Good evening, everyone.

It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you to the 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards.  Fifteen years – that’s a significant milestone. 

Over the years, this event has evolved from a recognition programme into something much more meaningful: a movement of people and organizations committed to a shared belief that safety, health, and care for the environment are not just workplace priorities; they are fundamental human values.

Tonight, we honour the companies and individuals who have gone above and beyond to protect their people, communities, and the environment – and in doing so, have strengthened the very foundation of their organisations.

To all our finalists – congratulations! You are leading by example and showing us what’s possible when HSE isn’t just a box to tick, but a value to live by.

To our sponsors, thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of safety and sustainability. I especially want to thank bpTT for stepping into the breach when our longstanding title sponsor, BHP, then Woodside had to scale back due to the changing nature of their operations.

And to our judges, we are grateful for your time, professionalism, and expertise in maintaining the integrity of these awards year after year. 

Tonight, as we celebrate excellence in Health, Safety, and Environment, I want to reflect on something that feels particularly relevant and important – it’s this idea that this is the time to find opportunity where others find uncertainty and problems. Because, let’s face it – we are living in an age where uncertainty has become a constant. Whether it’s economic instability, the effects of climate change, or technological disruption – risk is ever-present. But the real question is not how we avoid it, but how we respond to it.

The truth is, uncertainty can paralyze us – or it can propel us forward. Every major breakthrough in business, in safety, and even in human progress, has come from those who chose to see possibility where others saw danger. Think about it – the energy transition, for instance, is not just a disruption to traditional models; it’s also a massive opportunity to redefine how we power our economy. 

The same applies to technology – where automation and AI can seem like threats to jobs, but when used wisely, they enhance safety, improve efficiency, and create entirely new forms of work. The point is: risk and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. The leaders who thrive are those who have the courage to flip it.

In times like these, leadership becomes more than just decision-making – it becomes about providing clarity in the midst of confusion. When uncertainty grows, people look to their leaders for direction, and what gives them confidence isn’t bravado or perfection – it’s consistency. 

Consistency of values. Consistency of principles. Consistency in doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. 

In HSE, you understand this deeply. During accidents, emergencies, or system failures, it’s those consistent behaviours – the ones grounded in training, ethics, and culture – that save lives. The same is true in our society. In moments of instability, when everything feels unpredictable, the leaders who stay true to their values are the ones who steady the ship and give others the courage to act.

And that’s why what we celebrate tonight matters so much. These awards are not just about compliance or recognition. They are about leadership – the kind that transforms uncertainty into progress. 

The companies and individuals we honour tonight didn’t wait for perfect conditions to act. They led with purpose, made decisions guided by their values, and found ways to innovate through adversity. In doing so, they have shown us what resilience really looks like – not the absence of risk, but the ability to rise, learn, and grow because of it.

So, as we honour their remarkable achievements, let’s carry that same spirit into our daily lives – at work, at home, and in our communities. Because, whether it’s within our organizations or across our nation, leadership in uncertain times demands the same thing: the courage to stay grounded in our values, to keep learning, and to lead with integrity and compassion. If we can do that, then even in the face of uncertainty, we will continue to find opportunity – not just for our businesses, but for our country and our people.

So tonight, as we celebrate the best in HSE, I invite you to think of your work not only as building safer companies but as helping to build a safer, more compassionate world.

That is the spirit we honour tonight. That is the leadership we continue to champion.
Congratulations again to all our finalists. Thank you once more to our sponsors and partners. And thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and integrity.

Enjoy the evening – and let’s keep building a safer, smarter, and more resilient Trinidad and Tobago.

Thank you.

END.