Who's Who Trinidad and Tobago 2016-2017

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Prestige Business Publications Ltd., a business publication ďŹ rm with a wealth of experience, publishes the Who's Who in Trinidad & Tobago Business, Business Trinidad & Tobago and Ins & Outs of Trinidad & Tobago. See how you can enhance the future and success of your company through the Who's Who in Trinidad & Tobago Business publication and website www.whoswhotnt.com. Come face-to-face with industry giants and markets leaders. Showcase your business in the local, regional and international market. Busine Business Trinidad & Tobago, a ten-year-old corollary publication, seeks to attract investment and business to Trinidad & Tobago by highlighting opportunities through well-researched, in-depth articles. Discover the beauty, diversity and depth of Trinidad & Tobago through the Ins & Outs of Trinidad & Tobago. Visit us at www.insandoutstt.com, or on Facebook. Call N Now and Book Your Spot!

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CONTENTS Automotive and Aviation Services Banking, Investment and Financial Services Construction, Engineering and Transportation Education and Training Energy and Energy-Related Industries Facilities Management Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Standards Information and Communications Technology Insurance Manufacturing and Retail Distribution Media, Public Relations, Publishing and Print Professional Services, Public and Private Sector Organisations Property Development and Real Estate Shipping, Ports and Maritime Services Travel, Tourism and Conference Facilities

12 20 38 48 58 70 74 88 100 112 120 126

142 148 154

The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce...................................9, 141 The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago..................................................9, 69 Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce .....................10, 140 Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Tobago Division)..................................................................................................10, 140 British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce............................................................. 141 Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce.......................................................... 141 Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce................................. 141 Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce...................................................................... 141 Point Fortin South Western Chamber of Industry and Commerce................ 141

Tribute to Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning, Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.......................................................7 Tribute to David Lancelot Martin.............................................................................125 Message from the Honourable Nicole Olivierre, Minister, The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.......................................8 Message from the Honourable Orville London, Chief Secretary, Tobago House of Assembly...........................................................8 Messages............................................................................................................................8 Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations........................................161 Honorary Consuls Accredited to The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago......162 The Government of Trinidad and Tobago.............................................................163 Fast Facts of Trinidad and Tobago.......................................................................... 164 Map of Trinidad ............................................................................................................168 Map of Tobago..............................................................................................................169 Index by Surname.........................................................................................................170 Index by Company.........................................................................................................171

Associations Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA)...................10 The Employers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA)..... 11 Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA)....................... 11, 118 Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries Limited (TTCSI).. 11, 140 Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT).........................................37 Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago (IBF)........................37 Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA)..................................... 47

Chambers American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T)...........................................................9, 140

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CONTENTS Continued Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects (TTIA)........................................... 47 Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC)...........136 Sangre Grande Business Association...................................................................... 141 Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA).......................................................... 144 Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA)............................................... 160 Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (T&TITOA).. 160

Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects (TTIA)........................................... 47 Education and Training...................................................................................48 Trinidad & Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute............................................. 50 MIC Institute of Technology........................................................................................52 National Training Agency (NTA)...............................................................................53 UWI School of Business and Applied Studies Limited (UWI-ROYTEC)........ 54 YTEPP Limited.................................................................................................................55 The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT)............................ 56 The Professional Institute of Marketing & Business Studies Ltd. (PIMBS)... 56

Non-Government Organisations The Tobago Institute of Literacy................................................................................57 Papa Bois Conservation............................................................................................... 87 The Children’s Ark......................................................................................................... 99 Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT)..................................................119 La Brea Social Action Group......................................................................................147

Energy and Energy-Related Industries..........................................................58 DAMEN............................................................................................................................60 Falck Safety Services...................................................................................................... 61 Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago (1978) Limited......................................... 62 Massy Gas Products (Trinidad) Ltd......................................................................... 63 National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago........................................64 NGC CNG Company Limited.....................................................................................64 Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited (PPGPL)....................................................64 The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC)............64 Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited............................................................................64 Offshore Innovators...................................................................................................... 65 Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (Petrotrin).................. 66 Trinidad & Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP).67 Alliance Software and Technology Systems Limited........................................... 68 Unipet................................................................................................................................ 68 ASCO Trinidad Ltd........................................................................................................ 68 Fircroft............................................................................................................................... 69 Lennox Petroleum Services Limited......................................................................... 69

Automotive and Aviation Services..................................................................12 Massy Motors - VOLVO............................................................... Inside Front Cover Southern Sales Car Rentals Division...........................................................................3 Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT)............................................14 Ansa Rentals..............................................................................................................16, 19 Maska South Motors..................................................................................................... 17 National Helicopter Services Limited (NHSL)........................................................ 18 Sookhai’s Diesel Service Limited................................................................................ 19 Banking, Investment and Financial Services.................................................20 Citibank Trinidad and Tobago Limited....................................... Inside Back Cover First Citizens Bank..........................................................................................................22 Republic Bank Limited.................................................................................................. 24 Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited............................................................... 26 CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.................................................................. 28 Island Finance Trinidad and Tobago Limited......................................................... 29 Home Mortgage Bank.................................................................................................. 30 JMMB Group Trinidad and Tobago........................................................................... 31 NCB Global Finance Limited........................................................................................32 RBC Royal Bank...............................................................................................................33 Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC)........................................... 34 Venture Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited............................................35 Caribbean Information & Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS)............. 36 Funds International Limited........................................................................................ 36 Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT).........................................37 Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago (IBF)........................37

Facilities Management....................................................................................70 Servus Limited.................................................................................................................72 The National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS).72 Island Cleaning Services Limited................................................................................73 J & G Supplies Just Clean Janitorial Services..........................................................73 WILOG Group Limited..................................................................................................73 Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Standards................................. 74 AMS Biotech Security Concepts Limited................................................................ 76 AMS Technologies - A Division of AMS Biotech.................................................. 76 AmSure Trinidad and Tobago Limited..................................................................... 76 AST Security International Distribution LLC.......................................................... 76 HHSL Safety Systems Limited.....................................................................................77 Innovative Security Technologies Ltd...................................................................... 78 St. Clair Medical Centre............................................................................................... 79 Medcorp Limited............................................................................................................ 79 Renew Star Serpentine Ltd.......................................................................................... 80 Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS).............................................. 81 Ace Recycling Limited.................................................................................................. 82 Acropolis Medical Centre........................................................................................... 82 Allied Security Limited................................................................................................. 83 Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI)............................................... 83 Ecosol Services Limited................................................................................................84 Robust Security Network Ltd......................................................................................84 Telecom Security Services..................................................................................85, 156 Analytical Technologies Limited............................................................................... 85 Population Services International-Caribbean (PSI Caribbean)......................... 85

Construction, Engineering and Transportation............................................38 Caribbean Lifts Limited................................................................................................40 Safe-Tec Limited............................................................................................................40 Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd...................................................................................41 Junior Sammy Group of Companies..........................................................................41 Jusamco Pavers Ltd........................................................................................................41 Sammy’s MultiLift Services Ltd..................................................................................41 Massy Wood Group...................................................................................................... 42 Mega Interior & Construction Limited..................................................................... 43 Skyline Glazing and Cladding Systems Limited.....................................................44 Advance Readymix Ltd................................................................................................ 45 The Paramount Transport & Trading Company Limited.................................... 45 VEGA Mineral................................................................................................................. 45 Kentz-OJ’s E&I Services JV.........................................................................................46 Process Systems Limited (PSL).................................................................................46 Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA)..................................... 47

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CONTENTS Continued Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organization (CKFTO)........................137 Caribbean Theatre Productions................................................................................137 Regency Recruitment and Resources Limited......................................................137 Clean Image ...................................................................................................................138 DRA Consulting ............................................................................................................138 Farah Insurance Brokers Ltd......................................................................................138 Jo-Anne Mouttet & Associates................................................................................138 Lennox H. Sealy & Associates Ltd............................................................................139 MG Concepts Trinidad Limited................................................................................139 Rent-A-Fantasy.............................................................................................................139 Sacoda Serv....................................................................................................................139

Piranha International Ltd............................................................................................. 86 Sygma Environmental................................................................................................... 86 Information and Communications Technology.............................................88 Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Ltd...............................................Outside Back Cover

Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT).................90 blink | bmobile................................................................................................................. 92 C&W Business................................................................................................................94 Fujitsu ............................................................................................................................... 95 Massy Technologies Applied Imaging..................................................................... 96 Massy Technologies InfoCom................................................................................... 97 C7 Caribbean ................................................................................................................. 98 SI Media............................................................................................................................ 98

Property Development and Real Estate...................................................... 142 Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA).......................................................... 144

Insurance........................................................................................................100 Agostini Insurance Brokers Ltd.................................................................................102 Beacon.............................................................................................................................103 Cardea Health Solutions Ltd..................................................................................... 104 CIC Insurance Brokers Ltd..........................................................................................105 CUNA Caribbean Insurance Society Limited....................................................... 106 NAGICO Insurances (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited........................................107 The National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIB)........................ 108 The New India Assurance Co. (Trinidad & Tobago) Ltd.................................. 109 Pan American Life Insurance Group (PALIG)....................................................... 110 Risk Management Services Limited...........................................................................111

Cevara Realty................................................................................................................ 144 CPRC Realty.................................................................................................................. 144 Golden Key Real Estate.............................................................................................. 144 House Hunters.............................................................................................................. 144 Key West Real Estate................................................................................................. 144 Rain Property Management & Real Estate Ltd.................................................... 144 Ric’s Real Estate Services.......................................................................................... 144 S2 Real Estate Services.............................................................................................. 144 Sea Jade Investments................................................................................................. 144 RGM Limited..................................................................................................................145 Terra Caribbean ...........................................................................................................145 1 On 1 Realty.................................................................................................................. 146 Caribbean Estates, Lands and Villas....................................................................... 146 Dynamic Real Estate Consultancy Ltd................................................................... 146 Stuart Spiers Real Estate Services Limited (SSRES)........................................... 146

Manufacturing and Retail Distribution.........................................................112 Angostura Limited........................................................................................................ 114 Berger Paints Trinidad Limited...................................................................................115 Engineering Associates Limited.................................................................................116 Happi Products Ltd........................................................................................................117 SCRIP-J.............................................................................................................................117 Stuart Brothers (W.I.) Ltd............................................................................................118 Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA)....................... 11, 118

Shipping, Ports and Maritime Services....................................................... 148 Caribbean Dockyard and Engineering Services Limited (CDESL)..................150

CL Marine Ltd. (CLM).................................................................................................150 Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST)...........................................151 Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited (PLIPDECO).152 Tropical Express Couriers Limited...........................................................................152 Acclaim Freight & Logistics Services Limited.......................................................153 Foxx Logistics Limited.................................................................................................153 Global Maritime Services Limited............................................................................153 Jet Express Trinidad and Tobago Limited..............................................................153

Media, Public Relations, Publishing and Print............................................ 120 Label House Group Limited.......................................................................................122 Niche Interactive Tech................................................................................................124 StudioWorks Limited...................................................................................................124 Xtreme Vision Limited.................................................................................................124 Professional Services, Public and Private Sector Organisations.............. 126 Debt Recovery and Administrative Services Limited (DR&ASL)....................128 Aegis.................................................................................................................................129 KPMG...............................................................................................................................130 Caribbean Resourcing Solutions Limited................................................................131 Eve Anderson Recruitment Limited..........................................................................131 Access Trinidad (formerly Chapmans Records Management Ltd.)..............132 Development Consulting Center Ltd.......................................................................132 Eastman & Associates Ltd..........................................................................................133 GCG Events....................................................................................................................133 Government Human Resource Services Company Limited (GHRS).............134 ODYSSEY CONSULTinc Limited..............................................................................134 Recruitment Xperts Ltd...............................................................................................135 Sandra Welch-Farrell & Company (SWF&CO)...................................................135 Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC)...........136 Brison ..............................................................................................................................136 TSG Consulting.............................................................................................................136

Travel, Tourism and Conference Facilities................................................... 154 D&K Investments Limited..........................................................................................156

Dachin Enterprises Limited (Ruby Tuesday)........................................................156 Dachin Group of Companies.....................................................................................156 Dachin Italia Limited (Rizzoni’s)...............................................................................156 Dachin Restaurants Limited (Texas de Brazil).....................................................156 MovieTowne..................................................................................................................156 Sign Tech Limited.........................................................................................................156 Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC)................................................159 Caribbean Discovery Tours Limited....................................................................... 160 Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA)............................................... 160 Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau............................................................. 160 Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (T&TITOA).... 160

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Richard Lewis Publisher

Once again my committed publishing team has reminded me of the tight deadline for the publisher’s note, which from my experience over the years, has a timeline completion far shorter than my writing and thinking skills require for me to express my thoughts. Since our last edition, we have seen a change of government for Trinidad and Tobago from the People’s Partnership to the People’s National Movement led by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley. Britain has voted to leave the European Union, oil found its way down to a low of US$25 per barrel and the USA is about to experience a presidential election, the likes of which we have never seen before, and which has sent shivers down the spine of the global investment community, with many members saying that we should convert to gold or cash. Trinidad and Tobago finds itself in a perfect storm with a new government and much reduced spending power, with expectations of the public and business community that cannot be fulfilled with standard strategies. Now is the time for the private sector to quickly engage the gears of innovation to drive the wheels of the economic transformation of Trinidad and Tobago for the future. What would it be like if there was a clear strategic plan for every sector in our economy, supported by progressive relevant government policy, involved and industry-focused academia and scholars, a productive and incentive-driven workforce, and a truly customer service-driven public sector? The advertisers in our publication truly represent the movers and shakers at the premium level of the private and

PRESTIGE BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS TEAM: Richard Lewis Chairman

public sector, and acting collectively, could transform the TT economy to one where the effects of oil pricing will be less felt, and there would be a return to sustainable growth for the future. Can you imagine a country with 80% of available taxes being collected, educational content in line with our chosen economic direction, productivity and wages in line with developed countries, and a foreign exchange policy built to incentivize the net earners of foreign exchange? Can you imagine an entrepreneurial class driven by continuous growth in the stock exchange second tier companies, and a public service pushing to produce a superior service to the public, and that public sector ensuring that all wage increases are earned through this process? These are not dreams. These are very achievable, realistic targets for a complete economic transformation over the next five years. The publishers and the management of the Who’s Who in Trinidad & Tobago Business will continue to contribute through our advertisers to nation building through a modern, innovative and success-driven economy. I sincerely wish to thank the advertisers for influencing our content to be more relevant to their needs, the management and staff of Prestige Business Publications for another amazing job on this high-quality publication, and our publication readers and users; without your use of this tool, it would no longer be relevant and exciting to produce annually. In closing, I think it’s fair to say our strategic deep drive, exercised earlier this year, will result in some key exciting developments for the 2017/18 edition.

Produced and Created By Prestige Business Publications Ltd. Advertising Patricia Lewis, Marie Gurley, Betti Gillezeau, Kathleen Maynard, Shelly-Ann Sheppard

Patricia Lewis Director Marie Gurley Director

Edited by Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Limited, Essiba Small

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Cover Design and Layout Kelvin Thomas — Precision Design Studio

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Layout Laird Raymond, Patrice Letren

Nichele West-Broome Jennifer Gittens Administrative Assistants

Writers Kay Baldeosingh-Arjune, Dixie-Ann Belle, Roslyn Carrington, Raphael John Lall, Bavina Sookdeo, Keith Spencer, Sheldon Waithe, Anna Walcott-Hardy, Bevil Wooding, Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA).

Copyright © 2017 Prestige Business Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Prestige Business Publications Ltd. The Film Centre, 9 Humphrey Street, St. James, Trinidad and Tobago. Tel: (868) 622-0738/9 Fax: (868) 622-0426 Email: info@whoswhotnt.com www.whoswhotnt.com

Special Thanks to Hazel Manning, Greta Martin, Sharon Inglefield, Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Limited. La Brea Social Action Group, Papa Bois Conservation, The Children’s Ark, The Tobago Institute of Literacy, Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago. Photographers Alfred Aguiton, Edison Boodoosingh, Stephen Broadbridge, Marcus Gomez, Stephen Jay Photography, Marlon Rouse. Annual Distribution 12,000 copies

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TRIBUTE

Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago 1946-2016

Hundreds of Trinidadians and Tobagonians waited patiently, at times over an hour, to pay homage to former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning, who died at the age of 69. Flags flew at half-mast as the body lay in state. Although he had suffered health issues over the years, his death came as a shock to many. He had died less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, surrounded by family, his wife and life-long partner, Hazel, by his side. Lauded by heads of state, intellectuals and citizens as “a consummate public servant” and “pioneer in the oil and gas industry”, many watching the military procession were tearful, speaking of the loss to the country and region. Having served as Prime Minister from December 17th, 1991 to November 5th, 1995, and December 11th, 2001 to 26th May 2010; Manning became the political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) from 1987 to 2010 and was the longest serving member of the House of Representatives. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he would oversee revolutionary changes in the energy industry, the reduction of taxes and installation of a free tertiary education system in Trinidad and Tobago. “He was a man who, after 35 years of serving with him in public life, I have never heard him speak of anything which he wanted for himself. It was always something, and sometimes something outrageous for Trinidad and Tobago and it was that which caused him today to be acknowledged as the person who put us into business in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), into education at University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) … in this week, I sat proudly as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and listened to every regional head, [as we] sat around a table in Georgetown, paying what I consider to be genuine tribute to a citizen of which we can all be proud, “ Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, explained at the state funeral at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on July 9th , where several regional leaders were also in attendance. The fourth and sixth Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Manning threw his hat into the political ring in 1974, at the age of 24. A trained geologist, he was the PNM candidate for his beloved San Fernando East constituency and would go on to not only win, but retain this seat for a record-breaking nine general elections. This young, enthusiastic honours graduate from The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, Jamaica, was appointed a Parliamentary Secretary in a range of Ministries including Works and Transport, Industry and Commerce, and Petroleum and Mines. In 1981, he became minister for several ministries including Industry and Commerce, Information and then Natural Resources, and would learn from iconic leaders, Dr. Eric Williams and Mr. George Chambers over the years.

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Known for his fierce loyalty, intellect, humour and strong commitment to family, having been born into a close-knit, family of professionals from south Trinidad, he was a man who was not afraid to bet on the creative and natural resources he knew would be the foundation of the development of the country, be it education, oil and natural gas or the arts, through music. “As Prime Minister, Mr. Manning set a very clear and detailed vision for the country and began to lay the path to the achievement of that vision. As a lover of classical music he was unwavering in his perception that the steelpan needed to be further developed so as to place it on par with the finest instruments in the world. This led to Government funding of the Steelpan Initiatives Project (S.I.P.) at The UWI, a project that piloted the creation of the G-Pan and the facilitation of the completion of the Percussive Harmonic Instrument (P.H.I),” UWI St Augustine Campus Principal, Prof. Brian Copeland stated recently. Similarly, President of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Carmona, underscored his commitment to regional integration, at the service. “Patrick Manning was not a Caribbean armchair integrationist. His commitment to the unfinished business of the full integration of the region should be documented for posterity. This should be compulsory reading for future leaders in whose hands we would inevitably pass the baton and who must seek to build on his unfinished work. He was bold enough to champion the cause of regional integration.” Although he has been criticised by some for making controversial decisions, an abundance of praise came from the international community; including from President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, who sent condolences from the White House, and wrote of the former Prime Minister’s service as he endeavoured to “expand possibility in the lives of his fellow citizens”. “Prime Minister Manning was guided by his commitment to strengthening Trinidad and Tobago in our time and for generations to come.” After years of service as the country’s Prime Minister after the general elections of 1991, 2001, 2002 and 2007, many have called for special honours to be presented posthumously, but his sons, David and Brian, have shared the wishes of their father. In his eulogy, Brian Manning spoke of his father’s wish for the establishment of a regional fund to provide housing for low income Caribbean people throughout the CARICOM region, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. He also spoke of his commitment to lead the country into ‘developed world’ status and shared his wish that the Divine Echoes Orchestra should be revived, highlighting the altruism they all admired in the esteemed statesman. “He was a father to many and touched many lives. He always led by example.”


MESSAGES The Honourable Nicole Olivierre Minister

The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a significant exporter of natural gas and petrochemicals and its well-developed energy sector is the backbone of its economy. Amidst challenging economic circumstances, which are bringing about important structural changes in the global oil and gas sector, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) continues to be a key agent in driving the expansion and diversification of the economy. It has therefore embarked upon the strengthening of supply in the natural gas sector and supporting the growth of other productive sectors. A central element in this thrust is the maximisation of value derived from our natural gas for our citizenry. The Ministry has recently engaged in industry-wide consultations with the major stakeholders on the Gas Master Plan; a calculated, strategic approach which will inform our movement towards effective management of the sector for the next decade. The Plan will seek to ensure that supply and demand are rightly balanced, gas utilisation in the economy rationalised and export revenues optimised. Our rich experience in the valorisation of our oil and gas resources has permitted the development of a considerable wealth of local expertise, which has and will continue to be harnessed to ensure achievement of our overarching goal of long-term economic sustainability. The Permanent Local Content Committee was reconstituted in March 2016 and has been equipped with a dedicated Secretariat and the necessary resources to pursue its mandate.

The local energy services sector can be expected to not only continue to expand, but also increasingly venture beyond our national borders. Indeed, the African Energy Initiative, instituted in 2007 and reinstated in 2016, is aimed at assisting African countries with newly established oil and gas industries to smoothly and decisively proceed with the development and optimal control and direction of their hydrocarbon resources in the national interest. Cognisant that hydrocarbons are depleting resources and that Trinidad and Tobago’s carbon footprint needs to be reduced so as to preserve the national and global environment, priority is being given to clean energy and sustainable development. The transportation sector has been targeted for reduction of emissions through conversion to the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-fuelled vehicles. The aim is that CNG will become the dominant vehicular fuel in the near future. I am pleased to advise that Government has taken a decision to proceed with energy recovery technology, known as Waste to Energy. It is intended that the conversion of waste to produce energy to supply electricity to the national grid or support small industries will help the country to meet sustainable energy objectives of the energy sector, and address the challenges of waste management. Further, the MEEI is developing strategies for achieving a target of 10% of total electricity generation from Renewable Energy by the year 2021, as enunciated in the 2015/2016 National Budget. The Ministry expects that these initiatives, pursued in collaboration with all stakeholders, including the entire population, will have a transformative effect on the ecology, society and the economy of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Honourable Orville London Chief Secretary

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) The country’s economic challenges have emphasised the need for every citizen to adjust. Consumers have to budget more carefully; people have been encouraged to save more, and businesses have been asked to create more openings for exporting goods and services and attracting foreign investment. Challenges also offer us the chance to rise to the occasion. It’s when our resilience is most tested that we have the opportunity to show, not only that we can and must do more with less, but that we can do so without compromising quality. That is the focus of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA): leading the challenge to develop the island, even with limited resources, and creating an environment where others can follow suit. The Assembly has prioritised areas where development is most needed, while also looking for opportunities to foster growth. In recent years, we have focused on developing industries and helping different sectors to flourish. Yet we’ve also been mindful that opportunity means little if the requisite human capital development is not undertaken. This has required more than providing scholarships for students to further their education. In fact, our target has been to strengthen the skills and knowledge base in existing sectors such as agriculture, the creative sector, tourism and, of course, entrepreneurship. We’ve also strived to ensure that we can offer public housing options to the many families who need it. The THA is likewise committed to making

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Tobagonians more aware of the importance of financial literacy, and has been offering workshops to help achieve this. Despite funding limitations, development of the island is ongoing. This means an emphasis on greater value for money. The Tobago House of Assembly has taken strides towards these goals through a refinement of its procurement processes, which not only ensures the best work possible is obtained for the money spent, but greater transparency as well. Our recent representation on the Trinidad and Tobago contingent for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Annual Board of Governors Meeting, which took place in May 2016, has also been fruitful. Leaders of Caribbean islands have been able to share their experiences on a range of issues, including the regional economic challenges. Further, we have been able to tap into the CDB’s knowledge pool, beyond borrowing and financial issues. A group of CDB experts will visit Tobago in June to share their insights with the Assembly in areas such as climate change, coastal erosion, managing our marine environment and port construction. Tobago continues to show growth in spite of financial constraints. It’s a lesson for our citizens that challenging times provide an opportunity to show ingenuity and resourcefulness, which makes eventual success even sweeter. Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex, 14 -16 Wilson Road, Scarborough, Tobago. • Tel: (868) 635-1203 • Fax: (868) 639-4927


MESSAGES

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (AMCHAM T&T)

Ravi Suryadevara President

THE CHAGUANAS CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

Richie Sookhai President

THE ENERGY CHAMBER OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Vincent Pereira Chairman

The parameters by which businesses operate have changed significantly. Technology has shifted the way we communicate, trade, and invest. The impacts of market changes are felt almost instantly with far reaching consequences. During this period of adjustment in our nation’s economy, two things are critical for business success: good leadership and meaningful partnerships. I am pleased to say that the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) is an organisation that possesses both characteristics. As the Pathway to the Americas, AMCHAM T&T maintains its unwavering focus on building bridges and strengthening stakeholder relations. We embrace the diversity within our membership and use their challenges to inform our advocacy efforts – efforts which remain centred on solving critical issues that can hamper the fair and facilitative environment needed for trade, investment, and export. Further, we continue to collaborate with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to establish trade and investment opportunities that will lead to a more robust economy and consequently, the creation of wealth that can be shared and enjoyed by all citizens. AMCHAM T&T remains an active participant in the Association of American Chambers of Commerce of Latin America (AACCLA), through which we frequently meet and collaborate with our 23 sister AMCHAMs across the Western Hemisphere, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These relationships allow us to access information and persons who can assist in our advocacy for the promotion of free and fair trade within the Americas. In the upcoming year, some of our main advocacy issues are: promoting preliminary talks on how Trinidad and Tobago can become a site for pre-clearance in the United States of America; tax reform; industrial relations reform; and lobbying for the partnerships within the U.S.–Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act.

62A Maraval Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad • P.O. Bag 150, Newtown, Port of Spain • Tel: (868) 622-4466/0340, 628-2508 • Fax: (868) 628-9428 • Email: inbox@amchamtt.com • Website: www.amchamtt.com

The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) continues to represent our membership and the community on both local and national issues, including representation at all security meetings, national budget consultations, ministerial consultations, private sector ventures and initiatives. This year, the Chamber launched the CCIC Members Discount Card which our members can utilise to gain discounts at various merchants within our membership. The card has already received great praise from the Minister of Trade and the Chamber is already making plans to widen the reach of the card to include members of the public and merchants from outside of the borough. Our vision with this card is to both boost the local Chaguanas business community and create ways for our burgesses to be able to find affordable products during current economic challenges. If we are to weather the economic issues of 2016, we must work together and be reminded of our corporate social responsibility in our community. As Chaguanas enjoys an increase in new businesses, we look forward to a 2016/2017 with increased membership and participation by these new businesses in all activities and efforts undertaken by the Chamber. We choose each day to recommit ourselves to the ideals of the work of the Chaguanas Chamber and to ensure that our business community, our borough and our country, continue to succeed and thrive through our initiatives and efforts.

17-18 Biljah Road, IDC Industrial Estate, Charlieville, c/o Metal-X Engineering Limited, Chaguanas, Trinidad • Tel: (868) 671-2242 (CCIC)/779-8804 • Fax: (868) 671-2242 • Email: gccic@chaguanaschamber.org • Website: www.chaguanaschamber.org

Over the past year, the Energy Chamber has refocused and readjusted our advocacy agenda to better represent our membership’s needs, as well as ensure the sector’s sustainable development. We remain committed to positioning Trinidad and Tobago as the energy services hub of the region. As such, our major advocacy initiatives revolve around fiscal reform, gas value chain re-alignment, promoting local content and a more efficient state sector, reforming industrial relations and exporting energy services. From these initiatives, it is clear our strategic mandates are both inward and outward looking and focus on attracting investment and exporting services sector expertise. Our place in the new energy order will depend on both how well we promote our country as a preferred energy investment destination and export our energy sector expertise globally. The Energy Chamber constantly reiterates the need for an efficient business sector and through our award-winning STOW initiative, as well as our EICDI competency development project, we focus on helping local service companies continuously raise the bar. We also play a pivotal role in HSE certification through our Learning Centre. Our local energy services companies have built their reputations as providers of world-class service, leveraging their knowledge to support operations along all links of the energy value chain from exploration, refining and transmission to downstream processing. To help these companies access international markets, over the past year, we embarked on a trade mission to Guyana. These moves to promote our energy services sector and continuously invite international and local investors are all tied to our vision for sustainable development. With over a century’s worth of experience in commercial oil and gas production, Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector has a layered history and the Chamber wishes to ensure that the sector is sustainable over the next 100 years and beyond.

Suite B2.03, Atlantic Plaza, Atlantic Avenue, Point Lisas, Trinidad P.O. Box 80, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago • Tel: (868) 6-ENERGY, 679-6623/1398 • Fax: (868) 679-4242 • Email: execoffice@energy.tt • Website: www.energy.tt

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MESSAGES

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

Robert Trestrail President

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is pleased to have a presence yet again in this year’s edition of Who’s Who in Trinidad & Tobago Business. We extend warmest greetings to the publishers on another commendable edition of a magazine which has emerged as an important repository and a resource for local businesses and those located in the wider region and beyond. As the recognised ‘Voice of Business’ in T&T, the T&T Chamber delivers value-add to the business community through the integrated services and support we provide. For some 137 years we have stayed the course, founded upon the vision and hard work of generations of entrepreneurs and innovators. With a membership totalling approximately 600 companies and 2,000 representatives spanning the services, import, export, manufacturing and distribution sectors, the T&T Chamber serves on several national governmental and non-governmental committees. Through its nine steering committees in Trinidad and eight in Tobago, members volunteer their time and expertise to provide input on a range of subjects – from crime and justice to trade and investment, corporate social responsibility, technology, and manufacturing. As a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the T&T Chamber houses the headquarters of ICC Caribbean at its offices in Westmoorings. The Dispute Resolution Centre - the first private mediation agency certified by the Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago – emerged out of targeted committee activities and now stands as a viable business entity. Similarly, the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission, Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago and Junior Achievement have all evolved out of the T&T Chamber to their respective independent statuses. Our Tobago Division remains the sole business services organisation based in Tobago, specifically dedicated to serving the island’s business community. We at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce stand committed to championing the many causes of business on both the micro and macro levels in the ongoing development toward a strong, sustainable national economy.

Columbus Circle, Westmoorings • P.O. Box 499, Port of Spain, Trinidad • Tel: (868) 637-6966 • Fax: (868) 637-7425 • Email: chamber@chamber.org.tt • Website: www.chamber.org.tt

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (TOBAGO DIVISION)

The Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce extends best wishes to the publishers of Who’s Who in Trinidad and Tobago Business on this, the latest edition of their magazine. The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is the only business association with a special Division in Tobago, dedicated to holistically serving the needs of Tobago-based businesses. A Tobago Chamber was first established in 1936, and some 37 years later, became the Tobago Division of the T&T Chamber, with an attendant degree of structural change. The Division has been built on a foundation of active representation through the contributions of several outstanding members, including its past honorary secretaries and chairmen. As membership grows and the Division expands, the Chairman and Management Committee continue to work assiduously towards contributing to the critical areas of business and tourism development – among others - and maintain a vibrant national presence. The Division’s eight Standing Committees address the issues of inter-island transport, security, environment and business development and members serve voluntarily. The Division collaborates closely with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Central Government, preserving a critical link between the private and public sectors in creating initiatives and removing obstacles to sustainable development in Tobago.

2nd Floor, ANSA McAL Building, Milford Road, Scarborough, Tobago • Tel: (868) 639 2669 • Fax: (868) 639 3014 • Email: tobagochamber@chamber.org.tt • Website: www.chamber.org.tt

Demi John Cruickshank Chairman

TRINIDAD HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Brian Frontin

Chief Executive Officer

The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) is honoured to be part of Who’s Who in Trinidad & Tobago Business. As the largest private sector tourism body in Trinidad, the THRTA has played a leadership role in the tourism industry in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 50 years. The Association’s membership comprises hotels/ guesthouses, restaurants, transport and tour operators and several companies that provide goods and services to the industry. THRTA provides benefits and services to its members by creating a business environment conducive to tourism sector development by influencing government policies, programmes and legislation, which in turn stimulates investment, profitability and competitive rates of return to our member companies. In the upcoming period, the THRTA will be focusing on executing its mandate, supported by strategic pillars including: Advocacy and Industry Representation; Strategic Networking and Alliances; Revenue Generation and Financial Sustainability; Human Capital Development; and Research and Data Acquisition. The THRTA will also be working closely with its training arm, the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) to ensure that the human capital needs of the industry are adequately served. We continue to work towards creating an enabling environment for tourism in Trinidad, encouraging investment in the sector, creating additional demand, strengthening the building of the visitor experience and fostering the coordination of the efforts amongst all stakeholders. We seek to bring about more awareness and recognition that tourism has the potential to be a major driver of the diversification plans for the economy of Trinidad and Tobago.

Corner Airways Road and Hilltop Lane, Chaguaramas P.O. Box 243, Port of Spain, Trinidad • Tel: (868) 634-1174/5 • Fax: (868) 634 1176 • Email: info@tnthotels.com • Website: www.tnthotels.com

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MESSAGES

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION (TTMA)

Dr. Rolph Balgobin President

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) continues to be inspired and encouraged by the perseverance and tenacity displayed by the membership. The manufacturing sector once again has shown it is a powerful business force ready to answer the call to boost Trinidad and Tobago’s economy whilst maintaining the support for local goods and services. TTMA continues to partner with other local bodies to improve the competitiveness of manufacturers and manufacturing. We endeavour to foster new relationships, penetrate new markets, drive more business, earn more foreign exchange and employ more people. TTMA has once again taken the initiative for innovation and improvement by launching its online career portal www.TTMA-careers.com, providing both employers and potential employees with the opportunity to have mutually beneficial partnering for personal and business growth. The manufacturing sector is on par with the energy sector with respect to employment and continues to be a viable option for revenue. In an effort to widen our membership’s reach, the TTMA continues to explore and provide opportunities for market expansion. In this regard, we have participated in trade missions to Panama and Cuba with negotiations to enter even more Latin American markets. The goal is to exponentially increase business’ export potential. Manufacturers are being given the opportunity to do what they do best — generate employment and foreign exchange for Trinidad and Tobago. TTMA continues to lobby for an enabling environment for our local manufacturers and heeds the call for further legislation and trade agreements. We will continue to interface with the various government and private entities to continue our drive for diversification. Macro-economic management is crucial at this present time for the country to weather the economic situation we are experiencing. TTMA’s Trade and Investment Convention (TIC), continues to be a major event for both local, regional and foreign buyers and exhibitors to create pathways for business expansion and diversification. TIC has facilitated more than TT$4 billion in trade leads going into the 17th year of its existence. Our resolve for diversification is unwavering, and it is key that the TTMA and the manufacturing sector play a pivotal role in stimulating this economic aspect. As an Association, the TTMA continues to be the champion voice of the manufacturer and looks forward to the continued progress of the sector.

TTMA Building, 42 Tenth Avenue, Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago • P.O. Box 971, Port of Spain • Tel: (868) 675-TTMA (8862) • Fax: (868) 675-9000 • Email: service@ttma.com or info@ttma.com • Website: www.ttma.com

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COALITION OF SERVICES INDUSTRIES LIMITED (TTCSI)

Angela Lee Loy President

The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries (TTCSI) is honoured once again to be a part of Who’s Who in Trinidad and Tobago Business. Established nine years ago, the TTCSI continues to grow and is the ‘Voice of the Service Sector,’ lobbying for and on behalf of its members, while building capacity in the sector with a keen focus on trade competitiveness. Our membership continues to grow with the recent addition of the International Facilities Management Association. Over the last year, the TTCSI partnered with some of its stakeholders to further assist in the development of a few sectors namely the information and communication technology (ICT), creative and fashion sectors. Regarding the ICT sector, the TTCSI, representing the private sector, is the manager for the Global Services Offshoring Promotion Programme (GSPP). The objective of the GSPP is to support the advancement of Trinidad and Tobago’s positioning as a renowned location for the global provision of information technology enabled services. The TTCSI also collaborated with the Mas Transformation Secretariat to launch an ICT platform – the Carnival Gateway Hub. This innovative one-stop hub is to promote economic growth for micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the masquerade sector, as well as assist in transforming the masquerade industry into a sustainable business and to market Trinidad and Tobago globally as a prime tourism product for mas, festivals and heritage. Being instrumental in many development initiatives for the fashion sector, the TTCSI was approached by the former Ministry of Trade and Investment to develop a strategic plan for the fashion industry. The plan, which represents the first comprehensive completed study for T&T’s fashion industry, was launched in August 2015. The TTCSI will continue to be a major player in the development of the service sector, as we believe this is the time for the service sector to take off. Join us in making this a reality.

45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad • Tel: (868) 622-9229 • Fax: (868) 622-8985 • Email: info@ttcsi.org • Website: www.ttcsi.org

THE EMPLOYERS’ CONSULTATIVE ASSOCIATION OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (ECA)

Suzetta Ali Chairman

The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) is pleased to welcome you to the latest edition of Who’s Who in Trinidad & Tobago Business. Established over 56 years ago as the ‘Voice of Employers,’ the ECA stands as a pillar of strength and a beacon, guiding employers through the maze of industrial relations, human resource management and work force development issues, supported by its suite of training and developmental programmes delivered through its subsidiary, the Employers’ Solution Centre (ESC). Through its affiliation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the ECA is the only association in Trinidad and Tobago that represents employers at the annual International Labour Conference, and other global employer activities. Its resource base is further strengthened through strategic associations with the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation, the International Organisation of Employers, and the International Labour and Employment Relations Association; while at the local level, employers through the ECA are represented on a number of governmental and non-governmental boards and committees, ensuring that their voice is well represented in the development of national and social policies, labour laws and policies on workplace issues affecting employers. The ECA’s annual Champion Employer Awards has become a hallmark of excellence and a badge of prestige within the employer community, and acknowledges those employers who excel in business management, labour relations and community enhancement. Membership with the ECA is open to all employers, and remains a diverse mix of small, medium and large private and public sector organisations. The ECA therefore invites you to call on us for any advice on industrial relations and all other workplace matters.

17 Samaroo Road, Aranguez Roundabout North, Aranguez Tel: (868) 675-5873 • Fax: (868) 675-4866 • Email: communications@ecatt.org • Website: www.ecatt.org

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Automotive and Aviation Services Focus on Using Green Energy

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n Trinidad and Tobago’s mid-year budget review, the Finance Minister, Colm Imbert announced a number of measures. Within the automotive industry, these included a 15% increase in the cost of super gasoline and diesel to TT$3.58 and TT$2 per litre, respectively, as well as a 50% increase in the customs duties and Motor Vehicle Tax on luxury vehicles with an engine size exceeding 1999 ccs. Both these measures took effect immediately. Another measure, which has greatly impacted this 100-year-old industry, came in January 2016 with The Revised Policy on the Foreign Used Car Industry in Trinidad and Tobago. The major revisions for the automotive sector are: • The age limit of gasoline-powered, foreign used cars which are allowed for importation be revised to four years from the existing six years with immediate effect; • The current age limit of three years for diesel-powered cars and four years for compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered cars which are allowed for importation be maintained; • Individuals be allowed to import foreign used, right-hand drive cars for personal use once every four years, instead of once every three years. The age limit of such cars imported for personal use will now also be four years; • The Ministry of Trade and Industry will temporarily suspend the application process for any new person or business seeking to register as a Foreign Used Car Dealer at the Trade Licence Unit (TLU), as at Thursday 14th January, 2016.

CNG A lot more is taking place in this sector. The use of CNG as a vehicular fuel is being encouraged and financial incentives have been offered to some who make the switch to CNG. NGC CNG, an arm of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, is looking after the expansion and success of the use of the fuel. In 2016, 10 supply points will be opened and four stations that are already offering CNG will be upgraded. For those who wish to switch to CNG, the government is offering a TT$2,500 tax rebate for conversions up to TT$10,000; additionally, there is no Motor Vehicle Tax or Value Added Tax for new and up to two-yearold CNG-ready vehicles. Last year, NGC CNG introduced an incentive for maxi taxi owners to get rid of their existing diesel-fuelled vehicles and replace them with maxis that run on CNG. Earlier this year, the company also invited heavy-duty and extra-heavy-duty vehicle fleet owners to apply for assistance in converting all or part of their fleets to CNG.

Imports Over the last few years, vehicle importation has been robust but with the government’s recent change in the age limit of vehicles that can

be imported, this is expected to decrease – especially since the cost of foreign used vehicles to local consumers has increased by TT$15,000+. In 2014, Trinidad and Tobago imported 8,459,918 road vehicles from January to October, which amounted to TT$4,103,453,948. In 2015, for the same period, a decrease was apparent, with a total of 7,820,201 vehicles being imported, amounting to TT$3,485,566,014. In 2014, the highest number of vehicles imported came from Japan (3,260,972 vehicles at a cost of TT$1,303,994,021), followed by China (2,081,294 vehicles at a cost of TT$116,638,066) and the United States (884,609 vehicles at a cost of TT$278,871,118). In 2015, the highest number of vehicles imported also came from Japan (3,178,155 vehicles at a cost of TT$1,145,367,151), followed by China (1,826,002 vehicles at a cost of TT$113,976,201) and the US (748,780 at a cost of TT$323,801,413).

Aviation “Air transportation is a significant contributor to Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. It is estimated that by the end of 2015, travel and tourism would have contributed in excess of TT$13.4 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)” – this, according to an official at the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT), the organisation responsible for managing and operating the country’s international airports. Travel and tourism’s total contribution – including indirect jobs – is 11.6% of total employment (72,500 jobs). This is expected to rise to 78,000 jobs by 2025, according to research from the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2015 Economic Impact Report. There has been major growth in the aviation industry in recent years, which has attracted both local and foreign investment. Growth in the sector is reflected in the following statistics: • Air cargo at the Piarco International Airport (POS) has grown by 14% between 2010-2014 (more than double the average rate of cargo growth in Latin America and the Caribbean in that period) • Commercial traffic at POS increased at a rate of 19.6% from 2010-2014 • There was a 39.6% growth in commercial traffic at the ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB) between 2010 and 2014.

Air Service Development The AATT, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Tourism Development Company (TDC) have been actively targeting airlines to commence new services to the country’s international airports. These three organisations have also been working to encourage existing airlines to increase the frequency of their flights to particular routes or increase the size of the aircraft serving existing routes (upgauging). These efforts at air service development have been bearing fruit. Air Canada Rouge will commence a seasonal non-stop service between

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Companies seeking to expand their operations in Latin America and the Caribbean will soon be able to access prime real estate in one of the most dynamic economies in the region – Trinidad and Tobago! The AATT has issued a call for proposals to lease and develop land at the Piarco AeroPark in Trinidad, the first Aerotropolis in the Caribbean. Over the next few months, the AATT will issue a call for Expressions of Interest from companies seeking to design, build, and operate businesses involved in international trade, retail shopping, entertainment, home furnishings, financial services, medical tourism and technology, offices, warehousing, manufacturing and even aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. Information on leasing opportunities can be found on the AATT’s website: http://www. tntairports.com/aatt/nabpark.html. With respect to weekly flights to Trinidad, in 2015 there were 134 Caribbean flights, 42 flights from South and Central America and 100 from North America, with average seat capacities of 25,130, 30,962 and 58,601 respectively. In 2015, Tobago received three weekly Caribbean flights and one each from Europe and North America with average seat capacities of 5,418, 1,412 and 667 respectively.

Developments at Trinidad and Tobago’s Airports The THA has been working on plans for the development of a new terminal at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago. The authority is currently rolling out its 2015 to 2019 strategic plan, which includes several initiatives to improve the passenger experience and to operate the organisation as a diverse business centre. Earlier this year, a new cell phone car park was opened and the authority is also examining the feasibility of other options to increase the number of car parking spots available at both airports. Efforts are also on the way to provide airport users with increased choices at both international airports, through the introduction of new retail and food and beverage concepts.

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AUTOMOTIVE AND AVIATION SERVICES

The Piarco AeroPark

Toronto and the Piarco International Airport from December 20th, 2016. The airline will use a 282-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, offering a choice of premium and economy cabins. From July 2016, Eastern has commenced charters between Port of Spain, Miami, Punta Cana and Georgetown, and Avior Airlines plans to operate weekly between Caracas and Port of Spain from October 01st, 2016, using a B737-200.


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Experience the roads like never before! MASKA SOUTH MOTORS was born in December 2006. The Parent Company, Maska Limited, started over 30 years ago and became the largest Wholesaler of Auto parts, Chemicals, and Auto Accessories Distributor in the country. Maska’s track record in Distribution is impeccable. We are the leading contenders in customer service, quality, pricing and style. Maska is known to dominate while others follow in their field.

Maska South Motors, led by a first-generation son, is a New Car Premium luxury dealership, which performs as expected and is leading in its field. It is located on the Maska Compound in La Romain, San Fernando, Trinidad. Customers are able to shop comfortably while viewing over 30 vehicles under AC. At Maska, you will feel like home, with our friendly staff, adequate parking and relaxing environment. We also stock a large variety of vehicles such as pickup trucks, Sedans, SUV's and sports cars. Brands include Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar and many more. Maska South Motors can also cater to your special needs with the help from its U.S. location, Maska USA, Inc. Parts? Not a problem. Maska has a well-stocked parts department, both locally and in its US warehouse. All new vehicles purchased come with a 4-year/50,000km warranty and FREE Service Labour for LIFE. Maska South Motors is now certified to sell for Traveling Officers with expeditions. At Maska South Motors, we offer you the best customer service, with very competitive pricing while not sacrificing quality, “THAT’S OUR PROMISE". Visit Our Showroom Today.

MASKA SOUTH MOTORS South Trunk Road Gulf View La Romaine Tel: 868-653-3912 | 868-688-9846 www.maskamotors.com

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AUTOMOTIVE AND AVIATION SERVICES

As the demands changed in the market, Maska quickly refocused, assessed and set goals higher than ever. They began to build a business for the future, one that will be passed on to the younger generations, a business that will lead in its category and one that will now become a "LEGACY".


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IF IT’S DIESEL, IT’S SOOKHAI’S DIESEL! Sookhai's Diesel Service Limited, IDC Industrial Estate, Biljah Road Ext, Chaguanas. Tel: (868) 671-0900/1 Fax (868) 665-3672 Website: www.sookhai.com E-Mail: sookdies@gmail.com 19

AUTOMOTIVE AND AVIATION SERVICES

BOSCH DIESEL CENTRE OEM PARTS SERVICE TESTING REPAIR TROUBLESHOOTING MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS


Banking, Investment and Financial Services Financial Sector – a Beacon of Light

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rinidad and Tobago’s financial sector is shining bright in the economy. Not only is the sector reporting profits and standing strong against adverse economic winds, but initiatives are underway to further strengthen both the capital and financial sectors in Trinidad and Tobago. “The financial system remains sound,” the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported in a March 2016 press release. Similarly, the Financial Stability Report 2015 (FSR) published by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago in June 2016 said, “The banking sector in Trinidad and Tobago has continued to be financially sound and stable in 2015… profitability was healthy…and the banking system’s direct exposure to the energy sector is minimal and does not pose a significant threat to financial stability at this time.” Bank loans to the oil and gas sector accounted for 2.6% of total loans as at December 2015.

Performance of the Capital and Financial Sectors Trinidad and Tobago’s financial system contributed 13% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015 compared to 11% in 2014. Commercial banks accounted for 44% of total financial system assets and banks remained the primary source of capital in the domestic financial system with a deposit base of TT$105 billion as at December 31, 2015. Consumer loan growth, particularly for the purchase of motor vehicles and for real estate mortgages, remained strong with the FSR noting that “there has been notable growth in motor vehicle loans over the last two years, particularly for the purchase of new private cars.” Residential real estate mortgages continued to represent banks’ largest exposure to the consumer sector accounting for 18% (TT$12 billion) of gross loans, and 42% of consumer loans. The growth in business sector loans in 2015, at TT$384.3 million (1.4%), was markedly slower than growth in 2014 of TT$1.5 billion (6.1%). The IMF forecast is for private sector credit in Trinidad and Tobago to slow down to 0.7% in 2016 and actually fall by 0.3% in 2017. The banking sector recorded profit before tax of TT$4.1 billion for the four quarters ending December 31, 2015 with over TT$1 billion of this coming from a substantial increase in dividends from subsidiaries and affiliates. Return on equity (ROE) increased from 13.5% in 2014 to 18.1% in 2015 and return on assets (ROA) increased from 2.1% to 2.9%. The FSR said that the main factors accounting for the increased profit were increases in dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates; an increase in foreign exchange profits; an increase in income from spreads; reduced operating expenses; and an increase in fee income.

Government Oversight Relatedly, in June 2016, Finance Minister Colm Imbert told members of Parliament that bank fees and charges were a matter of great concern to the public and that he had asked the Central Bank to discuss this matter with the commercial banks. If moral suasion, consultation and mediation efforts fail, the government would consider whether to amend section 44 of the Central Bank Act to give the Central Bank the power to look at fees and charges with respect to transactions such as ATM withdrawals, ATM transactions, statements, wire transfers and other transactions in commercial banks, the minister said. The Act already empowers the Central Bank to fix the fees and charges on loans, advances and other credit facilities by a financial institution. Minister Imbert also revealed that the government would be introducing civil asset forfeiture legislation called Explain Your Wealth. “If you are a public officer earning a salary of $50,000 to $60,000 a month and you have built mansions in excess of tens and twenties of millions of dollars, you can be called upon, once this legislation is in place, to explain your wealth. If a satisfactory explanation is not given, it will be forfeited to the state,” he said.

Strengthening the Regulatory Framework Other significant legislative or regulatory developments underway or expected in 2016 include: - Consolidated Supervisory Framework for Cross-Border Entities - Loan Classification and Provisioning Harmonisation Project - Regional and National Financial Crisis Management Plans - Overhaul of the registration system for securities to facilitate more timely registration of prospectuses, offer documents and market actors - Preparation of by-laws for Collective Investment Schemes and Take-Over by-laws so they are ready to be laid in Parliament. Two significant regulatory developments achieved in 2015 were: 1) The introduction of Capital Adequacy Standards aimed at strengthening the capital adequacy requirements of banking institutions; and 2) Revised Terms and Conditions for Operations of a Bureau de Change to improve regulatory oversight of the sector, including the introduction of fit and proper requirements for directors, officers, controlling shareholders and external auditors

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Consumer Loans by Purpose December 2015 Bridging Finance 1% Land and Real Estate 2% Home Improvement/ Renovation 7% Vehicles 16% Furnishings and Appliances 1% Purchase of Shares and Financial Assets 1% Education, Medical and Travel 2% Insurance and Professional Services 0% Refinancing 6% Consolidation of Debt 6% Other Purposes 16% Real Estate Mortgages 42% Source: Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

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BANKING, INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Other initiatives expected in 2016/2017 include: - Government to institute a schedule of quarterly auctions of bonds to raise budgetary financing that would allow institutional lenders to better plan their resource allocation strategies and to minimise the occurrence of central government cash flow problems - Intensified promotion of Trinidad and Tobago as an International Financial Centre (IFC). Relatedly, for the first time, Trinidad and Tobago was included in the A.T. Kearney’s Global Services Location Index (GSLI), and ranked 42 out of 50 countries in the 2016 Index - Negotiations for one or more Chinese banks as anchor tenants at the Trinidad and Tobago IFC, dedicated to servicing China’s considerable lending programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean - Keeping the exchange rate within a 7% range of the exchange rate prevailing in September 2015 (highest selling rate was TT$6.37) - Continued discussions between government and the commercial banks to reach a consensus on guidelines for the distribution of foreign exchange that will see priority being given to trade, inputs into manufacturing, medical expenses and tuition fees, as well as greater availability of foreign exchange for small and mediumsized businesses.


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The Power Of The Group There is strength in the multifaceted just as there is strength in financial numbers. First Citizens Group First Citizens Bank First Citizens Holdings First Citizens Asset Management First Citizens Trustee Services First Citizens Securities Trading First Citizens Investment Services

First Citizens Brokerage & Advisory Services First Citizens (St. Lucia) First Citizens Financial Services (St. Lucia) First Citizens (Barbados) First Citizens Investment Services (Barbados) First Citizens, Costa Rica S.A. (FCCR)

62-FIRST (34778) | www.firstcitizenstt.com

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BANKING, INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Artwork Š Calvert Jones


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BANKING, INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES


I’m inspired by our customers, the customers I meet each and every day and the stories they share; stories which showcase the passion they have for their businesses, the pride they have in their homes and the smiles they have when they see their children graduate from university. These stories are why we bank and are the source of our passion for our customers.

Anya M. Schnoor, B.A., M.B.A. Senior Vice President and Managing Director

Savon Persad, B.Sc., M.B.A., F.C.C.A. Senior General Manager, Retail and Small Business

Reshard Mohammed, B.Sc., M.Sc. Vice President, Business Support, English Caribbean Region

Mahadeo Sebarath, F.C.C.A., C.A., C.I.A. Vice President, International Operations and Shared Services

Marcia Gaudet, B.A., M.B.A., CFP General Manager, Human Resources

David Gopaulsingh B.Sc., M.B.A. General Manager, Corporate and Commercial Banking

Rachel Laquis, L.L.B., M.B.A. Regional Director, Legal & Corporate Secretary

Gregory Hines, B.Sc., M. Sc., M.B.A. General Manager, Strategic Planning and Business Analytics

Gayle M. Pazos, H.B.A. General Manager, Risk Management

Robert Soverall, B.Sc. (Hons.), CFA Managing Director, Scotia Insurance

Scotiabank provides a wide range of specialized financial services, including medium to long term savings and investment opportunities together with insurance protection. We have the specialised knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the financial complexity of many different industries. Our team of Investment Specialists are able to review customers’ financial life-cycles and develop investment strategies that meet their unique needs. At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has always been a focus and, through our community initiatives we support programs that have a meaningful and measurable impact. The Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation is dedicated to furthering the cause of community assistance in Trinidad and Tobago. Through synergistic partnerships, the Foundation seeks to be a vehicle for capacity building in communities. Since 2000, the Bank has been the Exclusive Sponsor of the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme. Our continued commitment and support helps to celebrate, develop and promote a sport that is an integral part of our Caribbean history, culture, and identity.

Carlene Seudat, B.Sc. (Hons), C.I.M.A. Director, Caribbean South Collections Unit

Marc Anatol, B.Sc., M.B.A., CFA Group Treasurer

Jason Narinesingh Int.Dip.(Comp), F.I.C.A., C.A.M.S., C.I.C.R.A. Chief Compliance Officer

Tricia De La Rosa-Camacho, F.C.C.A., C.A., A.C.M.A., M.B.A. (Dist.) Chief Financial Officer

Kameel Baksh-Edwards, I.M.B.A. (Dist.), B.Sc. (Hons.), Dip. FM. General Manager, Scotiabank Foundation; Head, Marketing

Vanessa Mc Pherson, F.C.C.A.,C.I.A, C.F.E. Chief Auditor

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foundation Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited Scotia Centre 56-58 Richmond Street Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel : (868) 625-3566 Fax: (868) 624-2179 Swift: NOSCTTPSA Website: www.tt.scotiabank.com Email: CustomerCareTT@scotiabank.com


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Mortgages Investments

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Funds International Limited 84 Roberts Street Woodbrook, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-FUND, Fax: (868) 622-1452 Email: fundstnt@yahoo.com Website: www.fundstt.com

About Us Funds International Limited is registered with the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (under the Securities Industry Act 1995) as licensed Investment Advisers. We provide financial and investment consultancy, as well as portfolio management services, to high net worth and corporate clients, both locally and regionally. We have also developed a pension administration software package for the administration of pension plans. About Investing Investing one’s money is generally a matter of weighing three factors: risk, return and time. Risk is a way to describe the fluctuations (or volatility) in the rate of return and the degree to which the rate of return will go up or down. Return is the earnings and gains on one’s capital over a measured period of time. Time is the length of time an investor plans to maintain an investment, and it helps to evaluate the appropriateness of an investment’s level of risk and return. Finally, an investor should look at diversification as part of his or her investment strategy. This will include investments across a spectrum of asset classes (i.e. stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.), domiciled both locally and internationally, and in varying currencies.

K. Michael Daniell Chairman

Eric A. Adams Executive Director

Stephen A. Singh Corporate Secretary

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Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago BATT

Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago

16 Gray Street, St. Clair, P.O. Box 1259, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-2944, 622-0282, EXT 231, Fax: (868) 628-9718, Email: secretariat@batt.org.tt

16 Gray Street, St Clair Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-2944/622-0282 Fax: (868) 628-9718 Email: marketing@ibf.org.tt Website: www.ibf.org.tt

Anya Schnoor President

About Us: The Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago (IBF) is a non-profit organization established in 1984 to assist the advancement of banking and finance professionals through its offerings of professional educational programmes and corporate training services. We are the educational arm of the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Our Council Members are representatives of participating commercial banks, the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation and the University of the West Indies.

The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago is a non-profit organization formed among the commercial banks to promote collaboration on matters of importance to the banking sector. Our Mission is to play a core role in the growth and stability of the financial sector, through advocacy and representation; and to facilitate the provision of the most competitive banking products and services to our customers, with integrity and transparency. Our objectives are: • To promote consideration on all matters that affect the banking and financial sector, both locally and abroad.

Ms. Marsha R. John Chief Executive Officer

Our Mission: To facilitate the continuous development of banking and finance professionals and to promote high standards of knowledge, skills and conduct to meet the high demands of a changing financial industry. Our Vision: To be the preferred learning institution for financial services professionals.

• To promote the discussion of all questions affecting the banking and financial sector, both locally and abroad.

Who We Serve: IBF serves banking and finance professionals seeking career advancement through selfdevelopment. We offer two educational programmes:

• To watch over, protect, represent, express and give effect to the views of the banks on matters in the banking and financial sector.

1) The Professional Certificate for Financial Advisors (Cert. FA), accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago. 2) The Diploma in Banking (DIB) which allows matriculation into UWI upon completion. Mr. Aleem Cassim

Kelly Bute-Seaton

President

IBF also serves the public with awareness-building workshops and initiatives.

BANKING, INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Executive Director

Photo Edison Boodoosingh

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Construction, Engineering and Transportation Challenging Times Ahead

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rinidad and Tobago’s economy – especially the construction, engineering and transportation sectors – is feeling the effects of the global economic downturn. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA), Mikey Joseph, expects the construction industry to perform “very, very badly” in 2016, telling Who’s Who, “I see the (state’s) financial year ending with nothing taking place. If anything does take place, it will be very, very small.” 2017 “might be a little better in terms of starting projects”, but he doesn’t see the sector faring well, predicting that only private sector contractors and those who deal with shutdowns and repairs in the energy industry will thrive. According to the Central Bank’s May 2015 Monetary Policy Report (MPR), “the construction sector is estimated to have contracted sharply (-8.3%) in the fourth quarter of 2015. Information for 2016 also showed that local sales of cement – a key gauge of construction sector activity – fell by 15.8% (year-on-year) in the first quarter of 2016. The sharp fall in construction activity has led to a decline in local demand for key construction-related products such as iron and steel, and has contributed to two of the country’s major steel producers shutting down plant operations.”

Glimmer of Hope Positive developments include incentives for the private sector to develop infrastructure, roads and transport initiatives, as well as the passage of amendments to public procurement legislation. In his 2016 mid-year budget review, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert said, “To incentivise the private sector, the present tax concessions for the construction of multistorey car parks and commercial buildings will be extended to 2025 […] These concessions currently involve tax holidays on income from property rentals and property sales.” He added, “To stimulate private housing construction, we […] intend to include in the tax concessions, the construction of multifamily residential buildings. We are also considering government grants and other fiscal incentives to motivate the private sector to get involved in urban renewal and rural development in designated areas.” The government intends to ensure that the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) focuses on “substantive community construction projects” and other infrastructure projects with clearly defined outputs. “The government’s announcement to partner with the private sector to construct homes should

provide some fillip to the construction sector, once initiated,” the Central Bank noted in the MPR. Ramesh Ramdeen, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), which hosts the annual Trade and Investment Conference (TIC), said that because the construction industry is vital to the country’s economic diversification, the 2017 TIC convention plans to dedicate an entire section to the construction sector.

Developments in Transport Imbert disclosed that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had advised that the mass transit rail project was unfeasible in an environment of severely depressed oil and gas prices. Instead, the government will improve the road infrastructure in order to ease traffic congestion: “We will also put more public transportation vehicles on the road, thus facilitating public transport at subsidised prices.” Road improvement projects identified for immediate implementation include: • The Wallerfield to Manzanilla highway (including a ring road around Sangre Grande) • The Curepe interchange • The Valencia to Toco freeway • The Moruga road upgrade • The completion of the Point Fortin highway • The San Fernando to Princes Town highway “Most of these projects have the advantage that they have already been designed and are ready for the immediate invitation of tenders, while others are in an advanced stage of preparation,” Imbert noted. Speaking at a construction seminar in April 2016, Minister of Works and Transport Fitzgerald Hinds said, “We intend to remove all the traffic lights and continue the construction of overpasses and interchanges to Sangre Grande, while at the same time implementing a comprehensive programme of construction and maintenance of all roads and bridges throughout Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a comprehensive drainage plan.” On the legislative front, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act was partially proclaimed in 2015, but still needs to be operationalised and fully proclaimed. The TTCA president reiterated, “Every day that passes

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noted that there were steps that could be taken to advance some of this legislation that did not require funding. Stressing how critical the construction industry was to economic development, Joseph believes the TTCA can provide valuable input about managing the industry in order to kick-start growth, adding that the construction industry should be a vital partner in creating any national development plan.

Legislation In June 2016, parliament passed the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, 2015; it is now part of the parent Act. Leader of the Private Sector Civil Society Group for Public Procurement (PSCSG), Winston Riley, told Who’s Who, “What is most important is to have the Act properly operationalised and proclaimed by the end of the year. What is also crucial is to have transparency and respect for civil society’s role embedded in all phases of the implementation process.” He added, “Transparency, even at the level of the president, is sine qua non in gaining public confidence in the new institutional framework.” However, there has been no movement on other legislation vital to developing a world-class construction industry that could export its services and become a greater earner of foreign exchange, including contractor registration and licensing, a national building code and the Lien Act. Joseph

Opportunities for Engineering Fazir Khan, President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT), believes engineers have an important role to play: “The 2016/2017 term […] is going to feel the brunt of the current economic decline as both oil and gas production and prices continue to fall […] But there is a school of thought in business that these depressed economic conditions actually present opportunities to expand […] by taking calculated risks and getting into new markets. We need to […] embrace change through real innovative thinking and application for the benefit of the citizens of this country.”

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without that piece of legislation fully implemented and enforced, it costs the country money in procurement.”


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Mega

Interior fi Construction ltd.

nee qua 1tďż˝? not a pro em ...

Mega Interior & Construction Limited

#38 St Julien Road, Princes Town Trinidad, West Indies Tel: (868) 794-3877 www.facebook.com/maliceilings

• .. .,;a

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CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORTATION

Mega Interior & Construction Limited is a dynamic, promising and eco-friendly organization which aligns itself to the National Environmental Policy of Trinidad and Tobago. Our mission is to dramatically improve the sustainability of the built environment, by radically transforming the way it is planned, designed, constructed, maintained and operated. We offer a remarkable set of products with a guarantee of high quality, standards and eco efficiency.

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Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects

Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association

Rm 305B, The Professional Centre, North Block 11–13 Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 624-8842 Email: administration@ttia-architects.org Website: www.ttia-architects.org

The Professional Centre Bldg. Ground Floor, Unit A 303 11–13 Fitzblackman Drive Wrightson Road Ext., Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-1266 / 627-8020 Fax: (868) 623-2949 Email: service@ttca.com Website: www.ttca.com

Mikey Joseph President

The Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects (TTIA) is an organization that promotes the ethical practice, art and science of architecture in Trinidad and Tobago. To date the TTIA has ninety-three full members who are fully qualified architects and nationals or permanent residents of CARICOM.

Established in 1968, the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA) is a non-governmental organisation that operates as a commentator and facilitator for the construction industry. TTCA promotes, supports and protects the interests of its members, clients and stakeholders, through the development and promotion of efficiency and equity in the field of construction. The TTCA facilitates dissemination and exchange of information among members, stakeholders and the public on matters relating to the construction industry via conferences, seminars, papers and discussions. The Association works to secure fair and equitable treatment, value for money and international competitiveness using international best practices for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The core objectives of the TTIA are as follows: • To advance the art and profession of architecture Mark Franco President

• To consider and safeguard matters of professional practice. • To promote and afford facilities for the study of architecture • To serve as a medium of friendly communication between members and others interested in the progress of architecture and its practice. The TTIA is associated with the following bodies: • International Union of Architects (UIA)

Jason Scarlett Vice President

• Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) • Federation of Caribbean Associations of Architects (FCAA) • Association of Commonwealth Societies of Architects in the Caribbean (ACSAC)

Ramlogan Roopnarinesingh

CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORTATION

Vice President

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Education and Training New Career Opportunities

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he education system – and its improvement – remains a top priority in Trinidad and Tobago. In the country’s 2015/2016 budget, education received the second largest allocation, with TT$9.763 billion. While the government continues to invest in the education sector, so too are many other institutions and organisations. The Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (IFC) has been charged with the mandate of making Trinidad and Tobago the premier location for financial services in the western hemisphere. This, to a large extent, entails assisting the diversification of the economy into a new area – Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) for Finance and Accounting (F&A). The Trinidad and Tobago IFC told Who’s Who that “research done by consulting global top-tier firm Oliver Wyman, which worked with the then government to outline the strategy for making T&T a full-fledged international financial centre, has identified the quality and skill of the country’s labour pool as one of its strongest competitive advantages.” The Trinidad and Tobago IFC further noted that the investment made by the government over a 10-year period in free education has resulted in an increase in tertiary level participation from 11% to 57%, with 7,000 graduates entering the workforce each year. Some of the fields being targeted to work in the new BPO Industry are IT, F&A, Business Management, Actuarial Sciences, Mathematics and Industrial Engineering. This new industry has the potential to create over 3,000 jobs within a five-year period from inception. It is expected that persons will be able to take up high-value jobs in the new industry, such as financial analysis, data modelling, analytics and strategic planning support. The Trinidad and Tobago IFC, in collaboration with the well-known international accounting body, ACCA, has introduced an outsourcing programme that is currently being offered in many countries throughout the world, including China, Malaysia and Poland. The programme, titled ‘Global Business Services’ (GBS), is intended to upskill the local labour force for this new BPO industry.

Nursing Students and Improving Health Care A recent announcement suggests that the shortage of nurses in Trinidad and Tobago’s public health system could be addressed soon. According to the president of the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), Gillian Paul,

“The College has the largest nursing programme in the country, with almost 1,700 students enrolled in Nursing (General and Psychiatric).” Paul noted that the College also recognises the government’s thrust towards economic diversification and strengthening services. “As the national university, we feel proud because of how our curriculum is designed to assist students in getting the education they need to position themselves in very good middle-income jobs, thereby reducing poverty,” stated Paul. So which courses support economic diversification? The College has started Diploma and Bachelor programmes in Midwifery, Film and Video, Advertising and Promotions and District Health Visiting. Paul also pointed out that the students pursuing courses in the Environment, Graphic Design, Medical Lab Technology, Nursing and Criminal Justice are sometimes employed before they even graduate. In high demand too are courses in Occupational Health and Safety, with over 200 students enrolled. Nursing and Social Work are some of the fastest growing programmes, with 570 students enrolled; Human Resources has an enrolment of 350 and Criminal Justice Corrections and Police Science have 300+ students. The College recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, whereby everyone entering the field will be required to complete a certificate in Criminal Justice in an attempt to improve the calibre of all inductees. While the College has a new board, the team is still committed to COSTAATT’s master plan and to economic diversification. In September, the College’s expansive Chaguanas campus will be opened. In 2015, 13,000 students graduated from COSTAATT; this year, approximately 1,500 are expected to graduate.

The Role of the The Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business As for the business sector, many institutions and organisations and pushing forward to ensure that citizens already working within the sector – and new professionals entering it – stay on top of the game, thereby making Trinidad and Tobago globally competitive. The Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (ALJGSB) has been the premier business school for more than 20 years. With hundreds of students graduating each year, the school’s Executive Education division aims to be the preferred regional knowledge centre, aiming to enhance leadership and organisational performance through the

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Opening of New Ministry of Education Tower The government of Trinidad and Tobago also remains committed to the country’s education system. The stipends for on-the-job trainees (OJTs) were increased by 20%. The Ministry of Education has relocated to the newly-opened Education Tower on St. Vincent Street in Port of Spain, which will house about 800 employees (placed on 15 floors of Building A and five floors of Building B). From September 2015, Trinidad and Tobago also saw an amalgamation of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skill Training with the

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Ministry of Education (both ministries had previously been separate entities). The tertiary component of the ministry is now headed by Dr. Lovell Francis, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, while the entire ministry is headed by Minister Anthony Garcia. The ministry – and the country – recognise that consultation is of the utmost importance. Under the theme of ‘Working together to deliver quality education,’ a five-week national consultation on education was held earlier this year, in which stakeholders shared their views about ways in which to improve the education system. According to the ministry, the aim of the consultation was “to improve the education system and meet high academic standards by identifying a number of issues/concerns of citizens and stakeholders, with respect to the education system.” Topics such as school violence, indiscipline, the Education Act and the Concordat of 1960, the National Scholarship Programme, the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme and education service delivery were discussed. In August, Minister Garcia anounced government’s proposals, most of which are due to be implemented in the academic year September 2017, to reduce GATE funding.

latest strategies and solutions in executive education. As such, ALJGSB has announced its international Diploma in Supply Chain Management (SCM), a collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) of Geneva, Switzerland. ALJGSB is the sole partner for this programme in the region. The ITC is a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It enables the export success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries by providing trade and development training and trade support to institutions and policymakers.


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The Tobago Institute of Literacy Greater Literacy for a Higher Standard of Living

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s you hold this magazine in your hands, it’s easy to take your literacy for granted. But according to Mrs. Susana Sandiford, Executive Officer of the Tobago Institute of Literacy, a surprising number of adults in Trinidad and Tobago are unable to read at a functional level. “There are many people who cannot use an ATM. They take menial jobs, where they don’t have to read.” This, as you can imagine, has a significant impact on their ability to earn an income, provide for their families, and contribute to the development of our society. The Tobago Institute of Literacy was founded over 20 years ago by Mrs. Zena Puddy. Its aim is to provide residents of Tobago with remedial tutoring to elevate their literacy levels, thus boosting selfesteem and productivity. They also occasionally offer other programmes, such as positive parenting, and have, in the past, published booklets of creative writing by their clients. This non-governmental organisation is run by a board of volunteers, chaired by Mr. John Solomon, and funded primarily by the Tobago House of Assembly, as well as local and international charitable agencies such as the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust Fund, United Way, and Unicomer Limited, the parent company of Courts. Tutors are meticulously trained for five weeks, to implement a new curriculum designed by The University of the West Indies. Following training, tutors give back one school year of practical application before they are awarded their certificate as literacy tutors. “The training has worked well,” says Mrs. Sandiford. “It’s the standard by which we work now.”

“On a yearly basis, we see about 100 students,” she says. “And we have expanded to the Scarborough Prison. We’re very much involved in restorative justice.” They also offer their services to the Tobago Rehabilitation and Empowerment Centre, for drug addicts. The problem of illiteracy is so pervasive that the Institute has lowered its minimum age limit from 16 to 13, to allow them to penetrate the schools. “We aren’t in all of them, but we have the blessing of the Division of Education, and we are assisting the secondary school students who have issues.” The programme is divided into three levels: pre-basic, basic, and intermediate. Prebasic consists of becoming familiar with the alphabet and the sounds that specific letter combinations make. They also tackle basic numeracy and communication issues. They then move up to simple words, and simple sentences. Students can be brought up to the point where they can take their school-leaving exam. This is not to say that students are treated like overgrown primary schoolchildren, using books designed for toddlers. Every effort is made to help students retain their dignity, through the use of age-appropriate and even lifestyle-appropriate material. “We work at the student’s level, within their domain. If a man is a carpenter, we teach him words he will need for carpentry.” Graduations usually, take place with great pomp and ceremony as for many of their students, this may be the only certificate they will earn in their lives. “They really work hard.”

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Tutors and administrators come from all professions and lifestyles. Ms. Sandiford founded the Scarborough Montessori Centre, also known as Murray House, but has since retired. They are united in their passion for sharing, and a desire to elevate fellow Tobagonians so they may enjoy fuller, more productive lives. For 2016 – 2019, they have introduced a new programme entitled Reading Enhancement and Development (REaD). Its main goal is to build community capacity by turning out literate and ultimately well-trained persons with adequate access to globally competitive knowledge and skills. It is also geared to support household, business and institutional capacity building for greater economic efficiency, human well-being, justice and equality. The Tobago Institute of Literacy sees itself as a very people-centred institution, and despite the impact they have on the lives of so many, Mrs. Sandiford calls it the “bestkept secret in Tobago.” In order to spread the word, and deepen their reach, they are urging corporate sponsors and individual volunteers to step up and support them. “We need funding, we need books. We need people to come in and serve as tutors. We can train you. We just need your knowledge and your time. Our doors are open. We are here for you.”

Old Works Building #13 Carrington Street, Scarborough, Tobago Tel: (868) 660-7553/ 660-7747 www.tobagoliteracy.org


Energy and Energy-Related Industries Key Energy Players Remain Optimistic

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ey players in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector continue to be optimistic about the country’s standing despite economic hardship. Speaking at the 2016 Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley insisted that his government “cannot simply reflect on this crisis situation and wait for changes outside of its control. It has taken – and will continue to take – specific steps to ensure not only that Trinidad and Tobago weathers this crisis, but comes out of it stronger and regains the buoyancy of this sector.”

Government’s Plans for the Energy Sector The Standing Committee on Energy has been re-established and is functioning. This forum, which the prime minister chairs, comprises key ministers, permanent secretaries, stakeholders of state energy enterprises and other energy experts, and treats with all policy matters, proposals and major problems that emanate from the energy sector. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, and the Standing Committee of Energy has under active review: • The 2015 Ryder Scott Report • The September 2015 Gas Master Plan • A proposal for further expansion of methanol expansion • Options for dealing with the natural gas supply curtailment in both the short and medium terms. A delegation, led by the prime minister, recently met in London with the CEOs of BP, BG Group and Shell. The local CEOs of these companies also attended the meetings, which addressed possible solutions for reducing the shortage. They also discussed exploration and production programmes aimed at both alleviating the shortage and repositioning Trinidad and Tobago to promote and develop gasintensive projects. The government intends to hold discussions with other upstream and downstream private sector stakeholders. Dr. Rowley explained, “A programme of continuing dialogue with all such stakeholders is part of the government’s plan to create a buoyant and expanding energy sector, but also to benefit from the experiences and expertise of these companies in two areas: diversification of our industrial sector, and initiatives outside of Trinidad and Tobago—in the Caribbean, USA and Africa.”

Benefits to Other Sectors The energy sector can be a catalyst for diversification into the manufacturing and services sectors. Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and all CARICOM countries provide opportunities for investment expertise from Trinidad and Tobago. As a country with a mature and successful energy sector, the government plans to look offshore for opportunities that can lead to mutual benefits. The state is committed to strengthening and expanding energy sector relationships.

The LNG Business Model Reiterating the sentiments of the prime minister, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Nicole Olivierre stressed the need for the recalibration of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) business model, with emphasis on reducing costs, increasing productivity and optimising revenue. The minister pointed out that “our LNG export market has shifted from 72% of our LNG going to North America in 2006, to an estimated mere 16% in 2015. Our dominant market for LNG is now South America, with an estimated 62% of exports as of 2015. Europe/Eurasia received 12%, with 6% to the Middle East and 4% to the Asia/Pacific region.” The USA, a former client, is now poised to become a major competitor and has already secured a market for LNG in a fellow CARICOM country. “With many of our commercial pricing arrangements tied to a US destination, this country is realising netbacks well below the actual market price applicable to the true destination of our cargoes. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that the contractual arrangements for the marketing of LNG are not now working in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. All existing LNG marketing agreements are to be reviewed and new negotiated agreements structured to ensure that the commercial arrangements are equitable. According to Olivierre, the country’s ammonia industry must “prepare for a challenging future by improving its energy efficiency and productivity, while ensuring greater value added and ensuring optimal returns to the state.” Regarding natural gas production by late 2017, Juniper is due to come on stream with a capacity to produce up to a maximum of 590 million cubic feet (Mmcf) per day. The other major development for the medium term is the Loran-Manatee cross-border field: “In this regard, the Unitisation and Unit Operating Agreement (UUOA) for

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bpTT’s Commitment to T&T Norman Christie, the regional president of bpTT said that last year, the company spent almost US$1.5 billion in the energy

sector; if the above surface conditions are right, it is prepared to spend even more this year. Christie noted that while the downturn in the sector has affected the company, resulting in major dislocations for employees, contractors, communities, partners and the country, bpTT views this downturn “as an opportunity to demonstrate that our care for people is genuine.” The company has been managing its costs through waste elimination, becoming more efficient, simplifying its processes, fine tuning its organisational structure and treating job losses as a last resort. It also plans to continue investing in its corporate responsibility programmes and remains confident about the hydrocarbon potential of the Columbus Basin. While many express doom and gloom about the struggles of the energy sector, the majority of key players – and the country’s government – remain optimistic about the sector’s survival and success.

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the field is currently being finalised. On approval of the UUOA, the operator will be required to submit a development plan for the field within 90 days. This plan will provide an indication as to the projected date for first gas. We are actively pursuing the development of this field.” While additional plans for the sector will result in a reduction in the labour force, the minister said, “We must assure that our social safety net catches those unable to gain employment elsewhere. The ministry’s mandate as custodian of the sector means that we will continue to engage companies to find creative solutions to mitigating the impact of the downturn. Where possible, these will ensure the continuation of operating activity and the retention of jobs.”


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The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago

Vincent Pereira Chairman

Dr. Thackwray Driver President and Chief Executive Officer

ENERGY CHAMBER SERVICES Representation - We advocate for our members on major issues affecting the energy sector. The key areas pursued in 2015-2016 were: • Fiscal reform • Efficiency in the environmental approval process • Changing the risk and reward equation in the gas value chain • Efficiency of the State energy sector • Local content • Reforming the Industrial • Energy services export Relations Act. Certification - We certify companies/individuals in the energy sector through: • Safe to Work • Learning Centre (including PLEA 10 assessments) • Energy Industry Competency Development Initiative Information and Networking - Members of the Energy Chamber are provided with: • Information, primarily through our Energynow newspaper, e-newsletter, Facebook page and website. • Education on major issues and business opportunities through regular networking events and the Annual Trinidad & Tobago Energy Conference. • Targeted research, with emphasis on corporate governance, international market data and local energy sector data. We reward best practice through our annual awards. Trade facilitation - We facilitate contacts and business opportunities through outgoing trade missions and networking with potential customers in Trinidad and Tobago and international markets.

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Suite B2.03, Atlantic Plaza Atlantic Avenue, Point Lisas, Trinidad P.O. Box 80, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago Tel: (868) 6-ENERGY, 679-6623/1398 Fax: (868) 679-4242 Email: execoffice@energy.tt • Website: www.energy.tt


Facilities Management

Adjusting to the New Economic Reality

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ith the Trinidad and Tobago economy continuing to contract, the facilities management sector needs to respond proactively and tactically to adjust to this new reality. According to the Central Bank, the continuing decline in the Trinidad and Tobago economy stemmed from the precipitous fall off in energy commodity prices, coupled with lower production levels (Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Financial Stability Report 2015). This contagion is not only adversely impacting government’s fiscal operations but also the business climate in general, as too the labour market, as evidenced by recent job losses with ominous signals that more jobs would inevitably be on the line. This presents an opportunity for facilities management professionals to raise their profile on the corporate agenda by championing and influencing their organisation’s response to the economic recession. This article focuses on higher-level tactical initiatives to combat the current economic stagnation. Facilities-related expenses (e.g. lease commitments and associated contractual outgoings, repairs and maintenance, security, janitorial and housekeeping, energy, and ICT etc.) typically consume 20% - 30% of an organisation’s operational budget, second to HR (typically 30% - 40%), depending on the industrial sector. It is not surprising, therefore, that in times of economic slowdown, these are the two primary targets for cost cutting. The facilities management industry should grasp the opportunity to influence meaningful response rather than being the victim of the organisation’s slash and burn knee-jerk response.

Gaining Support Being proactive and tactical requires the facilities management industry to understand the changing economic paradigm through the optics of business executives. Understanding the challenges and opportunities, and keeping close to key decision-makers is crucial if we are to secure business executive support throughout the downturn. Facilities managers should engage with their organisation’s key decision-makers early, in order to fully understand their requirements and the impact that supporting them may have

on cash flows. This is important since during periods of economic decline, business executives, in most cases, focus is on tight controls and/or reduced operating costs. Facilities management services are vulnerable because it is commonplace for organisations to perceive facilities management as a commodity, rather than as a service essential to an organisation’s effectiveness. Facilities managers need to demonstrate leadership, acting as trusted advisors to key decision makers, offering counsel on tactical initiatives and adjustments to services. One such initiative would be to re-examine and streamline workplace standards and methodologies for opportunities to optimise space utilisation. Facilities managers need to challenge the status quo of tying workplace standards to hierarchy rather than to function. Readily available research data on trends in the workplace from such organisations as the British Council for Offices and World Business Council for Sustainable Development provides facilities managers with researched case studies and statistics that demonstrate how space can be planned, both more efficiently and more productively. As can been seen from the statics provided in the Fast Facts, office space per user is being trimmed. An overriding issue which the facilities manager should evaluate early is the question of the physical setting for the office worker: open plan, shared space or enclosed office. Tactics adopted by one international media company, or even institutions such as New York City’s government, have completely abandoned offices altogether, relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy for placing workers in a single type of workstation. The benefit of this approach is its flexibility, allowing change to be implemented quickly and painlessly. This approach also lends itself to the softer benefits of teambuilding and collaboration, as communication is instant where there are no walls to separate individuals from each other.

Managing Expectations Care should be taken in these instances not to view this tactic as strictly a way of cutting costs by simply putting more people into less square feet. Adequate space for meetings, formal and informal, and for private conversations and phone calls should be provided, as an

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Office Space per User (ft2) 300

270

250 210 200 140

150 100 50

50 0 Europe

China

Japan

Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development

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integral and significant part of open workplaces. The recommended approach would be to first examine the organisation’s internal corporate real estate needs before making long-term decisions. The greatest challenge for the facilities manager comes not in the actual planning and implementation of workplace changes, but rather in managing the expectations of the staff who will be experiencing the change. This can be smoothed over by employing a coordinated approach that blends an efficient workplace strategy with a top-down communication plan that explains the rationale for workplace change. The continued uncertainty facing the local economy provides an excellent opportunity to pause and evaluate what an organisation can do to survive. Undertaking a strategic review of how the organisation uses space and implementing space rationalisation plans can be a useful tactic for the facilities management sector.


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Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Standards Committed to Improving Citizens’ Lives Health With the government’s goal of establishing “universal health coverage for the national community”, the Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, indicated that the current administration will disburse a considerable amount of resources on training opportunities in all areas of health care: “We will continue to strengthen and build programmes to meet the diverse medical needs of the national community. We will expedite surgeries and expand and improve the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP). We will continue with our medical aid programmes for patients in need, and we will review and audit the Children’s Life Fund so as to restore its mandate of saving the lives of children.” In the 2015/2016 budget, TT$6.088 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Health. In presenting the budget, Imbert said that the existing hospital strategy will be reviewed through a Hospital Construction and Refurbishment Plan and, where needed, the refurbishment and modernisation of existing structures will be undertaken. Where necessary, new health facilities will be built.

Safety There is a newly appointed 17-member Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency (OSHA) Board in Trinidad and Tobago; upon its appointment, Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development Jennifer Baptiste-Primus noted that there was a need for good governance, transparency and accountability. One of the priorities for the new board will be appointing a director of the OSH Agency, an enforcing body which has been without a head since the start of the year. Its purpose is to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation. The agency has investigative, preventive, advisory and informational functions. Occupational Safety and Health in Trinidad and Tobago has been governed since 1948 via the Factories Ordinance, which was amended in 1952. In 2004, Parliament assented to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Figures released last year showed a slight reduction in workplace fatalities and in critical and non-critical work-related accidents over the past three years. In 2011-2012, there were 22 workplace fatalities, 35 critical workplace accidents and 595 non-critical workplace accidents. In 2012-2013, there were 11 fatalities, 21 critical and 359

non-critical accidents, and in 2013-2014, nine fatalities, 11 critical and 473 non-critical workplace accidents. Causes of the highest workplace deaths were electrocution, death by crushing, drowning, falling from heights, burns and being struck by moving objects.

Security A whopping $10.81 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of National Security in the 2015/16 budget. This is a $3.816 billion increase from the previous year. This is in an attempt to boost the confidence of its citizens in the security services of this country. According to the President of the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), Gillian Paul, more than 300 students are enrolled in the College’s Criminal Justice Corrections and Police Science programme. In addition, the College has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the T&T Prison Service whereby recruits will be required to complete a certificate in Criminal Justice in an attempt to improve all inductees. Further, according to the Head of Communications at the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, Dennis Pulchan, the Service’s focus is on restorative justice. Prisoners are encouraged to change their lives and turn to positive things. At present, 14 inmates are being trained in broadcasting and many are being given marketable skills so upon release they can find gainful employment. A new mentoring programme has also been introduced whereby eight inmates are taken to schools in hot spot areas to talk to students about their life of crime and the negative impacts of it, in an attempt to sway the youth from criminal activity.

Environment In 2015, Trinidad and Tobago accomplished a great milestone when the Air Pollution Rules (APR) 2014 became law, protecting public health and the environment by setting limits for pollutants that may be released into the ambient air by various sources. The APR requires any person or organisation that operates a facility from which an air pollutant is released, or conducts any activity listed in Schedule 3 of the APR, to register with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) as a source of air pollution. The Source Emitter Registration (SER) process requires the owner or operator of a facility from which

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of Standards (TTBS) continues to fulfil its original purpose of establishing national systems for improving the quality of goods and services produced or used in the nation, including: • Standards formulation in order to promote industrial efficiency, public/industrial health and safety, and environmental protection • Testing of goods to demonstrate conformance to standards • Certification of products and management systems • Accreditation of laboratories (medical, calibration and testing) to international standards • Training and advisory services, including research and dissemination of information. Interestingly, in the area of standards development, attention is being focused on developing a standard for sliding gates to address the problem of fatal accidents due to poor design, installation and maintenance practices. Aside from TTBS’ work, the country may also look forward to a regional standard that will become compulsory for poultry products.

Standards In 2015, the proclamation of the Metrology Act (Act No. 18 of 2004) was welcomed. In 2016, the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau

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an air pollutant is known or proposed to be emitted, to submit an application to the EMA. This year, the EMA continues its work in ensuring a safe and healthy environment. It is closely monitoring development activities along Trinidad’s north coast and, according to the Authority, steps were taken “to initiate enforcement action against development projects in the Las Cuevas and Maracas areas observed to be without the requisite approvals, namely, Certificates of Environmental Clearance (CECs).” In addition, the EMA’s Environmental Police Unit conducted a patrol exercise throughout Woodbrook and environs to ascertain whether facilities generating music were in breach of the prescribed standards outlined in the Noise Pollution Control Rules (NPCR).


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STAR SERPENTINE LTD.

Beyond Therapy

Kristi Maingot DPT, MTC Director / Physical Therapist Doctorate of Physical Therapy Manual Therapy Certified

Steven Frankland BSc, MCSP Clinic Director / Physiotherapist Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Dr. Anyl Gopeesingh MBBS, MSc, MFSEM Sports and Exercise Medicine Physician Specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc Sports and Exercise Medicine Member of the American College of Sport and Exercise Medicine Member of the British Association of Sports Exercise Medicine

Devin Santos MSC Physiotherapist

Visit us at our new location: 14 Rust Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 223-HEAL (4325), (868) 623-7827 Fax: (868) 622-7468 Email: renewstarserpentine@gmail.com Website: www.renewstarserpentine.com

Since its opening, Renew has become one of the biggest and most successful rehabilitation clinics in Trinidad and Tobago, offering a diverse range of specialist treatment including: Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician Diagnostic Ultrasound Specialist Hand and Upper Extremity Care Custom-made Hand Splints Exercise Physiology Strength and Conditioning Deep Tissue and Relaxation Massage

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Blayne Gomez BSc Physiotherapist

Deep Tissue Laser With one of the country’s leading Sports Injury Doctors located within our facility, we deliver both assessment and rehabilitation under one roof. This convenience results in excellent communication between doctor and therapist, which ultimately leads to faster and more complete recovery for the client. Renew’s focus also includes treatment of neurological and orthopedic conditions within the pediatric, geriatric and general population.

Shivani Maynard BSc, MS, OT Occupational Therapist Master of Occupational Therapy

With our central location, number of full time members and convenient opening hours (Monday Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.), we are able to deliver prompt and efficient treatment while minimizing disruption to your working day. Renew’s convenient location in St. Clair also offers on-site parking, wheelchair access and a designated patient pick up and drop off zone. Indeed, the quality and variety of rehabilitation delivered by the Renew team is unsurpassed within Trinidad and Tobago.

Sheila J. Hilaire Physical Therapy Assistant PTA

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www.acerecyclingcaribbean.com

Managing Director

Director, Finance

Director, Operations.

17A, York Avenue, O’Meara Industrial Estate, Arima, Trinidad, W.I Tel: 1 (868) 290-2970 / 2975 /642-7231 Fax: 1 (868) 642-7231 Email: acerecycling@gmail.com Website: www.acerecyclingcaribbean.com

• Free collection of waste paper and plastics • On and offsite shredding services • Confidential offsite destruction of documents in seconds.

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Photos Stephen Broadbridge

Papa Bois Conservation Lives Up To Its Name

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n Caribbean mythology, Papa Bois is an inhabitant of the forest, a strong, old man with hairy, faun-like legs and cloven hooves. His purpose, his calling, is to protect the creatures of the forest — and the forest itself — from the destruction wreaked by selfish humans.

Unfortunately, though, they don’t — and can’t — enjoy the support of corporate sponsorship. Not because of a lack of interest on the part of possible sponsors, Broadbridge explains, but because the group is wary of any apparent conflict of interest. “We have to appear transparent to the public.”

Papa Bois Conservation is an NGO whose philosophy is based upon that of its namesake: the beauty and bounty of nature is there for all of us to enjoy, but we do not have the right to harm, destroy, or diminish it.

Instead of corporate sponsorship, Papa Bois is soliciting public donations, or even volunteers offering their time and effort. “We have over 30,000 members on Facebook,” he says. The public is quick to call in tips and alerts, such as when they observe poaching going on in their area. But even then, there is little they can do, because of the poor existing infrastructure and legal framework.

Led by environmental activist, Stephen Broadbridge, and his colleague, Marc De Verteuil, the NGO grew out of an earlier effort, called Trini Eco Warriors. And their struggle is great. “We were concerned with environmental issues, and thought the media wasn’t covering them properly,” explained Broadbridge. Years ago, when he was deputy chairman of the Estate Management Business Development Company (EMBD), and with the collaboration of the producers of the American environmental documentary, Whale Wars, he met with then Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Mr. Vasant Bharath, to plead for his intervention in the slaughter of sea turtles. The minister listened, and helped put legislation into place to prohibit their killing. “We had a lot of public support in that,” he adds. Other areas of focus are illegal quarrying, over-hunting, and pet smuggling. “People import pets from South America, and in so doing they import disease. They may import invasive species that are not indigenous to our ecology, which can do damage to our environment.” Broadbridge is also an honorary game warden.

There is talk about managing hunting, he explains, but he doubts that is a workable option, as there isn’t enough information to go on, such as the size of various animal populations. Papa Bois Conservation cannot, therefore, know how many hunters can be supported. Lack of enforcement and not enough game wardens also allows reckless hunters to violate the terms of their hunting licences. Among their larger projects are their lobbying efforts against illegal quarrying, of particular interest to De Verteuil, and the T&T Shark Conservation Project, in which they strive to protect this misunderstood and unfairly vilified creature from cruelty and overfishing. A quick tour of their Facebook page will reveal an assortment of gorgeous photos and videos of some of the more beautiful sites on the island, as well as some of the very same devastation and waste that they are fighting against. Awareness of the group is high, resulting in quite a demand for their assistance and

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Stephen Broadbridge

Marc de Verteuil

knowledge. Even the media sees them as the go-to guys for information, especially when there is an environmental incident. Their greatest wish is for people to educate themselves about the environment and act responsibly. The best use of our resources, he thinks, is not hunting or environmental degradation, but ecotourism. Broadbridge is also the Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association. “The public needs to tell the powers that be that the environment is of great public importance. Rich or poor, we all need clean air and clean water. The environment is our health.”

Mobile: (868) 620-1989 papaboisconservation.org


Information and Communication Technology Enabling the Technology Revolution

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e are at a moment in history that is full of opportunity. Globalisation is enabling borderless growth across established and emerging markets. Barriers to entry are being lowered, if not obliterated. And this is all being enabled by information and communication technology. From farmers using mobile phones to buy and sell crops from their fields; to students taking courses without leaving home; to doctors remotely monitoring and treating outbreaks in previously inaccessible rural villages, information technology has become integral to the pace and sustainability of development. We are witnessing the rise of the so-called ‘sharing economy’, enabled by mobile devices, improved broadband connectivity and Internet-based electronic payment systems. New, user-friendly software platforms now allow people anywhere in the world with an Internet connection, to monetise everything from their car or spare tools, to their spare room or entire home. Developments in smart systems, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, augmented reality, data analytics and biotechnology, to name just a few, are helping tackle problems ranging from supply chain management to climate change. At the same time, technology innovations are intersecting and amplifying one another in an unprecedented manner. Without a doubt, we are at a moment in history that is full of opportunity.

A Technological Revolution Technology is transforming the lives of millions throughout the world, delivering practical improvement to the quality of life for families, communities and entire societies. A few recent statistics from the Digital in 2016 report bear out the profound and far-reaching implications of technology’s ever-growing impact. Globally, there are now: • 3.42 billion Internet users, equalling 46% global penetration; • 2.31 billion social media users, delivering 31% global penetration; • 3.79 billion unique mobile users, representing 51% global penetration; • 1.97 billion mobile social media users, equating to 27% global penetration. Alongside these numbers, individual expectations are also evolving. Consumers are demanding enhanced methods of engagement. They fully expect businesses and governments to deliver services that are intuitive, easily accessible and tailored for individual usability and utility. In a business climate driven by global competition, shifting

consumer demand, technological disruption, and quick-fire innovation, every company now has to become a technology company. Increasingly, the same also applies to governments. In fact, it is almost impossible to conceive of development of any kind today, in any sector, without consideration of the role of information and communications technology. Of course, this technologically enabled revolution is not without its challenges. Traditional occupations are experiencing a fundamental transformation in the competencies required to perform them. Mounting concerns over cybercrime, online privacy, intellectual property protection and digital divides continue to vex corporations, governments and individuals. In emerging markets, technological change is often accompanied by talent shortages, unemployment spikes and growing social inequality. The looming question is “how are business, government and individuals to react?” While there are no easy answers to these challenges, they are still not enough to deny technology’s inexorable march forward. One thing is certain – it is simply not possible to prosper in the current technological revolution by waiting for the next generation’s workforce to come on the scene. In this technological age, human reskilling and upskilling are more critical than ever before.

Negotiating the New Landscape Navigating the turbulence demands that organisations and individuals adopt a proactive approach to continuous learning. This places a spotlight on efforts to support the current workforce through education, retraining and capacity strengthening. Key to this process is collaboration within industries and across national boundaries to create larger pools of skilled talent. Another critical support is multisector partnerships that leverage the same collaborative models that underpin many of the technology-driven business transformations being seen today. To facilitate it all, governments have a key role in creating and sustaining an enabling environment. This is why leaders in government, business and academia must not only know what is on the horizon but also how best to prepare for for its impact. Data capture and analytics are critical in helping to anticipate and proactively manage the transition in markets. The truth is, not every emerging technology will alter the landscape. But many technologies, wisely applied, really do have the potential to open new opportunities and alter the way we live, work and create value.

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Fast Facts • In Trinidad and Tobago, approximately 21 out of every 100 persons had a fixed Internet subscription and 48 out of every 100 persons were using mobile Internet services at the end of 2015. • Approximately 279.8 thousand fixed Internet subscriptions were recorded as at December 31st 2015 following a 7.8% increase in 2014. • The market for fixed Internet increased by 12% in 2015 over 2014. • With 2.12 million mobile voice subscriptions in 2015, approximately 1.53 million had the potential to use mobile data services on their handsets. • Of the 1.53 million potential mobile Internet users, 645.4 thousand or 40% used mobile Internet services via subscriptions on their handset. This represents a 13% increase over the number of mobile Internet users recorded in 2014. • A quick look at the figures tells us that there were more customers subscribing to Internet speeds equal to or greater than 10Mb and almost 100% of fixed Internet is broadband. Source: Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

As nations and industries adapt to the realities of the technological age, those who focus on production, research, niches and overlooked domains versus solely consumption, can make a meaningful impact on a global stage. This raises important questions such as, “How do we shift focus from technology consumption to production? What are the opportunities in those niches? What are we doing now that can be done better? And, what aren’t we doing now, that we ought to be doing?” Consideration of these basic questions and the earnest quest for answers can alter the trajectory of organisations and nations. Even amidst the turmoil of technological change, those organisations that get the answers right will find the greatest opportunities to refocus, to redefine, or even to reinvent themselves. In the quest to move beyond extractive industries and knowledgebased economies, technology undoubtedly holds the key. For that key to open the door from promise to reality, however, only people – with vision, skill, creativity, determination and data – can turn it. As we look to the future, therefore, our goal is to harness technology and people, not just to do familiar things differently, but to do fundamentally different things.


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L-R Vice Pres, The Children’s Ark Dr. Kongshiek Achong Low; Margaret SampsonBrowne, Head of Victims & Witness Support Unit; Alana Wheeler, Head of Counter Trafficking Unit; April Bermudez, Director of CA; Simone de la Bastide, President of The Children’s Ark; Anuradha Koirala, Founder of Maiti Nepal; Dhisha Moorjani Director of CA; Bishwo Khadka, Director of Maiti Nepal; at the fundraising event hosted by The Children’s Ark at Hyatt Regency Hotel on May 20, 2016

The Children’s Ark Battling Poverty, Abuse, Neglect and Trafficking of our Nation’s Children

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egardless of one’s religious affiliation, the concept of an ark is universal; it is a vessel of hope, sanctuary and protection, and a promise of renewal. The Children’s Ark is a registered, non-denominational, charitable, nonprofit organisation devoted to supporting the many at-risk, marginalised, and abused children in our society. Founded in 2013 by Simone de la Bastide, wife of former Chief Justice and President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Michael de la Bastide, the organisation counts among its board members prominent individuals such as Dr. Kongsheik Achong Low; April Bermudez; Carol-Lyn Hart; Vicki Assevero Mottley; Kathy Ann Waterman; former First Lady, Dr. Jean Ramjohn-Richards; Danny Montano; Michael de la Bastide; and Dhisha Moorjani. They are passionately supported by their patron, His Excellency, President Anthony Carmona. A support committee called Friends of the Ark comprises people from all walks of life who volunteer their time and skills to the cause. “We are particularly interested in projects that will be of long-term benefit to large numbers of marginalised children,” says Mrs. de la Bastide. As one would imagine, the influence of such a group is tremendous. They particularly cater to at-risk youth in crime-prone areas, and support faith- and community-based organisations, NGOs, and children’s homes to make a positive difference in the lives of children who would otherwise be lost to neglect, poverty, and the pervasive malaise that threatens our future. Among their triumphs are the donation of a 30-seat Mitsubishi bus to Goodwill Industries; the supply of education materials and an upgrade to the Each One Teach

Back Row (l-r): Dr Jean Ramjohn Richards, Vicki Assevero Mottley, Simone de la Bastide, April Bermudez, Dhisha Morjani, Carol-Lyn Hart. Front Row (l-r): Dr. Kongsheik Achong Low, Michael de la Bastide and Danny Montano.

One early childhood centre in Beetham Gardens, in partnership with the Army Reserve; the provision of a newly constructed home to an impoverished Tabaquite family of seven; and their partnership with the Daren Ganga Foundation and Inter-Agency Task Force to hold a cricket and football coaching clinic in Beetham Gardens. In 2015, the Children’s Ark exerted their considerable clout with a six-month awareness and prevention campaign against child trafficking, especially for the purposes of sexual abuse, manual labour, and drug and weapons trafficking. It is a scourge which, in the words of Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon, is an ignoble crime against humanity. He praised the work of the Ark in this regard. The Ark, which funded the entire campaign, invited both the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security and the Victims and Witness Support Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to partner with them. They had significant media support. This sponsorship was valued at TT $1 million. This hard-hitting campaign drew many an eye and a heart to the problem, with billboards and thousands of anti-trafficking posters featuring children in dire situations, and captions reading, “Be aware; don’t be a victim; learn the signs” and “What if this were your child; what would you do?” The Ark bought several child-sized puppets and hosted skits for thousands of children at over 600 schools. The highlight of the campaign was the visit of Nepalese activist, Anuradha Koirala, founder of Maiti Nepal, and recipient of 30 awards, to give the feature address on child and human trafficking, at their fundraising event at the Hyatt Regency on May 20, 2016. Ms. Koirala and her group have

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Inset: Ms Kathy Ann Waterman

rescued over 29,000 girls and young children from trafficking in Nepal. Her impassioned address at the luncheon left many in tears. His Excellency, President Carmona, exhorted others to do their part. “It is critical that governments, NGOs and other stakeholders are able to facilitate and accommodate victims of human trafficking who have been rescued.” He echoed Ms. Koirala’s assertion that we should all ‘take each child as your daughter’. He then commended the Ark, saying, “You are giving voice to a sometimes disadvantaged demographic in our society, protecting and preserving their innocence, and giving them the opportunity to enjoy a healthy childhood as they should.” The Children’s Ark is quickly building a name as a credible, accountable and transparent NGO, in which corporations and organisations will continue to invest. “We are currently constructing a facility within the Port of Spain prison to accommodate a library and a literacy programme. We are also looking at upgrading the operating theatre at the Princess Elizabeth Centre, and embarking on a programme against child abuse,” says Mrs. de la Bastide.

7 Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook Tel: (868) 389-9772 thechildrensarktt.com


Insurance Improved Regulatory Framework for Insurance Industry

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he insurance industry in Trinidad and Tobago is already meeting industry standards in important areas although the new legislation has not yet been passed. Despite having challenges in the last decade that resulted in one major insurance company sending costly shocks throughout the financial industry, the industry’s main representative body, the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC) is now ensuring that local and international best practices are adhered to. The insurance industry is regulated by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and is governed by the Insurance Act which dates back to 1980. Many of the stakeholders in the insurance and financial sectors have been calling for this legislation to be modernised. There were several amendments over the last decade. On April 21st, 2015 the last government introduced the latest draft, the Insurance Bill 2015 in Parliament. Stakeholders are now calling on the present Finance Minister, the Honourable Colm Imbert to move the Bill through all the necessary steps for it to become law.

Outlook from ATTIC Willard Harris, a member of the Board of Directors of ATTIC and immediate past president told Who’s Who that the insurance industry in Trinidad and Tobago can be separated into two categories – life and general. Life insurance covers life, pension and health policies while general insurance covers property, motor vehicles and other types of short-term insurance usually for periods of one year or less. There are 26 insurance companies in the country, of which 16 are general insurance companies and 10 are life insurance companies. Harris said the industry has come a long way and at this time, the insurance industry is well regulated and there are checks and balances to protect consumers. Each company has to submit its returns to the regulator on a quarterly basis, as well as annually. He added that ATTIC has been working with the Central Bank and other stakeholders to ensure that the current Insurance Bill is relevant. Once the new insurance legislation comes into existence, it will protect consumers in several ways. One example is companies have to be adequately capitalised and their basic share capital must be at least TT$15 million. Currently, the requirement is TT$3 million. Each company will be assessed based on the type of business written and the assets held within their portfolio, so that the capital required is likely to exceed the required minimum of TT$15 million.

James Camacho, President of ATTIC said the Central Bank has introduced quarterly returns, half-yearly returns and on-site inspections which will allow the Central Bank to go into companies and audit their books at any point in time. He also said there is a standard method that companies must use to determine reserves so the methodology used to ensure that the companies can meet claims is now strengthened. He used this as evidence to show that oversight over the insurance industry is more stringent than it was in the past. Camacho believes that most of the companies in the industry are meeting the current standards and will be ready once the new legislation is implemented. “Under the regulations, companies must have a capital adequacy ratio of at least 150%. In other words, a 50% buffer against unforeseen circumstances. Companies have shown the Central Bank that they are capable of meeting that requirement and hence will remain in existence once the new laws come into effect. “We have been speaking about these requirements for years so companies have had enough time to meet these requirements,” Camacho said. Harris said that the proposed legislation will strengthen corporate governance in the insurance industry. Directors on boards of insurance companies need to be “fit and proper” meaning there must be honest and competent people on the board. Members must have technical and financial knowledge. Harris also pointed out that ATTIC does not represent every single insurance company in the country and so some lie outside of its influence. ATTIC represents 22 insurance companies in Trinidad and Tobago. There are 26 insurance companies in the country which means that four do not belong to ATTIC. ATTIC also has a board of 10 members with five representing life insurance companies and five representing general insurance companies. There are a president and two vice presidents representing life insurance and general insurance. He also said that ATTIC has several committees including one for general insurance, underwriting, claims, fraud, health, life insurance and finance. Employees from different insurance companies are represented on these committees. “We discuss pertinent issues that may arise and affect the industry. We seek buy in from members to ensure that the image of the industry stands out as being a good one.” Unfortunately, he said many people have the belief that the insurance industry is still just about someone selling a policy to a consumer. This, he said, is wrong and there is much more to the industry.

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Insurance Industry and Economy ASSETS (TT$Mn)

Harris said ATTIC does not have statistics for 2015 as companies are only now reporting for that year but for 2014, insurance companies were profitable. “There were no major problems from a profit or asset perspective,” he said. Commenting on what is happening in 2016, Camacho said business on the life side of the insurance industry has been flat and not increasing as in previous years and attributes this to the present state of the economy. However, he noted, “In terms of profitability, all life insurance companies are doing well.” He continued, “Despite the recession, people see the need to save for their retirement. On the general side, motor insurance is compulsory, so consumers do not have a choice and consumers understand the need to insure their properties.” According to the Central Bank’s Financial Stability Report for June 2015, the insurance companies’ composition of assets for 2014 to 2015, represented 16% of the entire domestic financial system.

Bank Deposits and Cash - Life Insurance Companies Investments: Government Securities - Life Insurance Companies Investments: Corporate Bonds - Life Insurance Companies Investments: Fixed Deposits - Life Insurance Companies

Investments: Mutual Funds - Life Insurance Companies Loans - Life Insurance Companies

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Investments: Equity - Life Insurance Companies


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General Manager

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Manufacturing and Retail Distribution Trinidad and Tobago’s Robust Manufacturing Sector

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he manufacturing sector, which has had a long history of being the strongest in the Caribbean, continues to remain robust despite a downturn in the market. Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, which has traditionally been dependent on oil and gas has seen a slowdown as energy prices have plummeted. However, with a slew of innovative business persons and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship, the manufacturing sector remains solid with the potential to help the country out of its present economic slump and diversify the economy in the future. Dr. Rolph Balgobin, President of the Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturers’ Association told Who’s Who magazine that the manufacturing sector in Trinidad and Tobago remains “robust” and there has been no fall off in terms of exports. He said many of the manufacturing plants in Trinidad and Tobago have excess capacity, having gone through upgrade cycles which added capacity and improved operational efficiency. Balgobin remains optimistic about the sector and said at the moment manufacturing in Trinidad and Tobago hovers around 10% of its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). He wants to see this double in five years’ time. “We believe that this can double in five years and manufacturing also employs a significant part of the workforce,” he said. The first half of 2016 saw several plant expansions. One of the biggest was the inauguration of the Carib Glassworks Ltd plant on the Eastern Main Road, Champs Fleurs. Carib Glassworks Ltd belongs to the Ansa McAL Group of companies. This new glass plant cost TT$200 million to build and it is being hailed as one of the few independent glass manufacturers in the region as many of the other small plants regionally have been gobbled up by large multinationals. It is no coincidence that one of the last independent glass producers in the entire region is Trinidad and Tobago owned, as this showcases the strength of the local manufacturing sector.

New Opportunities When Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro visited in May, one of the positive outcomes for Trinidad and Tobago was the promise of a revolving fund of US$50 million which Venezuela would set up to buy goods and other manufactured products from the Trinidad and Tobago market. In early June, Venezuela’s Vice Minister of Domestic

Trade, Renier Urbaez visited Trinidad and toured several plants with Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon. She said in the middle of an economic downturn this new market in Venezuela would greatly assist manufacturers who until now have been only producing at 50% or even less of their full capacity. Urbaez had said that Venezuela wanted Trinidad and Tobago to supply goods to eastern Venezuela. Balgobin said this is a very good opportunity for the local manufacturing sector. “This is an excellent opportunity for us and Trinidad and Tobago has to seize this with both hands,” he said. Other new opportunities for the local manufacturers include going to newly opened markets like Cuba. The Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Guillermo Vazquez toured the National Flour Mills (NFM) plant in early 2016. NFM’s management which accompanied the Cuban diplomat said Cuba is a market into which NFM is seeking to expand as it increases production. In May, Grand Bay Paper, producer of paper and other related products was also visited by the Cuban Vice Minister of Trade, Ileana Núñez Mordoche. Grand Bay Paper is working to get deeper into the Cuban market. Reflecting the resilience of manufacturers in the middle of a recession, CEO of exporTT, Adrian Theodore said that more new manufacturers than expected have exported this year so far. Their original target for 2016 was eight companies but as of the first half of 2016, 13 new companies have already exported. ExporTT is the state-owned National Export Facilitation Organisation responsible for generating export growth and diversification in the goods and services sectors. Balgobin, speaking on the topic of expanding the horizons of local manufacturers said: “Our capacity is still insufficient to meet even the basic needs of nearby states like Venezuela, Cuba, Costa Rica and others.” He meant that the local manufacturing sector still has a huge untapped capacity to service regional markets.

Facts About T&T’s Manufacturing Sector According to the TTMA’s statistics for manufacturing in 2015: There has been somewhat positive news regarding local manufacturing for 2015. In the most recent data, the manufacturing sector will experience a modest recovery of 1.3% and is expected to contribute TT$7,633.2 million to the economy for calendar 2015. This figure represents an expansion of real output for the

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Awardees of the TTMA’s President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2016 • Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Aleem Mohammed • Innovator of the Year Sacha Cosmetics Limited • Most Successful Market Entrant Medium Shazam Enterprises & Investments Limited • Most Successful Market Entrant Large RHS Marketing Limited • Manufacturer of the Year Small Western Industrial Solutions Limited • Manufacturer of the Year Medium Lifetime Solutions • Manufacturer of the Year Large Blue Waters Products Limited

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first time in three years. The output from the sector will also account for 8.1% of real gross domestic product (GDP), which is a marginal increase of 0.1% when compared to the sector’s contribution for the corresponding period one year prior. This projected increase in manufacturing output is primarily driven by two sub-sectors which are expected to register increased growth: the food, beverage and tobacco sub-sector which is the largest manufacturing sub-sector; and the printing and publishing sub-sector. Following a decline of 4.2% in calendar 2014, data suggests a strong upturn of 6.8% in the food, beverage and tobacco sub-sector for 2015, representing a jump to the highest output level (TT$4,212.7 million) since 2012. Similarly, the printing and publishing subsector is anticipated to rebound to 6.0% growth in 2015, which contrasts with the sub-sector’s contraction of 2.4% in 2014. Employment growth in the manufacturing sector has remained positive between April 2014 and March 2015; the sector now employs an estimated 53,600 persons in Trinidad and Tobago which is approximately 8.3% of the entire labour force.


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Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association TTMA Building, 42 Tenth Avenue, Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago P.O. Box 971, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 675-TTMA (8862) Fax: (868) 675-9000 Email: service@ttma.com or info@ttma.com Website: www.ttma.com

We are the manufacturers’ association, helping hundreds of companies to compete in a rapidly evolving business climate. The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) was established in 1956 with eight pioneer firms. Today the company stands strong with more than 350 members. We are a powerful voice of the manufacturing sector and the leading advocate for policies that assist in its growth and development. In keeping with our mandate to promote the competitiveness of manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago, in the year 1999, the TTMA conceptualized and staged the first Trade and Investment Convention (TIC), to showcase the high-quality products offered by this country’s manufacturers. We are proud to have hosted TIC - the TTMA’s annual flagship event - for the past 14 years. Dr. Rolph Balgobin President

Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen Chief Executive Officer

TTMA believes that a modern, competitive and innovative manufacturing industry is central to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic future. The Association works with the Government, its agencies and regulatory bodies to address the challenges facing the country’s manufacturers - competitiveness, access to regional and international markets, and ease of doing business. We provide support to our members through: • Advocacy - aimed at improving the business environment in which Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturers operate and enabling access to markets in the region and around the world; • Research - Intelligence that keeps our members informed on business trends and policy developments; • Trade Facilitation – Representing members at the various domestic, regional, hemispheric and international trade negotiation meetings;

Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2016

• Business Sophistication - Assisting with the generation of market expansion both regionally and internationally through the mounting of the annual Trade and Investment Convention, and leading foreign trade missions.

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Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago

Young Entrepreneurs Reach Their Full Potential

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ithout even the remotest trace of platitude or cliché, most people would agree that one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most valuable and important resources is its youth. And as is the case with any other resource — energy, land, agriculture and so on — there is an urgent need to develop, harness and direct their efforts, not just for their own benefit but also for continued national prosperity. Since its inception in 2000, Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT) has been doing just that. An accredited member of Youth Business International (YBI), an international network of youth business programmes, YBTT is a non-profit company, registered as a charitable body in accordance with the Corporation Tax Act of Trinidad and Tobago. It supports young entrepreneurs by offering access to training, mentorship, guidance, and even loans. It is currently led by General Manager, Shedron Collins, and overseen by a board of directors chaired by Dale Laughlin, who is extremely passionate about youth entrepreneurship at varying levels. Past chairmen, Gaston Aguillera and Richard Young, and general managers, Garland Samuel and Gloria Rolingson, were also essential to the early formation and growth of the organisation. Through YBTT, bright young persons between the ages of 18 and 35, who are often stymied by the frustrating tangle of red tape that many small and micro businesses face daily, are able to fulfil their ambitions by creating employment for themselves and others. They can receive capacity-building training in areas like life skills, marketing, business plan development and financial planning.

Entrepreneurs are invited to submit proposals and applications for financing, which may lead to loans of up to TT$30,000. Much of this seed money comes from local, regional and international donors. Its flagship annual event is Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), which takes place each November. It comprises several events, including an entrepreneurial outreach, which is designed to inculcate a sense of entrepreneurial conscience in the minds of stakeholders, and helps entrepreneurs fully understand the vast network of resources and programmes available to support them in becoming successful. With the watchwords Connect, Celebrate, Understand, Support and Compete, entrepreneurs are encouraged to continuously connect with investors, policymakers, researchers and community leaders; celebrate their successes while inspiring future entrepreneurs; understand the importance of each cycle of the entrepreneurial spectrum; support other entrepreneurs; and compete in order to foster their creative and innovative capacity. Mentorship is another key pillar upon which the organisation stands, and many successful businesspeople — even those who themselves had their beginnings in the YBTT programme — are happy to pay it forward by guiding and advising others. Young members are welcomed into close relationships with their mentors that often extend beyond the formal life of the programme. The recruitment of mentors is ongoing, and enquiries on how to participate are always welcome! As Trinidad and Tobago continues to seek alternatives to its dependence on

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Dale Laughlin Chairman

Shedron Collins General Manager

the energy industry, the work of YBTT and other similar organisations becomes more influential. The success of young entrepreneurs is not only self-validating and life affirming for them, but it is key to national development as they step forward and take their place in the world of business. YBTT members share their success stories “The training was a great eye-opener. I was exposed to the various elements associated with the financial aspects of the business. The Life Skills component showed me who I really am.” Adrian Niamath, Adrian’s Custom Furniture Designs. “YBTT has contributed towards my success — they provided me with training, funding and mentorship; the organisation also gave me the drive and motivation needed for my continued success, and for all of this I am eternally grateful.” Francisca Brown-Mata, Francisca’s Delights.

Shop No. 360, Ground Floor East, Centre Point Mall, Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas Tel: (868) 665-8621 Email: info@ybtt.org www.ybtt.org


Media, Public Relations, Publishing and Print

Media

Publishing and Printing

Trinidad and Tobago consumers have considerable options for mass media consumption. The nation has three daily newspapers and some weekly ones. There are also several TV stations, one state owned, and over 30 radio stations. The different forms of media have embraced technology, taking advantage of the modern trends of ubiquitous news, interactivity, instantaneous reporting, customisation and multimedia. For example, the Express and the Guardian offer online versions of their newspapers with exclusive content for their subscribers. Many of the major radio stations have online apps and stream content. The presence of exclusively online news media has also increased. The two largest companies in the industry are Guardian Media Ltd (GML) and One Caribbean Media Ltd (OCM). In 2015, OCM achieved a net profit before tax of US$17.2 million, 6.6% ahead of last year. Their Trinidad and Tobago newspaper, the Express was market leader in sales and readership. In 2015, GML’s revenues grew by TT$14.7 million or 7.5%. However, both companies cite a noticeable drop in their advertising revenue and suggest the fall in oil prices is the cause.

According to Gérard Besson, founder and Chairman of Paria Publishing Co. Ltd., there is practically no local fiction publishing in Trinidad and Tobago. He explains that the local industry comprises of newspaper publishers, magazine publishers and self-publishers. He notes though that there is “a publishing reality in Trinidad and that is called schoolbooks” – the largest portion of the industry. Rico Charran, President of the recently established Book Industry Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (BIOTT), believes that the publishing industry has some potential for growth. One of BIOTT’s aims is to encourage development among book sellers and develop markets. Charran points out that Trinidad and Tobago has a demand for book exports. According to the UN Comtrade’s international trade statistics, Trinidad and Tobago exported a significant number of printed books, brochures, leaflets and children’s books in recent years. Charran explains that these numbers prove that there is a regional demand for our printed, published material. He admits that many of the books being exported are probably schoolbooks, but he believes that more can be done for publishing fiction. He identifies embracing the creative industries and enforcing copyright laws as some of the necessary industry changes. He also notes that the local industry has the potential to produce a better product. Technology affects every aspect of the publishing process including production, sales, marketing and back office, but he’s found that some of the local publishers have been slow to assimilate this. He emphasised the need for progress if Trinidad and Tobago is not to be left behind on a global scale. Technology has improved the lot of the self-publishers. According to Besson, more people are taking advantage of foreign printon-demand options where they can upload a book and have a publication professionally produced and printed in a short time. Recently the local government announced that value added tax (VAT) would be charged on books, and there was considerable public discussion on this. Both Besson and Charran contend that the industry will be negatively affected by this increase in prices, noting that as books become a luxury, people will forego buying fiction. “In general, the tax move is understandable but needs revisiting and consultation,” observes Joan Dayal, owner of the Paper Based Bookshop. “Perhaps a smaller tax bracket will be better received on both sides of the consumer-retailer environment.”

Media Houses Tabloids: (Daily Press) Trinidad Express, Trinidad Guardian and Newsday. (Bi-weekly) TnT Mirror. (Weeklies) Tobago News, Catholic News, Bomb, Blast, Metro, Showtime, The Weekend Heat and Sunday Punch. Local television stations: CCN TV-6 (Channels 6 & 18 in Trinidad and Channel 19 in Tobago), CTV (Channels 9 and 13), Cable News Channel CNC3 (Channels 12 & 14), TV4 Government Information Services Ltd (Channels 4 & 16), The Parliament Channel (Channel 11), Gayelle Television (Channels 23 & 27), Advance Community Television Station Acts 25 (Channel 25), Synergy TV (Channel 33), WINTV (Channels 37 & 39) and Tobago Channel (Channel 5 Tobago only). Local television programming via cable television: ieTV (Channel 1 Flow & 116 Blink), Cable News Channel CNC3 (Channel 3 Flow & 104 Blink), Government Information Services Ltd (Channel 4 Flow & 103 Blink), CCN TV-6 (Channel 5 Flow & 100 Blink), CTV (Channel 6), Gayelle Television (Channel 7 Flow & 106 Blink), Islamic Broadcast Network - IBN (Channel 8), ACTS (Channel 9 Flow & 112 Blink) The Parliament Channel (Channel 11), WI Sport (Channel 14), Synergy TV (Channel 15 Flow, 108 Blink), and Tobago Channel (Channel 5 Tobago only). There are about 36 radio stations operating on the FM band and two on the AM band (530 AM and 730 AM).

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a more “measured approach” with traditional media, but now reaction times need to be swifter, particularly when it comes to correcting inaccuracies. She explains, “You now have the opportunity to say something about the organisation every single hour of every day if you like and reach thousands.” The industry is also taking advantage of the convenient measurement tools provided by social media. “That now guides us in what we say, how we say it, where we say it, what people think about it and how people view us.” Like the rest of the world, local public relations companies are also adapting to the way the public consumes information. “PR is adapting to embrace more visual forms of communication – photos, videos and graphics,” says Ali. “People want to read less and interact more with the content.” Ali also identifies CSR as another trend. “The success of that approach lies in the integrity of the company’s commitment to CSR,” she says.

The public relations field in Trinidad and Tobago has been changing rapidly in recent years. This has become necessary to keep pace with new trends particularly the ubiquitous presence of social media and the increasing capabilities of technology. “I think PR is such a fluid field and connected to so many different areas and subfields such as community relations, marketing communications, crisis communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR) etc,” observes Candace Ali, Group Corporate Communications Manager, Massy Group. “The shift, I believe, is that PR is no longer seen exclusively as a discipline but rather an interdisciplinary practice so to me, it is growing.” Ali emphasises the opportunities social media offers the industry, especially when it comes to corporate reputation management. She notes that in the past, companies often took

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Public Relations


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TRIBUTE

David Lancelot Martin 1934-2016

“He was a force to reckon with, but his decisions were always tempered by his compassion for people. So said Lonsdale Saatchi and Saatchi’s current Chairman, Kenrick Attale, who worked with David Martin for over 15 years. “Working for Mr. Martin - he always put his employees first,” recalled Gina Jardim, who joined the advertising agency in 1971 as Secretary to David Martin, the then Managing Director. To his wife and life-long partner for over 56 years, Greta, he will be remembered for his “love for life, family, friends, his country Trinidad and Tobago…and especially the West Indies cricket team”. To his daughter Sharon Inglefield, he was “a self-taught, courageous man, a disciplinarian with a big, soft heart”. To his son Gregory, “he was a tough taskmaster and a disciplinarian who challenged us all, his children and grand children, to be the best at whatever we put our hand”. Beloved by family and friends, the cricket and golf enthusiast has been described as generous, a fiercely loyal friend, a champion of the underdog and talented sportsman. David Lancelot Martin was born in Pointe-á-Pierre, Trinidad. His father, Lancelot, was an accountant , who, with his wife Agnes, from an early age, instilled in their three sons, (of which David was the second), values of independence, a strong work ethic and loyalty. The young David attended Queen’s Royal College (QRC) where he would make life-long friendships, before traveling the world as a young deck hand on a cargo ship where his adventures included visiting many exotic places and battling a hurricane in the Atlantic. On his return to Trinidad, he entered the advertising business and was instrumental in the buy-out of the Lonsdale company from its UK shareholders, even mortgaging his home in order to finance the acquisition. Over the next four decades

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he helped develop the business despite numerous challenges and difficult economic times, growing exponentially in its client base, revenue and staff. In recognition of his contribution to the advertising industry David Martin was recently inducted into the Advertising Association of Trinidad and Tobago Hall of Fame. Despite his commitment to his family and building the business he also found time to pursue his other interests, especially sport, of which golf became his principal activity. Over the years, he would make his contribution to his country by serving in a range of charitable and community organisations: as Manager/ Administrator of United Way, a member of the Catholic Communications Board, Rotary Club President, Master of the Philanthropic Lodge Trinidad and Tobago, member of the Editorial Committee of the T&T Chamber of Commerce, Media Sector Committee Chairman, member of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) and Greens Chairman at the St Andrews Golf Club. In his later years, he enjoyed looking out on to his favourite view of the green Paramin Hills, while listening to his favorite music, which was inevitably, Frank Sinatra or Louis Armstrong. Described by his son as a ‘doer’ not a ‘talker’, David Martin has certainly left the world a better place through a legacy of hard work, adventure and amity, not unlike the advice given by one of his favourite musicians, the great Satchmo. I see skies are blue, And clouds of white, The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night. And I think to myself, What a wonderful world. (What A Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong)


Professional Services, Public and Private Sector Organisations Service Sectors to Play a Role in T&T’s Economic Development

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ithin the last decade, Trinidad and Tobago has been pushing towards diversification. The call to reduce dependence on the oil and gas sector has been strong and in recent years it has become even more imperative that the country find other means of income. The Trinidad and Tobago government has emphasised that the private sector has a part to play in exploring export opportunities in regional and international markets, by developing new training and human development programmes and by diverting increased earnings towards research and development to build their human and innovative capacities.

Export Trade – a Sectoral Analysis The public and private sectors’ contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 56.2% in 2015. The main ones that contribute to this country’s export trade portfolio are tourism and transport. These sectors account for US$861 million in exports while the remaining ones account for US$215 million. These additional sectors include financial, information and communications technology (ICT), business process outsourcing (BPO), yachting, professional services, education, creative industries and fashion. The government has targeted seven sectors with the most potential for export development. These are agriculture and agroprocessing, maritime services, fishing and fish processing, aviation services, creative industries, financial services and software design and applications. In particular, government has singled out the maritime sector, already a major contributor to the economy, for further development. Trinidad and Tobago is an attractive location for these services because of location, low fuel rates, political stability and connectivity. Government’s areas of focus in the maritime sector are port operations, ship repair and dry docking and marine services. Leisure marine and yachting is also a viable area of focus. Government is also focusing on the potential of the creative industries. According to UNCTAD’s 2008 Creative Economy Report, this area is geared toward creating and circulating intellectual capital with the potential to generate income, jobs and export earnings, while at the same time promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development. Trinidad and Tobago will focus on the sub sectors of fashion, film and music. The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries (TTCSI) has also identified education as a sector which has wide potential, identifying it as a means not only to diversify the economy but

to tap into our existing human capital. In their Quarterly, TTCSI suggests that through this service, Trinidad and Tobago could gain an additional US $62.4 million in overall services exports after three years, noting that the country has the potential to become a leading destination for foreign students looking for alternative educational options besides the United States and the United Kingdom.

Trade Agreements There has also been a movement to create a brand new local industry which involves outsourcing finance and accounting and banking, financial and insurance services to other countries. Varun Maharaj, former CEO, Trinidad and Tobago International Finance Centre (IFC) notes that this country has good resources to provide this Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). Maharaj observes that T&T is working “to attract [BPO] firms to establish a presence, hiring locals to service the needs of their foreign clients, as well as any local clients they win.” This country is well placed to provide services in this area because of the prevalence of low operating costs, government and institutional support as well as reliable and modern infrastructure. The results of the 2016 A.T. Kearney’s Global Services Location Index (GSLI) has Trinidad and Tobago listed as 42 out of 55, suggesting this country’s potential for BPO. Maharaj notes that the local industry already has attracted global companies that offer outsourcing services like RBC and Scotiabank. The Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Trade Implementation Unit (TIU) oversees the implementation of existing and future trade and trade related agreements including the EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA CARIFORUM), CARICOM Bilaterals and the Trinidad and Tobago Partial Scope Agreements. It also develops and implements Trinidad and Tobago’s National Aid for Trade Strategy. Trade agreements can play a key part in providing export opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago has engaged with several countries in the region. Some of these include CARICOM Bilateral Trade Agreements with Colombia, Venezuela, The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Cuba and Canada and the CARIFORUM European Union Economic Partnership Agreement. Through the CARIFORUM-EC Economic Partnership Agreement, the country is allowed access to 90% of the EU’s services in areas including business services, communications, construction, transport, tourism and recreation services. In an article in TTCSI’s Quarterly, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry notes that it is time for

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Excellence in Services Awards In 2015, for the fifth year in a row, the TTCSI hosted the Excellence in Services Awards. This accolade is designed to recognise role models in the industry for their outstanding performance and contribution to the growth and development of the services industries in Trinidad and Tobago. The objectives of the award distribution include increasing national productivity and enhancing competitiveness in the local services sector. The 2015 Winners of the TTCSI Excellence in Service Awards were: • 2015 Business Service Provider (Small) – Caribbean Ideas • 2015 Service Provider of the Year (Large) – Amalgamated Security Services • 2015 Service Association of the Year (Business) – Association of the Real Estate Agents • 2015 Service Association of the Year (Community) – Association of Midwives • 2015 Service Exporter of the Year - Kee-Chanona Ltd.

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Fast Facts • The contribution of public and private sector organisations to the Trinidad and Tobago GDP rose to 56.2% in 2015. • The sectors that make the biggest contribution to this country’s export trade portfolio are tourism and transport. • The Trinidad and Tobago government has pinpointed several sectors with potential for export development. There will be a particular focus on maritime services and creative industries. • The Trinidad and Tobago government has made several trade agreements with our regional neighbours to generate export opportunities. Source: TTCSI Quarterly 23 January-March 2016.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

these arrangements to be put to use and adds that it is the duty of the private sector to lead the way, bolstered by the support of the government.


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Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies

Brison Trinidad & Tobago Tel. T&T: (868) 755-7475 (RISK) Tel. USA: (210) 504-7475 (RISK) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1949, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago 3213 Duke St. Suite 614, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314 Email: training@brisonltd.com Website: www.brisonltd.com

8 Stanmore Avenue Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 624-2817 or 625-2940 Fax: (868) 625-5132 Email: mail@attic.org.tt Website: www.attic.org.tt

James Camacho President

Brison is an international Risk management consultancy and training firm. Our services span the Americas region and we have won international awards for excellence in our field. Some of the key areas we offer advisory and training services on are:

Established in 1966, the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC) is an association of insurance companies and its members include all life insurance companies, the majority of general insurance companies, as well as brokers, adjusters and other companies with a bona fide interest in the well-being of the industry. Constantly evolving to ensure the growth of the industry, ATTIC seeks the best interests of its members. It advances the propagation of learning among its members and the public in matters relating to insurance, and works closely with regulators to ensure that members develop and adhere to sound and prudent practices. ATTIC provides the industry with a “voice” in times of change. Each year ATTIC continues to make recommendations to the National Budget on behalf of the industry, and has established a Code of Ethics to maintain the highest standards of service to our consumers.

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• Business Continuity Planning • International Certification Training • Fraud Detection & Prevention • E-learning Solutions The Brison advantage is that we offer world class services delivered through the highest levels of technical expertise, with a thorough understanding of the local and regional environment. Call us today for a free assessment of your organization’s needs. Follow us on Twitter: BrisonLtd Like us on Facebook: BrisonLtd

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Clean Image Carpet and Janitorial Services Limited 11a Kathleen Street St. James, Trinidad Tel: (868) 622-8755 Tel/Fax: (868) 628-8109 Email: marketing@cleanimageonsite.com

Jennifer Lall

Marketing Manager

At Clean Image, quality, efficiency, professionalism and guarantee are words that represent our leadership position in the local industry. With over 24 years of experience, Clean Image’s strengths are our highly trained technicians; the latest technologies; and world-class products, techniques and equipment. As a certified member of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards under the Quality and Environmental Management System (TTBS-Q&E-SME 2000), we are dedicated to providing the highest levels of quality and safety. Our operations are in compliance with environmental laws and “best practice”, and we carry them out with a standard of professionalism that is enjoyed in advanced countries. To meet the sophisticated needs of our corporate clients’ homes and offices, we offer onsite specialty restoration services for drapes, window dressing, fabric sofa sets and business chairs, fabric wall partitions, carpets and floor care (same day use). We also offer the supply and installation of carpets, furniture and full interior decorating.

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MG Concepts Trinidad Limited

Lennox H. Sealy & Associates Ltd. Lot 7A O’Meara Industrial Estate, Arima, Trinidad. (868) 678-3164; 376-4104; 643-7136 Email: lensealy@yahoo.com

Lennox H. Sealy & Associates Ltd. is the region’s leading provider of management consultancy, training and personal development services based on complex systems theory. Dr Sealy is our Managing Director and Lead Consultant. He offers his extensive knowledge of the natural sciences, systems theory and management combined with his vast consultancy experience in many sectors.

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The Yap Box is a compact 7” touch screen feedback colleccon terminal. Designed for commercial use, The Yap Box has an increased robustness of the case and touch panel glass, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and near field communicaaon (NFC) capabiliies. The quessonnaire template of terminals can be changed remotely to get answers to any quesson your business needs, at different locaaons. Overall, The Yap Box will ensure you remain compeeeve with an increase awareness of your customer service levels.

Training Programmes: • Quality Customer Service • Successful Conflict Management • 5-S Performance Management Personal Development: • Success Training • Stress Management • Presentation Skills And much more ….

When installed, The Yap Box is at the customer’s point of interaccon (cashier terminal, customer service representaave desk, or special event) and allows for instant customer feedback to be recorded at the moment of service, at the touch of a finger. Designed to aaract all demographics of customers, The Yap Box can be used across all industries and events due to its ease of use and cappvaang user interface.

We give you the edge by implementing systems that yield enhanced benefits to you and your customers.

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MARCUS WINDSOR Managing Director MG CONCEPTS TRINIDAD LTD. #10 Third Street West, Dinsley Avenue, Trincity 1-868-795-5669 mgconceptss@gmail.com www.theyapbox.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

Dr. Lennox Sealy

Our services include: Management Consultancy Interventions: • System Redesign • Strategic Modelling • Process Re-engineering • Team Building • Strategic Planning • Implementing the Balanced Scorecard


Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries Limited

American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T)

45 Cornelio Street, Woodbrook Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 622-9229 Fax: (868) 622-8985 Email: info@ttcsi.org Website: www.ttcsi.org

Angela Lee Loy President

Radha Permanand

Chief Executive Officer

62 Maraval Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I. PO Bag 150, Newtown, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-4466/0340, 628-2508 Fax: (868) 628-9428 Website: www.amchamtt.com

The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), which was established in 2006, is the voice of the services sector. TTCSI is a business support membership organisation comprised of services sector organisations and associations. It represents the local private sector’s interests to decisionmakers as well as international, regional and local stakeholders. The main focus of TTCSI is to lobby on critical issues, build capacity, and market and export services from Trinidad and Tobago. It is also one of the most important regional advocates for the services sector development, which is critical for the sector to thrive in the competitive global environment. To achieve our goals and mandates, our activities include: • Engaging in direct dialogue with key decision-makers • Providing policy analysis and recommendations • Lobbying • Issuing position papers • Participation in conferences • Planning of conferences/workshops • Facilitation of trade missions (incoming and outgoing) • Education on trade in services-related issues • Research and sector surveys • Public education and information.

Ravi Suryadevara President

The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago represents some 286 companies, 75% of which are local and 25% multinationals. As the pathway to the Americas AMCHAM T&T adds value to its member companies within the following key focus areas: 1. Enhancement of Competitiveness Generation of new business and market access for services/goods by promoting interaction among member companies, key T&T and US government agents and its 23 sister AMCHAMs throughout the region. We connect firms with potential investors, suppliers, partners and buyers. 2. Influence on policies and legislation by: • Working with Government and state agencies to ensure that the economic environment in Trinidad & Tobago stimulates and facilitates trade and investment. • Utilising its alliances to promote Trinidad & Tobago as a premier Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination. • Lobbying US administration for favourable trade policy towards the Caribbean.

Nirad Tewarie

Chief Executive Officer

3. Transfer of Knowledge – facilitating access to information and leveraging experiences to raise industry standards and positively impact on national systemic issues.

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Tobago Division)

Columbus Circle, Westmoorings P.O. Box 499, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 637-6966 Fax: (868) 637-7425 Email: chamber@chamber.org.tt Website: www.chamber.org.tt

2nd Floor ANSA McAL Building, Milford Road, Scarborough, Tobago Tel: (868) 639-2669 Fax: (868) 639-3014 Email: tobagochamber@chamber.org.tt Website: www.chamber.org.tt

Robert Trestrail President

Catherine Kumar Chief Executive Officer

In March 2016, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce celebrated its 137th year of distinguished service to the T&T business community. Since 14 March 1879, we have generated opportunities for our membership to leverage shared resources and knowledge, and establish key contacts to foster a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Our mission challenges us “to be the Champion of business towards the development of a strong, sustainable national economy”, and we press on in pursuit of that goal to the best of our ability. The T&T Chamber offers an extensive portfolio of services to assist members in developing their businesses by providing networking opportunities through the promotion of trade and investment facilitation missions, workshops and seminars. We also offer mediation and arbitration services, meeting and conference facilities, business referrals, and the opportunity to boost your company’s visibility through our flagship publication, CONTACT magazine. The T&T Chamber continues to maintain a stable and dependable voice on national issues through our weekly newspaper columns and radio programme, CONTACT with the T&T Chamber. We invite readers to visit our website for more information on the T&T Chamber, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Demi John Cruickshank Chairman

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The Tobago Chamber was formed in 1936 and merged with the Trinidad Chamber in 1973 to become the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Representing the interests of Tobagobased companies, the Division lobbies on their behalf primarily to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), on issues affecting business, commerce and the community The Chairman of the Tobago Division champions Tobago-specific issues at the national level with a view to bringing resolve wherever possible. With over 70 members, the Tobago Division operates under the leadership of an annually-elected chairperson and management committee. The elected chair also serves on the Board of Directors of the T&T Chamber. Some eight subcommittees within the Division review and report on key areas such as Business Development, Airlift and Tourism, Security, Manufacturing, the Environment and interisland Transport. The membership hosts monthly meetings to ensure that the Division stays current and impactful.


CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce Tracey Hoford ESG Business Suites, Fitt Court, 9-11 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 352-0923 Email: t.hoford@britishcaribbean.com Website: www.britishcaribbean.com

Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce Liaquat Ali — President Ramchand Rajbal Maraj — Vice President Campden Road, Couva, Trinidad Tel/Fax: (868) 636-5017/223-6670 Email: couva.chamber@gmail.com Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce Mrs. Nalini Maharaj — President Ms. Surindra Maharaj — Vice President Lot#8 Macoya Industrial Estate, Tunapuna, Trinidad Tel: (868) 764-4686 Email: info@tunapunachamber.org Website: www.gtcic.org Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce Shiva Roopnarine — President Rampersad Sieuraj — Vice President 18 Penal Rock Road, Penal, Trinidad Tel/Fax: (868) 647-0452 Email: penaldebechamber@gmail.com Point Fortin South Western Chamber of Industry and Commerce M6 Furlong Street, Mahaica, Point Fortin, Trinidad Website: http://www.pfswcic.org Sangre Grande Business Association Kenneth Boodhu — President Garvin Lezama — Secretary c/o OJOE’S Building, 193 B Eastern Main Road, Sangre Grande, Trinidad Tel/Fax: (868) 668-5932 Email: kenboodhu@hotmail.com

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce Richie Sookhai — President Vishnu Charran — Vice President 17-18 Biljah Road, IDC Industrial Estate, Charlieville, c/o Metal-X Engineering Limited, Chaguanas, Trinidad Tel: (868) 671-2242 (CCIC)/779-8804 Fax: (868) 671-2242 Email: gccic@chaguanaschamber.org Website: www.chaguanaschamber.org


Property Development and Real Estate Demand for Housing Outweighs Supply

W

hile the real estate sector is still vibrant there has been some slowdown in the market as customers are becoming more rate sensitive and cost responsive. In the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Report – released December 2015 – there was a fall in the number of loan applications in the last few quarters. Despite the current recessionary climate, there is still a demand for middle income residential properties. Unfortunately, there is insufficient supply of homes to fulfil the demand. This is therefore a great opportunity for both the government and private developers to partner in a profitable investment. While the government and private developers have provided housing for the various income brackets, there is need for both entities to engage in initiatives to make property ownership more affordable for the large middle class. Commercial rentals seem to have contracted slightly and this could be attributed to a contraction in economic activity.

South The southern region continues to experience a high demand for properties and remains a large portfolio for many banks. The government is committed to pushing the San Fernando waterfront development and sees it as a priority project. The specifics of this massive project are being worked on by the Infrastructural Development Committee, a specialist subcommittee of the Cabinet, and they have been mandated to prioritise certain elements of the project for an immediate launch. The large-scale developments which include the expansion of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin and The UWI Campus South have come to a complete stop with little or no evidence of further construction works on these mega projects. C3 Centre, a JTA private initiative is still under construction with the supermarket section recently opened to the public. South Park, located on the Tarouba Link Road has many entertainment businesses in its shopping complex. To date however, there is no real evidence that property prices have exploded as a direct consequence of these mega projects.

Central Central Trinidad, especially the Chaguanas area and environs continues its trend of the last few years, of increasing demand for both residential and commercial properties. A major development in Central has been the Brentwood Town Centre and Brentwood Palms which comprise residential lots, townhouses, a gas station, the Brentwood Shopping Centre, warehousing and offices.

Another big project is the 50,000-square feet Unicomer Complex (trading as Courts) at Calcutta Road, Freeport. This $300 million facility, is expected to create 400 jobs and will not only house Unicomer’s Trinidad and Tobago headquarters but their Caribbean regional office.

East According to experienced real estate agents, market prices in the East have remained stable over the past year. Contributing factors to these steady prices could be that there are not as many properties available on the market as compared to Port of Spain and the West. Moreover, the East has more owner-occupied homes, and therefore there is not as much speculation. While there have been some small pockets of new construction, there are currently no new upcoming large-scale developments.

Western Peninsula There continues to be interest in the West with buyers seeking middle and upper-income earner properties. The greatest demand in this area, as in most areas in Trinidad and Tobago, is for middle income housing and there has been some recognition of this fact by property developers who want to tap into the demand. There are a few developments, small and large, that are affording the middle income earner to purchase a first home. The West has always been a main draw for foreign rental opportunities. However, with the fall in oil prices and the decline in that sector there has been a significant number of expats leaving the country and as such, the result has been falling rental prices as property owners seek local tenants at more affordable rents after long periods of waiting for a US-dollar expat tenant.

Tobago The island’s tourism industry has suffered greatly from the decline in international arrivals over the past 10 years, and the absence of major new tourism investment in hotels and resorts. The island and its infrastructure are tired and real estate values and activity reflect this fact. There is a level of real estate activity where local investment is seeking to cater for the increased number of domestic visitors who often do not use hotel accommodation but look for low-cost guesthouses or B&B rooms. A slow but steady level of construction of this type of accommodation on small parcels of land can be seen in the southwest portion of the island. Looking at Crown Point in particular, you will find an increased level of development for commercial activity between the airport and the

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other foreign direct investment (FDI) coming to the island will no doubt begin the process of revitalising the industry. This will allow Tobago to realise its great potential as an exciting, nature-based holiday destination with a full range of real estate offerings that will appeal equally to local and foreign investors.

Conclusion In the last year, repo rates have increased which will ultimately affect consumer spending since it is now more expensive to borrow. Unemployment has gone up and some analysts predict it will continue to rise. What sort of impact will these factors then have on the real estate market? Property prices appear to have more or less stabilised; there is evidence of reduced prices for residential land but these are isolated cases. The former governor of Central Bank, J. Rambarran announced in December 2015 that Trinidad and Tobago was in a recession but it is believed that the recession had started at a much earlier date. Only time will tell whether the factors outlined above will have a detrimental impact on prices and effectively the performance of the real estate market.

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Bon Accord residential development. Here there is a concentration of fast food outlets, rubbing shoulders with banks, bars, members’ clubs, guesthouses and a couple new mini-malls offering a range of retail outlets. Unfortunately, the small population of the island and the absence of international visitors to augment its numbers means that running a sustainable retail business is challenging, even for the larger Lowlands Mall, but this will change with the planned revitalisation of the tourism industry as a major factor in the diversification of the country away from dependence on oil and gas revenue. New construction in or around Scarborough has been spearheaded by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) which has constructed in recent years a new library, cultural centre, financial centre, hospital and a number of divisional offices. In the tourism sector, the THA has also acquired ownership of three hotels and several large tracts of land for future housing needs and potential tourism development. Without a vibrant tourism industry, real estate activity on the island remains low in comparison to 10-20 years ago when the industry was in a strong growth phase, but news of a brand-name resort, announced by the prime minister, and


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PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND REAL ESTATE


1 On 1 Realty 67 Nina Drive, Columbus Circle, Westmoorings, Trinidad Tel: (868) 633-2721 Mobile: (868) 497-4863 Email: wendy@1on1realtors.com Find us on www.trinidadrealtors.com

Wendy Abraham Owner/Broker

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1 On 1 Realty is one of Trinidad and Tobago‘s leading and respected real estate companies under the strategic management of Wendy Abraham. Formed nine years ago, 1 On 1 Realty consists of a team of dedicated professionals who concentrate on excellence in customer service while adding value at all times. Our core skills include commercial and residential sales and rentals throughout the West and Port of Spain, but on a wider scale we capture the entire market of Trinidad and Tobago through our networking associates. Our client-focused approach and desire is to serve people who come to us to the very best of our ability. We offer our services seven days a week at any time convenient to the client.


Photo Edison Boodoosingh

La Brea Social Action Group Mobilising for Self-Help

I

n the early part of the last century, as the country’s energy industry was in its infancy, La Brea and its environs enjoyed not only local but international attention. Its agricultural sector was thriving, with its cocoa and coconuts in demand here and abroad. Energy giants began exploiting the abundant oilfields that dotted the area, and, of course, the inexhaustible Pitch Lake was the source of some of the best asphalt in the world. Grand parties were hosted by the wealthy, and socialites sailed from Port of Spain to the port at Brighton to sip cocktails, hear the best bands play, and admire the beautifully paved roads. Decades later, as the energy hub inched northward to Point Lisas and the agricultural sector was hit again and again by disease and economic hardship, La Brea became a shell of its former self. Times are hard, says retired security officer Ephraim France, especially for the youth. Mr. France is the current president of the La Brea Social Action Group, which was founded over 20 years ago by well-known social activist, Sister Paul Maria Clarke. It is overseen by a board of directors and managed by volunteers from within the community. Its main purpose is to help many of the struggling residents help themselves. “We don’t want to be dependent on anybody,” says Mr. France. “We organise and mobilise people for self-help.” The area falling under their

Ephraim France President

purview is quite large; apart from La Brea itself, it includes Vessigny and Sobo Village, among others. Unemployment rates are significantly higher than in the North, thus the young people, seeing little escape from poverty, fall prey to crime, drugs, and hopelessness.

The group also works closely with charitable organisations like the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL), and energy companies such as the La Brea Industrial Development Corporation (LABIDCO), The National Gas Company (NGC), and Petrotrin.

With palpable sadness in his voice, Mr. France speaks of the high pregnancy rates, especially among very young girls, who, more often than not, are obliged to raise their children single-handedly. “The men aren’t standing up,” he says. “I would like to see people’s mindset change. They talk about what is happening, but nobody gets together to teach them about their way of life. Parents have children and don’t know how to raise them. As soon as a child leaves school, they look for something to do. They sell a few fruit, but that’s it.”

Of course, with self-help as its motto, the group also tries to raise their own funds, hosting boat cruises, curry-ques and an annual Christmas dinner. Funds raised are enough to buy hampers and other items for the area’s neediest residents.

When people come to the La Brea Social Action Group, their first course of action is to refer them to the Ministry of Social Development for assistance. They use their network of contacts to help find employment for those who can work, and encourage them to seek training. “With this recession, times are hard,” he reflects. “There isn’t a lot of work.” He talks of interventions in which group members visit residences and are shocked and grieved at the living conditions that many endure, especially children.“ They need proper homes. Some live next to the sea, everybody jammed in one area.”

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Though the board comprises 15 people, many are elderly, and their ability to assist diminishes as the years pass. Mr. France and others are trying to encourage younger residents to come on board and help their community, but although the spirit is willing, many young people are bogged down by their own responsibilities. “They will contribute to a project,” he notes, “but they won’t come to a meeting and sit down.” Nevertheless, he is optimistic. He’s looking forward to more corporate support in the future. “We need to raise them up so they can achieve their goals.”

Head Office: Newlands, La Brea Tel: (868) 364-3224, Ephraim France 648-7603, Josephine Chong.


Shipping, Ports and Maritime Services The Impact of the Global Economic Downturn

“I

t is regrettable that there were no developments in the shipping industry in 2015,” says President of the Shipping Association of Trinidad & Tobago (SATT) Rhett Chee Ping. Instead, he identified several major negative developments that occurred due to the changes in the global economy. “The global recession, coupled with the continuing overcapacity in tonnage (ships) and closure of ArcelorMittal, saw reduced imports, as well as exports,” he said. In addition to the employees most directly affected, “the service providers in ArcelorMittal’s supply chain, PLIPDECO, their shipping agent, and even the Shipping Association – of which ArcelorMittal was a member – would all have been affected financially by the closure of the company,” Chee Ping said. In addition, the continuing liner shipping consolidations, mergers and acquisitions – the most significant strategy being deployed to cope with the overcapacity and boost shipping rates - resulted in a couple agents losing their agency contracts with the acquired shipping line. Of course, this boosted the business of the agent of the acquiring liner. Chee Ping also noted that “the continuing lack of US currency locally, continued to place significant pressure on shipping contracts.” In 2016, a number of agents and/or service providers are (independently) considering quoting their rates in US dollars, he said. Another significant change that exporters need to be aware of, he added, is that effective July 01st, 2016 new International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations require that all containers to be loaded onto a vessel (i.e. all export containers) must be accompanied by a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) certificate. The verification must be performed by the shipper, Chee Ping said. “This regulation, will impact all of global shipping, and requires not just changes in legislation and regulation, but requires changes to commercial terms between the shipper and the agent, as well as the port or terminal,” Chee Ping said. Concerning the outlook for the local shipping industry in 2016/2017, Chee Ping said, “Given the prevailing international trends, we anticipate slightly more contraction within shipping in the short to medium term. As the liner mergers and acquisitions continue, we can expect to see freight rates recover, that is, increase from the depressed position of the last two years. With our current foreign exchange crunch, this means that, ultimately, we will be paying even more for goods and services.”

A Good Sign One seemingly positive development in 2016 was the setting up of a Standing Committee for the development of the maritime sector, chaired by Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Franklin Khan. The committee’s first meeting took place in June 2016. Its mandate, according to a press release, “involves the development and growth of the maritime sector; the facilitation of the sourcing of credit for the industry; the fast tracking of regulatory approvals; the identification of appropriate land for commercial maritime activity; the promotion of capacity building, training and apprenticeship arrangements and the provision of advice on incentives and investment opportunities.” The opportunities identified for further development, the release said, are ship repair and dry docking, bunkering, open ship registry, transshipment, cold stacking, port operations, yachting infrastructure development and special economic zones/maritime logistics. However, SATT will only get excited when it sees action and results. Not mincing words, the SATT President told Who’s Who, “The lip service with respect to diversification through the maritime industry continues and we are not optimistic that the urgently needed significant changes in policy and legislation will take place to support growth.” We continue to lose highly profitable transshipment and bunkering opportunities, both existing and new, as well as foreign exchange earnings, due to the absence of a coherent policy and highly bureaucratic and inefficient administration, he added. So, notwithstanding new opportunities which may arise with the impending opening of the widened Panama Canal, the successive governments’ apparent apathy with respect to policy, legislation and administration for the maritime industry, continues to work counter to industry development, he said. With respect to the country’s port infrastructure, Chee Ping said, “Once again there is little evidence that the investments (and reform) necessary to bring our ports up to code are going to be made in the short to medium term. There are relatively lengthy lead times for significant port equipment acquisition and dredging works so unless the ports already have these orders and/or works in their previous year’s planning cycle, we do not anticipate any significant upgrades in 2016/2017.”

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CARIBBEAN PORT CONTAINER TRAFFIC

Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUS) Trinidad and Tobago

Year

Port of Spain

Pt. Lisas

2015

298,969

221,856

2014

385,392

208,972

2013

381,232

192,887

Sources: AAPA Survey, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago’s website www.patnt.com.

QUALITY OF PORT INFRASTRUCTURE Country Trinidad and Tobago Netherlands Colombia Costa Rica Guyana Jamaica

Ranking/140 countries

Score (1-7)

71 1 85 109 87 45

4.0 6.8 3.6 3.1 3.6 4.7

Source: World Economic Forum - Global Competitiveness Report 2015/2016

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At its 46th Annual General Meeting in May 2016, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) presented the findings of a study it had commissioned entitled ‘Transforming the Caribbean Port Services Industry: Towards the Efficiency Frontier.’ The Port of Port of Spain (PPP) was one of 12 Caribbean ports analysed. At a seminar to discuss the study, CDB PPP Coordinator, Brian Samuels presented three key recommendations to governments to improve port efficiency: • Allow port authorities greater autonomy. Political interference limits ability to operate on an efficient basis. A higher degree of autonomy can be realised through private sector involvement. • Recognise the need for labour restructuring. In many ports, labour is organised under traditional rules from the breakbulk era. This is unsustainable in the container age. • Adopt a long-term port development vision. The lack of a long-term vision hampers development as investors are uncertain of the future.


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Foxx Logistics Limited Couriers of Trinidad & Tobago

Acclaim Freight & Logistics Services Limited 107 Ninth Street, Barataria, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. Tel: (868) 222-7595 Fax: (868) 222-7596 Email: info@acclaimfreight.com Website: www.acclaimfreight.com

Derek Telfer

Managing Director

Kyle Telfer

Director Operations

24 Las Lomas Rd, Las Lomas No. 3, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-1774/290-1037 Email: foxxlogistics1@gmail.com

Acclaim Freight and Logistics is a full service shipping operation which caters to all modes of international and domestic transportation. With a streamlined, efficient team of over 80 years combined experience in the industry, Acclaim prides itself with being unencumbered by big business bureaucracy and its ability to exercise flexibility to meet the needs of a wide range of modern consumer demands. For both Import and Export with N.V.O.C.C. operations and Customs Clearance, we provide in-house worldwide transportation of cargo by Sea and Air Freight. We also specialize in value added logistics and door-to-door services to ensure that we maintain control of your product at all times. Acclaim Freight and Logistics Services Limited caters to the needs of both corporate and private clients and is the most suitable option for the smart customer who just wants the job done.

Foxx Logistics Ltd was born out of the recognition that several small, medium and large business entities and government organisations have a need for a courier provider offering quality, consistent and dependable service, with a degree if flexibility that allows their operations to function and thrive. Foxx Logistics, our management and board have over 30 years in the industry and are well equipped to service our clients. We believe in working with clients to customize the best possible solutions to meet their particular business demands in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. We have a competent and dedicated team to handle your needs, from collection of packages to delivery. Our services include ground and island-to island logistics, repackaging, inventory management, just-intime supply management, cheque collections and warehousing. We ensure that the focus on customer service, security, confidentiality and delivery of our promised service, is always maintained.

Acclaim Freight & Logistics Services Ltd. “Our Service, Your Acclaim.”

Global Maritime Services Ltd. 21 Baroda Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Tel: (868) 628-8200 Fax: (868) 622-5697 Mobile: (868) 680-5926 Email: globalms@globalmstt.net Website: www.globalmstt.net

SHIPPING, PORTS AND MARITIME SERVICES

Eric Clarke

Managing Director

GLOBAL MARITIME SERVICES (GMS) offers a full range of services including Shipping, Customs Brokerage and Freight. GMS has established a vigorous presence in marine shipping. We have developed a complete service at competitive rates. Our management team understands the needs of the industry and is committed to keeping our principles continuously informed. The team is headed by Eric Clarke, who – with over 50 years of experience in the shipping and airline industry – makes dynamic and versatile decisions that keep customers reassured. Mr. Clarke’s knowledge, combined with that of the GMS team of professionals, is a major selling point in communicating customers’ needs. As one of the leading shipping agencies in Trinidad, with over 30 years of experience, we interact daily with most of the major importers and exporters locally. We also offer a full range of service at all Ports in Trinidad and Tobago, as Liner and Port Agents. Our services include: • Full Agency Services • Husbandry Services • Bunker Services • Protective Agency Services • Maritime Logistics • Customs Brokerage Services.

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Travel, Tourism and Conference Facilities Small Islands, So Much To Offer

I

t’s an enigma of sorts – how can two relatively small islands offer so much in the way of quantity and diversity of options to cater for everything from the idyllic getaway to paradise through to a bustling international conference of epic proportions? The answer lies in the natural gifts bestowed upon the nation, together with a history of development and a unique geographic position in the Caribbean and Americas. Indeed, within an hour you could leave a meeting within an imposing tower in Port of Spain’s business sector and be soaking in the soothing seas of the Atlantic. For every stereotypical sector there is its antithesis, which fits perfectly with the analogy that variety is the spice of life.

There are many conference facilities available, maintaining the mantra of many offerings. Trinidad and Tobago has a proven background in this area, hosting the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, both in 2009. From mega meetings of this type to intimate atmosphere requirements of smaller gatherings, Trinidad and Tobago provides it all. It does not have to be the traditional surroundings of a typical meeting room either. After all, this is the Caribbean and hosting facilities are available near or on beaches or in the rainforests of our nature reserves. If you’re thinking outside of the box, Trinidad and Tobago has ‘21st century meets the natural world.’

Getting here

Tourism

Reaching to this hub of multiplicity is effortless with international and regional flights arriving daily and ships regularly docking at Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, and intermittently at Scarborough, Tobago’s capital. Piarco International Airport is a mere four-hour journey from Miami, USA, one hour from South America and eight hours from Europe. Travel between the two islands is served by a 15-minute flight every hour and while the sights from above are extraordinary, the really scenic route is via the two-hour ferry journey that links the two capital cities, past the smaller islands that are Trinidad’s playground and fishing waters and along the rugged northern coastline.

Business For the business traveller, there is the knowledge that Trinidad and Tobago’s experience as a producer of oil and natural gas and as one of the major economies in the western hemisphere, means that a wealth of experience exists. Intricate knowledge of banking, financial services, manufacturing, outsourcing, media and entertainment abounds. Over 50 years in dealing with the world on major levels has resulted in a trickledown effect to all industries; in short, there is an ease to doing business. Doing business with a high degree of professionalism has resulted in a stable economy, with investment towards diversification in the near future. Of course there is the added benefit that as an extremely outgoing people, hospitality and entertainment go hand in hand with business. Expect the professionalism of the boardroom to be equally matched with the warmth of our generosity.

Regardless of the nature of your trip, Trinidad and Tobago offers a unique experience based on its rich culture influenced by the traditions of its colonial past and made distinctly ‘Trinbagonian,’ a quality that emanates from Carnival and lasts all year long. There is easy acquaintance borne of media, city and town names, music, even familial monikers that reflect a nation made up of Indian, African, Syrian, Lebanese, European and Chinese heritage. The term ‘melting pot’ to describe the population, is a nice lead in to the description of our cuisine. Trinidad and Tobago is growing as a culinary destination as the world discovers what the locals already know: the food is fantastic! A major part of the day is dedicated to food, once you taste it, the reasons become clear. Those reasons are many, from street vendors whose fare creates loyallists at an early age, to modern upscale restaurants that add a Caribbean twist to global dishes. Seafood on a twin island nation is of course a must – succulent shrimp, kingfish and lobster vie for top billing with Tobago’s curried crab. The real winner is your palate. ‘Liming’ is the national pastime; that social exercise that is difficult to encapsulate in words but oh, so simple to put into practice. Entertainment, chatting, dancing and socialising are all governed by liming and soon, you will be too. To meet this demand, a plethora of watering holes, nightclubs, pubs and bars exist across Trinidad and Tobago, each with its unique character and on par with global social spots. Chilling or partying, Trinidad and Tobago has it covered and you’ll soon be asking to return.

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Fast Facts Cruise Passenger Arrival Data Calendar year

Note: The Cruise Ship Season typically runs from the month of October of one year to April/May of the following year; however, the data presented is in calendar year. Years TRINIDAD Yoy % Change TOBAGO Yoy % Change TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Yoy % Change

2012

2013

2014

2015

17,795

12,779

13,085

14,748

15%

-28%

2%

13%

31,364

20,274

20,629

64,569

-30%

-35%

2%

213%

49,159

33,053

33,714

79,317

-18%

-33%

2%

135%

Data Sources: [Trinidad]- STR Global. [Tobago] - Research Unit, Division of Tourism & Transportation, THA

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TRAVEL, TOURISM AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES

Trinbagonians love their sport and have produced a fair amount of global stars across many disciplines. It’s reflected in our stadia and passion to exercise, making best use of a unique topography and perfect year-round climate by the drive towards sports tourism. World and Olympic-class cricket, football, cycling, aquatic, tennis and squash centres now exist. Golfing is a must. The sea beckons. Quite simply, it’s a sporting paradise that is growing with new provisions across all disciplines, attracting the best from across the globe but available to all. The unearthing of all these options and so many more, gives a sense of adventure for a country that has struck the perfect balance between Caribbean isle and modern global nation. Trinidad and Tobago’s own residents experience it every day. It’s time for you to discover it. Details can be found at the Tourism Development Company (www.tdc.co.tt) and the Ins & Outs of Trinidad & Tobago (www.insandoutstt.com).


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TRAVEL, TOURISM AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES


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TRAVEL, TOURISM AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES


Caribbean Discovery Tours Limited

Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association

9B Fondes Amandes Rd., St. Anns, P.O.S. Trinidad Mobile: (868) 620-1989 Fax: (868) 624-8596 Email: caribbeandiscoverytours@yahoo.com Website: www.caribbeandiscoverytours.com

Apt 1, Lambeau Credit Union Bldg Auchenskeoch Road, Carnbee, Tobago P.O. Box 295, Scarborough, Tobago Tel/Fax: (868) 639-9543 Email: tobagohoteltourismassoc@gmail.com Website: www.tobagohoteltourism.com

Caribbean Discovery Tours, a pioneer of eco-tourism in Trinidad and Tobago, offers expertly guided kayaking, hiking, camping and scuba adventures, and services for academics and film-makers. On his travels, Stephen Broadbridge, Managing Director, has photographed wildlife, birds, wetlands, forests and urban landscapes, and his images have been widely published. Stephen Broadbridge Managing Director

Member of the

The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 to be the voice of the island’s tourism sector and to represent the diverse interests of all its tourism-related businesses. Like so many Caribbean Islands, Tobago’s economy and workforce are heavily dependent upon tourism and the Association takes seriously the pivotal role it plays between the Government and the Private Sector. The motto of the THTA is “Together! Getting Tobago Tourism Right”. The focus of the Association’s work is on the following prime areas: Marketing: Defining the unique Brand Tobago; having input to national and local marketing campaigns that enhance the Tobago experience for visitors, liaising with overseas representatives in source markets; guiding future development that will ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry and supporting industries, airlift, job training, security and so on.

Caribbean Discovery Tours coproduced the film Wild T&T, documenting the country’s flora and fauna, which won

a Green Leaf Award in 2005.

Stephen has held positions on several private and state boards including the EMBD as deputy chairman, Creative TT, Papa Bois Conservation, and was a director on state owned company TT Free Zone Company. He is currently the vice president of the T&T Incoming Tour Operators Association.

Advocacy and Partnership: Strengthening the working relationship between central and local government; participating in national development policy and planning — especially as it impacts tourism; creating linkages between the private sectors on both islands via the Chamber and other tourism organizations like the THRTA, to maximize their commercial support of the Tobago market, thereby increasing retained tourism revenues. Finance/Administration and Membership: Fund-raising to support the work of the self-funding association; building of the membership base to better represent the many interests of Tobago businesses; representation at local and international trade shows. Christopher James - President

Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau

Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association

Level 1 Maritime Centre 29 Tenth Avenue, Barataria Tel: (868) 675-7034-7 Email: conventionbureau@tdc.co.tt Website: www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad/meetings

Secretariat Email: info@touroperatorsassociationtt.com Website: www.touroperatorsassociationtt.com Tel/Fax: (868) 633-1403 / 753-2775 Fax: (868) 633-1771

The Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau, a department within the Tourism Development Company Limited, is a one-stop shop for meeting planners seeking independent information and assistance with hosting conferences, meetings, and events. Convention Bureau functions as a liaison, providing unbiased and professional advice and support, to meeting planners and hotels, suppliers, tour operators and local chapters of regional or international associations. Established in 2009, with a mandate to position Port of Spain as the Meetings and Conferences Capital of the Southern Caribbean, the Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau offers a wide variety of free services to groups and meeting planners interested in hosting events in Trinidad and Tobago. Some of the complimentary services offered by the Convention Bureau include:

Lorraine Pouchet President of T&TITOA

• Assistance with official bids • Promotional literature for meeting planners • Welcome packages for delegates • Site inspections for meeting planners • Assistance with organizing pre/post conference tours • Information & quotations from suppliers • Conference marketing.

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The Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (T&TITOA) was formed in 1990 in an effort to introduce and monitor standards for the tour-operating sector of the tourism industry. The Association started with six members and has grown over the years to a membership of 18 private sector Destination Management Companies (DMCs). T&TITOA is the official body representing the commercial interests of producers and suppliers of tourism products and services, and its varied and comprehensive membership ensures that it is an effective focal point within the tourism industry. The membership operates with a Constitution and within a strict established and documented Code of Ethics. Our criteria for membership ensure that all members have experience in this highly sensitive segment of tourism and that they provide all the necessary professional and financial guarantees required by law (e.g. public liability insurance). T&TITOA members provide services such as, but not restricted to, “meet & greet”, airport transfers, accommodation bookings, sightseeing tours and event management services.


Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations EMBASSIES Apostolic Nunciature 11 Mary Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-5009/622-6359 Fax: (868) 222-9814 Email: apnuntt@googlemail.com Embassy of the Argentine Republic 4th Floor, Tatil Building 11 Maraval Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-7557/628-7587 Fax: (868) 628-7544 Email: etrin@mrecic.gov.ar High Commission for the Commonwealth of Australia 18 Herbert Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 822-5450 Fax: (868) 622-5490 Email: australianhighcommission.pos@ gmail.com Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil 18 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-5779/622-5771 Fax: (868) 622-4323 Email: ambassadorsoffice@brazil.org.tt High Commission of Canada 3–3A Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-6232 Fax: (868) 628-2581 Email: pspan@international.gc.ca Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ Embassy of the Republic of Chile 4 Alexandra Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 628-0540/628-4763 Fax: (868) 622-9894 Email: echilett@minrel.gov.cl Embassy of the People’s Republic of China 39 Alexandra Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-1832/628-6417 Fax: (868) 622-7613 Email: chinaemb_tt@mfa.gov.cn Embassy of the Republic of Colombia 4th Floor, Newtown Centre, 30-36 Maraval Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-5656/222-2275 Email: eptoespana@cancilleria.gov.co Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica 2nd Floor, 63 Tragarete Road, Woodbrook Tel: (868) 628-9601/628-8775 Fax: (868) 622-9203 Email: embcr-tt@rree.go.cr Embassy of the Republic of Cuba 74 Elm Street, Bayshore, Westmoorings Tel: (868) 633-3268/632-8691 Fax: (868) 621-3573 Email: embajada@tt.embacuba.cu secretaria@tt.embacuba.cu

Embassy of the Dominican Republic 10B Queen’s Park West, Suite 101, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 624-7930/627-2605 Fax: (868) 623-7779 Email: embadom@hotmail.com

Embassy of Japan 5 Hayes Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 628-5991/628-5993 Fax: (868) 622-0858 Email: embassyofjapan@po.mofa.go.jp Website: http://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/

Embassy of the United Mexican States 12 Hayes Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-1422 Fax: (868) 628-8488 Email: info@mexico.tt

Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador 29 Long Circular Road, St. James Tel: (868) 628-4454 Tel/Fax: (868) 622-8314 Email: rerodriguez@rree.gob.sv

Embassy of the Republic of Korea 36 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-9081/622-1069 Fax: (868) 627-6317 Email: koremb.tt@gmail.com

Embassy of the United States of America 15 Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-6371/622-6376 Fax: (868) 822-5905 Email: POSExecutiveOffice@state.gov Website: http://trinidad.usembassy.gov/

Delegation of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago Level 2, Sagicor Financial Centre, 16 Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-6628/622-0591 Fax: (868) 622-6355 Email: delegation-trinidad-andtobago-hod@eeas.europa.eu Website: www.deltto.ec.europa.eu

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Trinre Building, 69–71 Edward Street, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-1210/625-1722/ 625-2532 Fax: (868) 625-1704 Email: por@minbuza.nl High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria 3 Maxwell-Phillip Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-4002/622-6834 Fax: (868) 622-7162 Email: portsnhc@yahoo.com

Embassy of the French Republic 7 Mary Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-1931 Fax: (868) 628-2632 Email: info@ambafrance-tt.org Embassy of the Website: http://www.ambafrance-tt.org/ Republic of Panama 25 De Verteuil Street, Woodbrook, Embassy of the Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-9956/628-9957 Federal Republic of Germany Fax: (868) 622-8992 19 St. Clair Avenue, Port of Spain Email: embapatt@flowtrinidad.com Tel: (868) 628-1630/628-1633 Fax: (868) 628-5278 Embassy of the Republic of Peru Email: info@ports.diplo.de Website: #4 Trinidad Crescent, Federation Park http://www.port-of-spain.diplo.de/ Port of Spain Tel: (868) 221-8642/221-2939 Grenada Trade and Economic Email: missiontt@embassyofperutt.net Commissioner Grenada House High Commission for the Republic of South Africa #127 Henry Street 4 Scott Street, St. Clair Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-9235 Tel: (868) 622-9869/628-6997 Fax: (868) 624-1257 Fax: (868) 622-7089 Email: grenadaconsular@gmail.com Email: sahctt.general@dirco.gov.za Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala Apt. 701, Regents Tower, Westmoorings By The Sea, Westmoorings Tel: (868) 632-7629 Fax: (868) 632-7629 Email: embaguatt@outlook.com

Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain 7th Floor, Tatil Building, 11 Maraval Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-7938/628-2560/ 622-1151 Ext. 237 Fax: (868) 622-3032 Email: emb.puertoespana.vis@maec.es

High Commission for the Republic of India 6 Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-7480/627-7481/ 627-4027 Fax: (868) 627-6985 Email: highcommission@hcipos.in

Embassy of the Republic of Suriname 5th Floor, TATIL Building, 11 Maraval Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-0704 Fax: (868) 628-0086 Email: surinameembassy.tt@gmail.com

High Commission for Jamaica 2 Newbold Street, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-4995 Fax: (868) 622-9043 Email: hc@jhcpos.org

High Commission for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 19 St Clair Avenue, St. Clair Tel: (868) 350-0444 Fax: (868) 622-4555 Email: generalenquiries.ptofs@fco.gov.uk

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The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 16 Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-9821/627-9823/ 627-9824 Fax: (868) 624-2508 Email: embve.ttpsp@mppre.gob.ve

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) 134 Henry Street, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-2225 Fax: (868) 627-1193 Email: info@caribbeancourtofjustice.org

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Association of Caribbean States (ACS) 5–7 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-9575/628-0936/ 628-6756/628-7222 Fax: (868) 622-1653 Email: mail@acs-aec.org International Labour Organisation (ILO) Stanmore House, 6 Stanmore Avenue, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-7704/623-7178/ 623-3359/625-0524/627-6304/ 624-8751 Fax: (868) 627-8978 Email: ilocarib@ilo.org Pan American Health Organisation 1st Floor, Sweet Briar Place, 10-12 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair Tel: (868) 622-4202/622-5445/ 622-5132/622-0731/622-4433 Fax: (868) 628-4719 Email: emailtto@paho.org United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Trinidad and Tobago UN House, 3 Chancery Lane, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-7056 Fax: (868) 623-1658 Email: registry@undp.org.tt


Honorary Consuls Accredited to The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA Mr. Karl Pilstl Honorary Consul Blue Haven, Bacolet Bay, P.O. Box 8, Scarborough, Tobago Tel: (868) 660-7500 Fax: (868) 660-7900 Email: kpilstl@yahoo.com THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS Dr. E. Monica Davis Honorary Consul Tel: (868) 663-8986 Fax: (868) 645-1642/637-9422 Email: honconbahamastt@hotmail.com PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH Mr. Razai Azard Rahaman Honorary Consul-General 1 Shafik Drive, Cross Crossing, San Fernando, Trinidad Tel: (868) 652-2637/657-8425 Fax: (868) 652-7108 Email: azard_rahaman@rahamutgroup.com imtiaz_rahaman@rahamutgroup.com KINGDOM OF BELGIUM Mr. Paul Jay Williams  Honorary Consul Lower Sixth Avenue, Barataria, Trinidad Tel: (868) 674-1677 Fax: (868) 675-9831 Email: pjwilliams@ljw.co.tt BELIZE Mr. Thomas Chanona  Honorary Consul Corner Warren and Smart Streets, St. Augustine, Trinidad Tel: (868) 645-4062/645-4063 Fax: (868) 645-4064 Email: tchanona@kee-chanona.com BOTSWANA Mr. Rubindra Debideen  Honorary Consul 74 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain,Trinidad Tel: (868) 627-7770/627-2888 Mobile: (868) 625-4875 Email: boss@ultracoolgroup.com CHILE Mr. Lennox A. Persad  Honorary Consul 1A, 1st Avenue South Western Main Road Chaguramas Tel: (868) 634-4500 Fax: (868) 634-1331 Email: lennox@lennoxoffshore.com KINGDOM OF DENMARK Mr. Ravi R. Dolsingh, LLB, PG, Dip, LPC Honorary Consul Mansfield House, Mansfield Chambers, 1st Floor, No. 24 Abercromby Street Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 780-3772 Email: ravi.dolsingh@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF FINLAND Mr. Troy Garcia Honorary Consul Tel: (868) 680-7278 Fax: (868) 674-2644 Email: tgarcia6@hotmail.com

GRENADA Dr. Vernon Scoon Honorary Consul Tel: (868) 625-9235 Fax: (868) 624-1257 Email: grenadaconsulate@hotmail.com

NEW ZEALAND Mr. Donald Kelshall 31 Alberto Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 623-3829 Fax: (868) 624-6521 Email: dkelshall@savannahcomputing.com

CO-OPERATIVE OF REPUBLIC OF GUYANA Mr. Ernie Ross Honorary Consul 16 Gray Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel/Fax: (868) 622-2913 Email: ernieross1@msn.com g_consulate@yahoo.com

KINGDOM OF NORWAY Mr. Staurt Jardine K.F.O  Honorary Consul 101 St. Anthony’s Drive, Westmoorings, P.O. Box 13, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 633-7687 Fax: (868) 637-6203 Email: staurttisal@twinislandshipping.com

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA Mr. Ian Anthony Honorary Consul Building 5, Christina Courts, 33-35 Boissiere No. 1, Maraval, Trinidad Tel/Fax: (868) 628-4818 Email: iananthony@renavatio.net IRELAND Mr. Brian K. O’Farrell Honorary Consul Suite A4, Kencita Court, 76 Picton Street, Newtown, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-2385 Fax: (868) 628-9049 Email: irishconsul-tt@mail.tt STATE OF ISRAEL Ms. Barbara Malins-Smith  Honorary Consul 46C Ridgewood Towers Diego Martin, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-7093 Email: malinssmith@yahoo.com ITALIAN REPUBLIC Ms. Shira Serena Mohammed  Honorary Consul 8 Hillcote, Scott Street, St. Augustine, Trinidad Tel: (868) 662-0861 Fax: (868) 645-0960 Email: italconstt@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF LATVIA Mr. Kirby Anthony Hosang  Honorary Consul 112 Saddle Road, Maraval, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-3234 Fax: (868) 638-2083 Email: hosanganthony@gmail.com LEBANESE REPUBLIC Mr. Amer G. Haidar  Honorary Consul (Dean) 5 Cipriani Boulevard, Second Floor, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 627-0209 Email: aghaidar3@gmail.com MALTA Mr. John Hadad Honorary Consul LP #56 Bhagoutie Trace, San Juan, Trinidad Tel: (868) 675-7628 Ext. 1221 Email: johnh@hadcoltd.com MAURITIUS Dr. V. R Mooneeram Honorary Consul 12 Wahid Circular Drive, Sumadh Gardens, San Fernando, Trinidad Tel/Fax: (868) 657-6440 Email: vinomooneeram@hotmail.com

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN Mr. Amjad Ali Honorary Consul General 10 Morne Coco Road, Westmoorings North, Trinidad Tel: (868) 640-6595 Fax: (868) 640-6594 Email: amjad@adfoam.com REPUBLIC OF PERU Mr. Patrick A. Ferreira  Honorary Consul Furness Court, 1 Richmond Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 627-4959 Fax: (868) 623-9576 Email: patrickaidenferreira@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Dr. Marie Magno Advani  Honorary Consul B41 Ridgewood Towers, Four Roads, Diego Martin, Trinidad Tel: (868) 633-2988 Fax: (868) 633-6946 Email: alchemy41@yahoo.com REPUBLIC OF POLAND Mr. David Lewis Honorary Consul Lot 25 Frederick Settlement, Industrial Estate, Caroni, Trinidad Tel: (868) 645-5522 Fax: (868) 663-0897 Email: davidl@labelhouse.com REPUBLIC OF PORTUGAL Mr. Ignatius S. Ferreira  Honorary Consul 11-13 Milling Avenue, Sea Lots P.O. Box 283, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 625-1745/625-1131 Fax: (868) 625-1243 Email: furness@furnessgroup.com SLOVAK REPUBLIC (SLOVAKIA) Mr. Lawrence S. Naipaul  Honorary Consul P.O. Box 201 Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 625-6273 Mobile: (868) 680-4863 Email: isnaipaul@msn.com SLOVENIA Mr. Om Prakash Lalla  Honorary Consul c/o K R Lalla & Co. 41 Edward Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 625-5074 Fax: (868) 625-6110 Email: omlalla@krlalla.com

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DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA Mr. Krishna Seegobin  Honorary Consul Corner Hugh & Algernon Street, Montrose, Chaguanas, Trinidad Tel: (868) 665-1237 Fax: (868) 665-1237 Email: kseegobin@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF SURINAME Mr. Jerome Khan Honorary Consul 24 Fitzgerald Lane, P.O. Box 437, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 627-4747/627-0102 Fax: (868) 627-1936 Email: Honoraryconsul.suriname@gmail.com KINGDOM OF SWEDEN Mr. David O’ Brien Honorary Consul c/o Massy Motors, Lady Young Road, Morvant, Trinidad Tel: (868) 674-4200 Ext. 1101 Fax: (868) 674-7761 Email: david.obrien@massygroup.com THE SWISS CONFEDERATION Mrs. Michele Khan Honorary Consul 70 Dundonald Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 623-7816 Fax: (868) 624-8544 Email: portspain@honrep.ch SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC Mr. Marwan Yousef Honorary Consul 15 Queen Street, Arima, Trinidad Tel: (868) 667-3927 Fax: (868) 667-7019 Email: micholtd@hotmail.com KINGDOM OF THAILAND Mrs. Joan Wilson Honorary Consul 148 Belmont Circular Road, Belmont, Trinidad Tel: (868) 621-1574 Email: thaiconsulatett@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF TURKEY Mr. Michael Llanos Honorary Consul 64 Nina Drive Westmoorings, Trinidad Tel: (868) 628-3222/324-4989 Fax: (868) 622-6661 Email: mike@llanosgroup.com REPUBLIC OF UGANDA Mr. Dinesh Mor Honorary Consul 133 Columbus Circle, Westmoorings, Trinidad Tel: (868) 633-2215 Fax: (868) 680-6995 Email: ganeshjl@mail.tt ORIENTAL REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY Mr. Anthony Edwards  Honorary Consul 2 Braemar Heights 14 Braemar Road, Cascade, Trinidad Tel: (868) 623-7713 Fax: (868) 625-9538 Email: anthony@flowtrinidad.net


The Government of Trinidad and Tobago

The Office of the President Circular Road, St Ann’s, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 624-1261/2 Website: http://www.otp.tt/ Office of the Prime Minister 13-15 St. Clair Avenue, St. Clair, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-1625 Website: http://www.opm.gov.tt/ Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Cabildo Chambers, 23-27 St. Vincent Street Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-7010/625-5505/8901 Fax: (868) 624-1986 Website: http://www.ag.gov.tt/ Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries St. Clair Circle, St. Clair, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-1221-5/622-5481-7 Fax: (868) 622-8202 Website: http://agriculture.gov.tt/ Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Level 20, Nicholas Towers 63-65 Independence Square Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-3012/3112/7425 Fax: (868) 627-5954 Email: communications@community.gov.tt Website: http://www.community.gov.tt/ Ministry of Education 18 Alexandra Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-2181 Fax: (868) 628-2088 Website: http://www.moe.edu.tt/ Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries Levels 15 & 22-26, Energy Tower, International Waterfront Centre, 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-6334/623-6708 Fax: (868) 625-0306 Email: info@energy.gov.tt Website: http://www.energy.gov.tt/ Ministry of Finance Level 8, Eric Williams Finance Building, Independence Square Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-9700 ext. 2806 & 2805 Fax: (868) 627-9700 ext. 2810 Website: http://www.finance.gov.tt/

Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Levels 10-14, Tower C, International Waterfront Complex, 1A Wrightson Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-6894 Fax: (868) 627-5853 Email: hostmaster@gov.tt Website: http://www.foreign.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health 63 Park Street Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-0010 Fax: (868) 623-9528 Website: http://www.health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Housing and Urban Development NHA Building, 44-46 South Quay, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-4663 Fax: (868) 625-2793 Website: http://www.housing.gov.tt/ Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development Level 5 & 6, Tower C, International Waterfront Complex, 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-8478 Fax: (868) 624-4091 Email: communicationsmolsmed@gov.tt Website: http://www.molsmed.gov.tt/ Ministry of National Security Temple Court, 31-33 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-2441-5 Fax: (868) 627-8044 Email: info@mns.gov.tt Website: http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.tt/ Ministry of Planning and Development Level 14, Eric Williams Financial Complex, Independence Square, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 627-9700 Website: http://www.planning.gov.tt/ Ministry of Public Administration and Communications Level 7, National Library Building, Corner Hart and Abercromby Streets, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-6724/623-7122/8578 Website: http://www.mpa.gov.tt/ Ministry of Public Utilities 2 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 628-0749/628-6129 Fax: (868) 628-0105 Website: http://www.mpu.gov.tt/home/

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Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government Kent House, Long Circular Road, Maraval, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 622-1669/1979/628-1323-5 Fax: (868) 622-7283 Website: http://www.localgov.gov.tt/ Ministry of Social Development and Family Services Colonial Life Building 39-43 St. Vincent Street Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-2608 Website: http://www2.mpsd.gov.tt/ Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs 12 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-5622-4 Fax: (868) 623-0174 Email: info@sport.gov.tt Website: http://www.sport.gov.tt/ Ministry of Tourism Levels 8 & 9, Tower C, International Waterfront Complex, 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain Tel: 624-1403/624-3151/624-4792/625-0963 Fax: 625-1825/625-3894 Email: mintourism@tourism.gov.tt touresearch@tourism.gov.tt Website: http://www.tourism.gov.tt/ Ministry of Trade and Industry Levels 9, 11-17, Nicholas Towers, 63-65 Independence Square, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 623-2931-4 Fax: (868) 627-8488 Email: mti-info@gov.tt Website: http://www.tradeind.gov.tt/ Ministry of Works and Transport Level 6, Main Administrative Building Corner Richmond and London Streets Port of Spain Tel: (868) 625-1225 Fax: (868) 625-8070 Website: http://www.mowt.gov.tt/general/ homepage.aspx Office of the Parliament Levels G-8, Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, 1A Wrightson Road, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 624-7275 Fax: (868) 625-4672 Email: webmaster@ttparliament.org Website: http://www.ttparliament.org/


Fast Facts of Trinidad and Tobago REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Capital:

Port of Spain

Main Towns:

City of San Fernando, Arima, Point Fortin, Chaguanas (Trinidad) Scarborough (Tobago)

Nationality:

Trinidad — Trinidadian Tobago — Tobagonian

Official Language:

English

Population:

1,349,667 (2015)

Electricity:

110 volts/220 volts (+/-6%); 60 Hz

Telephone:

1 (868) + seven-digit local

LOCATED at the gateway to the Caribbean, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is renowned for its industrialised, energy export-driven economy, vibrant culture and multiethnic society. T&T is a leading regional economy with an international presence in the oil and gasbased energy industry, and a profitable and productive services sector. T&T is also pursuing a policy of economic diversification and is investing in several other sectors. Trade, investment and innovation are also policy priorities of this two-island nation as it continues its path to development. GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION Trinidad Once attached to the South American mainland, Trinidad is situated at 12 km (7 miles) north-east of the coast of Venezuela and is separated from it by the Gulf of Paria. Trinidad has three mountain ranges — the Northern Range, the Central Range and the Southern Range. The highest point, El Cerro del Aripo, is 940 metres (3,084 ft) above sea level. About 40% of all land is undeveloped forest and woodlands, although the island is experiencing rapid development. Trinidad’s Pitch Lake is the largest natural reservoir of asphalt in the world. Total Area: 4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles) 81.25 km long by 57-73 km wide (50 miles by 35-45 miles) Location: Latitude 10.5° N Longitude 61.5° W

LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY Trinidad:

Latitude 10.5°N Longitude 61.5° W

Area:

4,828 sq km (1,864 sq miles)

Tobago:

Latitude 11.5°N Longitude 60.5°W

Area:

300 sq km (116 sq miles)

Tobago Tobago lies 34 km (21 miles) north-east of Trinidad. Of volcanic origin, the island is a single mountain mass, although the south-west is flat or undulating and coralline. The highest peak, the Main Ridge, reaches an elevation of about 576 metres (1,890 ft). The coastline is broken up by inlets and sheltered beaches, and there are several uninhabited islets. Total Area: 300 sq km (116 sq miles) Location: Latitude 11.5° N Longitude 60.5° W

Time Zone: EST (Eastern Standard Time) UTC-4 (Universal Time Co-ordinated)

TIME ZONE Greenwich Mean Time: Minus four hours (GMT -4) In US Winter: Eastern Standard Time plus one hour (EST +1) In US Summer: Eastern Standard Time (EST) There is no Daylight Saving Time (DST).

CLIMATE Daytime Average:

33°C/91°F) (June 2016)

Nighttime Average:

24°C/75°F (June 2016)

Seasons:

Dry (Jan-May) Wet (June-Dec)

CLIMATE Trinidad and Tobago has a tropical climate. Daytime temperatures average 33°C /91°F (June 2016) and are moderated by the north-east trade winds, while nights are 24°C/ 75°F (June 2016). The islands have two distinct seasons: dry, from January to May and wet, from June to December. There is a short dry period around mid-September called Petit Carême. Trinidad and Tobago are just outside the usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms, but Tobago can experience inclement weather as a result of such weather systems. GOVERNMENT Trinidad and Tobago’s government is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the president, who is elected by an Electoral College of members of the Senate and House of Representatives for a five-year term. Executive power, however, is vested in the prime minister and Government, following elections every five years. The local government body in Tobago is the Tobago House of Assembly and its seat is in the capital city, Scarborough. http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/portal/ttconnect https://www.otp.tt http://www.opm.gov.tt/ http://www.tha.gov.tt/

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Fast Facts of Trinidad and Tobago Continued GOVERNMENT

AIRPORTS

General elections take place every five years

Trinidad: Piarco International Airport, 17 miles (27 km) from Port of Spain (code ‘POS’)

Westminster system

Tobago:

Tobago House of Assembly Local Government Body

Head of State:

Non-executive President

Tobago:

Major Airlines: American Airlines British Airways Caribbean Airlines United Airlines LIAT Copa Airlines

CURRENCY AND TAXES Currency:

A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, 7 miles (10 km) from Scarborough (code ‘TAB’)

Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)

Exchange Rate: USD 1 : TTD 6.72 (June 2016) (approx. selling rate)

(868) 821-6000 (800) 247-9297 (868) 625-7200 (800) 864-8331 (800) 744-5222 (868) 669-5189

Value Added Tax:

12.5% on some goods and services

MAIN SEAPORTS

Hotel Tax:

10% Service Charge 10% Hotel Room Tax

Port of Port of Spain Port of Point Lisas Scarborough Deep Water Harbour

ECONOMIC DATA The Trinidad and Tobago economy is estimated to have contracted by 1.9 % in the first nine months of 2015. Shut downs and prolonged maintenance works at some energy companies resulted in reduced natural gas supply, which affected production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemicals. Growth in the nonenergy sector is estimated to have declined by 0.1% as activity in manufacturing, construction and distribution slowed considerably. The banking sector, however, has remained resilient despite the challenges in the domestic economy. Banks are well positioned to respond to market shocks. Exchange Rate: TTD 6.72: USD 1 (June 2016) GDP TTD Million Constant (2000) 2015 = 94,008.2 GDP Per Capita: USD 16,245.12 Labour Force: 643,300 (2015) BUSINESS HOURS Offices: Monday to Friday — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Banks (City Centres): Monday to Thursday — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday — 8 a.m. to noon & 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Banks (Shopping Centres): 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Government Offices: Monday to Friday — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Retail (City Centres): Monday to Friday — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Retail (Shopping Centres): Monday to Saturday — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Unemployment Rate: 3.4% (2015) Inflation Rate: 4.6% (2015) Major Exports: Natural gas and oil, ammonia, alcohol, fertilizers, iron and steel Major Trading Partners: US, CARICOM, Spain, Mexico, France, UK, China, Venezuela, Japan, Nigeria, The Netherlands, Dominican Republic Source: Summary Economic Indicators, Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Central Statistical Office, Trinidad and Tobago, Global Finance, www.tradingeconomics.com. BANKING The financial system consists of Commercial Banks, Trust and Mortgage Finance Companies, Finance Houses and Merchant Banks Number of Commercial Banks: 8 Number of Branches: 126 Number of Automatic Banking Machines: 435 Bank Hours of Operation City Centres: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to noon & 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Shopping Centres: 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. MEETING PLACES AND CONFERENCE CENTRES Trinidad and Tobago is one of the top five Caribbean meeting and conference destinations. Many hotels have facilities for conferences, including international brands such as the Hyatt Regency Trinidad and the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. In addition, the state-of-the-art National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), South Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), award-winning spots like Coco Reef and the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort in Tobago are ideal for corporate meetings and

165

team-building retreats. T&T hosted 64,844 business travellers last year. The Tourism Development Company Limited comprises a Convention Bureau department within its organisational structure. http://www.tdc.co.tt/ LEGAL SYSTEM The legal system is based on common law and statutes. The judicial system comprises magistrates’ courts and the Supreme Court, which is made up of the High Court and the Court of Appeal. There is a separate Industrial Court that deals with most labour matters. The Judicial and Legal Service Commission appoints judges of the Supreme Court. The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of the legal and judicial system. Final appeal from Trinidad and Tobago courts is to the Privy Council in England, but consideration is being given to replacing the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice, which was inaugurated in April 2005, with its headquarters located in Port of Spain. http://www.ag.gov.tt/ http://www.legalaffairs.gov.tt/ http://www.moj.gov.tt/ PEOPLE AND SOCIETY Population: 1,349,667 (2015) Ethnic Groups: (2011 census) East Indian 35.4% African 34.2% Mixed 15.1% Dougla (mixed African and Indian) 7.7% Other 1.4% Life Expectancy Male — 71.41 Female — 77.81 Population Growth Rate: 0.3 (2015) Birth Rate: 2015 = 14.0 / 1000 (2015) Total median age — 32.6

FAST FACTS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Parliament:


Fast Facts of Trinidad and Tobago PRICES – PERCENTAGE CHANGE (YEAR-ON-YEAR) 20

50

Headline Food Core

Oct-Dec 2014 Jan-Mar 2015

40

Percent (%)

15 Percent (%)

DISTRIBUTION OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS BY AGE GROUP

10

5

30 20

July

May

June

April

March

January

February

December

October

November

September

July

2014

August

May

June

April

March

January

February

10 0

0

HEALTH Trinidad and Tobago’s health system consists of government-funded and private hospitals, well-qualified specialists, private medical practitioners and clinics scattered throughout the islands. Specialists trained in gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, physiotherapy, cardiology, gastrology, urology and orthopaedics work both in private practice and healthcare facilities. Medical services are free at the governmentfunded institutions and clinics, but a fee is charged at all others. Twenty-four-hour emergency services are available at several government and private medical facilities. There is also a 24-hour Emergency Air Ambulance Service. The new Scarborough hospital was opened in Tobago in 2012. http://www.health.gov.tt/ PUBLIC UTILITIES Electricity Trinidad and Tobago has a reliable supply of electricity with rates still among the lowest in the Caribbean. The domestic and commercial supply voltage is 110/220 volts, 60 cycles. The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is the agency responsible for T&T’s electrical supply. http://www.ttec.co.tt/

15-29

50-64

65+

Age Group

Source: Central Statistical Office

EDUCATION The educational system is based on the British system and produces one of the highest standards of education in the Caribbean. Primary and secondary level education at most institutions is free, but private school options are available for a fee. Post-secondary and tertiary education providers include The University of the West Indies (The UWI), the College of Science, Technology & Applied Arts of Trinidad & Tobago (COSTAATT), distance learning tertiary-level institutions, vocational/technical training schools and colleges, the technologybased University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST).

15-29

2015 Source: Central Statistical Office

Water The Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA), a state enterprise, is the sole provider of water and wastewater services in Trinidad and Tobago. http://www.wasa.gov.tt/ TELECOMMUNICATIONS The Telecommunications and Broadcasting sectors generated an estimated TT$5.59 billion (US$0.88 billion) in 2015, which as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) equates to 3.4%. This represented a 0.6% decrease in total revenues generated by this industry compared to last year. Of total telecommunications and broadcasting revenues, mobile voice services accounted for the majority of revenues with TT$1.99 billion (35.6%). This was followed by Internet services which contributed TT$1.35 billion or 24.1%. The next highest revenue earners for the industry were Fixed Voice services and Pay TV services whose contributions totalled TT$750.9 million (13.4%) and TT$730.2 million (13.1%) respectively. International voice services was next in line, generating, TT$230.2 million (4.1%) in revenues. The ‘Free to Air’ radio and television markets each contributed TT$199.9 million (3.6%) and TT$154.3 million (2.8%), respectively. Finally, other contributors included “other revenues” and “leased line services” with earnings of TT$144.9 million and TT$42 million respectively, with 2.6% and 0.8%. TSTT has, for many years, been the provider of both landline and mobile telephone services. Digicel, a rapidly growing telecommunications operator in the Caribbean, offers mobile phone services to both islands and has also introduced fixed line and domestic wireless services. Flow offers cable television, internet and landline telephone services. With broad coverage throughout the islands, mobile phones are an easy and available option. Wireless Internet services are readily available at hotels and cybercafés. International Access Code: 1 Country Code: 868 1. Fixed Internet Subscriptions 279,800 2. Mobile Internet Subscriptions 645,382

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3. Fixed Voice Subscriptions 269,796 4. Mobile Voice Subscriptions 2,123,374 http://tatt.org.tt/ POST/COURIER SERVICES Regular mail, express mail and courier delivery are reliable and available from local provider TTPost at excellent rates. International courier services are efficient and readily available. http://www.ttpost.net/ MEDIA Daily Newspapers: Trinidad Express, Trinidad Guardian and Newsday Bi-weekly Newspapers: TNT Mirror Weekly Newspapers: Tobago News, Catholic News, Bomb, ShowTime, Punch, Trinidad and Tobago Sunshine Television Stations: CNC (Channel 3), CCN TV6 (Channels 6 and 18), Gayelle Television (Channel 7), IBN (Channel 8), CNMG (Channel 9), NCC (Channel 4), IETV (Channel 16), Parliament (Channel 11) AM Radio Stations: 530 AM, 730 AM FM Radio Stations: TBC Network (95.1, Vibe CT 105, 106), the CL Network (90.5, 104, 97.1), Heartbeat 103.5, Caribbean New Media Group (Talk 91.1, Next 99.1, Sweet 100.1), Power 102, Boom Champions 94.1, Isaac 98.1 (Inspirational), 96.1 WEFM, Citadel (I95.5, Red 96.7), The Word 107.1, Radio Tambrin 92.7 (Tobago), Radio Trinbago 94.7, Shakti 97.5, WMJX 100.5 and Heritage 101.7. ROADS Trinidad and Tobago has an extensive transportation network of paved roads. Highways link the north and south of the island (Uriah Butler Highway, Solomon Hochoy Highway), and the east and west (Churchill-Roosevelt Highway). Traffic is extremely heavy at peak hours when a high number of vehicles head into the capital city and environs. Driving is on the left-hand side. http://www.mowt.gov.tt/ http://www.ptsc.co.tt/


Fast Facts of Trinidad and Tobago Continued ANNUAL TOURIST (STOP-OVER) ARRIVALS TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: 2011 TO 2015 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

% Change 2014 to 2015

% Share

USA

156,109

148,312

140,994

161,539

182,111

12.7%

41%

UK

40,891

37,400

43,224

37,473

36,787

-1.8%

8%

Canada

48,710

42,472

61,681

54,877

53,191

-3.1%

12%

Caribbean

101,745

103,129

104,359

76,194

80,581

5.8%

18%

Germany

5,686

6,023

5,836

5,154

4,430

-14.0%

1%

India

4,498

4,495

4,489

3,291

3,572

8.5%

1%

Scandinavia

4,380

3,630

5,383

7,686

6,139

-20.1%

1%

68,903

109,222

68,078

66,233

72,938

10.1%

17%

430,922

454,683

434,044

412,447

439,749

6.6%

Rest of the World Total

Data source: 2009 to 2010 – Central Statistical Office of Trinidad and Tobago, *2011 to 2014 – Immigration Division of Trinidad and Tobago via Ministry of Tourism.

MAJOR AIRLINES American Airlines...........1-(868) 821-6000 British Airways.................1-(800) 247-9297 Caribbean Airlines..........1-(868) 625-7200 Copa Airlines....................1-(868) 669-5189 Conviasa Airlines............1-(868) 627-8172/6078 LIAT......................................1-(800) 744-5222 Surinam Airways.............1-(868) 627-0102 United Airlines.................1-(800) 864-8331 West Jet Airlines.............1-(403) 444-2586 JetBlue.................................1-(800) 538-2583 Condor (Tobago only)...1-(868) 639-0484/9744 LASER Airlines.................laser.com.ve INSEL Air............................fly inselair.com Rutaca Airlines.................(868) 664-4688 Gol........................................voegol.com.br Monarch Airlines............www.monarch.co.uk

Work permits are required for business stays beyond 30 days. Visa extensions can be obtained from the Immigration Office at 67 Frederick Street, Port of Spain, while work permits can be obtained from the Ministry of National Security, Temple Court II, 52-60 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain. www.nationalsecurity.gov.tt

SEAPORTS The main seaports are located in Port of Spain and Point Lisas. The Port of Port of Spain handles dry and general cargo, break bulk, containers and passenger traffic. The Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd. (PLIPDECO), mainly a bulk port for industrial commerce, also handles container and general cargo traffic. There are two fast ferries (T&T Express and T&T Spirit) and one conventional ferry (Warrior Spirit) travelling the inter-island route daily. Port of Spain Ferry: (868) 625-4906/3055 Tobago Ferry: (868) 639-2417/4906 The CARICOM Jetty, which is located at the Port of Port of Spain and operates the passenger inter-island ferry, receives, stores and delivers CARICOM cargo and multipurpose containers for trade within the Caribbean region. A water taxi ferry connects Port of Spain and San Fernando. Scheduled sailing times are Monday to Friday. Tickets cost TTD 15 one-way and can be purchased at the Water Taxi Terminal located at Flat Rock, Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando or the Cruise Ship Complex, Port of Spain. Free parking is available at both ports. There is a Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) shuttle service, which costs TTD 3 through the city of Port of Spain.

TRANSPORTATION Airports Piarco International Airport is located about 45 minutes from the capital city, Port of Spain. It plays an important role as a vital hub for international air traffic in the Caribbean. There are non-stop daily scheduled flights to and from major international cities. Trinidad and Tobago’s national airline, Caribbean Airlines, serves Toronto, New York, Miami, Jamaica, Saint Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname. International and regional airlines that fly to Trinidad and Tobago include American Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, United Airlines, West Jet, JetBlue, LIAT, Virgin Atlantic and several charter flight companies. International flights are also available direct from Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport. http://www.tntairports.com/

167

For further information visit: www.nidco.co.tt or call 624-5137 (POS) or 800-4WTS (San Fernando) CULTURE The festivals, music, customs, cuisine, religions and races of Trinidad and Tobago reflect a rich and unique cultural diversity. The nation has a passionate and colourful history spanning five centuries. Festivals and religious and cultural observances include Divali (the Hindu festival of light), Eid-ul-Fitr (Muslim religious day), Emancipation Day, Indian Arrival Day and Corpus Christi (Catholic). Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is a worldfamous event that brings together artists, musicians, masqueraders and revellers for a month-long celebration that culminates in a two-day parade. http://www.culture.gov.tt/#home ECO-TOURISM Trinidad and Tobago, although relatively distinct ecologically, are both blessed with rich natural environments well suited for ecotourism. Once part of the South American mainland, Trinidad’s flora and fauna have comingled, leading to a great density of plant and animal types in a relatively small location. Trinidad and Tobago has more than 97 mammal species, 400 bird species, 90 reptile species, 30 amphibian species, 600 butterfly species and over 2,100 species of flowering plants. The island’s nature preserves attract major international traffic from naturalists and nature watchers. The terrain is just as diverse, with tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, mountainous terrain and savannahs. Bird watching is a major attraction in Tobago as well, with Little Tobago island recognised as one of the Caribbean’s top seabird sanctuaries. Tobago is also a hub of aquatic tourism. The waters off the island are a haven for wildlife, an attraction for both divers and boat tourists. Buccoo Reef (a large coral reef and protected marine park) is a popular destination. Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest is known to be the oldest protected rainforest. http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/ http://www.tourism.gov.tt/

FAST FACTS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

IMMIGRATION, WORK PERMITS & VISAS Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago must possess valid passports and return or ongoing tickets for successful entry. Most Commonwealth countries do not require visas for entry, except Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cameroon, Fiji Islands, Mozambique, Uganda and South Africa. Visitors from the European Union also do not need visas, except those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Holders of CARICOM passports, with the exception of Haiti, do not require visas. Visitors from several other countries are allowed to enter Trinidad and Tobago for periods of up to three months without a visa. http://www.immigration.gov.tt/


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Airport

Rivers & Streams

Other Roads

Main Roads

Claude Noel Highway

LEGEND

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TOBAGO IB

B

E

A

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© ALL PRINT EXPRESS All Rights Reserved

AT L A N T I C OCEAN


Index by Surname A

Abass, Renée......................................................81 Abdulla Ali Taib, Alya................................... 104 Abraham, Jennifer.......................................... 144 Abraham, Nigel................................................. 62 Abraham, Wendy........................................... 146 Achong Low, Kongshiek, Dr..........................99 Adams, Eric A.................................................... 36 Aguiton, William..............................................50 Ahamad, Imtiaz.............................................. 105 Alcazar, Alan................................................... 102 Aleong, Andrew.............................................. 105 Aleong, Conrad............................................... 105 Alexander, Lisa-Maria...................................... 31 Ali, Amjad......................................................... 105 Ali, Ansleem...................................................... 53 Ali, Liaquat........................................................ 141 Ali, Nikolaiski.....................................................90 Ali, Sita.............................................................. 105 Ali, Suzetta...........................................................11 Ali, Travis.......................................................... 105 Ali, Zamanath “Billy”...................................... 141 Alleyne, Robert............................................... 130 Ammon, Elizabeth............................................94 Anatol, Marc...................................................... 26 Andrews, Kashka............................................ 145 Antar, Farid.................................................. 24,25 Apang, Megan..................................................129 Aqui-Dick, Shelly-Ann...................................132 Arman, Steve M.P............................................ 53 Asservo Mottley, Vicki...................................99 Augustus, Wendy............................................ 54 Awah, Stephen..................................................66 Awai, Anthony.................................................. 28 Ayers-Allen, Adrienne.....................................14 Ayoung, Ronald............................................... 145

B

Baah, Emmanuel................................................14 Baboolal, Sarah............................................... 108 Bachoo, Donna.................................................. 52 Bahadoor-Hosein, Christina..........................131 Bailey, Marsha................................................... 62 Baksh, Bhagmania V........................................ 78 Baksh-Edwards, Kameel................................. 26 Balbirsingh, Valmiki........................................122 Baldeo, Annie....................................................90 Baldeosingh, Reynold..................................... 151 Balgobin, Rolph, Dr.................................... 11, 118 Balkaran, Clifton.............................................. 118 Balkissoon, Roger........................................... 103 Ballah-Tull, Lindi............................................... 22 Baptiste, Arlene................................................ 83 Baptiste, Nigel M....................................... 24, 25 Barkley, Susana................................................ 141 Batza, Stephen................................................. 110 Beadle, Alistair.................................................. 95 Beerens, Maurice.............................................. 73

Beharry, Wayne.............................................. 150 Belgrave, David................................................. 97 Bellille, Afeisha................................................ 128 Benjamin, Dexter...............................................18 Bermudez, April................................................99 Bernard, Wanda.............................................. 106 Bertrand, Roger................................................. 35 Bissessar, Brian................................................. 53 Boisselle, John................................................. 108 Boodhai, Krishna............................................... 34 Boodhu, Kenneth............................................. 141 Boodoo, Winston.............................................. 52 Borde, Alan........................................................60 Brijbassie, Arvind.............................................. 28 Broadbridge, Stephen............................. 87, 160 Brooks, Gerry C.................................................64 Bruce, Oswald....................................................14 Bryant, Calvin....................................................98 Budhooram, Kathryn....................................... 36 Burnett, Clarence W........................................ 83 Butcher, Patricia, Dr.........................................50 Bute-Seaton, Kelly............................................ 37 Butler, Eric..........................................................90

C

Camacho, James..............................................136 Camacho-Mohammed, Gretchen................ 33 Cardinez, Joy..................................................... 29 Carlisle, Jerry.................................................... 110 Carrington, Lennox G...................................... 78 Carrington, Pete................................................ 78 Carter, Charles.................................................. 92 Carter, Ronald.................................................... 31 Caruth, Erica.......................................................81 Cassim, Aleem.................................................. 37 Castro, Felipe..................................................... 22 Cave, Christo..................................................... 55 Chan Chow, Ann............................................ 108 Chan, Jonathan................................................. 32 Chang, Andrew.................................................. 31 Chang, Karen..................................................... 33 Chang, Robert...................................................96 Chapman, Donna.............................................. 62 Charles, Anthony............................................ 102 Charles, Jason................................................... 78 Charles, Leslie....................................................14 Charles-Rennie, Stephanie............................. 83 Charran, Vishnu............................................... 141 Chatnath, Kurt................................................... 95 Chattoo-Kissoon, Francesca........................137 Cheddie, Lynford...............................................18 Cheng Wing, Marc...........................................131 Cheng, Eva........................................................ 104 Chin, Derek A........................................... 85, 156 Chin, Ryan.........................................................156 Chin, Stephan...................................................156 Chinapoo, Ian.................................................... 34 Chong Ton, Maria............................................131

170

Chong, Josephine........................................... 147 Cipriani-Ortiz, Marisa................................... 144 Clarke, Aldwyn.................................................. 82 Clarke, Eric........................................................153 Clarke, Kevin...................................................... 82 Clarke, Peter.................................................... 102 Clarke-De Freitas, Tricia................................. 82 Cobham, Melissa.............................................129 Codallo, Ronald............................................... 146 Cohen, Dennis................................................... 32 Collins, Shedron............................................... 119 Coomar, Vinood Radge................................... 92 Cooper, Gerard................................................. 92 Corbie, Collin....................................................153 Corbie, Margaret.............................................. 22 Creese, Lisa.......................................................129 Cruickshank, Demi John.........................10, 140 Cuffie, Gladston................................................ 29 Cunha-Thompson, Kandice...........................131

D

Da Costa-Vieira, Agna.................................... 77 Daniell, K. Michael........................................... 36 Daniel-Worrell, Gayle..................................... 34 Darbasie, Karen................................................ 22 D’Arcy, Gerard................................................ 145 Darsan, Samuel................................................. 28 Dasent, Marc, Capt...........................................18 Dass, Wayne..................................................... 36 Dass-Mungal, Riah.................................... 24, 25 Davis, Kevin..................................................... 107 De Freitas, Abigail.......................................... 130 De Freitas, Nicole............................................. 22 de la Bastide, Michael.....................................99 de la Bastide, Simone......................................99 De La Rosa-Camacho, Tricia......................... 26 De Silva, Eric.................................................... 144 De Silva, Mitchell.............................................. 33 de Verteuil, Marc.............................................. 87 DeBique-Meade, Ermine.............................. 108 Deokiesingh, Vidya.......................................... 62 Derrick, Neil.......................................................66 Dick, Richard.....................................................132 D’Oliveira, David..............................................94 Dookie, Jean-Paul............................................. 95 Douglas, Cheryl...............................................133 Driver, Thackwray, Dr.....................................69 Drydsdale, Natalie.......................................... 144

E

Eastman, Gloria................................................133 Eastman, Paul...................................................133 Eastman, Perry.................................................133 Edghill, Mark.................................................... 144 Edwards, Avril................................................... 22 Edwards, Delvert.............................................. 52 Edwards, Nigel.................................................. 34 Edwards, Simone.............................................. 33 Elcock, Oliver.....................................................90


Index by Surname Continued Elcock, Tracey................................................... 35 Elder, Irwin K................................................... 144 Eyre, Mervyn..................................................... 95

F

Fagien, Zakiya, Dr............................................ 117 Farah, Anthony D............................................138 Ferguson, Nigel..................................................14 Field, Owen........................................................ 97 Figaro, Juliana...................................................133 Fletcher, Lyndon................................................18 Forbes, Lana..................................................... 106 Forde, Ian............................................................ 72 Forgenie, Nigel.................................................. 55 Fortune, Stefan.................................................. 36 France, Ephraim.............................................. 147 Franco, Mark...................................................... 47 Frankland, Steven.............................................80 Fraser-Lee Wen, Mekeisha............................ 28 Frederick, Neshon............................................ 52 Frontin, Brian......................................................10 Frost, Sterling K................................................. 22

G

Ganess, Allissa.................................................. 95 Ganness, Marcus...............................................18 Ganpat, Sunita................................................... 53 García Brooks, Anna-María.................... 24, 25 Gaudet, Marcia................................................. 26 Geeban, Indira...................................................30 George, Venice............................................... 109 Gidaree, Sherma............................................. 108 Gilks, Paul...........................................................68 Gittens, Kevon................................................... 29 Gittens, Neil....................................................... 95 Glaisher, Dawn................................................ 144 Gloudon, Carolyn............................................. 55 Goindoo, Andre.............................................. 106 Golding, Stacy-Ann........................................ 130 Golikeri, Vashti................................................. 33 Gomez, Blayne..................................................80 Gomez-Miller, Claire....................................... 62 Gonsalves, Lindsay........................................ 103 Gooden, Samantha.......................................... 32 Gooden, Steven................................................. 32 Gopaulsingh, David.......................................... 26 Gopeesingh, Anyl, Dr......................................80 Gordon, Marilyn............................................. 108 Gosein, Meghnath............................................ 83 Goswami, Rakesh............................................. 92 Graham, Peter................................................... 63 Grannum, Lisa................................................... 32 Gransaull, John..................................................68 Grant, Jerome.................................................... 55 Granville, Joseph...............................................14 Gregory, Christopher....................................... 32 Griffith, Adlyne................................................ 103 Griffith, Albert, Col............................................14 Guischard, Vernetta.......................................129 Gurley-Mouttet, Aileen.................................122

H

Hadeed, Gerald............................................... 103 Hagley, Christopher......................................... 62 Hale, Susan........................................................131 Hamilton, Dinesha...........................................94 Hamilton, Nickisha........................................... 54 Harewood, Fitzroy............................................66 Harford, Anthony.............................................96 Harrikisoon, Kris................................................18 Harris, Astor......................................................66 Harrison, Glyne................................................. 22 Hart, Carol-Lyn.................................................99 Hassanali, Karlene...........................................137 Headley, Kurt..................................................... 22 Henderson, Anna.............................................96 Henderson, Douglas....................................... 114 Henderson, Mark............................................ 105 Henry, Rosemarie A....................................... 106 Henry, Terrence................................................90 Herbert, Deborah........................................... 146 Herbert, Ricky.....................................................18 Hermans, Evan.................................................. 95 Hesse, Martha O............................................. 110 Heywood, Dion............................................... 109 Hilaire, Sheila J..................................................80 Hilaire-Bartlett, Marina................................... 85 Hilton-Clarke, Walton................................... 108 Hines, Gregory.................................................. 26 Hoford, Tracey................................................. 141 Hornby, Chris.................................................. 130 Hosein, Haroun................................................ 118 Hosein, Imtiaz................................................... 78 Hosein, Kazim.................................................. 117 Hosein, Leary A................................................. 62 Hosein, Michelle...............................................44 Hosein, Neil....................................................... 117 Hosein, Safiyya................................................. 117 Howell, Derwin M..................................... 24, 25 Huff, Ronald.......................................................66 Hutcheon, Roger............................................... 29 Hyland, Hilton............................................ 24, 25 Hylton, Patrick................................................... 32

I

Ilkhtchoui, Patricia............................................30 Iloo, Angela........................................................ 53 Imbert, Clément, Professor Emeritus.......... 52

J

Jacob, Peter...................................................... 109 Jaggernath, Parrisram......................................18 James, Brian....................................................... 52 Jardine, Mary................................................... 144 Jardine, Rosemary............................................131 Jodhan, Genevieve.......................................... 114 Jogie, Andy......................................................... 33 John, Beverley...................................................66 John, Ian.............................................................. 97 John, Marsha R................................................. 37

171

John, Reynold.................................................... 52 John, Heather S.M............................................ 54 John-Williams, Christopher........................... 62 Jones, Kathryn..................................................132 Joseph, Andre.................................................... 36 Joseph, Mikey.................................................... 47 Joseph, Nicole................................................. 130 Joseph, Trevor.................................................. 141 Joseph, Zola........................................................14 Joyeau Flores, Arlene...................................... 32 Julien, Allan....................................................... 141 Julien, Jason....................................................... 22 Jupiter, Andrew, Professor.............................66 Juteram, Stephen.............................................. 95

K

Kanhai, John..................................................... 107 Kelshall, Richard, Admiral............................ 150 Khadka, Bishwo.................................................99 Khan, Feyaad................................................... 108 Khan, Rehana..................................................... 29 Khan, Shabir..................................................... 102 Khatic, Narad.....................................................84 Khodai, Keshwar............................................... 22 King, Ernest.......................................................136 Kirby, Rayon..................................................... 106 Kissoon, Neela.................................................. 22 Koirala, Anuradha............................................99 Kondiah, Rasheed............................................. 53 Kumar, Catherine........................................... 140

L

Lake, Nigel......................................................... 116 Lal, Daren........................................................... 97 Lall, Jennifer......................................................138 Laquis, Rachel.................................................... 26 Laughlin, Dale................................................... 119 Lavia, Jennifer, Dr............................................. 54 Lazarus, Jackie.................................................. 72 Lazzari, Robert................................................ 102 Le Saldo, Michele........................................... 146 Lee Loy, Angela...................11, 32, 129, 131, 140 Lee Yuen, Karen................................................131 Lee-Persad, Pamela.........................................69 Leslie, Selby..................................................... 108 Lewis, David......................................................122 Lewis, Joey....................................................... 144 Lewis, Karlene....................................................81 Lewis, Keith........................................................ 65 Lewis, Lisa.........................................................132 Lewis, Mark.......................................................122 Lewis, Richard............................................. 6, 122 Lewis, Robin....................................................... 22 Lewis, Ryan.......................................................122 Lewis, Shane.....................................................122 Lezama, Garvin................................................ 141 Lloyd, Roy...........................................................66 Lodge Jr., Dunstan.......................................... 103 London, Orville, The Honourable....................8


Index by Surname Continued Long, Rod............................................................ 65 Look Kin, Richard.............................................. 22 Lopez, Lyn.......................................................... 114 Lopez, Susan.................................................... 109 Lousaing, Elisa................................................. 103 Lutchman, Ramesh...........................................14

M

Mahabir, Joshey.................................................18 Mahabir, Natalie............................................. 146 Mahabir, Sham...................................................18 Maharaj, Baldath............................................. 141 Maharaj, Deenish............................................. 53 Maharaj, Nalini................................................. 141 Maharaj, Namdeo............................................ 85 Maharaj, Navene...............................................14 Maharaj, Sharon............................................... 33 Maharaj, Surindra............................................ 141 Maharaj, Vashty.............................................. 141 Maharajh, Ramadhar.......................................94 Mahase, Nesha................................................ 141 Maingot, Kristi..................................................80 Mallalieu, Kim, Dr.............................................90 Mallian, Mukesh............................................. 106 Mangal, Sita.......................................................30 Mangrey, Mitin................................................ 141 Manning, Patrick Augustus Mervyn...............7 Manraj, Shiva..................................................... 22 Mansoor, Natalie.............................................. 33 Maraj, Ramchand Rajbal............................... 141 Marcano, Akhenaton....................................... 22 Marchan, Sydelle...............................................81 Mark, Sekou....................................................... 34 Marquez, Natasha............................................ 33 Martin, David, Lancelot.................................125 Martin, George Nicholas............................... 151 Martino, Gabriel............................................... 32 Matthews, Swedaka........................................ 62 Maxwell, Gerard................................................81 Maynard, Shivani..............................................80 Mc Clashie, Stephen........................................ 62 Mc Clean, Kevin...............................................137 Mc Donald, Keith............................................. 72 Mc Intosh, Ian................................................... 52 Mc Kenna, Rosanna......................................... 72 Mc Pherson, Vanessa...................................... 26 Mc Sween, Ruben........................................... 108 McMillan, Sherry..............................................90 Melville, Sharon.............................................. 107 Mickan, Carlos................................................. 110 Mills, Keith Andre.......................................... 107 Minors, Nigel..................................................... 62 Misra, Amit...................................................... 109 Mitchell, Charles......................................35, 133 Mitchell, Ryan................................................... 62 Mitchell, Selvonne............................................ 83 Mlekush, Kenneth........................................... 110 Modeste, Errol................................................... 62 Modeste, Laurence..........................................94

Moffett, Deborah.............................................. 22 Mohammed, Abbey......................................... 35 Mohammed, Angela...................................... 107 Mohammed, Curtis..........................................64 Mohammed, Michael...................................... 72 Mohammed, Nadira.........................................81 Mohammed, Reshard...................................... 26 Mohammed, Zameer, Dr................................66 Mohan, Clint...................................................... 35 Mohan, Lutchmin........................................... 109 Mongru, Ishwarlal............................................ 22 Monilal, Randy.................................................. 52 Montano, Danny...............................................99 Mooleedhar, Devati.......................................... 31 Moore, Kent........................................................14 Moorjani, Dhisha..............................................99 Mooteram, Andrew.........................................44 Morton, Gerard................................................. 28 Mottley, Wendell............................................ 110 Mouttet Joseph, Jo-Anne..............................138 Mouttet, Charles A................................... 24, 25 Mulheran, Daniel............................................. 110 Murray-Solomon, Susan............................... 102 Murrell-Richardson, Neisha.......................... 32

N

Nancoo, Keston.............................................. 108 Nandlal, Cindi.................................................... 63 Narinesingh, Jason........................................... 26 Nasib, Mala.........................................................14 Nelson, Brendon............................................. 108 Newallo, Kathy Ann........................................129 Newton, Hayden................................................14 Nicholas, Petrock,............................................. 73 Nicholas-Kneyseh, Michael T....................... 83 Nicholas-Kneyseh, Sean ................................ 83 Nicol, Debbie................................................... 146

O

O’Brien, Gabriel................................................. 35 Ogeer-Ali, Aleema..........................................129 Ogg, Andy..........................................................68 Olivierre, Nicole, The Honourable..................8 Ottley, Graeme.................................................94 Oumade Singh, Roopnarine.................... 24, 25

P

Palmer-Keizer, Michelle.......................... 24, 25 Palomares, Carlos........................................... 110 Paltoo, Vernon, Dr............................................64 Pantin, Adelina.................................................133 Pantin, Averne..................................................152 Parabdeen, Vijay..............................................129 Parmasar, Vindra...............................................14 Parris-Searles, Patrice..................................... 53 Paterson, Michelle............................................81 Patrick, Cole....................................................... 35 Patrick, Dexter.................................................. 29 Patrick, Stuart...................................................137 Paty, Stacey-Ann.............................................. 33

172

Paul, Nalini.........................................................50 Pazos, Gayle M................................................. 26 Pazos, Jesus....................................................... 33 Percy, Charles................................................... 35 Pereira, Vincent........................................... 9, 69 Permanand, Radha......................................... 140 Perryman, Keitha.............................................. 54 Persad, Bryan.....................................................60 Persad, Rajendra.............................................. 118 Persad, Savon.................................................... 26 Persad, Victor.................................................... 83 Persad, Wayne L.A...........................................69 Persad-Poliah, Niala....................................... 108 Peterson, Gilbert...............................................90 Pettier, Natasha.............................................. 103 Phang, Lee........................................................ 128 Phillip, Michael A.............................................152 Phillip, Paul......................................................... 62 Phillips, Andrew................................................50 Phillips, Edmund............................................... 32 Placide, Denielle............................................... 78 Pouchet, Lorraine........................................... 160 Prescod, Lennard..............................................66 Prevatt, Osmond..............................................30 Prime, Archibald............................................... 52 Prince-Wilson, Kalana....................................90

Q

Quamina, Jacqueline H.C........................ 24, 25 Quashie, Marissa........................................... 130 Quentrall-Thomas, Lara................................137 Quinlan, Patrick J............................................. 110

R

Ragbir, Harold..................................................152 Ragbir, Ricardo.................................................. 97 Ragbir, Sana....................................................... 22 Ragoobir, Nutan.............................................. 109 Ragoonanan, Vijai..................................... 24, 25 Rahman, Anees,................................................ 53 Rajack, Dereck................................................... 22 Rajkumar, Ava................................................... 62 Rajkumar, Gerard.............................................86 Rajkumar, Navin............................................. 108 Rajnauth, Heidi................................................ 146 Rajnauth, Jina.................................................. 146 Rajpaul, Linda....................................................66 Ram, Shane....................................................... 114 Ramadoo, Richard............................................ 35 Ramcharan, Ancil............................................. 32 Ramcharitar, Dereck, Dr................................ 141 Ramdath, Trudy.............................................. 145 Ramdeen, Mahindra Ramesh....................... 118 Ramdin, Rosemarie.......................................... 29 Ramgoolam, Aldrin................................... 24, 25 Ramjohn-Richards Jean, Dr...........................99 Ramkissoon, Adrian......................................... 29 Ramkissoon, Darryl.......................................... 73 Ramlal, Shivani..................................................94 Ramlogan, Rawle..............................................30


Index by Surname Continued Ramnarine, Anil................................................ 52 Ramnath, Rodney..............................................81 Ramoutar, Naresh............................................ 35 Ramoutar, Ravi.................................................. 34 Ramoutar, Rose................................................. 72 Rampaul, Errol....................................................81 Rampersad, Dominic.......................................64 Rampersad, Randhir........................................66 Rampersad-David, Elenor.............................. 53 Ramsaran, David.............................................. 97 Ramsaran, Roysce............................................. 31 Ramsoobhag, Avenash................................... 53 Ramsook, Cindy................................................ 97 Ramsumair, Brent............................................129 Ramsundar, Nievia...........................................90 Raphael, Cindy.................................................. 35 Raphael, Edison...................................... 102, 104 Rathod, Umesh............................................... 109 Rattansingh, Lennox........................................ 72 Reddock, Theodore...........................................81 Reddock-Downes, Cynthia............................90 Redman, Derrick............................................... 34 Reid, Fenwick..............................................96, 97 Reid, Malcolm..................................................136 Reid, Michael..................................................... 95 Reid, Sean, Capt.................................................18 Reneaud-Lewis, Angela.................................. 52 Richards, Dawn................................................138 Richards, Roger................................................. 92 Roach, Nicholas................................................98 Robinson, David......................................... 24, 25 Robinson, Glenroy P....................................... 116 Robinson, Joan M............................................ 116 Robinson, Keith.................................................50 Rocke, Natalie.................................................. 151 Rodriguez-Greaves, Crystal........................... 34 Rodulfo, Tyrone, Gp. Capt. (R’td.)................18 Romano, Nigel.................................................... 31 Romany-Fournillier, Paulesca...................... 104 Roopnarine, Shiva............................................ 141 Roopnarinesingh, Ramlogan.......................... 47 Ross, Coleman D............................................. 110 Rudd, Shannon...................................................14

S

Salick, Brenton.................................................. 117 Salickram, Parasram................................. 24, 25 Samaroo, Barry...................................................18 Sammy, Junior....................................................41 Sampson Browne, Margaret..........................99 Samuel, Nicole................................................ 128 Sanderson-Reid, Jamie...................................136 Sandy, Christopher.......................................... 22 Sandy, Mark Francis........................................ 52 Santana, Colin................................................. 108 Santos, Devin.....................................................80 Saunders, Richard.......................................... 144 Sawh, Vasudev Amrit Free............................ 28 Scarlett, Jason................................................... 47

Schneider, Rain............................................... 144 Schnoor, Anya M....................................... 26, 37 Scoon Moses, Donna...................................... 55 Scott, Averline................................................... 72 Scott, Jevorn......................................................96 Sealey, Sherry Ann...........................................90 Sealy, Lennox, Dr.............................................139 Sebarath, Mahadeo......................................... 26 Seecharan, Ramlakhan.................................. 108 Seecharan, Wendell......................................... 62 Seegobin, Deoraj..............................................90 Seeraj, Anthony................................................ 28 Seereeram, Mariska........................................129 Seudat, Carlene................................................. 26 Shah, Liaquat Ali............................................... 83 Shah, Reaaz......................................................... 31 Sheppard, George............................................. 32 Shim, Melissa...................................................137 Sieuraj, Rampersad......................................... 141 Simon-Thompson, Rafer.................................90 Singh, Andrew E.B............................................ 73 Singh, Anthony.................................................. 53 Singh, Joanne................................................... 109 Singh, Kimberly................................................. 83 Singh, Mark......................................................... 31 Singh, Rishi....................................................... 107 Singh, Romesh.................................................. 114 Singh, Sally K................................................... 144 Singh, Shirlanne Sacha.................................... 76 Singh, Stephen A.............................................. 36 Singhal, Harish K............................................ 109 Sirjoo, Richard.................................................. 141 Siu, Kimlyn........................................................ 151 Sobion, Judith.................................................... 34 Solomon, Homer, Capt....................................18 Solomon, Zarida.............................................. 141 Sookdar, Warren.............................................. 34 Sookhai, Richie.............................................9, 141 Sooknarine-Ragoo, Gail.................................. 52 Sookoo, Lionel................................................... 35 Sookoo, Olivia................................................... 29 Sookram, Dushyant....................................... 130 Sookram, Kirk....................................................90 Sosa, Waltnel.................................................... 22 Soverall, Robert................................................. 26 Spiers, Stuart................................................... 146 St. Clair, Anthony............................................. 22 St. Hilaire, Roger..............................................132 Stephen-Henry, Greta................................... 108 Steuart, Anya................................................... 145 Stone, Brian G.................................................. 150 Stuart, Natasha................................................. 97 Subero, Anthony C.................................... 24, 25 Subiah, Niegel...................................................152 Subrian, Pradeep............................................. 108 Suquet, José S................................................... 110 Suryadevara, Ravi...................................... 9, 140 Sutton, Jenice...................................................132

173

T

Tang Yuk, Robert...............................................14 Taylor, Ashley..................................................152 Telfer, Derek.....................................................153 Telfer, Kyle........................................................153 Temal, Timmy...................................................84 Tempro, Kirt....................................................... 22 Tewarie, Nirad................................................. 140 Texeira, Nellie..................................................133 Thomas, Jason.................................................. 33 Thompson, Ayana............................................ 62 Thompson, Robert........................................... 63 Thompson, Terri-Ann....................................132 Thompson, Warren........................................ 141 Thorne, Maria....................................................64 Tiah, Eugene...................................................... 63 Ticklal, Dinesh...................................................96 Titus, Heather................................................... 28 Toby, Keith D..................................................... 52 Toney, Michael............................................... 108 Trestrail, Robert........................................10, 140

V

Valley, Kurt........................................................ 22 Van Lowe, Amoy.............................................. 34 Vieira, H. Anthony, Captain........................... 77 Villamil, José Antonio.................................... 110 Vital, Brian..........................................................44

W

Walcott, Ronald................................................ 92 Walter, Kendal...................................................18 Waterman, Kathy Ann....................................99 Webb, Joanne..................................................129 Welch-Farrell, Sandra....................................135 Wharwood, Anthony.......................................94 Wheeler, Alana.................................................99 White, Darryl..................................................... 33 Whiteman, Pauline.......................................... 53 Wiggins, Roger.................................................. 62 Wight, Gregory................................................ 118 Wight, Mark......................................................30 Wilcox, Terry................................................... 102 Williams, Pamela.............................................. 34 Williams, Ulis....................................................96 Wilson, Kris....................................................... 28 Wilson, Lygia................................................... 109 Windsor, Marcus............................................139 Wolffe-O’Neil, Gillian.................................... 130 Wong, Anthony J....................................... 24, 25 Wong, Robert................................................... 114 Wong Won, Wendy...............................129, 131 Woo, Brian......................................................... 22 Woodhams, Christopher.............................. 103 Wooding, Camille...........................................136

Y

Yip Chuck, Karen........................................ 24,25 Young, Angus P................................................ 32 Young, Melanie.................................................96


Index by Company 1 On 1 Realty.................................................................................................. 146

Cevara Realty............................................................................................... 144

Access Trinidad (formerly Chapmans Records Management Ltd.).......................................................................132

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank................................................. 28

Acclaim Freight & Logistics Services Limited.......................................153 Ace Recycling Limited.................................................................................. 82 Acropolis Medical Centre........................................................................... 82 Advance Readymix Ltd................................................................................ 45 Aegis................................................................................................................129 Agostini Insurance Brokers Ltd.................................................................102 Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT)......................14, 15 Alliance Software and Technology Systems Limited........................... 68 Allied Security Limited................................................................................. 83 American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham T&T)...............................................9, 140

CIC Insurance Brokers Ltd.........................................................................105 Citibank Trinidad and Tobago Limited........................Inside Back Cover CL Marine Ltd. (CLM).................................................................................150 Clean Image ..................................................................................................138 Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce.......................................... 141 CPRC Realty.................................................................................................. 144 CUNA Caribbean Insurance Society Limited....................................... 106 D&K Investments Limited.........................................................156, 157, 158 Dachin Enterprises Limited (Ruby Tuesday).......................156, 157, 158 Dachin Group of Companies....................................................156, 157, 158 Dachin Italia Limited (Rizzoni’s).............................................156, 157, 158

AMS Biotech Security Concepts Limited................................................ 76

Dachin Restaurants Limited (Texas de Brazil)....................156, 157, 158

AMS Technologies - A Division of AMS Biotech.................................. 76

DAMEN...........................................................................................................60

AmSure Trinidad and Tobago Limited..................................................... 76

Debt Recovery and Administrative Services Limited (DR&ASL)....128

Analytical Technologies Limited............................................................... 85

Development Consulting Center Ltd......................................................132

Angostura Limited....................................................................................... 114

DIGICEL Trinidad and Tobago Limited.................................... Back Cover

Ansa McAL Group of Companies........................................................16, 19

DRA Consulting ...........................................................................................138

ANSA Motors............................................................................................16, 19

Dynamic Real Estate Consultancy Ltd................................................... 146

ANSA Rentals............................................................................................16, 19

Eastman & Associates Ltd.........................................................................133

ASCO Trinidad Ltd........................................................................................ 68

Ecosol Services Limited............................................................................... 84

Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA).......................................... 144

Engineering Associates Limited................................................................116

Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC)................................................................136

Eve Anderson Recruitment Limited..........................................................131

AST Security International Distribution LLC.......................................... 76 Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT).........................37 Beacon.............................................................................................................103 Berger Paints Trinidad Limited..................................................................115 blink | bmobile................................................................................................90 Brison ..............................................................................................................136 British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce............................................ 141 C&W Business............................................................................................... 94 C7 Caribbean ................................................................................................. 98 Cardea Health Solutions Ltd.................................................................... 104

Falck Safety Services..................................................................................... 61 Farah Insurance Brokers Ltd......................................................................138 Fircroft.............................................................................................................. 69 First Citizens Bank...................................................................................22, 23 Foxx Logistics Limited.................................................................................153 Fujitsu .............................................................................................................. 95 Funds International Limited........................................................................ 36 GCG Events....................................................................................................133 Global Maritime Services Limited............................................................153 Golden Key Real Estate.............................................................................. 144

Caribbean Discovery Tours Limited....................................................... 160

Government Human Resource Services Company Limited (GHRS).........................................................................134

Caribbean Dockyard and Engineering Services Limited (CDESL)...........................................................................................150

Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce.................. 141

Caribbean Estates, Lands and Villas...................................................... 146 Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI)............................... 83 Caribbean Information & Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS)........................................................................................ 36 Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organization (CKFTO)........137

Happi Products Ltd.......................................................................................117 HHSL Safety Systems Limited....................................................................77 Home Mortgage Bank.................................................................................. 30 House Hunters............................................................................................. 144 Innovative Security Technologies Ltd...................................................... 78

Caribbean Lifts Limited................................................................................40

Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago (IBF)........37

Caribbean Resourcing Solutions Limited................................................131

Island Cleaning Services Limited................................................................73

Caribbean Theatre Productions...............................................................137

Island Finance Trinidad and Tobago Limited......................................... 29

174


Index by Company Continued J & G Supplies Just Clean Janitorial Services..........................................73

Prestige Business Publications Limited.......................................................1

Jet Express Trinidad and Tobago Limited..............................................153

Process Systems Limited (PSL)................................................................. 46

JMMB Group Trinidad and Tobago........................................................... 31

Rain Property Management & Real Estate Ltd.................................... 144

Jo-Anne Mouttet & Associates................................................................138

RBC Royal Bank...............................................................................................33

Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd................................................................... 41

Recruitment Xperts Ltd..............................................................................135

Junior Sammy Group of Companies.......................................................... 41

Regency Recruitment and Resources Limited......................................137

Jusamco Pavers Ltd....................................................................................... 41

Renew Star Serpentine Ltd.........................................................................80

Kentz-OJ’s E&I Services JV......................................................................... 46

Rent-A-Fantasy.............................................................................................139

Key West Real Estate................................................................................. 144

Republic Bank Limited........................................................................... 24, 25

KPMG..............................................................................................................130

RGM Limited.................................................................................................145

La Brea Social Action Group......................................................................147

Ric’s Real Estate Services.......................................................................... 144

Label House Group Limited.............................................................. 122, 123

Risk Management Services Limited..........................................................111

Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago (1978) Limited......................... 62

Robust Security Network Ltd..................................................................... 84

Lennox H. Sealy & Associates Ltd...........................................................139

S2 Real Estate Services.............................................................................. 144

Lennox Petroleum Services Limited......................................................... 69

Sacoda Serv...................................................................................................139

Maska South Motors..................................................................................... 17

Safe-Tec Limited...........................................................................................40

Massy Gas Products (Trinidad) Ltd......................................................... 63

Sammy’s MultiLift Services Ltd.................................................................. 41

Massy Motors - VOLVO................................................Inside Front Cover

Sandra Welch-Farrell & Company (SWF&CO)...................................135

Massy Technologies Applied Imaging..................................................... 96

Sangre Grande Business Association..................................................... 141

Massy Technologies InfoCom................................................................... 97

Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited........................................ 26, 27

Massy Wood Group..................................................................................... 42

SCRIP-J.............................................................................................................117

Medcorp Limited........................................................................................... 79

Sea Jade Investments................................................................................. 144

Mega Interior & Construction Limited..................................................... 43

Servus Limited.................................................................................................72

MG Concepts Trinidad Limited................................................................139

SI Media........................................................................................................... 98

MIC Institute of Technology.......................................................................52

Sign Tech Limited........................................................................156, 157, 158

MovieTowne.................................................................................156, 157, 158

Skyline Glazing and Cladding Systems Limited.....................................44

NAGICO Insurances (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited.........................107

Sookhai’s Diesel Service Limited................................................................ 19

National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago........................ 64

Southern Sales Car Rentals Division...........................................................3

National Helicopter Services Limited (NHSL)........................................ 18

St. Clair Medical Centre.............................................................................. 79

National Training Agency (NTA)...............................................................53

Stuart Brothers (W.I.) Ltd...........................................................................118

NCB Global Finance Limited........................................................................32

Stuart Spiers Real Estate Services Limited (SSRES)........................... 146

NGC CNG Company Limited..................................................................... 64

StudioWorks Limited..................................................................................124

Niche Interactive Tech................................................................................124

Sygma Environmental.................................................................................. 86

ODYSSEY CONSULTinc Limited..............................................................134

Telecom Security Services................................................ 85, 156, 157, 158

Offshore Innovators...................................................................................... 65

Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT)..............................................................90, 91

Pan American Life Insurance Group (PALIG)....................................... 110 Papa Bois Conservation............................................................................... 87

Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT)............................................... 92, 93

Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce...................................................... 141

Terra Caribbean ...........................................................................................145

Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (Petrotrin)... 66

The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT)............. 56

Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited (PPGPL).................................... 64

The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce...................9, 141

Piranha International Ltd............................................................................. 86

The Children’s Ark........................................................................................ 99

Point Fortin South Western Chamber of Industry and Commerce.141

The Employers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobgao (ECA)......................................................................... 11

Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited (PLIPDECO)............................................................152

The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago...................................9, 69

Population Services International-Caribbean (PSI Caribbean)......... 85

The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries..........................................8

175


Index by Company Continued The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC)............................................................................................... 64 The National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIB)....................................................................... 108 The National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS).............................................................72 The New India Assurance Co. (Trinidad & Tobago) Ltd.................. 109 The Paramount Transport & Trading Company Limited.................... 45 The Professional Institute of Marketing & Business Studies Ltd. (PIMBS)................................................................... 56 The Tobago House of Assembly (THA)....................................................8 The Tobago Institute of Literacy................................................................57 Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA)............................... 160 Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC)................................159 Trinidad & Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP)................................................................................ 67 Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS)............................... 81

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Ambulance........................................................ 811 EHS (North East)................................624-4343 EHS (South Central)...........................653-4343 EHS (Tobago)..................................... 639-4444 Coast Guard........................................634-4440 Crime Stoppers......................800-TIPS (8477) Directory Services (Trinidad).....................6411

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce .............................................................................................10, 140

Directory Services (Tobago).........................211

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Tobago Division)...........................................................10, 140

Disaster Response.............................640-8905

Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries Limited (TTCSI)......................................................................................11, 140

Fire..................................................................... 990

Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA)..................... 47 Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau............................................. 160 Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI).................................................................... 50, 51 Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (T&TITOA)............................................................................ 160 Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects (TTIA)........................... 47 Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA).............................................................................. 11, 118 Trinidad and Tobago NGL Limited........................................................... 64 Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST)...........................151 Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC)........................... 34 Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA)...................................................................................10 Tropical Express Couriers Limited...........................................................152 TSG Consulting.............................................................................................136 Unipet............................................................................................................... 68 UWI School of Business and Applied Studies Limited (UWI-ROYTEC)............................................................................. 54 VEGA Mineral................................................................................................ 45 Venture Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited............................35 WILOG Group Limited..................................................................................73 Xtreme Vision Limited................................................................................124 Youth Business of Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT)..................................119 YTEPP Limited.................................................................................................55

176

Police/Rapid Response.................................999 The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM)...........................511 Trinidad..........................................640-1285/89 Tobago National Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)...... 660-7489




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