Scott William Hansen 

Political and Economic Counselor | U.S. Embassy Port of Spain

Scott Hansen was born in Northern Colorado, where he grew up spending most of his free time in the mountains and the desert.  He studied economics at the University of Michigan and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. 

His overseas assignments during 21 years with the Department include Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago.   

Before joining the Foreign Service, Scott was a Search & Rescue Tracker in the Rocky Mountains and taught wilderness survival to youth-at-risk in Utah.  Scott and his family are thrilled to be in Port of Spain, where he is determined to deepen the U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago friendship and support energy diversification, climate change resilience, and improvements in the security environment.  
 

Hayden Mora 

Chief Information Officer (CIO) CDPL | Agostini Group

Hayden has been C-Level for almost 10 years starting with TSTT from 2014 to 2015 as Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO), Group Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the Massy Group from 2015 to 2018, Chief Information Officer (CIO) CDPL/Agostini Group from 2018 to present. Middle, Senior and C-level Management for about 23 years now.

Hayden started his career in telecommunications engineering at TSTT, and navigated through leadership positions in sales, engineering, product development, programme management, and information technology. 

He is the holder of BSc and MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering for UWI, Executive MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, ACCA Diploma in Financial Management (DipFM), PMI-PMP Certification since 2015, Cybersecurity Risk Management Certificate from Harvard in 2023.
 

Hayden Scott 

Head, Information Security, Security Management Services | NGC

Mr. Hayden Scott is a cyber security professional at the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, and at present executes the Cybersecurity Assurance Program for the company’s enterprise network and the natural gas pipeline management system.  He has been employed with The NGC for over 27 years, during which Hayden has been involved in managing the Information Security Management Program, Application Development, Database Administration, Systems Administration, Network and Security Administration. 
 
Hayden holds a Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science and Physics, a Master’s Degree in Network Security, and holds certifications in ISACA’s Certified Information Security Management (CISM), SANS Global Security Leadership Certification (GSLC), ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Specialist, Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) and Zero Trust Training Contributor both by Cloud Security Alliance. 

Beyond the certifications however, Hayden believes more about delivery of solutions and projects than certifications.  Key projects worth mentioning are the implementation of the Information Security Management Program, led the successful project to migrate NGC to Exchange Online (precursor to Office 365), and implemented the Microsoft 365 and Azure cloud security solutions to name a few.

Hayden has been on NGC’s first Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) project, so he speaks that language also.
 
 

Ziyaad Khan

Manager of the Information Technology & Systems | Atlantic

Ziyaad Khan is the Manager of the Information Technology & Systems team at Atlantic, overseeing critical areas such as Digital Solutions, Application Management, Cybersecurity, Data Governance, Technology Strategy, and Infrastructure. With over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Ziyaad has played an integral role in the company’s digital transformation, fostering a hybrid working environment and driving automation to improve business processes. His previous roles include Team Lead for Business Applications and Facilities Architecture & Infrastructure Systems, where he championed initiatives focused on digitalization and systems improvement.
 
A key contributor to Atlantic's cybersecurity strategy, Ziyaad has designed and implemented robust information security frameworks, governance processes, and privacy awareness programs. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Management and an MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. Ziyaad’s passion for innovation continues to drive Atlantic’s technological advancement, ensuring excellence through progressive IT solutions.

 
 

Vaughn Jaggernauth

Manager - Digital Strategy | Atlantic

Vaughn Jaggernauth is the Manager of Digital Strategy at Atlantic, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s digital agenda. With over 26 years of experience in technology within the oil and gas industry, Vaughn has spent the last 13 years in management roles, focusing on integrating digital technologies and tools that enhance work processes and promote a data-driven culture. His leadership ensures that Atlantic’s workforce is not only proficient in using technology but also analytics-focused. Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Studies from the University of the West Indies and a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Planning from Heriot-Watt University. His extensive experience and strategic insight make him a key contributor to Atlantic’s digital transformation efforts.
 
 

Tira Greene

Attorney & Digital Governance Policy Consultant

Tira is an attorney at law and digital governance policy consultant with over 25 years of experience in the Caribbean and internationally working with governments and public sector organizations as well as with private sector stakeholders. 

In recent years Tira has been actively involved in developing digital government transformation strategies in the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), focusing on the review of state assessments, strategic planning documents, and gap analyses. She has gained a wealth of experience in reforming policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional regimes and frameworks relating to trade, data protection and electronic transactions, digitization of government processes, cybersecurity and broader ICT initiatives in various jurisdictions, including OECS Protocol Member States, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Belize, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Smart Africa Member States.

 
 

Kerry Ann Millington-Pierre

Senior Manager ECR Systems & Trinidad SSC Head | Scotiabank

Kerry Ann Millington-Pierre is the Senior Manager Systems for the English Caribbean Region and Head of the Systems Support Centre at Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago. She is a seasoned IT Professional with over 20 years of experience in IT Operations and Project Management. She holds a Master’s in Digital technology management, with the University of Bedfordshire and a BSC in Computing and Information Systems (2nd Class Honors) with London Metropolitan University. Kerryann has over twelve years’ experience leading medium to large geographically dispersed teams, while successfully delivering on many corporate initiatives for her organization. She possesses a range of technology skills in First and Second level Production support, Project Management, Networking & Security operations, Deskside support, ATM implementation, Mobile & Telecommunication and many more. Overall, Kerryann has a passion for delivering exceptional service and is known among her peers as being very results focus.

 
 

Joel Gooding

Systems Engineer | Fortinet

Joel Gooding is a skilled and certified cybersecurity professional with a strong foundation in information security. With a diverse set of certifications including CEH, CISA, NSE7, Security+, and AZ-900, Joel has over 15 years of Cybersecurity experience with demonstrated expertise in a wide range of security domains.

His commitment to safeguarding digital assets and data is evident through his certifications, in-depth knowledge, and proficiency in these areas, demonstrating expertise in the field of cybersecurity.

Roland Kissoon

VP: Infrastructure Defense Engineering | SASE
Chief Information Security Office – Cyber Security Services | Citi

Roland Kissoon MBA, MSc, CISA, CRISC, CISSP, CCSK, PMP….is a Management & Cybersecurity Security Executive with over 20 years of experience in multiple security domains. He has a wide array of hands-on experience having served in roles ranging from Technical to C-level positions for multi-national organizations in the Aviation, IT, Telecommunications, Financial and SI industries. He now has the privilege of working with one of the world’s largest financial institutions.

He is passionate about contributing to his field of choice: having featured as a speaker or panelist at over 100 cybersecurity events, served as founder and past Chairman of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Caribbean Chapter, Associate Chair of the CSA Worldwide Congress (2011 – Orlando FL, USA), Reviewer and Contributor of the CSA Cloud Control Matrix,  Member of CSA’s Mobile Security Working Group, Contributor the CSA’s CCZT training and exam materials, Member of ISACA’s local chapter Research Funding and Academic Relations Committee, Adjunct Lecturer at Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business having contributed to the development of their MSc Information Systems & Technology Management.
 
 

Donna Ramsammy

Senior Business Consultant - Strategic Communications,
Ethical PR and Reputation Management 

Donna Ramsammy is a Senior Business Consultant specializing in Strategic Communications, Ethical PR, and Reputation Management, with experience and expertise across a wide global geography which includes the Caribbean region, the United Kingdom, North and South America, Africa, Mid-East & South Asia. She works across several sectors which include industries such as Oil and Gas, Banking & Finance, and Manufacturing.

Donna’s work is primarily focused on representing international and regional business interests in the English-speaking Caribbean.  Much of that work is in crisis and reputation management, executive coaching, and multi-faceted communications planning and delivery. She is co-founder of the Communicating For Influence Workshop Series© for senior-level leaders and has trained hundreds of executives in communicating in crisis and provided valuable counsel in safeguarding reputation during periods of volatility. 

Donna is the former Head of Communications for the E&P at BP Global in the UK and was the Communications Adviser to the Executive Management Team.  She is highly regarded for creating targeted, highly effective communications plans that advance organizational objectives, and has consulted in the area of business-to-government in strategic country relations.

As owner and Lead Consultant at Virtual Business Services, her innovative interventions in advocacy design and management have helped to expand company opportunities, garnering millions in additional revenue by rehabilitating business reputation and transforming corporate images into highly recognized and admired corporate citizens. Donna has extensive experience and knowledge in Sustainability and Social Responsibility and is Editor-in-Chief and producer of the widely-read, yearly publication, the CSR Review on region-wide corporate action in sustainability. 

Her voluntary work has been in areas of enterprise and youth such as the Prince’s Youth Business Trust, United Way, the Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development (Grameen Model), the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Youth Forum for the Environment. She is also a former Director of the American Chamber of Commerce (T&T) and works collaboratively with many chambers of industry including the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), where she serves on the Advocacy and Petroleum Committees.
 

Ravi Ragoonanan

Cybersecurity Manager | Proman Trinidad 

With over twenty (20) years experience in information technology, including twelve (12) years within the Proman group of companies, Ravi Ragoonanan currently serves as Cybersecurity Manager at Proman Trinidad.

As Cybersecurity Manager, Ravi manages Proman’s global cybersecurity governance framework across the company’s global assets. In this role, he oversees the protection of both enterprise networks and operational technology (OT) infrastructures, including critical process control systems. Ravi also plays a key role in onboarding new assets, ensuring adherence to Proman’s cybersecurity standards.

Ravi holds a Master of Science degree (MS) in Cybersecurity from Isabel I University and a Master of Science degree (MS) in Information Systems Management from the University of Greenwich. He has earned several globally recognized professional certifications, including the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)'s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)'s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity Analysis and Evaluation certification from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Additionally, Ravi has undergone advanced training in managing information systems risk from Harvard Business School.

Ravi is dedicated to improving organizations’ awareness of OT and IT risk, cybersecurity, and cyber resilience and regularly shares his expertise at local and regional conferences.  
 

Michael A. Ramesar

Director and Principal Consultant | MIAN Industries LLC 

Michael Ramesar is a director and principal consultant of MIAN Industries LLC, where he assists critical infrastructure owners, operators, and suppliers in identifying cybersecurity weaknesses and developing sound mitigation strategies and engineering solutions to fortify their security posture and their ability to manage risk. 

He is a controls systems engineer by profession with 30 years of industrial experience in computerized operations, engineering design, technology deployment, risk analysis, and assurance. He worked at bp for 25 years before working full-time at his own industrial cybersecurity company. He is recognized for his work in automation and control systems.  

He joined bp in 1998 as an automation systems engineer, working in Houston testing and commissioning of the Amherstia offshore gas platform at the time, and then moved on to become a team leader and advisor for automation systems working on integrity management and technology upgrades in bp Trinidad. 

Michael worked on the Y2K Project for bp, identifying and analyzing the risks on all digital assets, certifying their readiness for the millennium date rollover to the year 2000.  

He became the Project Manager for the bp Field of the Future TM Program in the Trinidad region in 2004, working in both an assurance and delivery role, managing a large project portfolio. He developed the vision, strategy, and business case for a ‘Digital Oilfield’ operating model for the Trinidad Region and successfully delivered the technology, infrastructure, business processes and the organizational construct to enable this way of working. 

He became the full-time Technical Authority (TA) for Instrumentation and Control Systems in 2009 where he independently assessed and advised the Region on risk to critical asset infrastructure in the areas of cybersecurity, safety systems, and plant automation. He was promoted to the Engineering Authority in 2018 assuming a broader view of engineering risk leading technical &  engineering experts. Michael played an integral role in building the engineering capability for the Instrumentation and Controls discipline from 2001 -2020. 

Michael started his career working at the Electrical Inspectorate conducting inspections of building, factory, and marine boiler and electrical systems. He then moved on to Carib Brewery spending  6 years working on technology and infrastructure projects to increase reliability and throughput. Mike also worked at the Petrotrin Refinery [Trinidad] just before joining bp, as an electrical and instrumentation engineer for the projects department undertaking a major project of redesigning the control systems for the LPG plant. 

Michael has a BSc. Degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering with an MSc. In Digital systems from UWI. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology  (FIET). He is a Registered Engineer on the Board of Engineers of Trinidad & Tobago and a member of the International Society of Automation (ISA) on the ISA99 [IEC62443] committee for  Cybersecurity. He works closely with the US DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Mike is also an instructor and designs and teaches courses on cybersecurity. 
 

Patrick Tyer

Co-Founder and CEO, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | Tech Trends 

Patrick Tyer is the co-founder and CEO of Tech Trends, a premier Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) consulting firm specializing in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. With over two decades of experience, Patrick has established himself as a visionary leader in the cybersecurity field, delivering robust security frameworks, risk management strategies, and advanced threat detection capabilities for organizations of all sizes.

Before founding Tech Trends, Patrick played a pivotal role at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where he led large-scale IT security initiatives. His work involved consolidating security plans, enhancing compliance with stringent regulatory standards like PCI, HIPAA, and NIST, and significantly reducing the organization’s susceptibility to phishing attacks. His contributions were instrumental in transforming security operations and ensuring NASA’s assets were protected against evolving cyber threats.

Patrick’s areas of expertise include Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), incident response, security architecture design, risk assessment, and threat intelligence analysis. He has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex regulatory landscapes while improving operational efficiency and enhancing overall security postures. Under his leadership, organizations have not only mitigated cyber risks but also strengthened their business continuity and resilience.

As a thought leader in the industry, Patrick is a frequent speaker at international cybersecurity conferences, where he shares his deep insights into emerging trends and best practices. His commitment to fostering a culture of security within organizations has empowered countless teams to elevate their security awareness and adopt proactive measures against cyber threats.

Patrick holds advanced degrees in Information Systems and Technology and professional certifications including CISM, GSNA, and GSLC. He continues to be a driving force behind the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions, ensuring that organizations stay one step ahead in the ever-evolving threat landscape.

 

 
 

Paloma Larroy

Business Development Manager - Caribbean | Xerox

Paloma Larroy has a strong background in Xerox technology and solutions. Throughout her career at Xerox, Paloma has held several key positions, including Business Team Manager, Learning and Development Director, and currently, Business Development Manager for the Caribbean regions. In these roles, she has contributed to projects that enhance office and production print technology. Her work supports Xerox’s mission to improve workplace experiences and adapt to the evolving needs of a hybrid workforce


 
 

Bryan Kane

Director of Innovation and Strategy – Group B2B | Digicel 

With over 20 years of experience spanning various technology, strategy, and solution domains, I have expertise in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, digital transformation, IoT, smart solutions, connectivity, and data center operations. My career has been built around advising governments, SME and large enterprises across the region, guiding them through complex transformations to deliver meaningful outcomes on their most pressing challenges.

I am passionate about driving innovation that supports security and organizational efficiency, particularly through the adoption of cutting-edge AI and robust cybersecurity solutions with people in mind. My current focus is on helping organizations of all sizes enhance their technological and people capabilities, from reinforcing their cybersecurity posture to implementing scalable AI-driven outcomes. Through forward-thinking strategy and creative problem-solving, I aim to unlock new value and improve user experiences across industries.

Anish Bachu

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Security Specialist -Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Incident Response Team (TT-CSIRT) | Ministry of National Security 

Mr. Anish Bachu is an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Security Specialist attached to the Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Incident Response Team (TT-CSIRT) under the Ministry of National Security for the last 5 years. He is the team lead for CSIRT operations and his duties range from incident response, vulnerability monitoring, and cyber threat intelligence at a national level and cyber security assessments of government systems and infrastructure.

Anish has served as the technical security lead for numerous projects across the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago including the national cyber risk assessment 2021/2022 project and the development of an information sharing and analysis center (ISAC) for bank and nonbank financial institutions in Trinidad and Tobago.

Anish graduated from St. John’s University in New York with a BSc in Cyber Security Systems and a Masters of Business Administration in Information Systems and Decision Science. He is also a member of the Cyber Security Industry Advisory Board at St. John’s for their BSc and MSc programs.

Reza Sookdeo

ICT MANAGER (CIO) | Heritage

Reza Sookdeo MSc, MBA, BSc is an accomplished technology and cybersecurity leader with an impressive career spanning over 25 years in various multinational companies including Schlumberger, Atlantic LNG, iGovTT and Heritage. His extensive experience, visionary leadership, and expertise in the field have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the domain of transformation and cybersecurity. His leadership style is characterized by a profound understanding of the interplay between technology and human capital. He has the innate ability to inspire and lead diverse teams, creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared success. 

Throughout his career, Reza has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to harness technology to drive organizational success. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction, leveraging the power of information technology to enhance efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. 

As a forward-thinker, Reza has successfully navigated the ever-evolving landscape of technology, as a pioneer in the early days of Operation Technology (OT) to the current era of digital transformation and IT / OT integration. He has masterminded and executed numerous technology initiatives, driving digital strategies, and enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly tech-centric world. 

Beyond his extensive professional accomplishments, Reza is passionate about the positive societal impact of technology. As a respected thought leader, he is frequently sought out for his insights on the future of technology and cybersecurity. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals and giving back to the community reflects his belief in the transformative power of technology not only for businesses but for society as a whole.

Brian Keshwah

Manager - CISO’s Office - Cybersecurity and Operational Risk | Republic Bank Limited 

Brian Keshwah is a seasoned Senior Information/Cybersecurity Manager with over 27 years of multifaceted experience in IT and Information Security across the Financial and Professional services industries. Ten of these years were spent within a “Big Four” professional services firm and over 18 years within the Banking and Financial services sectors, providing leadership and governance over IT and Information Security assurance, advisory, and implementation and project management practices and initiatives. 

Brian’s leadership experience spans a rich mix of Information Technology Management, Information Security and Cybersecurity Management, Internal Audit Management, IT Project Management, Digital Strategy and Transformation, Enterprise Risk Management, and General Corporate and IT Strategic leadership for large financial organizations

Brian holds an Executive MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, and an honor BSc. degree in Information Systems and Management from the University of Greenwich (UK) and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer from the Ecommerce Council (EC Council), a Certified Information Security Manager, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls, from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA.

He plays an integral role within the Republic Financial Holding Limited Group in assessing and leading the Information and Cybersecurity Governance and advisory practices across the Group’s interest.

 

Ian John

Director & CEO | CyberEYE Limited 

Ian John is a technology futurist and CEO of CyberEYE Limited, a leading Caribbean cybersecurity firm dedicated to protecting organizations against digital threats. Currently pursuing his  Doctorate in Business Management, Ian was formerly the Senior VP and Regional CEO of Massy  Technologies InfoCom. He holds an MBA in Innovation and has contributed to numerous digital transformation initiatives, including the CARICOM Digital Skills Taskforce. Passionate about  Industry 4.0, safe AI development for the region, and the Future of Work, Ian champions digital advancement to unlock economic growth across the Caribbean. He is also dedicated to empowering future leaders through CyberEYE’s youth-focused corporate social responsibility programs.


 

Vitra Gopee

Consultant 

A seasoned Business Transformation and Operations Executive, Vitra excels at driving technology disruption, creating pathways to innovation, and steering organizations through growth-focused initiatives. With more than 2 decades in IT services and fast-paced environments, her career has been marked by a purpose-driven leadership and unwavering commitment to people, service, and operational excellence. Her work in regenerating organizations includes optimizing operations, enhancing process workflows, and branding strategies, while keeping company culture, goals, and sustainability at the forefront. Notable for her experience and skills in strategy, execution and executive collaboration, Vitra crafts transformation strategies tailored to specific challenges, delivering improved profitability, operational stability, and market competitiveness. Her career includes pivotal roles, such as Chief Operations Officer at DigitalEra Group, a US-based cybersecurity services provider, and Country Director of a 1,200-employee call center BPO operations in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where she represented major US Fortune 500 clients in telecom, banking, and logistics. In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Vitra was recently named to the CRN 2024 Women of the Channel Honoree List, which honors her creativity, strategic vision, and dedication to channel excellence. Beyond her career, she is also a certified yoga instructor, incorporating stress management and breathing techniques to maintain balance in both life and work.

Esther Callender-George

Group IT Enterprise IT Risk and Security Manager | Guardian Group

With over 24 years of experience in the Financial Services and Telecommunications industries, Esther is a seasoned information security leader who combines her technical expertise with a strategic business perspective, ensuring security initiatives align with business objectives to deliver value. She plays a critical role in executive and Board communications, translating complex cybersecurity challenges into actionable insights that guide decision-making at the highest levels. Her leadership experience spans the fields of Information Security, Business Continuity, Cybersecurity as well as implementation of new security technologies. As the Group IT Enterprise IT Risk and Security Manager at Guardian Group she oversees the IT Risk and Security Operations function for the Group, across the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean. 

Beyond technical leadership, Esther is deeply committed to cybersecurity awareness and education and actively promotes information security literacy among local secondary and university students, through storytelling and mentorship. 

Esther currently possesses a BSc in Computer Science and a postgraduate certification in Business Administration. She is also a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) practitioner, awarded by the global professional governance body - Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

Esther is also the current President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of ISACA.