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The chance to write about exciting regions such as Trinidad and Tobago, is fascinating. This particular region is a well-known holiday destination, as well as a favourite for enthusiastic festivalgoers. But behind the bustling bravado of parties and celebration is a rich culture and an ever-expanding thirst for business.
Perhaps most interesting is the fact that Trinidad and Tobago is one of the fastest-growing nations in the West Indies. Therefore, the twin island can not only boast of having beautiful tourist destinations, but also a powerful business mindset. This is most greatly shown in the region’s motto: “Together We Aspire, Together Achieve”. With such driven words as these, we can see the union between the two islands can withstand any challenge, as well as representing the unbreakable spirit of the local community that trailblazes every business with Trinidadian pride.
Trinidad, as the ‘Big Brother’ of the two islands, showcases a bustling and productive urban centre that greatly develops the business sector and economy of the region. Its prosperity can be pinned down to the success of businesses in the oil, gas, and shipping and manufacturing sectors, that drive the machine that is the Trinidad business sector. Also deserving of recognition is the pearly beaches and flourishing nature of Tobago. This idyllic paradise gains collective revenue from its broadening tourism industry. Also noteworthy however, is Tobago’s equally lively domestic business sector.
With all this in mind, it is no wonder that Endeavour keeps returning to this energetic and fantastic region to learn all the wonderful stories they have to offer, as not only an Edenic tourist spot, but also a bustling base for business.
With the goal to be a leading port and estate management company, Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited (PLIPDECO) is a publicly traded company operating across the Point Lisas Port and Industrial Estate in Trinidad and Tobago. Thanks to its vital location in what is often regarded as the ‘Gateway to America’, PLIPDECO’s operations are working to developing the Port of Point Lisas, and implement key logistical and industrial estate infrastructure to transform the area into a vital hub serving international shipping lines travelling along its coast.
Incorporated in 1966, PLIPDECO is a publicly owned company, with 51% ownership belonging to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the other 49% held by private shareholders. These shareholders include banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, company employees and the general public. The company was established under the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and now trades on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange. Today, PLIPDECO is the owner and landlord of 862.613 hectares on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, serving international shipping lines and the petrochemical industry across the west coast of Central Trinidad.
The site spans 103 tenants with 88 companies spanning a range of activities. The large majority of these activities are involved in the petrochemical sector, dealing in methanol, ammonia and urea plants, as well as a steel plant, power plant and various smaller light manufacturing and servicing companies. These companies play a valuable role in the accessibility of natural gas resources, and, as they’re located in such a pivotal location close to American markets, PLIPDECO’s industrial estate division is focused on developing the infrastructure of its industrial estate to ensure that these companies can bring continued economic benefit via the international sale and distribution from the petrochemical industry to Trinidad.
In addition to these tenants, PLIPDECO also owns the Port of Point Lisas which consists of 6 general cargo and container berths which handle a whole variety of cargo travelling to and from America. The Port is the second largest in Trinidad and is located just 32km south of the Port of Spain. Its location on the West coast of Trinidad means that it plays a valuable role in international shipping lines travelling between North and South America, as well as various lines travelling from Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Far East. Therefore, Port of Point Lisas and Port of Spain are vital to helping move cargo from the region and beyond into both international and local markets.
At the port, dry and liquid bulk, containers, general cargo, and break-bulk cargo are all transported and delivered to and from individual and business sectors in Trinidad via the commercial berths and multi-purpose cargo facility. To ensure that the cargo operations of Point Lisas remain competitive in both the South American and International markets, PLIPDECO focuses on ensuring that the port’s management and the infrastructure of the
port are developed to meet the growing demand for cargo travelling through the port. This commitment to strict management and efficient cargo handling has provided PLIPDECO with its reputation for firstclass customer service.
To aid in its ability to handle cargo travelling from both local and international markets at the Port of Point Lisas, PLIPDECO offers a range of warehousing services to ensure that it can continue to play a valuable role in keeping supply chains running efficiently. Warehousing services under PLIPDECO include the LCL Warehouse which is a customsbonded facility providing housing for trade and non-trade cargo in a covered storage area, LCL Export Services which facilitate intra-regional trade and provides greater market access for small and medium-sized manufacturers, and The Offsite Facility which is designed for clients looking for the temporary storage of dry containers, chassis, and break-bulk cargo. Another key service offered by PLIPDECO is its FCL service which provides importers with a warehouse facility designed for unstuffing dry containers and short-term storage of the cargo. This service allows PLIPDECO to provide a cost-effective, convenient, and secure stuffing/ unstuffing service to customers using the Point Lisas Port. Through, PLIPDECO’s experienced team
of specialists, customers can be sure their cargo is in safe hands.
PLIPDECO also benefits from many strategic partnerships which allow it to continue to play a vital role in developing the logistical movement of cargo beyond its port and industrial estate. The service works in lockstep with the Port’s existing offerings to provide customers with a streamlined end-to-end, fast and cost-effective hauling, packing and warehousing service which capitalises on Point Lisas’ strategic location to move cargo onto its intended market through its connection to logistical providers.
Overall, PLIPDECO plays a valuable role in Trinidad’s shipping and cargo industry as it works as both a landlord, port operator and logistic facilitator to shipments travelling to and from Trinidad. With such a vast role, PLIPDECO is committed to ensuring that the infrastructure surrounding the shipping and cargo industry remains reliable and efficient to be able to bring continued economic benefits from the port into the local economy. We look forward to seeing how PLIPDECO continues to develop its operations and expand its operations in the coming years to continue to be a competitive hub in the international shipping industry.
Shell Trinidad and Tobago
Shell has long played a key role in developing the oil and gas industry of Trinidad and Tobago towards local and international success through its establishment of on-shore and offshore operations. These operations aim to enhance the oil and gas potential of the region and deliver economic benefits for Trinidad and Tobago whilst remaining socially responsible with every development. Today, Shell has major ownership and operations of some of the most prolific gas-producing areas in Trinidad and Tobago as it seeks to harness the rich deposit potential for continued economic development for the region.
When Shell began its operations in Trinidad and Tobago it was thought to have been the largest private-sector employer in the country. However, by 1974 the oil industry had been nationalised which saw the government purchase Shell’s assets and form the first national oil company. Shell’s ownership in the region subsequently was reduced, however, in 2014 it acquired Repsol’s 2025% non-operated interest in Atlantic LNG, the 6th largest global producer of liquified natural gas (LNG), which, in combination with the BG Group, saw Shell take on the role as a major upstream facilitator which supplied both petrochemical and LNG sectors thanks to its majority interest in Atlantic LNG across its 4-train facility. Today, Shell Trinidad and Tobago has 7 offshore and onshore blocks, which are either operated or non-operated and now play a major role in the development of the region’s energy development.
Your Trusted Maritime Partner
One of the most prolific gas producing areas in Trinidad and Tobago is within the East Coast Marine Areas (ECMA), where Shell has already made significant developments towards developing the oil and gas potential of the region. Within the ECMA, Shell Trinidad and Tobago have the Dolphin Facility and the Beachfield Facility, both of which are offshore platforms which are delivering significant returns for the company every day. The area has seen major developments in recent years under Shell, with the Barracuda Project which comprises two subsea wells one in the Endeavour Field and another in the Bounty.
Both of these fields are tied back to Shell’s existing Dolphin platform. The two wells delivered the first gas in 2021, with the backfill project delivering close to 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) of sustained gas production. At peak, the project now delivers to 40,000 boe/d. The wells encompass some of the deepest development wells in Trinidad and Tobago under the Barracuda project and provided an essential base from which Shell has continued to expand their operations with 100% ownership and operations of the wells and backfill infrastructure.
In recent news, Shell Trinidad and Tobago have announced a new conventional gas development located in the shallow water across the region. Named the Manatee Field Offshore, the project is currently in the approval stage and is expected to start commercial production in 2028. As part of the development, Eni and McDermott International have been brought in as contractors to help with
Advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Market
the design and FEED engineering of the offshore development. The engineering and construction company McDermott has been awarded a limited notice to proceed concerning engineering, procurement, construction, and installation. Once commissioned the gas will be used to supply both domestic and export markets from Trinidad and Tobago thus continuing to develop the region as a key player in the energy sector.
This continued development is most evident currently in the North Coast Marine Area (NCMA) where Shell Trinidad and Tobago owns and operates another two offshore facilities. These facilities, the Hibiscus Platform and the Poinsettia Platform have played a central role in the development of the Colibri Project. The project set out by Shell in 2022, made a significant amendment to the development of the Block 6 Production Sharing Contract across the Manatee field. Colibri is a backfill project, which aims to deliver 30,000 boe/d of sustained near-term gas production with peak production expected to be over 40,000 boe/d. Through 4 subsea wells, the project will tied back into the Poinsettia Platform. In March 2022, the first gas was reached at the Colibri project.
The Colibri project, which is co-owned by Shell with the Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Trinidad and Tobago’s National Oil Company) with
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Caribbean Safety Products (CSP)
Over the last forty years, Caribbean safety Products (CSP) has earned the reputation as a reliable manufacturer of protective clothing and a supplier of PPE, safety products, and services for heavy industries, offices, homes and individuals. The company has a proven track record in its understanding of, and commitment to, international safety standards. This has allowed CSP to form trusted relationships with many large multinationals such as Shell, formerly BGTT, over the past twenty years. The company’s prime location in Point Lisas has facilitated easier access to other Caribbean islands and North America, thus allowing the company’s reputation to extend beyond Trinidad.
As a supplier of high quality, internationally recognized, products for the safety industry, CSP stocks acclaimed brands such as Puma and Drager and its own in-house brands, Wear Safe, Med Safe, Fire Safe, Ride Safe and Pro Wear. The well-trained and experienced staff at CSP can advise customers on a range of protective clothing, fire safety equipment, safety headwear, eyewear, medical supplies and footwear. This allows for an individual and tailored approach to each customer, based on their needs and budget. With its years of experience and commitment to international safety standards, CSP has also become a trusted provider of personalized services and safety solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in all environments.
a working interest of 10% and 20% respectively across Block 22 and MCMA-4 for the project. These key developments by Shell Trinidad and Tobago highlight not only the valuable role the company plays in developing the sector for the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago but also the reputation that these projects have given the region as a rich and lucrative source of energy potential. This hopes to bring continued investment into the region’s oil and gas industry.
Currently, when the Colibri and Barracuda projects are combined, they have the potential to deliver more gas to the domestic market of Trinidad and Tobago as well as to major LNG markets internationally. This is bolstered further by Shell’s major share in Atlantic LNG, one of the world’s leading LNG producers, and so Shell Trinidad and Tobago has continued to position itself and the region for continued economic growth thanks to the oil and gas operations it has undertaken in the region.
As we have already seen, the projects carried out by Shell Trinidad and Tobago are bringing significant
Advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Market
economic and energy sector development. With a key section of this development alongside vital stakeholders such as McDermott, Shell has been able to create a strong relationship between Trinidad and Venezuela as it looks to develop its operations within the cross-border Loran-Manatee discovery field shared by the two countries. With Shell’s reputation for teamwork, integrity and respect; it aims to forge a strong relationship between Trinidad and Venezuela so that both countries can see the vital benefits of the 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas estimated to be located within this field.
For this, in November 2023, Shell announced that Venezuela was set to approve a license for the Dragon gas field in Trinidad which would be located in Venezuelan territorial waters. The field is estimated to hold up to 4.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and following the approval of the license, Shell could begin work to deliver significant benefits to the two countries following delays in progress spanning over a decade since the last developments were made. Once completed Shell
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Trinidad and Tobago will operate a 70% interest, with Trinidad and Tobago’s National Gas Company owning the remaining 30% stake.
As we have seen, Shell has spent over a century developing the oil and gas industry of Trinidad and Tobago and it remains committed to its development for the future. With strategic partnerships with vital stakeholders across the local and international industry, the company has established the rich potential of the region’s deposit potential as a key site of investment as its production serves both domestic and export markets. We look forward to seeing how the development of the ECMA and NCMA continue to bring great success for the company and continue to solidify Trinidad and Tobago’s place within the global energy industry.
Guyana Tourism Authority
Home to a rich rainforest ecosystem, hundreds of kilometres of beautiful coastlines, golden savannahs and a hilly sand and clay region, Guyana is a vital hub for tourism across South America. It is thanks to these vast landscapes, that Guyana is now a key stopping point for the 21st-century traveller who wants to see the beauty that each of the regions offers, whilst also taking in the melting pot of culture that the country is today. Therefore, the tourism sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, and so the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) board was established to focus on protecting these landscapes whilst promoting sustainable travel across the country.
GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation which aims to develop and promote Guyana’s tourism industry to ensure the financial security of the country and continue to maximise local socio-economic and environmental conservation projects. Through a series of promotion, networking and development projects, GTA aims to position Guyana as a locally and internationally recognised premier destination for tourism by focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
To achieve this level of recognition GTA are working to promote the country’s attractions and rich cultural heritage, whilst also protecting the sustainability of its operations to ensure that the country’s iconic scenery remains protected from any excessive harm that the tourism industry can often be linked to regarding environmental damage. Therefore, a key sector of GTA’s operations is working with tour operators, researchers and academics to deliver conservation and SAFE travel tourism. SAFE travel covers the scientific, academic, volunteer
and educational travellers who are visiting Guyana to experience the rich ecosystems and contribute knowledge to the enhancement of the country’s sustainable development. Therefore, in Guyana, tourists can take part in world-class experiences and research which gives back to the country.
These projects have already seen many internationally recognised government-led projects such as the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project which has 2 community tourism experiences in Victoria and Mahaica, as well as more communityled initiatives in Rewa’s Yupakari and Surama. All of these are working to protect the rainforest which makes up the centre of Guyana. In Guyana, roughly 90% of the population lives along the coast, and so the interior of the country is home to a lush tropical rainforest. The rainforest in Guyana actually accounts for 18% of the world’s tropical forests, and so its protection and conservation draw a large amount of leisure and ecotourism to the country every single year to view a glimpse at some of the country’s native species.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Guyana Tourism Authority
However, aside from the great environmental draws, Guyana is also home to a vast mix of culture, traditions, architecture and cuisines which reflect the great diversity of the region. One of the best ways to experience the culture of Guyana is to visit the communities, and this is a key focus of GTA’s promotion of Guyana. GTA encourages tourists visiting Guyana to visit local communities and to buy locally to enhance the economy of these communities whilst also getting the best experience of all the culture that Guyana has to offer. This cultural experience is also promoted through festivals, architecture and exhibitions which highlight further the rich culture of the country. However, throughout every aspect of the cultural tourism side of GTA’s operations, it remains focused on ensuring that all tourists remain respectful of local communities and continue to promote sustainable tourism throughout every visit.
Sustinability remains a key focus for GTA throughout every aspect of its development and promotion of the tourism industry. To achieve this GTA work with local communities and stakeholders, tourism marketers, guides and governmental figures to continue to offer a wide variety of tourism services, whilst also working to protect the
dazzling natural landscape of Guyana. GTA therefore supports and celebrates a range of companies, hotels and businesses across the tourism industry which are achieving this through energy-saving operations and conservation.
Hotels in Guyana supported by GTA include the Cara Lodge, Grand Coastal Hotel and the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. However, in Guyana, there are also many lodge hotel options such as the Rewa Eco Lodge. This lodge lies along the Rewa River, which is uninhabited so offers a completely untouched habitat for visitors to explore. The lodge was built and designed by the people of Rewa Village, and so is vital for providing employment opportunities whilst adding key value to the forest’s biodiversity.
In terms of sustainability, the lodge is powered completely by solar power to promote the environmental development of tourism lodgings across the region. The hotel also provides a range of bird watching, sport fishing and hiking activities to see the natural wonder of this location, whilst enhancing the conservation and sustainable
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
development of the region. The Rewa Eco Lodge is just one of the vital accommodations across the country which continues the work of GTA to develop the tourism industry of Guyana.
One of the central ways that GTA continues to promote Guyana is through networking on an international scale. In March, GTA attended the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo which brings together tour operators and tourism stakeholders from both local and international markets. At the exhibition, key discussions took place between GTA, Tourism Stakeholders Guyana, the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana, and two North American marketing representation firms.
These firms included Emerging Destinations and Corner Sun Marketing who were engaged in conversation with the representatives from Guyana regarding plans to promote and develop a strong relationship between Guyana and the North American tourism market. These discussions follow the official partnership of GTA with the two marketing representatives in January. This vital partnership aims to strengthen the promotional
efforts of Guyana and continue to deliver high footfall rates from the tourism industry over the coming years. This strategic partnership highlights just another key aspect of promoting multisectoral tourism in Guyana, and its mission to develop the country’s transformational process toward sustainable tourism through innovative and strategic partnerships.
Guyana is a hotspot for a rich mix of culture, tradition, wildlife and ecosystems, which continue to draw tourists from across the world. GTA is working to bring key tourism to the country to promote local and national economic development. However, what separates GTA’s mission from many in the tourism industry, is that it is working alongside its communities and local stakeholders to ensure that their social-economic development and the protection of the environment is its paramount responsibility. Therefore, thanks to Guyana Tourism Authority, Guyana is now a vital and rich research and conservation hub that thrives from both leisure and eco-tourism.
Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
Located in the Southern-most waters of the Caribbean, where trade lanes between the Americas, islands of the Caribbean, and significant Atlantic and Pacific Ocean shipping lanes, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) is a strategic hub providing a coordinated and integrated system of harbour facilities and port services.
Divided into four separate strategic units, PATT has served Trinidad and Tobago by providing port authority services for the Twin Island state for the last 70 years. A key focus of PATT is in the Port of Port of Spain for which the majority of cargo is imported and exported through. PATT was established as a statutory authority by an act of parliament in 1961, which was proclaimed in 1962 to begin providing a coordinated and integrated system of harbour facilities and services. Today, PATT is an entity comprising four business units: The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Governing Unit (PATTGU), The Port of Port of Spain (PPOS), The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transport Company (TTIT), and The Port of Spain Infrastructure Company (POSINCO).
PATTGU provides critical authority over all the port’s activities and the other divisional units. It is the critical enabler in ensuring that all the units are efficient, sustainable, responsive, and productive throughout their business operations.
Therefore, the PATTGU is on a mission to ensure that its internal stakeholders achieve their respective mandates and become leaders in these core areas of operation. Fundamentally, PATTGU works to ensure that all activities are in compliance with the Constitutional Law and Regulations of Trinidad and Tobago, promote excellent service which focuses on integrity, objectivity, fairness, professionalism, care, confidentiality and productivity across the port operation units, all the whilst ensuring that safety is paramount throughout every single activity. Therefore, we can see that PATTGU is a key voice in the Authority of the port, driving for excellence through safety and communication to ensure that the ports of Trinidad and Tobago are recognised globally as a key hub across vital international trade and shipping lanes. The key unit responsible for all cargo handling operations at the port is the PPOS. The Port of Spain is a natural harbour located on the north-western coast of Trinidad and is ideally positioned to service the major sea lanes. The PPOS unit provides berthing for international container vessels, breakbulk, rollon/roll-off, and dry and liquid bulk cargo. PPOS also provides a range of services including towage, container freight, warehousing and a one-stop barrel shop for clearance and delivery of personal effects. The PPOS actively works to leverage its
Handling the Port of Spain
location and utilises its motivated and well-trained workforce, state-of-the-art technology, and range of modern and reliable equipment to ensure that the port maintains a steady stream of cargo handling to promote the Port on an international scale.
The Port of Spain contains 142 hectares (ha) of land, with 61ha used specifically for cargo operations. As a government-owned unit, it facilitates all the necessary cargo handling, storage, and warehousing across the port through its 8 berths, unclaimed cargo shed, break bulk storage, Barrel shop, empty container storage yard, full container storage area, container reefer yard, as well as vehicle storage. Consequently, PPOS is capable of managing a whole range of cargo operations, to aid in bringing vessels into shore and the unloading/reloading of cargo to keep global supply chains moving.
Also under PATT is the Inter-Island Transport Company (TTIT) which provides the service of reliable
and affordable transport of passengers, vehicles and cargo between Trinidad and Tobago. Through TTIT’s 4 passenger ferries, the company provides world-class inter-island transportation services which facilitate customer-driven passenger and freight services between Trinidad and Tobago that are affordable, consistently safe, reliable, and efficient through its experienced workforce. TTIT is tech-driven and consistently provides vital transport links between the two islands, which continues to enhance the development of the region as a cohesive effort.
Furthermore, the landlord unit of PATT is POSINCO which was incorporated in 2002 and plays a significant strategic role across the Port as the landlord who oversees the real estate of the port. A crucial part of its role is in the development of port infrastructure to help maintain the smooth running of the port. This maintenance aims to help boost cargo activity and the inter-island ferry service to keep the port developing to meet growing cargo and transportation demands across Trinidad and Tobago. POSINCO provides real estate leases and
Shipping service in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago
Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
licenses, towage, upgrading and maintenance services, harbour facilities and a range of value-added services. The unit is committed to strengthening the Port of Port of Spain’s collective position, maintaining customer focus, and developing its human resources to comply with international standards for the preservation, safety, and security of the Port environment.
An additional service available across the port through POSINCO is its cruise shipping services. Trinidad and Tobago have seen a vast increase in growth in international cruise shipping over the last decade, and a large amount of this development is due to the collaborated efforts of the Tourism Development Company, the Ministry of Tourism, the Tobago House of Assemble and POSINCO in the overseas market of Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, through key collaboration with a range of companies across the region, POSINCO is upgrading and developing the port and its service offerings to continue to develop its role in both the cargo and tourism industries.
Overall, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago are providing key development across the region which has seen the port grow significantly over the last 70 years. The Port’s ability to handle cargo via The Port of Port of Spain has vastly improved through PPOS and POSINCO’s effort to develop its facilities towards a more seamless supply chain future. However, the tourism industry across Trinidad and Tobago has also seen vast development through TTIT. Collectively the divisional units of PATT work together to establish it as a unity and regulation-implementing organisation that seeks only the develop the ports towards global success. Therefore, as a strategic hub in the south of the Caribbean, PATT is successful in its mission to unite the region’s port offerings through its unrivalled commitment to developing its port and harbour services.
For over 180 years, Norton Lilly International has established itself as the premier shipping agency, driven by its commitment to being the industry’s trusted provider of maritime and industrial logistic services for all vessel types.
With operations spanning the US, Canada, Panama, and several Caribbean countries, Norton Lilly is the most time-tested ship agency in the Western hemisphere-consistently delivering top-quality services to its valued customers.
Norton Lilly maintains a robust partnership with The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, serving Trinidad’s Port of Spain through its division, Norton Lilly Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NLTT). NLTT offers a comprehensive range of services, including general cargo, roll-on/roll-off, tanker, and naval vessel services. Since its inaugural vessel call in 2007, NLTT has nurtured a strong bond with the Port Authority, bringing its extensive international experience to meet the local requirements of the Port.
Looking ahead, Norton Lilly is dedicated to exploring additional opportunities in the container market. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional service to its clientele through close collaboration with the Port Authority.
With a focus on providing excellent maritime and industrial logistics services, Norton Lilly is a trusted guide in the complex realm of shipping and port logistics. Prioritizing clients’ best interests, the company continues to earn unwavering trust and foster synergistic relationships. Norton Lilly’s longstanding success is a testament to its dedication to excellence at every turn.
Water and Sewerage Authority
Water resources are fundamental to life, and so protecting such valuable resources takes commitment and the right infrastructure to help meet the water demands of a region today whilst conserving water resources for future generations. This vital role is one that the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) takes very seriously. WASA works to manage the water and sewage sector of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and efficient water supply every day.
WASA was formed in 1965, three years after independence, by the government to oversee the water and sewage facilities of Trinidad and Tobago. WASA brought together several agencies which formerly worked across the water and sewage services of the region and formed them into one unified entity that would oversee the entire water and wastewater sector. The first underwater sewerage system of Trinidad and Tobago was constructed in Port of Spain to collect wastewater from public baths and washhouses; however, it quickly became apparent that the system couldn’t handle the demand of a rapidly growing population. Consequently, WASA’s role began with the Lock Joint Project development, which built a new wastewater treatment plant in 1996 to enhance the existing water systems and develop new sewers and manholes to help with waste management in Port of Spain, San Fernando and Arima.
Today, WASA has key management over the Hollis, Caroni-Arena and Navet damns in Trinidad and the Hillsborough Reservoir in Tobago, in addition to other freshwater wells providing municipal drinking water. However, since the development of the Lock Joint Project in 1966, the country has not seen significant development to its water and wastewater systems to again meet the growing demands of the Trinidad and Tobago population, other than a few smaller system expansions into new water treatment plants in Scarborough and Beetham. Therefore, WASA’s role today is to continue to develop the country’s water and sewage network to meet the demand of the nation with a reliable water supply and waste management service, all whilst establishing itself as the best-performing utility company in the Western hemisphere.
WASA’s day-to-day activities span the entire water and sewage system as the largest public utility company in the country, with operations spanning supply, billing, licensing and waste removal operations. These operations serve 92% of the population, delivering water resources through pipe-borne private house connections and standpipes. Throughout these operations, WASA is committed to delivering the highest internationally recognised standards for water management to ensure that every sector of society can continue to function well supported by a well-connected water and sewage system.
However, as WASA strives to provide the best possible water and sewage services to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, it remains focused on utilising advanced technology to support the expertise of its workforce. This utilisation of technology is vital in ensuring that water resources are meeting the demand of the population efficiently and reliably, whilst also mitigating water loss and waste. This need for technology became particularly apparent in the formation of the Water Resources Agency, now under the operation of WASA. WRA was established by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to develop and control the country’s water resources particularly focusing on utilising technology to monitor water across the region for the benefit of the country’s sewer systems.
When first established, WRA entered into an agreement with a Canadian firm to train staff across Trinidad and Tobago to collect and analyse
Our Vision
Making the most of our proven 40 years of excellence with diverse multi-sectoral expertise & experience to fulfil our Corporate Social Responsibility of care to nature and fellow mankind.
“To provide fundamental human rights services with excellence respecting the dignity of mankind”
Right to water
Proven success with excellence in delivery of 250 billion gallons of water to date and continuing
Right to sanitation
Proven success with excellence in environmentally sustainable technologies and solutions in our projects
Our Duty of Care of Nature
Desalcott epitomizes providing positive social value with philanthropic causes and pioneering environmental conservation. With R&D from design to current operations, Desalcott has the 4R approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover) as articulated by UNEP for water and energy conservation. Flora and fauna flourishes in Desalcott’s raw seawater, permeate, brine and sludge
The Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited Corner Pacific Avenue & Maracaibo Drive, Point Lisas Industrial Estate, Trinidad & Tobago Phone: 868-636-3725 | E-mail: info@desalcott.com Website: https://desalcott.com
Water and Sewerage Authority
Petroquip Industrial Company Limited
Established in 1995, Petroquip Industrial Company Limited is involved in the supply of materials to the petroleum, petrochemical, iron & steel, power plant, marine, food & beverage, water & sewerage, and plant & building construction sectors in Trinidad & Tobago and several other Caribbean islands. The company’s product lines come in a variety of materials such as Iron, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Sanitary, Galvanize and PVC to suit a wide range of applications for residential, commercial or industrial purposes.
Instrumentation- High quality gauges made in Poland, Thermometers, Thermowells, Subbers We are Trinidad & Tobago’s Authorized Distributor for Matco-Norca quality valves & ) fittings, American valve manufacturer Nibco, and Instrumentation manufacturer, Noshok Inc.
Pipes-Schedule 40 & Schedule 80
Flanges - Slip On, Threaded, Weld Neck, Blind and PN 16
Nipples - in varying lengths and sizes. We even make specialty sizes and designs. Pipe clamps -We carry the Clampette line of pipe clamps, as well as Unistrut Fasteners - Bolts, Nuts, Washers, Threaded rods, hangers
Sealants & primers - Thread seal paste, thread seal tape, PVC Cement & Primers
We also provide welding, fabrication and pipe threading services.
basic hydrological and hydrometeorological data which it collated into a Water Resources Survey to best understand the region’s water resources. This data remains vital to WASA operations today, and so WRA continues to monitor rainfall, streamflow, groundwater, evaporation, and water quality parameters through strategically located sites across the region to better inform WASA’s decisions and daily operations.
The data collected by WRA also plays a vital role in WASA’s water conservation efforts. As mentioned, water has become an increasingly valuable resource which sustains life and so the company remains focused on protecting water resources so that they remain available for populations
now and in the future. WASA achieves this level of water conservation by working closely with people across the region, as well as vital stakeholders. Among the population, WASA is fostering a waterconscious community, where every person remains responsible for water conservation. It aims to achieve this through education on water resources, the role of industrialization and climate change on water resources, and the promotion of water loss reporting to ensure that water resources are not needlessly lost across the nation.
In terms of stakeholders, WASA works closely with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Ministry of Works and Transport Drainage Division, Ministry of Food Production, Land and
Experts in Water and Sewage Management
Marine Resources, Ministry of Public Utilities, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), and the Meteorological Services of Trinidad and Tobago (MET). These stakeholders, together with WASA, and the local community collectively work to protect water resources and ensure that water can meet the current demands whilst remaining protected for future generations.
Following the lack of water system development since 1966, WASA has begun a new wastewater development for the region, which is set to be the largest investment in the nation’s water sector since the Lock Joint Project. The Malabar and San Fernando Wastewater projects will provide a more centralised water service for the regions. The projects will allow for a more unified waste management, treatment and catchment system that will be fully integrated into an expanding sewer network, to provide efficient and reliable sewer services for residents across Trinidad and Tobago. Once completed the new sewage network will serve over 200,000 people across all catchments
and should increase the nation’s wastewater coverage from 30% to 48% along with WASA’s other development projects.
With water resources remaining a valuable yet constantly in-demand resource, having the vital management system in place to monitor water and sewage resources is essential for the smooth running of utility services. For WASA this commitment to water and sewage management remains a key concern to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago have the vital facilities in place to keep water services operational to meet the growing demands of today, whilst conserving the resources at all costs to ensure they remain readily available for future generations. With data-driven management, we look forward to seeing how the new waste management projects in Malabar and San Fernando continue to build the nation’s water and sewage services, to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient water supplies to people every day.
National Energy Corporation of Trinidad & Tobago Limited
For many years, Trinidad and Tobago has been a leader in energy development with a lucrative petrochemical industry supported by the country’s reliable oil and gas infrastructure. However, as the world moves towards a future where fossil fuels are being used less to curb global warming caused by emissions, industries are looking for new green energy options that allow them to deliver the same results without the impact on the climate. Consequently, National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (National Energy) has been playing a vital role in spearheading the global shift towards hydrogen-focused energy resources across the nation to leverage its existing energy resources and set up its operations ready for the global shift towards a hydrogen economy in the coming years.
Incorporated in 1979, National Energy is a subsidiary of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) which is wholly owned by the government of Trinidad and Tobago and has been at the heart of developing the nation’s energy sector for almost 50 years. The main purpose of National Energy is to harness the energy potential of the region and deliver a reliable, yet environmentally sustainable, supply of energy to its citizens every day. To achieve this, National Energy has been implementing vital infrastructure across Trinidad and Tobago’s energy industry to deliver energy resources supported by its extensive knowledge across the sector.
One of the main aspects of National Energy’s operations today is driving towards the use of renewable and green energy resources. A key development for this is the adoption of Green Hydrogen which is the latest renewable energy source looking set to be a key player in the global shift towards green energy resources. Green hydrogen is generated via electrolysis from renewable energy sources, and so does not produce carbon emissions in its production. This means that it can be made sustainably and still deliver energy to meet the needs of the world.
National Energy has focused so much of its current development on green hydrogen production due to the existing infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago. As a key oil and gas producer for many years, the country already has the necessary petrochemical facilities, experience in energy production, and associated infrastructure (including storage and export facilities) in place to easily serve the production of hydrogen. This means that Trinidad and Tobago are already ahead of other competing nations to get green hydrogen to market without the need for additional infrastructure. Consequently, National Energy has focused a large part of its operations on delivering energy through renewable energy resources, such as hydrogen to position it as a pioneer in the global green energy economy.
For this reason, National Energy has set out a roadmap of decarbonisation in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) outlining exactly how it aims to develop the existing infrastructure and be a leading company bringing green hydrogen to the energy market. The Green
The Future of Sustainable Energy
Hydrogen Roadmap outlines three stages in which National Energy aims to deliver green energy to Trinidad and Tobago. The first step is Horizon 1 which outlines the company’s plans to deliver a strong foundation from which the rest of the development will build. It aims to first achieve consensus among local stakeholders and put in place the necessary enabling policies and regulatory framework to begin the project. From this, it aims to establish visible decarbonisation initiatives in the country, first through the development of an offshore wind pilot. Then the second stage, Horizon 2, will initiate the first utility-scale renewable energy project, along with the official launch of a green hydrogen production facility. By the end of this part of the road map, National Energy’s goal is to have installed 25 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind with a 10.5GW output which will feed electrolysers to produce 1.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of green hydrogen.
The final stage of the Green Hydrogen Roadmap, Horizon 3, will reinforce Trinidad and Tobago’s role as the leader in the green energy sector by generating 57GW of offshore wind capacity, with a
National Energy Corporation of Trinidad & Tobago Limited
25 GW output, producing 4 Mtpa of green hydrogen. This final figure is planned to be delivered by 2065 and plays a vital role in the company’s commitment to delivering a net-zero future by 2050.
However, to make these stages a reality, National Energy will continue to work with the government and vital stakeholders to bring major investment into the country’s upstream development of the hydrogen value chain. This will include investments into more renewable energy and hydrogen electrolysis to continue to produce more green hydrogen across the country. Additionally, National Energy aims to encourage investment in the maintenance and expansion of downstream infrastructure. With these additional investments, the company hopes to also begin developing green ammonia and green methanol in a further push to develop more decarbonised energy sources for a more decarbonised energy future.
As we have seen, a key part of National Energy’s role is towards the development of hydrogen through renewable energy and in particular its development of this through its Green Hydrogen Roadmap. However, National Energy has long been
working across Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy resources for the last 45 years. It has achieved this through its Energy Services Company (ESCO) which has been working to unlock the full potential of energy efficiency in enterprises locally, to facilitate the large-scale integration of more energy-efficient resources. ESCO works closely with its renewable energy services, to meet the
The Future of Sustainable Energy Development
government of Trinidad and Tobago’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2023. Therefore, as a governmentally owned enterprise, National Energy continues to work towards these goals and provides businesses across the nation with the facilities to make this target a reality.
The energy sector has long played a vital role in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, accounting for 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 thanks to its oil, gas and petrochemical exports. However, as the world moves towards a future where hydrocarbon and fossil fuels are looking to be phased out in place of green energy solutions, it is no surprise National Energy is getting ahead of the curve and strategically positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a leading nation driving towards a carbon-reduced future. With the vital infrastructure already in place, we look forward to seeing how National Energy will continue to drive Trinidad and Tobago’s green hydrogen production and deliver a green economy for the country to support its energy production for many years to come.
drydock@sr.net
One floating drydock of 50.00 x 22.00 x 1.60 meters with breadth of 18.00 meters between the wing walls and a lifting capacity of 1100 tons
One floating drydock of 30.00 x 13.40 x 1.22 meters with breadth of 10.05 meters between the wing walls and a lifting capacity of 150 tons
One slipway with a capacity of 100 tons and one for new buildings and repairs of vessels up to 600 tons with a length of 70.00 meters
One machine shop for repairing and machining of shafts, bearings and parts
One propeller shop for repairing several kinds of propellers such as manganese bronze, bronial, aluminum and stainless steel
Representative of: Damen Shipyards Gorinchem
SURINAME DRYDOCK AND SHIPBUILDING COMPANY S.A.
Facilities
BP Trinidad and Tobago
BP Trinidad and Tobago (BPTT) is a significant subsidiary of the global BP energy company which specialises in upstream, midstream, downstream, and retail energy sectors. Therefore as one of the largest natural gas producers, BPTT accounts for almost 50% of Trinidad and Tobago’s total gas production and 25% of the global BP’s net gas production. Consequently, the role of BPTT under BP cannot be understated. We are thrilled to be catching up with BPTT again to see how the company has continued to grow the energy sector of Trinidad and Tobago and highlight some key new developments and projects for the company over the upcoming year.
BPTT is one of the largest hydrocarbon producers and a leader in natural gas production with 16 offshore production platforms, 2 subsea tiebacks and 2 onshore processing facilities. BPTT believes the key to longterm sustainability is building local expertise across all areas of national energy. To achieve this BPTT has a range of operations spanning the oil and gas industry, the design and construction of platforms and the installation of pipelines across Trinidad and Tobago. As a joint partnership between BP (70%) and Repsol (30%), BPTT has seen major developments as it continues to expand its operations to meet the growing energy and renewable energy needs of the future.
A crucial development for BPTT in recent years is in the Cypre Gas Field. The project will develop BPTT’s third subsea development which will include 7 wells and subsea trees. The trees will tie back into BPTT’s existing Juniper platform via flexible flowlines. The gas field is located 78km off the southeast coast of Trinidad in the East Mayaro Block at a water depth of roughly 80 metres. The project is expected to deliver an average gas production of 250-300 million standard cubic feet a day (mmscfd) which will go towards meeting BPTT’s existing gas supply commitments. This development is part of BPTT’s goal to make the most of existing infrastructure, whilst identifying innovative solutions to bring gas to the market faster without adding operating emissions.
David Campbell, president of BPTT, highlights the crucial role of the Cyre Gas Field, “The go-ahead for the Cypre development is great news for Trinidad and Tobago and for BPTT, as it demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in our business here. Today’s announcement is a great reflection of our strategy in action – efficiently developing the resources in our existing acreage so we can bring new gas to the market faster, all without increasing operating emissions.” As Campbell highlights, the use of existing infrastructure emphasises BPTT’s push towards making the project more sustainable and also cost-efficient for its stakeholders and partnerships by delivering projects that excel whilst protecting the region for future generations. In June just last year, BPTT announced that the first segment of the flexible (flowlines) pipe which
Rosco Procom Driving Energy Forward in Trinidad and Tobago
Rosco Procom, a leader in engineered OEM products, industrial equipment and support services, is driving energy forward in Trinidad and Tobago. With over 70 years of experience and commitment to innovation, the company offers a diverse portfolio of brands and services within the energy sector.
Rosco Procom operates through four distinct divisions:
• Oil & Gas: Providing essential equipment and solutions for upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
• Mechanical & Electrical: Delivering a range of generators, compressors, motors, along with expert support services.
• Consumer & Commercial: Supplying lubricants, paint and PPE equipment for diverse industrial and commercial needs.
“Our vision is to be the leading provider of integrated energy solutions in our region,” states Wayne Bernard, CEO at Rosco Procom. “We are committed to delivering key products and services that help our clients operate more efficiently and sustainably.”
BP Trinidad and Tobago
Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria).
It’s been five years since Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria) began its journey as a subsidiary of Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited. From our humble beginnings in 2018, we continue to strive to be the leading energy trading company in the region.
Paria which is located in Pointe-a-Pierre strives to be the leading supplier of refined petroleum products such as Motor Gasoline, 92RON Unleaded, 95RON Unleaded, Kerosene/Avjet, Gas Oil/ULSD and Fuel Oil (HSFO and LSFO)
We trade and sell products (40,000 bbls) daily to Trinidad and Tobago and the regional markets. Products are stored at our tank farm and distributed locally by Truck Rack Systems, regionally by our marine terminal and internationally via bunkering.
We also store, treat, and provide marine handling of crude oil for export and provide laboratory services to assess the quality of the products received and sold.
Our 120 employees and over 400 contractors are focused on providing safe, secure and reliable services and assisting our fence-line communities through sustainable programs.
We are Paria – The Passion and Energy to Make a Difference
accounts for roughly 40% of the total flexible length of the gas field. These were successfully loaded into custom-built storage baskets from the Baker Hughes Newcastle Facility and were shipped to the Port of Blyth which will be their temporary storage location until they are transported to Trinidad later this year. This marks a key milestone in the development and the future of the Cypre Gas Field and will add to BPTT’s extensive portfolio of offshore production platforms and subsea tieback projects.
A crucial project for BPTT is its Mango Field offshore project, which in May last year saw the first phase of the ‘small pools’ drilling campaign completed. The Mango Field campaign aims to add three wells in the Mango Field, one in the Savonette Field and 3 in the Angelin Field. Since we last covered this project, all of the wells on the Mango Field have been put into production and are producing roughly 180 mmscfd with the third well still ramping up its production. In addition to the wells, the ‘small pools’ drilling program includes a range of side tracks of existing wells as well as access to new exploration segments that have not previously been put into production. By targeting these smaller gas reserves that are already near existing BPTT infrastructure, the company can take advantage of these resources and bring them into production
much faster. So far, BPTT has been optimising its operations through seismic data to reprocess, interpret and provide rigorous well planning which has seen positive results thus far.
As we have seen, deepwater development in Trinidad and Tobago is such a key and lucrative industry that benefits both the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the range of energy companies working across the region. A key development for the region was announced in September 2023, with a joint contract awarded to BPTT and Shell Trinidad and Tobago by the government to develop deepwater exploration blocks off Trinidad’s east coast. BP and Shell own 50% stakes in each block and will oversee blocks 25(a), 25(b) and 27. The first two blocks will be operated by BPTT, with block 27 operated by Shell.
David Campbell comments in the press release that, “For more than four decades BPTT has been operating off Trinidad’s east coast and the deepwater represents the next major province for this country’s indigenous energy development. We are looking to this exciting new era of exploration and production in the deepwater of Trinidad and
The Passion and Energy to Make a
Difference
SAFE DELIVERY, QUALITY ASSURED
Importing refined fuel to satisfy our Trinidad and Tobago’s energy needs.
Our focus is to lead the region in the fuel logistics and trading business.
We are a state-owned company with access to strategic linkages and high-level market intelligence. Our significant infrastructure positions us to offer safe, responsible and efficient terminal operations which will facilitate the reliable importation and trading of petroleum products.
Scan here to follow us on linked in for our latest news and updates
Email: Arnold.Soogrim@paria-tt.com
BP Trinidad and Tobago
Tobago combining our knowledge of the country’s geological systems and our global deepwater expertise”. Campell’s comments emphasize the solidified role that BPTT continues to play across the region. With vital contracts awarded by the government, the company is set to continue to harness the gas potential of the region along with other vital stakeholders and develop the region’s global energy industry for many years to come.
As we saw last year, BPTT has been continually expanding its operations, with a key development in its Cassia C facility, which makes up part of BPTT’s Area Development Plan. The Area Development Plan has set out to develop the hydrocarbon resources in its licensed marine acreage for Trinidad and Tobago. This plan includes a combination of exploration and development projects which are focused on maximising BPTT’s production. The Cassia C facility is the first offshore compression platform for BPTT and its biggest offshore facility, which will enable the BPTT to access and produce low-pressure gas resources from the Greater Cassia Area. With an expected peak production of roughly 200-300 mmscfd of gas, the facility is the 16th one under BPTT to help meet the region’s supply commitment and sustain Trinidad and Tobago’s LNG and petrochemical industries.
David Campbell, President of BPTT said in a press release on the facility that “First gas from Cassia C is an important milestone for BP in Trinidad and Tobago. This first offshore compression facility will allow us to unlock new resources and bring muchneeded gas to market. I am immensely proud of the teams which have been working hard to bring this facility online”. Campbell’s statements come
as the facility, which sits approximately 35 miles off Trinidad’s southeastern coast, will maximise the production potential of BPTT’s acreage.
In December last year, BPTT announced the new Atlantic structure which would bring benefits to Trinidad and Tobago. The shake-up will see the restricted ownership and commercial framework allow for an intensified focus on operational efficiency and reliability for Atlantic LNG, a key liquified natural gas (LNG) company in Trinidad and Tobago. This will mean investors will provide greater certainty and allow for the sanctioning of the next wave of upstream gas projects. In an agreement between shareholders and the government, a new ownership structure and commercial framework was agreed which will see the National Gas Company increase its equity share in Atlantic LNG, consistent with the commitment by the government to maximise the value of hydrocarbon sales for the country.
In addition, the structure will facilitate marketreflective pricing which will provide fair value from the sale of LNG for both the country and the shareholders, which it will achieve by focusing
on the operational efficiency and reliability of LNG. For BPTT it will, as outlined by David Campell “set a strong foundation for future investment in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy industry, including deepwater”. Consequently, all shareholders across Trinidad and Tobao’s gas and oil industry are always working together to develop the region’s prosperity and highlight it as a key global hub for deepwater developments garnering investment from the international energy sector.
We have seen yet again that for Trinidad and Tobago, its energy sector remains a significant part of its economic development on both a local and international scale. With key investments from stakeholders and governmental organisations across the sector, companies such as BPTT continue to solidify Trinidad and Tobago’s role as a key energy hub. As the company looks towards the future with new and exciting key developments, we look forward to seeing how BPTT continues to expand the gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago and bring continued economic prosperity across the region thanks to its top-of-the-line deepwater developments.
Edan K. Properties Ltd.
shape with the mall. The development would require the conversion of single-lane roads to dual lanes, which would reduce traffic and bring more visitors into the town to further bring more business potential into the area. It is this focus on creating an environment of vital business development, that highlights Edan’s mission to provide facilities in which businesses and enterprises can thrive, thereby developing the communities and industries in which they operate.
In addition to the Gasparillo Mall and Business Community, Edan has commercial real estate in the Edan’s Centre which is a 6-story mall located in San Fernando, a 3-story commercial building on Southern Main Road, and a 2,00 sq ft space in La Romaine. These commercial properties, add to Edan’s current industrial properties including the Point Lisas Business Park which covers 80 acres, with 17 plots approved for industrial use, and the Belle Vue Industrial Estate which comprises 76 acres, with 38 pots approved for light industrial use. What we can see from Edan’s portfolio is a range of strategic properties which are
focused on supporting the needs of the people and communities in which it operates.
Unlike typical developers who work in the residential field, Edan focuses on specifically commercial and industrial spaces. Entering into such a vast field as the commercial and industrial property sector may be daunting for most, but Edan has taken it all in its stride, even as a small company, and has worked tirelessly over the last 2 decades to improve the economic landscape of Trinidad and
is now one of the largest real estate development companies in the country.
Just last year a project concept was announced with Edan K. Properties to develop a Gulf View Hotel site. The project concept would include 60100 rooms, a conference space, meeting rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness centre sitting on roughly 1.8 acres of prime real estate in Southern Trinidad. The hotel would bring greater tourism opportunities to the region, with the location ideally suited as a 3-star business hotel and conference centre. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago is a favourable venue for conferences and events as it is often recognised as a commercial and entertainment centre for the Caribbean. The hotel would join other local attractions including fine dining restaurants, cinemas, and cultural shows at the South Academy of Performing Arts. The project is currently only in the conceptual stage, but Edan is seeking investors who would be interested in leasing.
Overall, Edan is leading Trinidad’s commercial and industrial real estate business sector with
vital investment into the region to support the development of a lucrative and connected business environment. As we have seen from just a few projects under Edan’s existing portfolio, the company has already been a key driver for sustainable development and the enhancement of the social and environmental landscape. We look forward to seeing how Edan continues to take over the commercial and industrial landscape as it continues to make a thriving and profitable business sector to bring continued economic growth to the people of the region.
As a trusted provider of professional services for the insurance and financial sector, the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (TTAIFA) is committed to providing its members with continued education development across the finance and insurance advisory role for the benefit of the insurance industry and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
TTAIFA is on a mission to enrich Trinidad and Tobago one family at a time by providing longterm growth in the financial and insurance industries. TTAIFA does this through its clear code of conduct based on its name to help maintain accountability and responsibility across the sector:
T – “Transforming Advisors into Professionals and Prospects into Advocates.”
T - “Technically Disseminating Information”
A – “Advocating Ethical and Best Practises”
I – “Inspiring and Informing”
F – “Focusing on Building Family Financial Strength”
A – “Alliances (with regulators, for the benefit of financial advisors and the industry”
By ensuring that these are the main focuses for advisors across the industry, TTAIFA remains a highflyer for the life insurance industry as it brings companies and education together to continually promote the vital role these organisations play in the everyday lives of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. By putting education and knowledge at the forefront, TTAIFA pioneers the sector with support, guidance, and advice to create a constant cycle of improvement and development.
The Association began as the Life Underwriters Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LUATT) which focused on life insurance salespersons across the region – a key focus the association still has today. LUATT hoped to facilitate salespersons who qualified for the prestigious million-dollar round table and needed to be affiliated with such an organisation, with its prime responsibility being to continue the education and professional development of insurance and financial advisors. However, following a few years of instability, the secretariat began part of the Joint Secretariat Corporation which facilitated the Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Institute, the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies and the Academy of Insurance. Over the years LUATT attended government committees to make inputs on reform and other relative issues affecting the financial services sector.
In 2003, the official name was changed to TTAIFA which today is a recognised body with over 1300 members from across the major insurance and
Trinidad and Tobago Association of Insurance and Financial
financial service companies in Trinidad and Tobago. Part of TAIFA’s role is to offer a range of educational courses to bring greater education and training across the finance and insurance sectors. These courses include those to develop agency management, techniques for prospecting, ethics for the financial services professional, and essentials of business insurance - to name just a few. These courses also include a FSCP certification course and examinations and a range of MFA courses. By providing a range of readily available educational courses and programmes, TTAIFA continues to develop the industries and increase the level of excellence among insurance and financial services for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
In addition to formal educational courses, TTAIFA also put on a range of workshops and seminars to provide educational development in a different format for the sector. These seminars and workshops provide a more hands-on approach and focus on the community aspects of the industry through the networking potential these offer too.
The overarching role of TTAIFA is empowerment to help professionals of all ages through knowledge and experience to be productive and effective in their roles. In turn, by raising the level of education in these sectors across Trinidad and Tobago, TTAIFA is investing back into the sector for future
generations. Furthermore, by establishing Trinidad and Tobago’s Insurance and Financial advisors as highly trained, it brings greater investment potential into the region and many stakeholders can see the crucial role these people play in keeping the economy running smoothly.
Thanks to this reputation for excellence across education the insurance and finance industry, TTAIFA is now working with 5 of the leading insurance companies across the region. The partnership with these companies allows them to take advantage of the educational potential of the TTAIFA to encourage greater agency and business practice across their operations. These practices bring greater revenue and encourage other key players in the industry to participate in the education programs to see the same results. Consequently, TTAIFA continues to grow its reputation as the leading educational provider for these industries across the region.
Overall, TTAIFA plays a leading role in ensuring the insurance and financial advisory industry of Trinidad and Tobago remains ahead of its competitors. With a key focus on education, the Association provides its members with vital courses, programs, workshops, and seminars to keep knowledge and success at the forefront of its every operation. We look forward to seeing how TTAIFA makes waves in the Insurance and Finance advice market over the coming years as it continues to promote economic success through education.
Caribbean Association of Banks
Striving to provide a collective and unified voice for banks, the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) aims to protect, promote, and strengthen the regional banking sector. CAB leads the way in providing a support system through education and advocacy to benefit the economy. With 81 member banks, CAB operates internationally as a voice for the development of Caribbean financial sectors, with the goal to place these banks into the worldwide sphere of banking.
In 1974, CAB was established in response to the demand for an association body that would take control of development across the Caribbean financial sectors, which previously relied heavily on external providers to oversee and develop the industry. The goal of CAB is to meet the demand of the people of the region financially, whilst promoting both regional and international regulatory standards and requirements. Now CAB boasts a total asset base of US $41 billion (as of December 2019) across its members spanning 20 territories. CAB facilitates contact between its members and key decision-makers in the region through its 2,000 industry contacts, to place its members in crucial conversations to help the development of the banking sector across the Caribbean.
Therefore, as an association CAB operates with and on behalf of its members to provide a united voice both locally and internationally. Consequently, CAB has established itself as a hub for banking, technology, market intelligence, and services; all with the end goal of protecting and promoting the region’s banking stability.
Education is crucial for CAB, as through education CAB can train more employees in the financial sector to bolster the economy towards global recognition. As part of its education program, CAB has partnered with The Caribbean Governance Training Institute (CGTI) to offer a series of governance training courses. The courses are offered to CAB’s 81 members to provide them with online delivery of 6 modules, spanning 3.5 hours each with the goal of fitting around the lives of the members’ employees.
Furthermore, CAB has partnered with a variety of educational facilities to supply scholarships, including 3 at the University of the West Indies for a BSc in Banking and finance, 2 chartered MBA scholarships with Bangor University and a scholarship to the graduate school of banking at the University of Wisconsin. Consequently, CAB provides its members, and their employees, with global opportunities for personal educational development, with the goal that it will benefit
and bring economic development through job opportunities in the country. Therefore, the overarching goal of education and training throughout CAB is to strengthen the Caribbean’s financial sector.
A key initiative of CAB is regarding de-risking, which is a crucial concern presented by CAB at the Annual Caribbean Financial Roundtable. The association outlined how Caribbean banks are facing more stringent enforcement of regulations, compared to their counterparts in North America which are faced with milder punishments for infringement of regulations. De-risking has had a significant impact on the Caribbean region resulting in a significant loss of correspondent banks within the region, as many have no longer been able to facilitate inter-regional and international payments. The Annual Caribbean Financial Roundtable looked to explore the potential solutions and develop a set of actions in response to this threat on a global scale. CEO Wendy Delmar, speaking on de-risking, said “We are pleased that we have been afforded many opportunities to partner with FIBA, Atlantic
Caribbean Association of Banks
Council and a host of other organisations to bring awareness to the issue, as well as to have gotten some traction with reviews of legislation at the US Congressional level. While there have been some small wins in that we have seen more reputable US banks expressing interest in the region, we are still not satisfied with the level of re-engagement or reboarding currently taking place”. The conference held by the Financial and International Business Association clearly highlights the way de-risking is negatively affecting the Caribbean region. However, it is clear that through CAB’s advocacy that a resolution is being sought for its members exemplifying the crucial role CAB plays in advocacy across the region’s banking sector.
In an effort towards the future of banking, local banks are pushing towards the future of payment transaction solutions, all with the support of CAB as a governing body. The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), under CAB, has put provisional registrations in place for two companies, including Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) to use electronic money or ‘e-money’ for payments and transactions.
In a press release from February 2023, the two companies under CBTT will be able to enlist new customers in a controlled environment to use e-money, an electronic store of monetary
value which can be accessed on a technological device to make payments to entities other than the e-money issuer. This money can be used for payment transactions for those with and without bank accounts. CBTT has registered with PESH Money Limited, a privately owned local company which is aiming to provide its customers with e-wallets for peer-to-peer transfers via mobile wallets to mobile phone users. Furthermore, CBTT has also extended the provisional registration to PayWise Limited too for a further 6 months.
Therefore, we can see even on a regional level the banks under CAB are working to bring new and innovative solutions to banking, which with the support of CAB allow them to expand from local banks into leading financial service providers.
Overall, CAB is supporting the development of banking across the Caribbean and continues to proactively work with all its member banks to be a voice of advocacy across the region’s banking sectors. As an association body, they are working with each bank individually to promote development towards the future technologies of banking to ensure continued profitability and stability. Therefore, with a focus on education and opening up the region to international banking by challenging de-risking regulations, CAB is supporting the continued success of the banking industry across the Caribbean towards a future of strong economic development.
Starting as a dream of providing quality family entertainment for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, Chairman Derek A Chin and his fellow co-founders have now brought the cinema experience nationwide through the privately owned cinema chain MovieTowne. The multiplex chain has revolutionized the cinema and entertainment industry of Trinidad and Tobago and is now known as the premier cinema and entertainment complex across the Caribbean.
Opened in 2002, the first MovieTowne location is a state-of-the-art multi-screen cineplex which has elevated the tastes and expectations of people across the region. The MovieTowne brand has now expanded across three locations, with 2 in Trinidad and 1 in Tobago. The three multiplex cinemas collectively have 22 screens which celebrate all that cinema has to offer through their elaborately themed décor, latest 2D and 3D technology, Dolby Digital surround sound, and comfortable stadium-style seating amphitheatres. The cinemas boast international cinema standards, whilst also promoting comfort and family fun through its top-quality cinema experiences.
The flagship MovieTowne location is in Port of Spain and promises something for everyone as a one-stop destination for quality entertainment. The MovieTowne complex was designed to be a popular hotspot for dining, shopping, entertainment, and a place to enjoy time with family and friends. In this mission, MovieTowne is successful, as the complex is known for being a multi-faceted complex facility which is home to many amenities and attractions great for family entertainment. Therefore, MovieTown continues to lead the way in the entertainment arena as its foundation is built on a desire to never cease developing new and spectacular offerings to give the best possible entertainment offerings to its citizens every day.
At the heart of every development by MovieTown is a real desire to bring the highest standard of entertainment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Derek Chin outlines this as “My vision has always been to bring the highest standard of an international movie-going experience to Trinibagonians and to open their eyes and imaginations to fun, healthy family entertainment. After three years of constant research and determination – and with the support of my investors and directors, we preserved and overcame all obstacles. Finally, my dream of MovieTowne became a reality in November 2002”. Consequently, we can see that there is a real passion behind MovieTowne and all its franchises that constantly want to improve and develop their operations to be the most popular entertainment hubs across the Caribbean.
Significant developments came when MovieTowne expanded its operations outside of Trinidad and Tobago, opening a MovieTown location in Guyana. The three founders behind MovieTowne, Derek Chin, Winfield Scott and Pierpont Scott all have strong ties to Guyana so developments here were an obvious choice. The company opened a MovieTowne franchise in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, located near the popular Sea Wall and The University of Guyana in 2016. The complex is located on 10 acres of land and offers an array of attractions and leisure amenities for families and entertainment seekers alike.
As MovieTowne moves towards the future, Derek Chin is looking to his next venture which is set to bring ‘Streets of the World’ to Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, there are more than 11 acres of prime real estate near the existing MovieTowne flagship complex in Port of Spain, which Chin is looking to transform into the region’s latest entertainment experience called ‘Streets of the World’. This experience will feature iconic themes from each of the major countries which catalysed the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. These include influences from East India to the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and so all these will be represented and celebrated
in eight connecting streets. In this way, Chin is moving away from solely cinema experiences and looking at the future of entertainment for Trinidad and Tobago.
Streets of the World will portray a carnival street with a modern carnival museum, as an avenue will be dedicated to showcasing the colourful inspiration, music, art, and designs which are a key part of everyday Trinidad and Tobago culture. Along with the streets, will be a modern housing development with views to the water and the city. As part of this massive development, a local theatre will be installed to attract and promote local artists for locals and tourists alike. To aid with the increase in tourism the marine, cruise ship dock, and a local water transport hub are envisioned. The programme is hoped that soon it will bring masses of international travellers and citizens across Trinidad and Tobago to walk the Streets of the World development.
Overall, we can see that MovieTowne is a company that truly loves to bring the joy of cinema and entertainment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Started as just a dream by the Chairman, the company has massively expanded to offer a range of cinema experiences, leisure activities and business ventures which are hoping to bring top-quality leisure time to the Caribbean. We look forward to seeing how the MoveTowne enterprise continues to expand across the tourism and leisure market, and as it continues to bring top films from around the world into its ever-expanding cinema chains.
With a passion for making literature more accessible, R.I.K. Services has spent over 40 years providing the people of Trinidad and Tobago with a vast array of book titles and products to help fuel imaginations, aid education, and even encourage people to discover new hobbies or skills through the power of reading. We got the chance to speak with Mr. Jeremy Chaitoo, Inventory Analyst from R.I.K. Services Ltd, to learn more about the work that the company does to bring book diversity across the region, implement accessibility to education, and keep its prices affordable in the ever-changing world of the book retail industry.
Founded in 1975 by the company’s namesake, Mr Roland Ishmael Khan, R.I.K. Services has transformed from a budding company into a major force to be reckoned with in the industry. Mr Khan’s legacy can still be felt throughout the daily operations of R.I.K. Services today as his family continue to uphold the company’s reputation as a top wholesaler providing books and supplies to businesses and schools across the country. R.I.K. Services has 6 physical stores located throughout Trinidad, with the central part of its operations taking place from its main branch in San Fernando. R.I.K. also facilitates those who are unable to visit their stores through online orders from their website and social media, with deliveries to any location in the Caribbean.
Across its branches, R.I.K. Services offers a wide range of literature; from short stories of every genre, to works of fiction and non-fiction perfect for all ages, as well as self-help books and other titles perfect for pursuing knowledge, skills/ hobbies, and self-education. R.I.K. Services offers a range of titles from Trinbagonian, Caribbean, and international authors to ensure that it supports local art and continues to bring diverse reading material to people across the region. One thing is for certain, when you visit any R.I.K. Services branch you will be sure to find something that is suited to your needs or interests.
A key focus for R.I.K. Services is providing educational material for preschool, primary and secondary levels of education, which has become an increasingly competitive business market in Trinidad. Every year parents flock to R.I.K. Services stores to get books, stationery, and uniforms at an affordable low price which the company is known for. However, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Trinidad is looking to modernise traditional schooling methods and move the education system towards an integrated online learning approach. MOE’s Education Policy for 2023-2027 wants to digitise content that will be available for all students on its own proprietary web platform.
For book retailers in Trinidad like R.I.K. Services, the policy raises concerns as it will result in less reliance on bookshops for physical textbooks and school supplies which are typically high in demand both online and in-store at the start of the term.
R.I.K. Services Ltd
Whilst it is clear that R.I.K. Services stands firmly behind the accessibility of education, the move towards online education highlights a growing fear across the industry. This fear has already been looming for some time as online book services are increasingly taking business away from traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores.
Whilst Mr Chaitoo highlights these concerns, he remains firm in his belief that what sets R.I.K. Services apart from its rivals across the industry is its top-notch customer service and diverse product offerings. R.I.K. Services offers way more than just books; its stores offer a wide variety of stationery, ready-made uniforms, plain and plaid materials, games, toys, and puzzles. It even offers seasonal products, including a bigger inventory of games and toys around the Christmas period.
Across these products, it maintains highly competitive prices, which it is able to offer having leveraged its relationships with a vast number of local and overseas suppliers to procure goods at a low cost. This procurement means R.I.K. Services can maintain its low price point which reflects in happy customers who are not paying inflated rates for items. In providing these products, customers are always met with excellent customer service as the entire R.I.K. Services team is committed to going above and beyond to meet the needs of its customers. Therefore, the top-quality service and favourable price points you get with R.I.K. Services are why customers continue to return to this company.
Overall, R.I.K. Services continues to be a leader in the retail book industry through its delivery of diverse literature and related product offerings at such an affordable price, backed by its knowledgeable and hospitable employees and under the direction of their Managing Director. It is clear that behind R.I.K. Services is the same love for sharing literature and providing a range of products to benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago that started the company all those years ago; and, as it looks to the future and grapples with the ever-changing nature of the industry, we look forward to seeing how R.I.K. Services continues to evolve.
Newmont Corporation
As a world-leading gold company and a key producer of copper, silver, zinc and lead across the world, Newmont Corporation is home to a worldclass portfolio of assets, prospects, and talent across multiple favourable mining jurisdictions in North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. Consequently, the company is renowned as an industry leader that creates value across its operations, supported by its strict safety standards, superior execution, and technical proficiency in the mining industry.
Founded in 1921, Newmont began publicly trading in 1925 and is now the only gold producer to be listed in the S&P 500 Index. However, a central focus of Newmont is its principled environmental, social and governance practices which underline every facet of its mining and metal production operations. Newmont spent the first century of its operations primarily working in the natural resources industry mining gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc, lithium, uranium, coal, nickel, and aggregates. However, it also facilitated key development across the oil and gas industry. Today the company is measured by its assets, prospects and people, as its operations now span 9 countries where it continues to create value and opportunities for its shareholders, employees, and host communities.
Newmont’s mining operations in South America are crucial to the current and future development of the country towards global success. A key site of operation for Newmont is in Suriname at the Merian Mine. Newmont Suriname LLC is the fully owned subsidiary of the Newmont Goldcorp Corporation which operates the Merian Mine on behalf of Suriname Gold Project CV - a Suriname Limited partnership. Newmont Suriname owns a 75% interest in the limited partnership with Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., Suriname’s state-owned oil company, which owns the remaining 35% interest. The Merian Mine is an open pit mine for gold which began construction in 2014. The mine has a mine life of 12-14 years and is committed to partnering with the Surinamese government, the local population, the Pamaka community and the Kawina community, to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining practices.
As part of Newmont Suriname’s keen commitment to the local community through the Merian Mine, it established a Community Development Fund (CDF) in 2016 with the goal of regularly contributing to sustainable projects which will benefit the Pamaka community. Current projects have included providing drinking water, electrical supply, and agricultural projects to develop the local regions towards success. Furthermore, Newmont Suriname is currently in deliberation with the local Kawina community who have been impacted by the Merian activities to find a way that this community can also
Newmont Corporation
reap key benefits from Newmont’s mining activities within its community. Consequently, Newmont is committed to continuing its close engagement with government and local community members to advance the development of the project in a manner that will generate sustainable economic and social benefits for people across Suriname.
Furthermore, Newmont Suriname is committed to responsible environmental stewardship, as throughout its operations it is always striving to protect the health, safety and overall well-being of its host communities and the subsequent environments. Consequently, in order for mining to begin in the Merian area, the company had to submit a feasibility study and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment which needed approval by the Republic of Suriname of the Merian ESIA, the Merian Right of Exploitation for gold and other minerals. This approval has now been granted to Newmont Suriname signifying the company’s role in developing the mining industry towards economic success whilst working to support a positive social and environmental impact where possible.
A further crucial development for the Newmont Corporation in South America is in the Yanacocha Mine located 800 kilometres northeast of Lima, Peru. The project has invested more than $1 billion in environmental and social responsibility projects between 1993 and 2012 and remains committed to investing in the local community for many years
to come. The Yanacocha Mine is South America’s largest gold mine which is situated between 3,500 and 4,100 meters above sea level and has development activities in four primary basins. The mine is wholly owned by Newmont and remains one of its largest mining operations in South America.
Yanachocha is a surface mine, which poured its first gold ore bar in 1993 and has an annual gold production of 270 Koz. However, whilst being Newmont’s largest gold mine operation it is keenly concerned with creating profitable production that generates sustainable developments and opportunity for the region. It plans to do this through its key guiding values of integrity, trust and respect which saw it establish the Asociación Los Andes de Cajamarca (ALAC) to promote sustainable development in the Cajamarca region. The activities of ALAC are focused primarily on three areas: entrepreneurial development, institutional capacity building and human capital development. Through its ALAC organisation, it can focus on bringing greater development across health infrastructures and services, its farming initiatives, and its non-profit farming organisation FONCREAGRO, all with the combined aim of bringing economic development on a local and regional level.
Finally, as the Yanacocha mines continue to have a great gold output for Newmont, it is always looking for ways to ensure that the environmental impacts of its operations are always reduced. As part of this Yanacocha abides by Peruvian laws and national and international standards in the areas of environmental stewardship, mine closure, reclamation, and social responsibility. These programs are inclusive of water management initiatives including erosion and sediment control, water treatment, monitoring, as well as managing and maintaining reservoirs and dams to ensure that mining activities are not significantly impacting water supplies. Other environmental initiatives by Newmont surrounding the Yanacocha mine are air quality monitoring, environmental permitting and attaining environmental certification to highlight the continuing effort of the mine to meet the most stringent quality standards for the benefit of the local communities across the region.
Ultimately, when we look back over these two mining operations, we can see the key values that Newmont places in developing, supporting, and
prioritising the positive impact of its operation within the local communities. Newmont even has Cerro Negro in Argentina and Pueblo Viejo in Santa Domingo, which shows the expansive role that South America play in the developing gold industry for Newmont. The company clearly opens a dialogue with local communities whilst implementing strict regulations and certifications to ensure that every aspect of its mining is governed by national environmental standards. As the world’s leading gold company, it’s clear to see how Newmont has established itself since it began trading in 1925 as a vital player across the mining operations not just in South America, but in Africa, Australia, and North America too. Consequently, in its overall purpose to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining, Newmont seems to be successful through its focus on safety, integrity, sustainability, and inclusion, contributing to its overall commitment to responsible mining.
Kaizen Environmental Services Trinidad Limited
As the population continues to steadily increase, the amount of waste produced globally has reached staggering figures. Companies such as Kaizen Environmental Services
Trinidad Ltd are working to provide effective and responsible solutions to combat the growing issue of waste generation. Throughout its services, Kaizen continues to provide solutions to increasing environmental problems by providing services across all industries. With the help of Kaizen, organisations can improve their environmental conservation efforts in line with global regulations, whilst hitting their own sustainability targets. Consequently, Kaizen is leading the way across Trinidad for providing sustainable waste management, collection, transportation, and disposal across the country, whilst contributing significantly towards regional and international research efforts to improve conservation through its laboratory facilities.
Since its origins in 1998, Kaizen has been providing sustainable waste management solutions across the industries of Trinidad. Kaizen collects, transports, and disposes of waste generated from industries including oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage industry, storage and distribution, medical institutes, private and public schools, logistics and handling in the shipping industry and waste from the transport industry. Whilst this is not an extensive list of every sector that Kaizen works with, it represents the wide network of industries that Kaizen’s operations are benefitting. Throughout these industries, Kaizen is offering waste incineration, bioremediation, chemical blending and recycling, chemical neutralization, decontamination, audits, and tank cleaning – to name just a few.
Kaizen’s operations are split into four significant divisions, which work together to provide sustainable solutions across a variety of industries. The first division is Kaizen Lab which is the analytic division of Kaizen Environmental which specialises in applying its analytical technique to environmental chemistry for water and wastewater analysis, oil analysis, solid and soil waste characterisation, food chemistry and microbiology. The research and analysis division of Kaizen is well established having provided analytical research for the last 20 years. The division is critically concerned with ensuring that all effluent is monitored, separated, and disposed of through the Kaizen Waste Treatment Facility at La Brea in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
Kaizen’s second division looks at Project Services, which executes environmental consulting and contracting services in the form of project works. The division is made up of a team of environmental specialists and technicians, instrument technicians, which are supported by Kaizen Lab and Enviro Products, as well as a team of environmental specialists and scientists based in Canada at Kaizen International. This division looks at air quality, environmental assessment, site remediation and reclamation, environmental sampling, testing and monitoring services. Furthermore, Kaizen Enviro Products is a third division seeking to develop partnerships with its customers by offering a full line of portable and fixed gas detection systems, noise
monitors, aerosol and dust detection systems, meteorological systems, and other environmental and safety equipment. Additionally, the division works with its customers to set up, services, training, calibration, technical support and provide customer response services. The priority of this division is to ensure that all its rental equipment is running smoothly, to ensure that the accuracy and safety of their operations are of top priority.
The final division, and arguably their largest is Waste Services which is the key division providing the waste management facilitation.
Whether this be industrial, petrochemical or energy sectors – the division is helping the community of Trinidad and Tobago at large by providing remediation and destruction services, as well as chemical blending and recycling, and other speciality waste management services. A further crucial part of its role is in spill response services, to limit and ensure that should a spill occur it is responded to and managed appropriately to
25 Years of Environmental Conservation
reduce and prevent as much environmental damage as possible. Consequently, Kaizen stands behind its services and continues to provide a strict commitment to ensuring that environmental conservation is a top priority throughout its work to facilitate the waste management of its customers.
Kaizen Environmental Services Trinidad Limited are tirelessly working to ensure that the planet is put first. Their waste management services are leading the way supported by a range of science and research to ensure that every aspect of the waste disposal procedure is done in the most effective and responsible way possible. Companies such as Kaizen are exemplifying how drastic shifts are needed to meet the growing production of waste globally. However, through Kaizen’s divisions, they are making a difference one service at a time and pushing the industry towards a more sustainable future.
The notion of what makes a good business is an age-old question. Although there is no definitive handbook, there are particular entities that exist to give your business a helping hand. More specifically, in Trinidad and Tobago, TTAIFA is always available to provide their clients with expert advice and enhanced professional programs, which boost skills and general business practice. Their educational initiatives are unmatched across the world, with resources and agents that will be there for any need or requirement in the world of business. Furthermore, the company’s status as a not-for-profit organisation seeks to support business advisors in the best way that suits them, acting as an effective guide to an association of over 1,200 companies.
Trinidad and Tobago Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (TTAIFA) have become a key leader in the Trinidad and Tobago insurance sector. However, TTAIFA’s story first began in 1975, at which time they were known as Life Underwriters Association of T&T. The corporation found its main premise in life insurance, which still continues to be a focus today. And yet, from its humble beginnings, it has expanded its horizons to include a broad scope of insurance sales representatives, financial advisors and sales managers across the twin islands.
Acting as an association means that TTAIFA places great dedication on the professional development of its expanding membership, which is achieved via professional development courses created in collaboration with the prestigious American College and LIRMA (a trade association for international insurance). TTAIFA also provide guidance in the form of professional development seminars, which include Law & Regulations; Insurance Business; Ethics; Health & Wellness; and New Insurance Acts. As is evident, they provide
a wealth of information to help clients navigate a path through the complex intricacies of insurance management. A number of the qualifications that business associates gain with TTAIFA include the FSCP (the Financial Services Certified Practitioner); AMTC (Agency Managers Training Course); and MFA (Master Financial Advisor). TTAIFA is also showcasing the latest innovations in educational programs by offering their clients CPD (Continuing Professional Development) webinar packages, which correlate with the expanding flexibility of the modern working world.
A great testament to their work can be found in the fact that the five leading life insurance companies in Trinidad and Tobago have chosen to partner with TTAIFA, providing these top companies with greater agency and forms of business practice on a regular basis. Consequently, many companies witness an up spike in sales results almost immediately after the leading personnel have completed TTAIFA comprehensive training programs.
TTAIFA role as an association is put in even higher regard due to the recent legal requirement which
dictates that company licenses should be renewed every year. Having been put in place by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, it places TTAIFA in a firm position as a necessity for the success of any insurance company in the area.
Over the past few years, the life insurance industry has faced many difficulties. Namely, the impacts of the global pandemic caused many unexpected losses of life, which subsequently led to an abundance of unexpected life insurance claims. In a time of uncertainty, which the pandemic can definitely be classed as, clients both with and without policies look to life insurers as a potential source of stability and security. This meant that TTAIFA had to seriously consider how they run their operation. For example, Insurance Sales Representatives were strongly advised by the Association to touch base with their prospects and clients. Admittedly, the pandemic was a challenging time for TTAIFA, and yet many provisions were put in place to comprehensively handle the change. Namely, they switched all their courses to online webinars, with the approval of the programs’
international awarding bodies, moderators, and seminar presenters. And yet, such adaptions have been received well, with approx. 98% of TTAIFA’s members expressing that they much prefer online guidance. As part of the company’s move to an online world, they have made processes such as registration and payment much smoother. More recently, they have also offered assistance to Trinidad and Tobago’s regional insurance associations, via online resources.
As a way to bolster morale and bring the Association together, TTAIFA host annual awards and initiatives for the insurance industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Such events include, National Award Ceremonies, in which awards are dispensed to top agents and sales managers. Most recently, the TTAIFA 42nd Annual Awards (2022) was named ‘Celebrating Resilience’. It championed many brilliant employees who have conducted exceptional work in restoring TTAIFA to its former glory, and tenaciously tackling any challenge that arises.
A further initiative that TTAIFA has great involvement in, is Life Insurance Awareness Month, which takes place annually in September. The month of September has enjoyed this title for over
50 years, of which TTAIFA has been part of for the previous three years. Put simply, Life Insurance Awareness Month helps educate the public on the importance of life insurance for themselves, and their family’s well-being. The spreading of awareness is achieved through media campaigns in the newspaper, television, and social media.
As a significant life insurance company, it is paramount that there is a code of conduct, which maintains accountability and responsibility. It is therefore apt that TTAIFA educates their advisors with holistic knowledge development in the following areas:
• T – “Transforming Advisors into Professionals and Prospects into Advocates.”
• T - “Technically Disseminating Information”
• A – “Advocating Ethical and Best Practises”
• I – “Inspiring and Informing”
• F – “Focusing on Building Family Financial Strength”
• A – “Alliances (with regulators, for the benefit of financial advisors and the industry”
Equally as important to TTAIFA, is the ‘Code of Ethics’, which dictates that each company is handled responsibly. This is very important for the work of life insurance brokers, as they are dealing with delicate and highly confidential information. Therefore, the Association must safeguard any information regarding personal or business affairs.
TTAIFA are high flyers in the life insurance industry, as they bring together hardworking companies so that a wealth of knowledge can be exchanged. Furthermore, the advising of businesses and the professional development of the working body of Trinidad & Tobago is of the greatest importance. Thus, TTAIFA promotes an attitude of guidance and humility amongst all associate members.
National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago
The supply and demand of continuous energy for an entire country is no easy feat. However, located on the dual Islands of the Caribbean, National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago has made it seem like a breeze for over 40 years. As a major industry in the region, they are an indispensable force for the many flourishing sectors of the Caribbean nation.
Known more simply as National Energy, they have been working tirelessly since their incorporation as a 100% subsidiary of a neighbouring national body, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (TBC). National Energy was first formed in 1979, to help develop the country’s energy resources and monetise energy supply. However, the company continued to flourish as it began taking on extra responsibilities, including the nation’s infrastructure in the marine and industrial sectors, which sparked a long timeline of successes. Alongside major projects, such as the construction of petrochemical plants, 1999 also marked a considerable increase in business as the company was re-operationalised and given an expanded mandate. Further expansion occurred five years later with the escalation of energy-related projects in Trinidad and Tobago. Subsequently, the company rebranded in 2013 to encapsulate its wider responsibilities and modern approach.
With such a history of expansion, National Energy places great effort in achieving its mandate: to “conceptualize, promote, develop and facilitate new energy-based and downstream industries.” Considering that a majority of the company’s energy is put into oil and gas, they are also dedicated to maintaining the necessary infrastructure that is in place to support such operations, including deepwater ports and marine assets. To this end, the utilisation of harbour ports is vital for the shipping of natural gas, which is a major export of the dual island.
A noteworthy example can be found in Port Galeota. Recently completed, the project totalled a staggering $100 million and took place alongside improvements being made to the island’s existing Port of Brighton. These two projects accelerated the marine industry and National Energy’s subsequent responsibility in creating an efficient marine industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
In recent years, the oil and gas industry has come under fire for its contribution as a carbon emitter. In order to combat this, National Energy has put considerable thought into its carbon footprint. This is indicated by its commitment to “the sustainability of the local and regional energy sectors through the development of gas and energy-based industries while providing the associated infrastructure to
National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago
support these industries.” Thus, National Energy not only provides energy but does so in a way that is sustainable and better for the planet.
Such goals are achieved by the careful renavigation of their energy efficiency. An example of this can be found in the reduction of waste, which subsequently reduces inefficient energy and environmental impact. By looking into this issue, National Energy has launched a Super ESCO efficiency model which reduces wasteful emissions. In the implementation of this new model, National Energy hopes to improve not only its own energy efficiency, but spread a positive message across the country, whilst promoting similar approaches to other companies in the industry. This is conducted with an internationally developed model, which includes research, marketing, and education, as well as facilitating private sector investment in energy efficiency programmes, therefore generating many positive steps in the industry.
The developments that have so far been mentioned are exciting steps in the advancement of not only National Energy, but the region overall, as it is an indicator of the growing influence Trinidad and Tobago has in the global market.
This is particularly pertinent as National Energy hopes to expand its global presence in the future: “National Energy is well positioned as the force that will drive the expansion of the energy sector into the future. The company is taking a proactive approach in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s energy brand regionally and internationally, as well as continuing to execute the development of energy projects and infrastructure under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.” Consequently, with such an influential pillar of support, National Energy can continue to revolutionise the local energy sector.
Alongside its commitments to its green footprint, National Energy is also committed to honouring its CSR. When speaking to us, the company pledged that “National Energy will be a leader and innovator in the field of CSR, creating a shared value for the company and its multiple stakeholders, with a focus on socio-economic development and human development, whilst supporting initiatives which preserve the national identity and heritage and will seek to be sustainable in the way we conduct our
daily operations and in the social interventions we develop, implement and support.” The companysponsored Energy Efficiency Audit and Solar PV Training is a testament to such words, as it conducts training for the residents of its fence line communities. These training programmes reflect the company’s commitment to ensuring its fence line communities are well-equipped with the skills necessary to continue to harbour benefits in energy transition.
Looking to the future and driving forward innovation is a respected asset in the company. Indeed, National Energy has amassed four decades of market-leading expertise, which is admirable in an overtly saturated industry. Therefore, by proactively working for the community, and industry that it serves, there are certainly some great times for National Energy.
Fuelling the Future
Written by Alice Instone-Brewer
Medcorp Limited is more than merely a successful private healthcare company –it is an entity that has turned around the trends of how the people of Trinidad & Tobago approach their health, as well as set a new and exacting bar of excellence when it comes to delivery and expertise. We had the privilege to interview Dr Achong Low, one of Medcorp’s founders, and a well-known name in medicine in his own right, to learn how Medcorp became what it is today:
“First of all,” Achong explains, “The physical building of Medcorp Limited is the oldest healthcare building in the country of Trinidad and Tobago. It is more than 100 years in existence. Of course, it has been under different names and different owners. We took over from a group of owners, who had not quite made a great success of it.” This group had given the entity the name Medcorp Ltd and its trade name St Clair Medical Centre. “The trade name is a very wellknown name in the country,” Achong told us.
“We took over St Clair Medical on January 1st 1994, and when we took over, we essentially changed the entire trend in the country of how well-to-do people sought medical care. Prior to us, when they got ill, anyone who could afford it left the country to go to Florida or the UK to seek medical help. We took over in the January, and by October of 1994, people would stop on their way to the airport and ask us whether they should go abroad or stay in Trinidad. The trend was that they would come to St Clair Medical.”
Turning a trend this strong around in less than a year is remarkable, especially when it comes to asking the public to trust a recently turned-around reputation with their health. We asked Achong how this rapid shift was achieved:
“Trinidad and Tobago is a small place! It’s about 1.4 million people; even before social media, we had what you could call the ‘Trini Mouth’. We spread news really fast in this country!” Word of mouth is only part of the explanation, however. Medcorp needed to inspire people’s faith and guarantee strong results, and the company founders - Dr Abraham Alexander and Dr Achong Low himself – weren’t interested in providing anything short of excellence. Many companies claim this, but in Medcorp’s case, they truly put this principle into practice:
“We were highly selective. We wanted ten physicians, with a collective background of at least six specialties, and each person needed to be in the top three names of their field in the country. We approached these people, and when we were finished, we had a core of ten physicians who ran the gamut from obstetrics, gynecology, orthopedics, general surgery, cardiology, anesthesiology, dentistry and general practice. That is the core nucleus that we established.”
The company was seeking high-volume specialties, but if there was a specialty in which they couldn’t not find someone who lived up the high bar they had set then they opted to have nothing rather than offer anything sub-par. Since this starting point, has gone on to attract many strong teams, like urology, ENT, neurosurgery, to name a few. As time passed, they moved forward to expand into new areas, but always making sure that the highest standard remained uncompromised.
“We had the crème de la crème of the medical community in the country. In fact, we incepted many things that people felt could not be done. For example, two months after we took over, we opened the first private sector 24/7 accident and emergency department in the country. Until that time, this service only existed in the public sector.”
The high standards by which Medcorp headhunted its top team have remained in place for the 28 years since, not wavering: “What sets us apart is this: it is purely the desire for standards and quality,” Achong tells us with well-deserved pride. “Pretty much every physician who works at MedCorp
will not forgive on standards and quality, and that is why they work here. There are many physicians who feel a little overawed by our demand for quality, so they will not come to ask for admitting privileges. If we detect that a physician is either not up to standard in expertise or human behavior, we will ask them to leave: not many people are accustomed to that kind of yardstick.”
Asking for ‘admitting privileges’ was another inception of Medcorp’s within the country: “Prior to that,” Achong explained, “People would just show up and say ‘I would like to work in your hospital’, and the people running the hospital would say ‘Ok!’ and anything went. Now, we will vet your CV, we will check your references and recommendations, and when we do give you admittance privileges, it we find out you aren’t really up to mark, we ask you to leave.” This is the only sensible way to maintain, encourage and safe-guard a high reputation and quality within the hospital body, and yet it was a new system within the country that set Medcorp and St Clair Medical apart from neighboring hospitals. “In fact, I will tell you,” Achong shares with us, on the topic of
Medcorp’s reputation: “We have a name board with all of our physicians on a prominent front wall in our institution. Every physician wants their name on that board, even if they do not work with us. These are the things that tell us where we are in terms of the regard of the community.”
Staying on top doesn’t just mean maintaining standards within the team, either, but maintaining, and ever-expanding, the services that Medcorp can offer. Around eight years after it launched, the hospital found itself in competition with another private contender in their north-western part of the country, but where they continued to outstrip this rival was in their services. Another key mark was international accreditation: “Until a couple of years ago, you had a body called QHA Trent in the UK, and we are the only private hospital entity in the Englishspeaking Caribbean that were accredited by them. It’s not that other hospitals don’t want it – they just don’t have the standards to achieve it.”
In terms of services, we asked Achong to talk us through the history of Medcorp’s growth outwards from its original core practices: “Around 19992000, we put in place a state-of-the-art ICU unit. Our intention was to do open heart surgery. Open heart surgery was being done by a private company in the public sector, but only by this company. So, we partnered with that private company, Caribbean Heart Care. (Now Carribean Heart Care Medcorp ltd.) The results in that open heart program, I tell without hyperbole, it is as good or better as any of the best centres in the world.” Achong says this on the authority of Professor Gianni D Angelini, BHF Professor of Cardiac Surgery and Director, Bristol Medical School, who is in fact the head of Medcorp’s open heart surgery program. “He’s world renowned, particularly on the east side of the world.”
“After that, we looked at what services were deficient in the country at large, not just in the private sector. The need for state-of-the-art radiotherapy services was dire. So, in 2006, we built a state-of-the-art radiotherapy center, which exists to this day. Here, we service patients who would otherwise leave the country. Now, very few people leave the country to access this treatment.”
For all that Medcorp has thrown itself into being the best that it can be, in some areas, its hands are tied, not through any lack of ability on the company’s part, but through the limitations of supply. “We do have one limitation: the ability to maintain and refurbish our equipment at a moment’s notice. Something like robotic surgery, for instance – we attempted to bring it into the country, but we
have not done so, because the company said that they are so busy internationally in the first world countries that they will not be able to service us. Otherwise. something you’ve spent millions of dollars on is potentially just sitting idly – it wouldn’t be viable.”
This shows the true importance of a reliable supply chain, and Medcorp is fortunate enough to benefit from many reliable suppliers. Everything from physical equipment to specific medicines, the hospital must procure, and must be able to trust will arrive on time and up to standard. Park Distributors are one of just many such companies. “We get some of our pharmaceutical preparations from them. They provide a broad range of drugs for people suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. We are fortunate to benefit from many such wonderful distributors.”
To not only create, but maintain, Medcorp’s extremely high standards across a range of challenging disciplines implies a great deal of passion, not only from its founders and leadership, but throughout its staff. We asked Achong about where this passion and drive comes from: “I was born in Trinidad, but I am trained in McGill University
in Montreal, Canada. I’m in obstetrics gynecology, and my entire training was all predicated on a North American standard. We did whatever was needed for the patient. So, the will, the desire to have a centre in Trinidad & Tobago that could always be held on par with North America and the UK - that was our intention, that was our dream. The doctors that we invited to us were all people with the same desire, who wanted to bring all the things that they learnt abroad, all of the skills, into the country so we could utilize it.”
Now, it’s impossible to interview a major medical facility at the moment, with 2021 only just behind us, without asking about the past two years. Covid affected every person, every industry, in one way or another, but a major hospital could not go without needing to meet the questions and challenges raised by the pandemic head-on. Given Medcorp’s standards, expertise and its culture of preparedness, we asked Achong how Medcorp was affected and how the company responded:
“From the very start, we have always been in front of the 8-ball. We run a very practical sort of system inside of here. When people said we have a viral pandemic, that was not an entirely new event.
Medcorp Ltd
We’ve had SARS and MERS. So, about a month before the public-held authorities told us to, we set up a screening tent to screen incoming staff and patients for temperature etc. (This was before the world had any test methods to readily identify someone with the Covid infection) We always looked to the front, as to how to deal with these things - we’re always a step ahead. It’s not reactionary: it’s done with a bit of foresight.”
The start of the pandemic saw a massive drop in patient volumes for Medcorp, as elective surgeries were halted, and anyone exhibiting even two of the eight possible symptoms of Covid was required to attend a public hospital instead of continuing with the care they had originally come to Medcorp for. “All the covid-positive patients, the public system preferred that they take care of them, because they wanted to sort of own the whole problem and sort it out. It was quite devastating.”
Due to Medcorp’s links and partnerships with Trinidad’s top medical companies, it came to light that its labs were in collaboration with the labs responsible for developing the islands’ PCR tests. In a bid to save revenues, Medcorp therefore took the initiative and began to use these tests
to effectively screen patients, including it’s A&E patients who would otherwise need to be sent away when requiring attention, but taking this lead on this drew some head from the Ministry of Health. Medcorp persisted, however:
“We did not stop. They did not realise that the Ministry of Health could not undertake the vastness of this problem on their own. Everyone had to contribute to help. We were the first to brave the task, and when we did, we were threatened, but we did not stop, because we knew what we were doing.” In time, the Ministry acquiesced and upon the government sanctioned certification of the hospital lab the company was able to continue to test its patients safely
In part, the ability to make choices like this are due to Medcorp’s unshakable reputation as an institution, and also because of the individual reputations of its team. For example, Dr Achong Low is a known name: whilst he says that people in Trinidad & Tobago wouldn’t know his face, they are aware of who he is: “Way back in 1985, I delivered what
Ready for anything
is today the only pair of surviving Siamese twins in Trinidad and Tobago who are separated and live normal lives. They have been separated since they were 11 months old. Now, they’re 36 years old, and they live in Toronto Canada. All of that was arranged by myself because of my background training.”
With this sort of public clout, Medcorp is able to stand its ground and fight its corner for what it feels is needed. These sort of calls – only keeping staff who meet a high bar, innovating to calmly respond to a crisis, expanding its practices to meet the needs of the country and encourage ‘health tourists’ to stay and spend locally – all of this benefits not only individuals, but Trinidad & Tobago as a whole. During the pandemic, as Achong told us, “Not a single one of our staff was laid off, bonuses were paid both years, and everyone in the workplace feels secure in terms of the protection they are afforded.” As for the wider picture, in looking after both their people and their patients, Achong and Medcorp will not be moved:
“We will do whatever we feel is the right thing to do. If we are doing something that is right, that is helping the patient, there is no way we will stop. I have all my facts, all my data. If we feel that
something is the right thing to do – that it’ll help the country, help the patient – then we will do it”
Starting from late January this year, Medcorp will finally begin treating Covid patients. Far from the public sector wishing to handle this itself, it is now overwhelmed by demand, and so Medcorp has been converting a new facility that it already had under construction into a safe, separate Covid building. As for its future plans, Achong told us; “In the next 3-5 years, we are going to have more physicians on site, plus we are going to open a little further afield in terms of acquisition of pre-existing private centers in strategic parts of the country.” It is the Medcorp name and reputation that draws people in – by doing what it has proven that it can do in the past, the company plans to acquire and improve facilities until they are at a high enough quality to bear the Medcorp name. As we’ve seen, that standard will be high, and people will undoubtedly flood to these new facilities for the same reliable service they know they can currently receive from this gamechanging, leading name in Caribbean healthcare.
