Good morning, everyone.

It is a privilege to welcome you to AMCHAM T&T’s 29th Annual Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Conference & Exhibition.

First, let me thank each of you— our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors—for being here. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to something bigger than any single organization: creating safer workplaces, stronger communities, and a more resilient future.

This year’s theme, “HSSE 360: Innovation for Resilience,” challenges us to think boldly. Innovation is not just about new technology—it’s about new mindsets. It’s about asking, How can we lead with courage? How can we embed safety and sustainability into every decision we make? Because resilience isn’t built in moments of calm—it’s forged in times of change.

Today, we have an opportunity to learn, to collaborate, and to inspire action. Let’s use these two days to spark ideas that will transform policies into culture, and challenges into opportunities. Together, we can create organizations that don’t just survive uncertainty—they thrive in it.

So, let’s begin this journey with energy, purpose, and a shared vision for a safer, stronger Caribbean.

The stories of companies like Kodak, Blockbuster, and Skype offer powerful lessons about the cost of standing still. Kodak invented digital photography but failed to embrace it; Blockbuster dismissed the shift to digital streaming; and Skype, once dominant, was overtaken by more adaptive platforms like Microsoft Teams. Their stories remind us that success today does not guarantee survival tomorrow – not without innovation. The same principle applies to HSSE. Just as these companies needed to innovate to stay relevant, we must innovate to stay resilient.

When organizations champion HSSE innovation – by breaking down silos, empowering people at every level, and learning continuously from both success and failure – they do more than prevent harm. They also create cultures of trust, agility, and shared accountability that enable them to withstand shocks and disruptions. That is what HSSE 360: Innovation for Resilience is all about – understanding that resilience is not about avoiding challenges but about evolving through them. To leading boldly, adapting quickly, and ensuring that safety and sustainability remain at the heart of how you grow, how you lead, and how we succeed together, even in the face of uncertainty with the emergence of new technologies.

Using AI to Leap Ahead
That’s why we must ask: how are we using AI to leap ahead?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we manage Health, Safety, Security, and the Environment. We are moving from reactive systems to predictive ones – using AI to anticipate risks, detect hazards in real time, and strengthen decision-making.
Whether it’s predictive maintenance in high-risk operations, advanced environmental monitoring, or AI-driven safety analytics, these technologies are helping us prevent incidents before they happen. AI is giving us the ability to see further, act faster, and make safer choices.

But innovation must go hand in hand with resilience. AI reminds us that technology’s real purpose is to empower people – giving them better tools, better insights, and better foresight to protect lives, assets, and the environment.

The spirit of HSSE 360: Innovation for Resilience – it is to combine human ingenuity and technological progress to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable operations.

Cybersecurity and Online Fraud
However, as innovation accelerates, so do the risks. 

Recent reports from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago show that citizens lost over US $3.3 million to online fraud between October 2024 and September 2025. Many victims – particularly women and the elderly – were targeted through phishing scams, fake investments, and digital deception.

These aren’t just financial crimes – they’re attacks on our trust, security, and peace of mind. They remind us that while technology empowers, it also exposes. And so, cybersecurity must become a deliberate strategy.

The same principles that define HSSE – vigilance, prevention, and continuous learning – must now be applied in the digital realm.

We must design systems that are secure by default, strengthen awareness at every level of the organization, and collaborate across business and government to protect our citizens and companies.

Remember, innovation without protection is risk; AND disruption without preparedness is danger.

Cyber resilience is now human resilience – and it must be built into the DNA of every organization.

The OSH Act Ruling and the Future of Safety Governance
Of course, equally important is how our institutions evolve to meet new realities.
The recent Privy Council ruling confirming limitation periods under the OSH Act has brought much-needed legal clarity – but it has also highlighted deeper challenges.

With many cases already delayed, there’s a real risk that legitimate complaints could go unresolved because they fall outside these new time limits. This could erode public confidence in the system and limit opportunities to learn from incidents.

That’s why we believe this ruling must be the catalyst to fully operationalize the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) with a functional and independent board.
A strong OSH Authority – with the right leadership, governance, and resources – can ensure timely investigations, fair enforcement, and greater accountability. It’s not just a policy requirement; it’s a moral imperative to safeguard workers and build trust in our national HSSE framework. We must act on this now.

Hurricane Melissa and Climate Resilience
And while we talk about innovation and resilience, we cannot ignore the lessons from nature. Hurricane Melissa has reminded us, once again, that climate change is not a distant threat – it’s happening here and now.

Its rapid intensification and widespread impact show the importance of preparedness, foresight, and adaptive leadership and response.

Under our theme, “HSSE 360: Innovation for Resilience”, we look at innovation not just in technology, but in policy, infrastructure, and community planning. Investing in climate-smart systems, early warning mechanisms, and adaptive business continuity plans will be essential.

Resilience is not about returning to what was – it’s about preparing boldly for what’s next.

Closing
So, as we open this year’s Conference, I encourage you to use these next two days not only to learn – but to reimagine.

Not just to listen – but to lead.

Let’s make “HSSE 360: Innovation for Resilience” more than a theme — let’s make it a way forward.

Let’s create workplaces that not only protect lives — but empower people.

Let’s design systems that don’t just prevent risk — but enable progress.

And let’s build a society where every citizen feels safe, valued, and hopeful about the future.
As Maya Angelou once said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” Let that be our guiding principle as we embrace innovation and build resilience for the future.

Thank you, and welcome to AMCHAM T&T’s 29th Annual HSSE Conference & Exhibition.

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