and Tobago not only keep pace but position itself as a leader in tech adoption and innovation? I believe the answer lies in three interconnected steps:
1. Engage – We must engage with all stakeholders to build a shared vision of a digital economy. Listen to young innovators, upskill our workforce, create policies that encourage experimentation, not stifle it.
2. Execute – To truly execute, we need scalable digital infrastructure, investment incentives for startups, and strong cyber resilience measures. Execution also means embedding tech into all sectors so we remain globally competitive.
3. Evolve – Perhaps the hardest part. True evolution in business requires letting go of legacy methods and adopting forward-thinking strategies. Remote work is here to stay, customer expectations for personalisation will only intensify, business as usual is a thing of the past. For leaders, it requires the courage to constantly adapt.
Yes, the risks are real. But the rewards are greater. Think about it: a vibrant local tech ecosystem creates jobs, attracts investment, improves efficiency and enhances our global competitiveness. It also ensures that our citizens, especially our youth, see a future for themselves right here in T&T where they can thrive.
As AMCHAM T&T, our role is to convene, connect and champion. That’s why through initiatives like The Tech Hub Islands Summit (THIS), AMCHAM T&T is creating platforms for dialogue and action. But more importantly, we are committed to helping our members navigate disruption by sharing knowledge, building partnerships and advocating for policies that accelerate transformation.
The future won’t wait for us to catch up. So, let’s engage—not from the sidelines but with curiosity and courage. Let’s execute—not halfway, but with precision and accountability. And let’s evolve—not reluctantly, but with vision and optimism.
If we do this, we won’t just survive the disruption, we will define a future where companies grow stronger, citizens thrive and our nation rises.