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From “Now to Next":
AMCHAM T&T Calls for Confidence, Collaboration and Regional Opportunity at 33rd AGM​
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LINKAGE Q2 (2026) - IMPACT

AMCHAM T&T convened its 33rd Annual General Meeting & Business Forum under the theme "Now to Next," on June 12th at the Trinidad Hilton & Conference Centre, bringing together member and stakeholders to examine Trinidad and Tobago's path forward.

Opening the Forum, AMCHAM T&T President Anna Henderson challenged attendees to consider not only where the country wants to go, but how it intends to get there. “'Now to Next’ is a simple yet important question: How do we move from where we are today to where we need to be tomorrow?"
Henderson acknowledged the significant economic and social challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago while emphasising that the country's greatest opportunity lies not in simply restoring past successes, but in building a more diversified and innovative future.
Reflecting on the current environment, she noted: "This is our NOW."
She cautioned that while diversification remains a national priority, the country's energy sector would continue to play a vital role in the near term. "Now, we often speak about diversification – as though it is something that can happen quickly. But the reality is more complex,” Henderson said. “For the foreseeable future, our energy sector will remain the backbone of our economy... Therefore, we have a critical window of opportunity."


Anna Henderson delivers the Opening Remarks at AMCHAM T&T 33rd AGM.

Henderson stressed that realising this opportunity requires coordinated action across government, industry and regional partners. "We must act now to convert possibility into certainty."
Looking beyond energy, she called for a deliberate approach to economic transformation. "NEXT is not just about restoring what we had. It is about building what we do not yet have. It is about diversifying deliberately, investing in new industries, and reimagining what Trinidad and Tobago can be in a changing global economy."
Central to that transformation, Henderson argued, is rebuilding confidence through transparency, accountability and effective implementation. "Trust cannot exist without transparency. And confidence cannot grow where accountability is absent."
She also commended recent government initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate, while emphasizing that implementation must remain the priority.
"The challenge is not one of ideas. It is, and probably always has been, a challenge of implementation. We must ensure that implementation keeps pace with ambition and that reforms translate into measurable improvements for businesses and citizens alike."
The President highlighted innovation and technology as critical drivers of future competitiveness. "Countries that act will lead. Those that hesitate will fall behind."
She further underscored the importance of regional partnerships, noting that stronger commercial relationships throughout the Caribbean and South America will be essential to long-term growth.

Strengthening a 160-Year Partnership

Delivering remarks on behalf of the United States Embassy, Michael Fitzpatrick, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., reflected on the enduring commercial relationship between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago and the opportunities emerging across the wider region.
Thanking AMCHAM T&T for its continued leadership, Fitzpatrick stated: "Thank you for AMCHAM T&T’s continued leadership in strengthening U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago commercial ties – and friendships."

Michael Fitzpatrick, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. - United States Embassy, Trinidad and Tobago
He also highlighted the growing strategic importance of Trinidad and Tobago within the Caribbean, particularly as regional energy development accelerates. "Trinidad and Tobago is shaping up as a centrepiece of a southern Caribbean energy corridor—connecting nations, creating opportunities and driving regional integration."
Looking toward Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela, Fitzpatrick encouraged businesses to embrace new regional opportunities while reaffirming U.S. support for increased commercial engagement.
"The U.S. Embassy is encouraging deals to happen here in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region."
He also praised the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for its role in fostering renewed business partnerships.
"I want to particularly thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Minister Jerlean John, and many others in this administration for their leadership in bringing about renewed interest in new partnerships between American and Trinbagonian companies."
Reaffirming the United States' long-term commitment to the country, Fitzpatrick pointed to the construction of the new U.S. Embassy campus as a symbol of that connection. "Our new embassy is a symbol of our commitment—not just to diplomacy, but to partnership, prosperity, and the decades ahead."
He closed with a call for continued collaboration. "Let's deepen the ties between American and Trinbagonian businesses that have served us so well for 160 years.”
Looking Ahead
The Forum concluded with keynote presentations and discussions focused on regional trade, investment and emerging opportunities across the Caribbean and Latin America. Together, the day's discussions reinforced a common message: navigating the transition from "Now to Next" will require stronger institutions, greater innovation, meaningful regional partnerships and sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Special thanks to our SPONSORS of AGM 2026:
Gold Sponsors
• The Beacon Insurance Company Ltd.
• General Accident Insurance - Trinidad & Tobago
Silver Sponsors
• Caribbean Finance Company Limited
• EOG Resources