Tech Hub Islands Summit 2025:
Engage. Execute. Evolve.
By AMCHAM T&T Staff Writer
At the heart of AMCHAM T&T’s vision for digital transformation lies a simple but powerful question: Why? Why do we innovate? Why do we adopt new technologies? For AMCHAM T&T CEO Nirad Tewarie, the answer is clear: because technology must create real value for the wider society.
It was on this foundation that Tewarie opened the Tech Hub Islands Summit 2025 (THIS 2025), hosted July 1–2 at the Hyatt Regency under the theme “Engage. Execute. Evolve.” The conference challenged leaders to think beyond buzzwords and focus instead on solving real problems through deliberate strategies and bold action.
Tewarie underscored that Trinidad and Tobago
must seize the opportunity to position itself as a global technology hub
through a targeted nearshoring strategy. With the right policies and
partnerships, he argued, the nation could build a viable “Global Tech Zone,”
positioning T&T as a centre of excellence in select areas of technology
while attracting the investment to make this a reality.
Already, growth is visible in sectors like call centres, fintech, health tech, and advanced back-office services such as accounting and finance. But this, Tewarie stressed, is just the beginning. “We must push further—and higher—into the tech value chain,” he urged, calling for collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Trade to design and execute a strategy that creates high-value jobs and opportunities.
He also pointed to the potential of the T&T diaspora—many of whom are excelling in global tech firms but want to give back at home. Policies such as a Digital Nomad Visa could help harness their expertise and contributions locally. “There is so much we can do, and we must act now,” he pressed.
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Alexander Smith echoed this sense of urgency. “This year’s theme resonates deeply with me,” he said. “These three powerful words represent what we must do—connect with new technologies, apply them with intention, and develop continually to remain relevant.” His remarks reinforced the role of government in modernising systems, investing in digital infrastructure, and fostering innovation through AI—all while ensuring inclusion and citizen-first design.
As title sponsor, Republic Bank provided the
private sector’s perspective. Richard
Sammy, Vice President, shared: “We’ve found that executing digital transformation … allows us to respond
to our customers’ evolving needs with greater precision and security… Imagine what
would be realised if this approach is replicated across an eco-system?”
Innovate, Implement, Inspire
THIS 2025 delivered on its promise, blending thought leadership with practical tools. Networking hubs buzzed, workshops demonstrated real applications, and panel discussions explored how engagement, execution, and evolution must work together to drive impact. From AI-powered customer service platforms to blockchain-enabled certification systems, participants saw how technology is already reshaping sectors and creating competitive advantage.
What’s Next for T&T?
The message was clear: technology is not about chasing trends but about delivering value. T&T needs to become a more agile, inclusive, and tech-enabled economy in order to create a future of shared prosperity.