People, Purpose & Progress: Activating the “S” in ESG
LINKAGE Q4 (2025) - HSSE 360: INNOVATION FOR RESILIENCEReflections from Opening Remarks at AMCHAM T&T’s ESG Conference 2025 Part II by Anna Henderson & Keynote Address by Senator the Honourable Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj AMCHAM T&T hosted Part II of the ESG Conference: People, Purpose & Progress – Activating the “S” in ESG on September 16th at the Hyatt Regency, bringing together business leaders and changemakers to advance the national conversation on the social dimensions of sustainability. Designed as a continuation of the ESG dialogue, the conference aimed to move beyond awareness and compliance, focusing instead on practical action, accountability, and the role of inclusive business practices in driving long-term economic and social development.The Opening Ceremony featured remarks from Anna Henderson, President of AMCHAM T&T, and Senator the Honourable Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism. Together, they framed a compelling narrative on the importance of embedding equity, inclusion, and human capital development into corporate strategy, positioning the Social pillar of ESG as a critical enabler of sustainable growth, national resilience, and shared prosperity.Making the “S” Visible and VitalAnna Henderson set the tone for the event in her Opening Remarks by inviting attendees to rethink ESG beyond compliance and metrics. “The ‘S’ in ESG is about people — how we treat our employees, how we engage with our communities, and how our actions either build equity or entrench inequality,” she said, placing human experience at the core of sustainable business practice. Henderson acknowledged that Trinidad and Tobago is a nation defined by warmth, resilience, and unity — qualities seen when communities come together in celebration or in crisis. Yet she challenged the audience to recognise that division and discrimination based on race, class, gender or religion can undermine that unity and weaken the social fabric. She painted the “S” in ESG not as an abstract ideal but as everyday action:Equal pay for equal work.Mentorship opportunities for underserved employees.Mental health and wellness support in the workplace.Training against unconscious bias and discrimination. For Henderson, inclusive workplaces don’t just feel better — they perform better, unlocking innovation and loyalty while strengthening society at large when employees carry respect and equity into their homes and communities. ESG as Strategy, Not CharityFollowing this people-centred framing, Senator Maharaj took the stage with a powerful message about the strategic imperative of ESG. He commended AMCHAM T&T for advancing the ESG dialogue and stressed that the conference theme — “Driving Sustainable Growth: Empowering Action through ESG” — aligns with national development goals. Maharaj highlighted that ESG has moved from concept to global business driver, citing projections that ESG-related assets could reach $35–$50 trillion by 2030 — proof that sustainability is shaping markets worldwide. He urged local enterprises to emulate global leaders like Microsoft and Unilever, pointing out how strong ESG commitments can enhance brand reputation, attract top talent, boost resilience and fuel innovation. Importantly, the Minister reframed ESG not as an ethical add-on but as investment strategy:“The concept of ESG must not be seen just as a cost but as an investment that can be utilised strategically to the advantage of Trinidad and Tobago and for future generations.”Maharaj also introduced a major new initiative: the Private Sector Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (PSOTT) — a coalition formed in 2024 uniting business organisations, industry associations and chambers of commerce under one voice to shape policy, improve the ease of doing business and drive export growth grounded in ESG principles. Toward a Values-Driven FutureTogether, Henderson and Maharaj mapped a compelling vision for the “S” in ESG — one that places human dignity, opportunity, equity and community at the forefront of business transformation. Their combined message was clear: advancing social value is not a philanthropic afterthought, but a strategic necessity. As the conference unfolded into deeper conversations about embedding social impact into corporate DNA, attendees were reminded that ESG isn’t just about reporting metrics — it’s about building a future where every citizen can thrive. AMCHAM T&T would like to thank all our Sponsors of this year’s ESG ConferenceTitle Sponsor - bpTT Community Energy Platinum Sponsors - The ANSA McAL Group & ANSA Merchant Bank Gold Sponsors - PwC; Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited; Guardian Group Trinidad and Tobago Silver Sponsors - TTMB; Simply Intense Media Technology Partner - bmobile Coffee Break Sponsor - QED Consulting Limited
Following this people-centred framing, Senator Maharaj took the stage with a powerful message about the strategic imperative of ESG. He commended AMCHAM T&T for advancing the ESG dialogue and stressed that the conference theme — “Driving Sustainable Growth: Empowering Action through ESG” — aligns with national development goals. 