Good afternoon, esteemed members, partners, and friends of AMCHAM T&T.
It is a true honour to stand before you today as the newly elected 18th President of AMCHAM T&T.

First, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Board, our members, and the wider AMCHAM T&T community for your trust and confidence in my leadership. I also thank our outgoing President, Stuart Franco, and CEO Nirad Tewarie for their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, which have helped shape AMCHAM T&T into the progressive, future-focused institution we are proud to be part of today.

I warmly congratulate both the returning and new Directors joining the AMCHAM T&T Board. I look forward to working with each of you and my fellow Directors who have another year left in their term as we chart a bold, inclusive path forward. 

As I begin this journey, I am deeply humbled to have been elected President. I take this responsibility seriously. When I joined the Digital Transformation Committee several years ago, I certainly didn’t expect to become President relatively soon after. But that experience on the Committee has been very valuable in preparing me for this role and I encourage all members to consider spending time on one of our committees, for that is the engine of our policy and advocacy agenda.  And it is a great way to get involved and help to make a change in a small way.

AMCHAM T&T has long championed economic freedom – that is the ability for businesses and individuals alike to chart their own economic destiny in an environment in which hard work, merit, and market forces result in limitless opportunity.

In support of this, we believe in ethical business, the building of resilience, the fostering of innovation, the creation of opportunities for all, leading with collaboration, and being willing to always call it as we see it. As we serve our members and contribute to national development, I reaffirm our steadfast commitment to these values. 

Today’s AGM comes at a pivotal moment. Our theme, “Opportunities in Transition,” speaks to major geopolitical re-alignments; technological advancements that are affecting how we work and how we live; what we hope will be a transformation of the local economy; changing political dynamics locally; and the urgent need for structural economic reforms.
While these may breed a feeling of uncertainty, we see them as opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Now is not the time for hesitation but instead for bold ideas. We all have to work together and do our part individually to future proof our economy and our businesses. Without a thriving business sector, there can be no sustainable growth. However, at AMCHAM T&T, we aren’t wedded to ideology. The events and outcomes – social and economic – of the last few decades make it clear to us that a mix of policies – from the so-called right and so-called left – are required to achieve inclusive and sustained growth.

So, a big part of what I hope to achieve over the next year is to identify the big things on which the business community, politicians, labour and civil society agree to work through with AMCHAM T&T and our members, so that together, we can contribute meaningfully to achieving those outcomes. If we can do that, we will be creating an environment in which business and individuals can thrive. 

We are therefore encouraged by the early meetings that we have had with members of the new Government. The philosophy being espoused of engagement and enablement of the private sector is very much welcome.

Our economic reality is challenging and requiring all of us to move quickly to adjust and rebuild confidence. In this regard, we eagerly await the midterm review. Reigning in expenditure and using borrowings to stimulate productive activity while getting value for money in all Ministries would be what we are looking at, especially at the macro level.
With the widespread perception that there is too much fiscal leakage – or to be more blunt, corruption – at all levels, we believe there is much room for efficiency gains by rooting out corruption even before addressing social programmes which are often the first target of such conversations. 

Undoubtedly, the Government has to reduce transfers and subsidies but let’s first address the massive wastage at various state enterprises and in expenditure that is supposed to get to the most vulnerable but never actually does before cutting the actual benefits.
With this in mind, let me share some of the key priorities that will guide my leadership over the next two years.

Trade and investment remain our foremost focus. To compete effectively on the global stage, we must re-build the confidence that result in more local re-investment and attract FDI in both the energy and non-energy sectors. This means radically improving the ease of doing business. Our members continue to face burdensome approval processes and outdated systems that hinder growth. For example: Changing the immigration form to a digital process will ease entry at the airport, improve immigration while welcoming all travellers. 

Additionally, we believe that should the Government begin engaging the U.S. Government to share more information on security matters and start the process to make the Piarco International Airport a pre-clearance port - if this is achieved - we can boost our tourism and transportation sectors with massive concurrent boost to the wider economy.

More immediately, and all of my recent predecessors have spoken about this, is the need for Customs reform. Standard operating procedures, a true recognition that Customs has three objectives – Border Security, Revenue Collection AND Trade Facilitation is imperative. Someone has to bell the cat. For too long, politicians have been unwilling to find the pathway to collaboration with the customs leadership and the business sector to bring meaningful, sensible and lasting changes.

Streamlining customs procedures, providing predictability, modernizing operations, providing real time data, and increasing transparency are critical steps to reduce delays, lower costs, and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s global competitiveness. Let’s never lose sight of this. 

But improving trade is only part of the equation.

We must also invest in our people – our greatest asset. AMCHAM T&T believes economic success depends on talent, adaptability, and inclusion. We need a long-term Human Capital Development Plan that bridges education and employment and equips our people with skills for today’s rapidly evolving economy.

With all the recent talk about school violence, we should realise that we are at an intersection with the lack of economic opportunity, an outdated and therefore un-interesting curriculum, and an education system that is too rigid and not suited for the world we live in today, far less the one we face in five years. 

This means we have to do more around practical skills training for youth, upskilling for workers, and incentives for businesses to create opportunities. Instead of lamenting “brain drain,” let’s build an ecosystem that retains and attracts talent for today’s business environment.

In this regard, we must double down on digital transformation. Digital tools and infrastructure are now the foundation of competitiveness and innovation. Whether digital IDs, e-governance, or e-payment systems, Trinidad and Tobago must fully embrace digitization.

We envision a digital economy with seamless transactions, secure data, and flourishing innovation. Achieving this requires a clear roadmap, strong infrastructure, and inclusive digital literacy. We welcome the government’s focus on AI development and are proud of private sector progress. At our upcoming Tech Hub Islands Summit on July 1st and 2nd, we will explore how AI and digital tech can transform every sector. (Registration is open on our website – we encourage your participation.)

And finally, I recommit to working for greater gender equity.

Even as we celebrate this historic moment – where our nation is led by a female President, Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader simultaneously, a powerful symbol of progress and possibility – we must ensure leadership across all sectors becomes more accessible and reflective of our nation’s diverse talent. Let us deepen efforts to create a culture of true equality – in business, governance, and society.

Now as I look to wrap up, some may wonder why I have not yet addressed the issue that is arguably top of mind for many of us: CRIME.

Let me be clear – none of what I have outlined will succeed if crime continues to plague our communities, businesses, and homes. We understand the fear and frustration crime causes. It undermines confidence, stifles business, and endangers lives.

AMCHAM T&T remains committed to working with government and civil society on solutions. We support intelligence-led policing, increased law enforcement resources, and a strengthened justice system. Our goal is to foster a safer environment that encourages investment, protects citizens, and upholds the rule of law, because we believe that national security and economic development must go hand in hand.

Let’s never forget that economic opportunity is a powerful deterrent to crime – because when people have hope, skills, and opportunities – we create and sustain a safer and more productive society. Therefore, we look forward to collaborating more with government and all stakeholders to ensure safety and security for all citizens.

As I take on this role, I assure you AMCHAM T&T will be a collaborative partner to government and a strong advocate for our members. This is a time for bold thinking and collective action. This is a time for all of us to recommit to our shared values and work together for a greater good. 

I believe in the private sector’s power – not just to create profit, but to create progress. Together, we can build on that progress and help shape a future where every citizen has access to greater opportunity, meaningful growth, and the chance to succeed. That is the vision I hold for each of us, and the path I hope to follow as I begin this new journey. I hope you would join me on this journey.

As I close, I thank you once more for your trust, support, and the opportunity to serve.

END.