Good morning, everyone.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the AMCHAM T&T’s ESG Conference 2025.
Before we get into the heart of the theme: “From Intention to Impact,” you might be wondering why we chose the Asa Wright Nature Centre as our venue.

Essentially, we want to tell a sustainability story by looking at the historical origins of this beautiful and majestic place. This location isn’t just scenic; it’s symbolic. Established in 1967, the Centre was created to protect a portion of the Arima Valley in its natural state, fostering conservation, research, and environmental education. Over the decades, it has become a beacon of sustainable development, balancing ecological preservation with community engagement and scientific inquiry. 

By gathering here, we immerse ourselves in a living example of sustainability in action – a place where environmental stewardship and community involvement have coexisted harmoniously for generations.

So, let this setting inspire our discussions today as we explore how to transform ESG intentions into tangible, impactful actions.

Today’s theme, “From Intention to Impact,” is not just a slogan. It’s a call to action. It challenges us to ask: What are we really doing with our good intentions? Are we building anything with them, or are they simply left on paper, in boardrooms, or in policy drafts gathering dust?

If we want to see real impact, then we must act, and act together.

Trinidad and Tobago has what it takes to lead. But we cannot afford to stay neutral. ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance – is not a checkbox. It must be the foundation of how we do business, how we govern, how we educate, and how we grow.

That’s why today as we listen to top executives, thought leaders, and ESG champions share their real-world experience on everything from integrating ESG into boardroom strategy, to navigating emerging regulatory frameworks, to leveraging technology and AI responsibly – we want you to do more than just take notes. Let’s commit to making plans, deepening connections and delivering on action.

Because let’s be honest: intentions are no longer enough. The world has changed. The expectations have changed. ESG is no longer a trend or a nice-to-have. It is a must-do. And for us in T&T – and the wider Caribbean – it’s not just a business imperative. It’s a developmental imperative.

The good news for us in T&T is that we are not starting from zero.

We have seen ESG gain momentum. More businesses are reporting on their sustainability goals. The Government has made some forward strides on energy transition and social equity. There’s growing dialogue around diversity and governance.

All great things that we have every right to be proud of. But progress cannot rest on good intentions alone.

If we truly want to lead and not just follow, we have to go further. We have to embed ESG into the DNA of how we make decisions, how we invest, how we govern, and how we live.

Here’s how we move forward:

The first step is to ensure that we make ESG more practical and measurable.

That simply means no jargon and no fluff. Let’s talk about KPIs, benchmarks, and metrics that actually tell us how we are doing and where we need to improve.

The second step is aligning our policies with our practices.

The Government and the Business community must co-create a national ESG roadmap. One that links our climate goals, our social equity ambitions, and our governance reforms into a cohesive, coordinated plan. 

AMCHAM T&T recognizes that one of the most urgent hurdles to advancing ESG in Trinidad and Tobago is the absence of robust data and reporting infrastructure. That’s why we are once again amplifying our calls for the swift passage of legislation to operationalize the National Statistical Institute - a move that will support both public and private sector efforts to meet global ESG standards with credible, context-specific data. 

We are especially grateful to have the Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Senator the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, with us at this year’s ESG Conference. AMCHAM T&T has already engaged the Minister in meaningful discussions on this matter, and we are optimistic that with continued collaboration, we can truly move from intention to impact on this vital issue.

It is our belief that a functioning National Statistical Institute will provide businesses with the data clarity needed to set measurable ESG goals, benchmark progress, and attract ESG-aligned investment. It will also enhance transparency, build stakeholder trust, and empower national ESG leadership that is both credible and competitive on the global stage.
Next, we must act with bold and inclusive leadership.

Let’s engage young people, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants in this movement. ESG must not be a top-down mandate. It has to be a whole-of-society mission.

Finally, and this may be the most difficult step. Let’s be honest about what we are getting wrong.

Because the world is moving – and fast. Global investors, customers, and talent are making decisions based on ESG standards regardless of shifting political landscapes. If we want to compete, attract capital, and create jobs, ESG must be at the center of our value proposition.

It’s not just about economics. It’s about inclusion.

ESG is how we build trust in institutions. It’s how we reduce inequality. It’s how we make sure that young people, women, vulnerable groups, and marginalized citizens have a seat at the table, not just as beneficiaries of policy, but as creators of it.

Trinidad and Tobago must define our own path – one that is rooted in our values, driven by our vision, and grounded in the understanding that sustainability, equity, and strong governance are the foundations of long-term national and business success.

In this regard, here’s where T&T can truly lead!

We can show that ESG is how we grow businesses that are more resilient. It’s how we create jobs with dignity. It’s how we build trust in public and private institutions. It’s how we move from Intention to real Impact!

T&T can become a true regional ESG hub, attracting investment, innovation, and partnerships. And we can do this by staying the course, committing to the long game, and holding each other accountable.

AMCHAM T&T is ready to partner with all of you – whether through training, policy advocacy, or just creating spaces like this to listen, learn and build.

So, let today be the start of something more than a conversation. Let it be the launchpad of coordinated, measurable, and meaningful action.

Let’s turn our intentions into lasting impact – for our businesses, for our communities, and for our country.

Thank you, and May God Bless us all.

END.