ISSUE 25 JUL - SEP 2016
QUARTERLY KEEPING SERVICES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Bringing services to the forefront.
The Life Cycle of a Building
Can T&T's Dying Yachting Industry be revived?
TTCSI OPPORTUNITIES: Forging the formation of the Caribbean Gaming Association
Join with us as we partner with our member organization to educate the public on the Built Environment. What should happen during the life cycle of your building to protect you and your investment.
Exciting times are in store for this sector. Is Trinidad and Tobago ready? Read what those in the sector are saying can and should be done to make the sector competitive.
Read about opportunities which exist for our Trinidad and Tobago Gamers within our Caribbean and Regional Network.
www.ttcsi.org
EDITORS Angela Lee Loy Radha Permanand Meera Ramdeen-Boodoo Shane Mohammed PRODUCTION Meera Ramdeen-Boodoo CONTRIBUTORS Angela Lee Loy Radha Permanand TTCSI Elliot Clarke Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne Kelly Bute-Seaton Syan Bhagwatsingh DRA Consulting YSATT Crystal Liverpool Dr. Felice Aisha Chow Sueann Ramsingh Janine Charles-Farray The Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago Vaughn Halliday
05
President’s Message
07
CEO’s Message
09
Celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child
10 12
Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago and the Community The Impact of FATCA on the Financial Services Sector in Trinidad and Tobago
14
The Silently Unhappy Customer
16
Can T&T's Dying Yachting Industry be revived?
PUBLISHER Eidetic
18
One Picture with Andrea De Silva
PRINTER Eniaths Printing
21
ADVERTISING Sherry Hassanali CIRCULATION Vanessa Joseph
CONTACT US Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries # 18 O'Connor Street, Woodbrook Tel: 622-9229 Fax: 622-8985 Email: info@ttcsi.org Website: www.ttcsi.org The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) is an umbrella, non-governmental, business support organization established to encourage the growth and development of the services sector. IN PARTICULAR TTCSI: assists service providers to identify and exploit market opportunities; lobbies government and international agencies on behalf of services providers; develops capacity among local services providers; assists in the development of standards and certification to access foreign markets and ensures that member interests are represented in trade negotiations. We are also the local body responsible for issuing the CARICOM Service Provider Certificates. Our membership includes associations in the fields of financial services, hospitality, construction, ICT, midwifery, cultural industries, customs brokerage, human resource management, T&T Cosmetology Association, and pest management. Services account for more than 51% of GDP and contribute an average of TT$43 billion annually to the local economy. The views and opinions expressed or implied in TTCSI QUARTERLY are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by TTCSI. All info herein is the property of TTCSI and may not be reproduced without prior consent.
22
2016 Olympics – Rowing, Women’s Single (Trinidad & Tobago) TTCSI OPPORTUNITIES: Forging the formation of the Caribbean Gaming Association
24
Member’s Corner: ISACA International
25
From the pen of an Intern - A view of the TTCSI
26
Animation Services in T&T – Local Talent Ready to Work
28
The Power of Lobbying
30
The Life Cycle of a Building
31
TTIFMA Forum Speaker Profiles
39
TTIFMA Forum Agenda
40
TTIFMA Forum Event Partner Profiles
46
TTIFMA Forum Partners
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
President’s Message WRITTEN BY ANGELA LEE LOY, TTCSI President
It is always a pleasure to write this foreword to the TTCSI Quarterly, as it affords me the opportunity to speak with you, our stakeholders. In this issue, we have highlighted the TTCSI’s overview of the 2017 National Budget and provided you with some insights on other areas of the sector. We salute our Trinidad and Tobago Olympians and in this issue we have an article written by the very hard working Dr. Felice Aisha Chow, whose mom Mrs. Judith Chow is with the Trinidad and Tobago Society of Planners, one of TTCSI’s vibrant member organization and introduce to you our newest member organization ISACA. The team at the TTCSI has been working on several initiatives during the last few months and we look forward to them bearing fruit in the near future. We continue to work with our regional partners and the Caribbean Network of Services Coalition (CNSC) and have our key projects set to benefit our members and the Services Sector mapped out for 2017. More importantly to those of you who are interested in issues related to services
sector development and economic diversification, is probably how TTCSI has been working at various levels of the development process. Indeed, from collecting new data and developing new studies to systematically and strategically working to assist local service providers and companies to penetrate and enter new markets. In 2017, we will focus on expanding the services being offered by TTCSI to members and stakeholders. We intend to scale up our activities both in terms of the depth and breath of services being offered, but also with regards to the impact of these services and the organization generally. Like most organizations in Trinidad and Tobago at this time, the TTCSI has also faced some challenges resulting from the economic situation facing us. The TTCSI had strategically planned to for such times and have adjusted to changes accordingly and will no doubt successfully navigate the road ahead. One of the changes we will be making is a move to new premises at 18 O’Connor Street, Woodbrook in December 2016. We will continue to serve all our stakeholders from this new venue and invite you to visit us at the new location to hear and learn of the breath of activities in which we have been involved.
Our three main goals over the next three years will therefore be to contribute to the diversification of the local economy by increasing the value of services exports; assisting member organizations to become even more sustainable; and to increase TTCSI’s revenue in order to more effectively service stakeholders. To the staff at the Secretariat I take this opportunity to say a profound “thank you” as each of you takes up additional duties and carry on with your usual enthusiasm and professionalism. To our membership, our stakeholders and our advertisers who contribute to each and every issue, I thank you for your continued support. In spite of the challenges ahead, we need to take action to shape this country for the brighter future and we will continue to look to the positives, which we will all experience from growing the economy. Undoubtedly, the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries is in for some exciting times. We will be doing new and innovative things along the way. Some may not work exactly as plan, but we will always learn and grow. We invite you to be a part of this exciting journey!
CEO’S MESSAGE
CEO 2016 year end review WRITTEN BY RADHA PERMANAND, TTCSI’s CEO
As we approach the end of 2016 and look forward to welcoming 2017, it is the perfect opportunity for reflection and visioning. The Roman God “Janus”, for whom January is named is widely considered the God of beginnings and transitions. He is usually depicted as having two faces looking in opposite directions, one towards the past and the other towards the future. Thus invoking this concept in Roman mythology, I will don my Janus hat. In January 2016 I assumed the role of CEO of the TTCSI, this truly stands out as one my significant accomplishments and I immersed myself immediately to the role and the philosophy of TTCSI. Through the stamina of a small but dedicated and gifted team, TTCSI recommitted itself to its Mission and Vision. We went back to basics. 2016 was the year to return our core and strengthen our foundations. These foundations are critical to the success and advancement of our members. It was a year of hard truths as the organization interrogated and assessed itself against its mandate.
OUR MISSION: The TTCSI will monitor and assess the global business environment, facilitate and assist the local services sector to become increasingly competitive internationally, to contribute to the development and growth of the national economy. In furtherance of our Mission, TTCSI took a pivotal role in the development of the National Services Policy. TTCSI conducted extensive data-driven research into markets, sectors and global trends so as to properly inform the other stakeholders as to the who, the what, the where and the when as it relates to the services sector and where the emphasis ought to lie.
The importance of this exercise cannot be overstated, if one where to use the analogy of vehicles traversing a highway, this National Services Policy provides a smooth surface, lighting, signs and white lines. TTCSI continues to champion this process and looks forward to its completion on or before January 2017. It is work like this that will help TTCSI achieve its Mission and allow us to serve our members in a manner that will yield proper business results. Our advice and suggestions are rooted in data and research which increases public trust and confidence in the work we do. TTCSI has continued to conduct its Services Go Global (SGG) training which has immediate and direct impact on persons trained as it provides practical training on preparing export plans, assessing new markets and preparing to export. TTCSI has a reinvigorated research agenda and intends to position itself in 2017 as the primary research facility and think tank on trade in services both locally and regionally. We look forward to working with you all as we collect, analyze, store and report on trends, data and statistics in trade in services.
OUR VISION: The Trinidad and Tobago Services Sector will be recognized as a vibrant, diverse and internationally competitive sector, comprising of a variety of different companies, organizations and individuals selling their services both locally and internationally. To achieve this Vision, TTCSI needs all hands on deck, we need all services sector players to engage with us on visionary matters. The time has come
for our membership to accept its role as captains of industry, innovation and creativity. It is certainly time for us to change the way we see the services sector as a nation. Other major economies of the world like the UK, the US and India are built on services, closer to home Barbados and Panama are worthy of emulation. A review of international and established CSIs such as Canada and Hong Kong showed a heavy emphasis on research, collection of data/services and lobbying, events tend to accord with a mandate to either promote trade in services or bring awareness of opportunities, in Canada a component of the work plan is based on member input. This model will be employed by TTCSI in 2017. As we move forward into 2017 we do so with a significant amount of trepidation. We are in uncertain times; we are out of our comfort zone. The story of Pandora’s box is a fitting end to my Janus-styled contribution, after all the fearful things escaped from the box, a tiny thing called Hope fluttered out. Regardless of what lies ahead, we can face it together with hope. My team, Meera, Ryan, Sherry, Syan, Vanessa, Mahabir and I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with extraordinary blessings.
Happy Holidays!!!!
07
GENDER
CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL
DAY OF THE
GIRL CHILD WRITTEN BY DR. CAMILLE WARDROP ALLEYNE
I
n 2011, The United Nations declared October 11 the International Day of the Girl with a mission “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.” It is the day we raise awareness to the plight of the girl child all across our globe and a day that is very special to me. For the last ten (10) years I have worked and advocated tirelessly through my non-profit organization- the Brightest Stars Foundation - to educate, empower and inspire young women around the world to be future leaders through science, technology, engineering and math education. It is through this work that I fulfill my commitment to the world that by the year 2030, every girl and woman will know that they have a voice, will find their voice and be empowered to use it for the betterment of humanity. A world where every woman and girl have a voice is a world where the 62 million adolescent girls around the world, who are not in school will have access to a quality education. A world where every woman has a voice is a world that fosters gender parity in the political process and decision making. It is also a world where women are economically empowered and there is equal pay for equal work. And a world where girls and women are living in societies free from violence and discrimination.
So how do we move towards achieving this type of world? I offer up two (2) solutions that I believe must work in concert with each other to see marked change. The first is on the macro scale where governments see the value in implementing policies that support girls and women to reach their fullest potential – the foundation of which is education. Governmental leaders must ensure that girls and women are an equal part of the development plans, after all females make up 50% of the world’s population and as a result, it is critical for nations to enforce policies that neutralize discrimination and biases against women in hiring practices, especially in science, technology and engineering fields and this applies to formal education. I am often told that in Trinidad and Tobago there is no gender gap in these fields because 50% of the engineering students at the University of the West Indies are females. This may very well be true, but does that parity translate to the workforce? The second solution happens on a micro level – the level of our lives and that is personal responsibility. There are many aspects of our lives that governments can’t legislate and requires us to take personal responsibility, no matter what the circumstance. It also requires us to empower the people around us to do the same. It is incumbent upon parents and family members to create an environment that nurtures the creativity and curiosity that innately resides within each child and that will naturally lead to discovery of one’s gifts. Once we have identified our gifts, we then discover our passion. Discovering our passion ultimately becomes discovery of our life’s calling. This, in addition to finding our voice, plus the courage to use our voice, is how, I believe, we reach our fullest potential. So as we take time out every year on Oct 11 to raise awareness about the plight of girls all around the world, let us remember that our nations are only as strong as our weakest links. So it is incumbent upon each of us to empower our girls and give them the space to share their voices and as a result, we will all reap the benefits of prosperous and sustainable nations.
09
FINANCE COMMUNITY
Bankers Association of Trinidad & Tobago
AND THE COMMUNITY WRITTEN BY KELLY BUTE-SEATON, Executive Director Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago
BATT was formed nineteen (19) years ago. Today the Association’s membership has grown to include all eight (8) commercial banks within Trinidad and Tobago namely RBC ROYAL Bank Limited, Republic Bank Limited, Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited, Bank of Baroda (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited, JMMB Bank Trinidad and Tobago Limited formerly Intercommercial Bank Limited, First Citizens Bank Limited, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Limited and Citibank Trinidad and Tobago Limited. BUILDING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES (CSR)
10
The Banks have been instrumental in engaging in activities
to name but one thing is for certain, the positive impact is
to develop our people and communities with our many
widespread and the beneficiaries range from all age
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. We have all
groups; from the individual to entire communities, from
taken a keen interest in youth entrepreneurship, the SME
the Small to Medium enterprise to the Multi nationals.
industry and education, with heavy involvements with
More
Junior Achievement, Youth Mentorship Programmes and
widespread from health to education, from business
Partnerships with the different educational institutions. We
development and the capital markets to saving and
support the arts and culture, sports and overall country
financing. All in all, a strong financial sector is paramount
development. Our projects and programmes are too many
to maintaining economic stability.
importantly
the
issues
addressed
are
also
YOUTH A commitment to a nation often starts with a commitment
These philanthropic ventures bring together the passion
to the Youth. BATT has long understood this and since its
of employees, partners and especially the spirit of our
inception has developed through its member banks,
communities. We hope by our participation we will help
numerous initiatives aimed at supporting, developing,
increase awareness of these vital services to our
guiding, recognising and inspiring the youth of our society.
communities and society.
BATT’s members have seen as critically important, the need to look beyond the financial and take a more holistic view of youth development in our nation from sports to
EMPLOYEES
music, art and culture, education and agriculture and of
With regard to our employees, there is a great amount of
course
focus on high standards of performance and ethical
finance,
BATT
has
supported,
developed,
behaviour, while honing leadership and talent development.
recognized, guided and inspired our youth.
We also entrench a number of feedback mechanisms,
GOVERNMENT
which afford our staff every opportunity to share their
One of our primary goals is to support the growth and
insights. It is important that we recognise the value of our
development of our nation and building partnerships with
employees and the role they play in our success and
the Government and its institutions is a key driver of such
day-to-day operations. Our staff uphold the values of
growth. Our work with the government has ranged from
honesty, integrity and equality. They are trained in
the support of entrepreneurship through numerous small
specialised customer services care, as well as devotion and
business initiatives to the use of various health centres for
innovation. They are the mechanism behind well-oiled
screening purposes throughout the nation. Our support of
machines and their contributions are priceless.
economic
development
has
also
resulted
in
the
sponsorship of many GORTT aligned conferences and trade missions.
SOCIETY BATT has always stepped up to accept the mantle
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
whenever the opportunity to serve the community and
Our partnerships with various business organisations to
society at large becomes available. Some initiatives
further financial and economic awareness are very
include the protection of fresh water and providing clean
important to us. We work and assist a number of
drinking water, the protection of natural habitats and the
conferences and events with various business chambers in
rights of people as well as the safeguarding against child
support of the local business community. We see this as a
and forced labour. Our support in the world of sport, music
critical role of the banks in the national interest.
and culture-to name a few- impact greatly on our society. We hope to uplift and empower our citizens to create a
NGO’s Every
bright and better future as a nation. year,
the
banks
support
the
work
of
community-based and non-profit organisations in the community. These organisations range widely from drug rehabilitation centres to training programs for the under privileged to charitable organisations. By our investment
Kelly Bute-Seaton
we hope to provide expanded opportunities for the
Executive Director
disadvantaged, as well as offer our support and caring.
COMMUNITIES
Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago 16 Gray Street, St. Clair
We are committed to helping create and foster stronger
PO Box 1259, Port of Spain
communities through donations with lasting social
Tel: 622-0282 / 628-2944 Fax: 628-9718
impact and sponsorship of initiatives that empower our
Email: secretariat@batt.org.tt
people and celebrate our strength and diversity.
Website: www.batt.org.tt
11
FINANCIAL SECTOR
The Impact of
FATCA
on the Financial Services Sector in
Trinidad and Tobago. WRITTEN BY SYAN BHAGWATSINGH
12
With the recent failure of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to pass the much anticipated FATCA Bill to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago becomes FATCA compliant, there are serious implications for not only the financial services sector but also the economy as a whole. This article hopes to enlighten persons on the ramifications of not passing such crucial legislation and how this affects the wider business community. FATCA is the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, which was introduced by the United States in 2010 to
country at large. Some of the implications include: • A 30% withholding tax implemented on US dollars
ensure the collection of taxes from “U.S. persons” who
flowing into the T&T banking system. Banks that do
hold financial accounts outside of the United States.
not comply with FATCA are subject to the imposition of a 30% withholding tax on U.S. source payments
In this regard, a “U.S. person” is someone who is a: -
that they receive. This can possibly be passed down
• U.S. citizen- An individual is a citizen if that person
to consumers of financial services i.e. persons who
was born in the United States or if the individual has
use banking facilities in the wider Trinidad and
been naturalized as a US citizen.
Tobago public
• Born outside of the U.S. of a U.S. parent • Tax resident- Someone can become a tax resident
• Local banks, if they are not compliant may be
based on two tests; the “substantial presence test”
restricted or eventually cut off from relationships
and “the green card test”
with correspondent banks internationally. This can have adverse effects on customer banking services,
The intent of the Act is to combat tax evasion by “U.S.
such as remittance services, wire transactions,
persons” using foreign accounts. This is also a reciprocal
currency transfer transactions and other services
agreement, where T&T will have the same facility.
requiring access to the US financial system.
Trinidad and Tobago also benefits from FATCA being a reciprocal agreement as the country will have access to
• There can be severe effects to the ease of doing
information on Trinidad and Tobago account holders in
business in Trinidad and Tobago, as non-compliance
the United States for the purposes of tax collection,
with FATCA can impact on a local bank’s relationship
which could also help to address legal impediments and
with foreign banks, which in turn can affect the
reduce burdens for financial institutions.
bank’s ability to provide services to its business clients. This can ultimately impact the ability of a
Most importantly, with respect to information sharing,
business to engage in international trade as services
both Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of
in the area of trade finance, trade facilitation and foreign
America will benefit from a mutual commitment to
currency transactions can be negatively affected.
enhance the effectiveness of automatic information exchange and transparency.
• For the wider economy, a country that finds itself non-compliant with FATCA can also run the risk of
One of the major steps in becoming FATCA compliant
erosion of a competitive advantage, specifically in
means that local financial institutions are obligated to
financial services. Trinidad and Tobago’s financial
share information with the local competent authority
sector contributes approximately 14% to Trinidad and
(Board of Inland Revenue) for receiving FATCA
Tobago’s GDP and also has a significant contribution
information for onward transmission to the United
to Trinidad and Tobago service exports.
States Internal Revenue Service, known as the IRS. This can only be achieved through appropriate legislation
More over, if the nation is seeking to become diversified
being passed by Trinidad and Tobago to enforce
by using the services sector where the financial sector
obligations to that end.
is one of the leading sectors in this thrust, then the responsibility lies with the government to provide an
If Trinidad and Tobago remains non-compliant there can
enabling environment for our service providers to
be serious implications not only for the financial sector,
become globally competitive.
but the business community, consumers and the 13
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
THE SILENTLY
UNHAPPY CUSTOMER
WRITTEN BY DRA CONSULTING, Customer Care Consultants
T
ypically, customers don’t leave a company suddenly. They leave bit by bit, little by little, some loudly, some silently. The “silent defectors” are the most injurious to a business. Firstly, they leave emotionally, then psychologically, all the while reducing their business activity. Then comes the final nail in the coffin, that one episode that causes complete transactional withdrawal, completely severing the relationship. The Customer Complaint Iceberg suggests that only 1 in 26 customers formally complain about poor service to the offending party, the other 25 complain to friends, relatives and pretty much anyone who will spare the time to listen. These are the silently unhappy customers who may experience one or more pain points when interacting with a company. It’s also easy to miss their gradual withdrawal……especially if the company is not paying attention. So why does this slow drift spell trouble for a company? Because over time, if the pain points are not corrected, more and more customers either will leave without saying goodbye or become fair game for the competition. Either way, this means an eventual slow death for the company. The disturbing part of all of this is that a large number of companies do not know how many of their customers are silently unhappy. Many companies focus on attracting new customers without making equal effort to keep existing customers and it’s easy to miss the exodus in the midst of the customer churn. The good news is that with a little effort it’s possible to keep customer exodus to a minimum. The solution lies in a company’s commitment to providing a “live” platform to hear the “voice of the customer” and no, comment cards that are left on their own do not qualify as a “live” platform. A “live voice of the customer” platform provides customers with multiple channels of access to voice their concerns, vexations, compliments and suggestions. These channels can take the form of your traditional live representative, a social media site, a SMS portal, a chat portal or an email address. Additionally, this platform should enjoy customer confidence gleaned from customers receiving acknowledgement of their submissions and ongoing updates on the actions being taken by the company to address issues raised. Customer confidence in the process of company to customer communications is crucial to building customer loyalty. When a company constantly “listens” to its customers and then acts swiftly on feedback, the reward is rich feedback and a reliable body of psychographic data upon which the company can make revenue impacting decisions.
14
TIPS FOR GETTING CUSTOMERS TO TALK AND TO CONVERT SILENTLY UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS INTO HIGH FEEDBACK CUSTOMERS It’s easy to get started on discovering and minimizing the level of silently unhappy customers: 1. The first step to fixing a problem is becoming aware of the problem - Conduct a survey to determine if customers are unhappy about the service or products that the company provides. 2. Establish a feedback mechanism that will get customers to talk through: - live service representatives - chat, email and text channels 3. Present customers with comment cards whilst their transaction is being completed. Ensure a minimum number of cards are completed by customers daily. Pay attention to the complaints. 4. Close the loop. When customers provide feedback, acknowledge their submission within 24 hours and keep them updated on progress throughout the solution process. 5. Reward customers for valuable feedback. When customer engagement becomes a way of life for a company, the platform not only becomes “live” but also “real time,” thus doubling the value added to the customer experience and ultimately converting customers into company advocates who are no longer fair game for the competition.
YACHTING INDUSTRY
Can T&T's dying
Yachting Industry be revived? WRITTEN BY YSATT
Trinidad and Tobago's well developed yachting industry, centered in Chaguaramas, which boomed in 2000/2001, generating expenditure by cruisers amounting to approximately TT$29.9 million per year, has shown a sharp decline.
16
A
nnual arrivals in Trinidad have fallen from
Encouraging foreign yachtsmen to stay here
a peak of 2,564 to 1,000 or less and
throughout the hurricane season as well as to
Tobago arrivals from 737 to 121 or less. In
freely explore the different bays in Tobago, could
Trinidad, some marine businesses have ceased
make a significant difference, as would providing
operation, some have reoriented their service
a safe and clean environment, especially in the
towards non-yachting activities and others have
bays,
relocated to other islands. In Tobago, economic
attention needs to be given to piracy issues and
contributions by visiting yacht owners towards
counteracting
marine
perception of the piracy threat.
and
tourism
services
have
been
marinas
and
the
boatyards.
sometimes
Ongoing
exaggerated
drastically reduced. The statistical graphs say it all. The fallout from this consistent decline has
The
created job losses and will continue to negatively
maintains many advantages over other regional
impact employment for neighbouring villages
islands. It is below the hurricane belt, is strongly
like Carenage and Diego Martin.
supported by a well-developed industrial and
Chaguaramas
yachting
industry
still
technical community, and has many years of While not much can be done about negative
experience repairing and storing boats. Its
factors such as declining global economies and
excellent range of boat building, maintenance
increasing competition from other Caribbean
and provisioning products, its professional
island whose boatyards, marinas and marine
medical services, its world renowned birdlife, rich
services have greatly improved, there are many
cultural traditions and quality entertainment are
local factors to blame for the situation that can be
all strong draws for world travellers. Additionally
rectified. These problems have been thoroughly
this industry is not asking for Government cash
analysed and proposed solutions to them clearly
injection, all it needs is facilitation. The following
defined, but they cannot be resolved without
are urgently needed:
the necessary facilitation from government,
1) Removal of VAT on foreign yacht services;
specifically the two Ministries involved – the
2) Introduction of the Single Harmonized Form
Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Tourism.
for clearance; and 3) A Yachting policy that will guide border officials.
Visiting cruisers seek a few basic things when choosing a sailing destination. They want their
It would be a real tragedy if this industry was
experience to be easy, reasonably priced, safe
allowed to die, as it has huge potential for
and enjoyable. First impressions are important.
national economic benefit to a country that
A simplified harmonised in/out clearing form
claims
(something which has been requested and
diversification. The severity of the situation
worked on for the past 15 years) is essential, as
needs not only to be recognised, but acted upon
are consistent applications of fees/procedures
energetically and without delay right from the
and welcoming officials. Everything should be done
highest level, as has been the case in a number
to avoid tedious arrival/departure procedures
of other Caribbean islands where marine
for boats, boat parts, people and even their pets.
services are booming and in some cases have
to
be
committed
to
economic
become the leading sector for economic Additional charges, such as VAT on marine
growth. Other regional studies have shown that
services, will kill the goose that lays the golden
the T&T yachting industry has the potential to
egg, as many cruisers have less disposable
earn more than five times what it currently
income than in previous years. This has resulted
generates. The yachting private sector has
in the immediate reduction of foreign exchange
enthusiastically partnered with the Government
earnings as many cruisers have simply opted
to facilitate growth and development of the
not to come to Trinidad.
industry. It is now time for action!
17
SERVICES PLAY
One Picture with
Andrea
De Silva
WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL LIVERPOOL
Photography is a constant learning process, you have to apply yourself and stay focused. Know that good is not enough. You must always strive for excellence.
18
PHOTO OF ANDREA DE SILVA, entrepreneur and photojournalist
T
he Caribbean is undoubtedly known internationally for its tourism and entertainment industry of which many of the
activities are supported by the Carnival season. Locally, services such as distribution and restaurants, hotels, cultural services and personal services are interdependent and also rely heavily on the entertainment industry. The tourism industry although comprised of various subsectors is in many ways dependent on media services for the promotion of events, news and other activities locally and internationally. Mrs. Andrea De Silva, entrepreneur and photojournalist has built her name and business to an international level. Her company Silva Image began in 2007 after
When asked about her road to success and her advice to the younger generation, Andrea states that her mantra and advice is hard work. She also speaks openly about the value of always striving to improve yourself and your work. She states, “Photography is
a constant learning process, you have to apply yourself and stay focused. Know that good is not enough. You must always strive for excellence.” Her views on photography is reflected in the old saying that “a photo tells a thousand words” in which deep meaning can be inferred from seeing beyond what is in front of you and instead creating an image that captures the essence of the moment. Andrea also emphasises that the dedication in capturing and the interpretation of what is being seen allows each photographer the opportunity to leave his or her distinct signature.
24 years in the industry. Andrea’s career and passion was groomed at the local media house the Guardian newspaper. Andrea first gained her introduction to media through a coincidental meeting in 1981 with the then Chief Photographer Rudy Taylor, who encouraged her to take photos and eventually gave her the break to work for the Guardian in 1983 based on the work she had produced. As a woman in a male dominated industry success did not come easily. There were many challenges including some evidence of gender bias but Mrs. De Silva readily admits that her career has always been a priority. She states with conviction, “I may be nervous with
other things but when it comes to my work I am fearless”. The quality of her work is also a priority for her despite working with difficult personalities. Her work is well respected in the media fraternity having moved up the ranks from freelance photographer to Chief photographer, Associate Editor and acting Photo Editor at the Guardian newspaper and also worked with the Express and the Wire newspapers. Internationally, she has gained exposure and recognition while working with international media publications and media houses such as Thomson Reuters News Agency (Reuters) as the local correspondent, as well as with UK’s Songlines Magazine, Billboard Magazine and Germany’s Riddim Magazine. With such a wealth of experience Andrea is well placed to offer advice on entering the industry as well as possible ways to move the industry forward.
Indeed there is a creative aspect to ‘getting the front page picture’. It requires dedication and passion to deliver high quality images – the quality and imagery that can be noticed in a sea of photographs that saturate the internet. Andrea recalls many times arriving early to an event or a scene and also being the last to leave which defines the passion that she shows for her job, one that many young persons in the industry lack. Apart from the dedication to perform and stand out in the media industry, Andrea also highlights the importance of marketing and advertising and states,
“You must have content… but if there is no platform; no print, electronic, digital, radio, the full range of media, it goes nowhere and is not seen by the public.” Media services, according to Mrs. De Silva, should be viewed as free marketing and regarded as critical to the effective promotion of businesses. There seems to be a lack of appreciation for this industry partly evidenced by the neglect of some organisations to include communications in particular and photography in general in the planning of their events. She believes that some businesses have a myopic perspective with respect to the use of the internet and its ability to promote their products and services. In recent years the internet has pervaded social interaction from digital marketing and applications to internet personalities, online sales and e-commerce. The tourism industry is also dynamic and survives on advertising and marketing particularly with the use of social media.
19
SPORTS
Olympics
Trinidad & Tobago Women's Single Sculls Rowing As a 39 year old, part-time recreational athlete, my path to the Olympics was not traditional. Instead, I think the same principles that have guided my life and career also led me down the fun and meandering course to the 2016 Rio Games.
I learned how to row at the University of Miami while pursuing double majors in Microbiology & Immunology and Biochemistry & Cell biology. I loved the sport – my time on the rowing team was one of my favorite parts of my university experience. However, after graduation, I headed to Duke University to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Cancer Biology and left rowing behind to focus on my research. After obtaining my Ph.D., I moved to California to begin my career in biotech - I didn’t pick rowing up again until ten years after I’d first left the sport behind. So, how did I find myself at the Olympics six years later?
WRITTEN BY FELICE AISHA CHOW
Finally, it takes courage to succeed. To reach toward a goal, whether in sport or business or life, means risking failure. Whether failure means a blow to the ego or feeling you’ve let others down, sometimes fear of failure can sabotage one’s efforts. If you reach beyond yourself, sometimes you’ll miss your target. This is inevitable and isn’t really a failure, just a chance to look at how far you did reach, to learn, and ultimately to improve. So, my journey to the Olympics was not exactly intentional. I was simply finding the joy in striving to be a little better every day. Those small changes added up and each little achievement changed my perception of what was possible, until one day, I found myself at the starting line at the Olympics. Sports can serve as a great model for life – with passion, resilience, and courage, you can often achieve more than you’d ever imagined.
In university, I’d competed in boats called “eights” that each hold eight rowers and one coxswain who instructs the crew and steers the boat. Rowing in “eights” involves sweep oar rowing, where each rower has one oar. When I began rowing again in 2010, I traded sweep oar rowing for sculling, which is the form of rowing where each rower has two oars, one in each hand. Additionally, I focused on sculling in a single (one-person boat), which was a big change from my university days of multi-person team boat rowing. In my first race in a single, I spent most of the time tangled up with the race lane buoys (since I had not yet mastered the art of rowing in a straight line in a single!) and I finished well behind the winner. But I was happy to have completed my first singles race after returning to rowing and I was excited about the opportunity to improve. As it turns out, I was a pretty terrible rower. In university, I’d rowed in eights where my strength more than compensated for my lack of good technique and my mistakes were balanced out by seven other rowers. But, in a single, the slightest uncontrolled motion upsets the boat and can bring it to a halt. So, I had to learn to actually row correctly and row with grace. I think one of my strengths – perhaps more so now than when I was 18 – is that I’m open to criticism and comfortable with self-assessment. I think the path to improvement involves being able to honestly analyze your strengths and weaknesses and also being receptive to criticism from others. With the help of my coaches, my technique has improved dramatically (though I still have so much to learn). I believe that another reason for my growth as a rower is that I relish the small daily achievements. To excel in sports, countless hours of training are needed to prepare for just a few races a year. If races or winning were my primary goals, I don’t think I could get myself out of bed every day at 4AM. Instead, I treat each practice as an end in itself. I set daily goals, such as improving a certain part of my stroke or moving the boat just a little bit faster than the day before. I celebrate each one of my mini triumphs, and the joy of these triumphs keeps me motivated.
Aisha is the daughter of Judith Chow who is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Society of Planners and the TTCSI. TTCSI takes this opportunity to thank Judith for her continued support and wish Aisha all the very best as she pursues her dreams.
21
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
TTCSI OPPORTUNITIES Forging the formation of the Caribbean Gaming Association WRITTEN BY SUEANN RAMSINGH
A Latin American Association of Service Exporters invited hundreds of people worldwide to participate in their Sixth Annual Convention: “From Theory to Practice in the International Trade Services”. This event was held in Santiago de Chile on October 12th and 13th, in 2016. This convention organised by ALES, ProChile, and DIRECON (the General Direction of International Economic Relations. As they promised a unique scenario, they delivered. Along with discussion on the latest market trends, there was an opportunity presented for new business owners to identify their company in the global market. In addition, they offer new investment opportunities in the information technology sector. Which gives visitors an opportunity to build and maintain networking with CEO’s of leading international companies in information technology. The main purpose of this event was to promote Latin America’s ability in the Global services Market. Their ability to add to the growing world of information technology is worth mentioning and promoting. Every year they expect more than 300 companies and key players in the industry from Europe and United States of America. Who attend the events, along with 16 delegates from different countries, members of chambers of commerce and exporters association, and members of the export and investment promotion organizations. To help doors to for new investment opportunities, and a way to step forward together. 22
ALES6 is focused on developing region growth, while attracting Foreign direct investment; towards high end services. Another area of focus is encouraging new and growing entrepreneurs. As we know the information technology market has brought an unpredictable change in the past few decades. It has reshaped the way we look at things, and is now reshaping our future. When talking about technology the possibilities are endless, and is taking us to the next generation. In just this decade the speed of technology growth has been mind blowing. With every passing month technology is pushing their limits, and discovering a whole new aspect. It is hard to define in words, just how amazing such breakthroughs are to experience. For such breakthrough to happen we need to give new entrepreneurs a chance. As we can only grow with each others help. Someone can be sitting on a solid gold idea, and just waiting for the right opportunity to come by. ALES6 was such an event that gives attendees the opportunities that have been looking for, by acting as a bridge. During the event you are provided with ample data and its workings. It is a great pace for anyone interested in investing the the global information technology marketing. As they offer fresh ideas, and investment opportunities. Entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to display their working on various information technology fields such as gaming, programing, system development, etc.
The main focus of this event is to offer a global stage to international speakers, including Michelle Bachelet President, Chile, Margarita Cid Lizondo Executive Director, Chilemonos, Chile And Danniza Gonzalez Vice President, Walmart GSS Latin America, Costa Rica just to name a few. In the coming years there is no doubt that technology will keep amazing us, information technology has landed us on the moon and helped us discover the planets around us. There is endless scope for growth in this field, and we have no doubt that it will help us uncover more. In the recent decade we have seen more people inclining towards the information technology field, as everyone wants to pitch in their bit in this vast field. Such events are just a small glimpse of what the future holds of us, as there is no way to monitor the growing speed of technology. Events such as ALES6 give us an opportunity to step into the future, with the right connections and a brilliant idea there is nothing that can stop these entrepreneurs. Even if you just focus on a small sector of gaming, you will find that there is an entire world you are unaware about. With endless ideas and the ability to expand through information technology, in USA along the gaming industry grew 3 times faster, in just a year. We have gone from simple gaming to: Virtual reality, a place where the gaming world becomes more real than ever. It is an achievement that might have been impossible a few decades ago. Augmented reality, is close to virtual reality; and promises users immersive gaming interaction and experiences. Wearable gaming gear is another advanced technology, such as wristbands, VR headsets, neural impulse actuators, and even specialised hand gloves. Gesture control gives its players a full control over gestures of your character. With the help of powerful artificial intelligence and 3D camera the results will blow your mind. High definition graphics is one of the most appreciated technology, as graphic cards, data compression algorithms, and GPUs have brought gaming into a new era of technology.
One of the most notable impact of information technology on gaming is the most popular live streaming of competitions, and games. It has done what technology was made for, to help you access things worldwide with just a few clicks. You can now easily play online video games with someone sitting oceans apart. The barrier the gaming industry was standing at is gone, and online gamers are now free to roam around the international world. This might not seem like so much to our current generation, but people like us who have played video games alone for hours; being able to play with someone online locally would have been huge, but to play online with anyone anywhere in the world is a huge deal. This IT event mesmerized the world, by making us aware about technology. Information technology is no doubt a very strong tool, and when used in the right manner everyone in the society can take benefit from it.
The Caribbean was represented by several delegations, two from Trinidad and Tobago both delegations of the TTCSI were Andy Pascall Berahazar Jr. and Sueann Ramsingh. TTCSI acts as a national bridge that brings together services sector associations and organisations. They are an alliance of professional services associations and organizations, and lobbying is their main focal point. They help address and channel in service development issues, and service issues, as they are the most critical sector. Mr Berahazar and Ms.Ramsingh both benefited from the convention as they were able to tap into the gaming industry in Chile by meeting several key stakeholders and developing partnerships within the Latin America and Caribbean. Moving forward: An agreement was made to form a Caribbean Gaming Association which will aid in the partnership between Chile and the Caribbean to strength the Caribbean’s animation and gaming industry.
23
MEMBERS’ CORNER
About ISACA International
About the Trinidad & Tobago Chapter
ISACA® (www.isaca.org) got its start in 1967 when a small group responsible for auditing controls in critical computer systems sat down to discuss the need for a centralised source of information and guidance in the field. In 1969, the group formalised, incorporating as the EDP Auditors Association. In 1976, the association formed an education foundation to undertake large-scale research efforts to expand the knowledge and value of the IT governance and control field.
The local Chapter (www.isaca-tt.org) was started in December 1986 by Mr. Lennox Brown, who pursued his MSc. in Accounting at the University of The West Indies (UWI). The Chapter started with approximately 10 members, the majority of whom made up the first Board.
Today, ISACA’s membership—over 140,000 in over 185 countries — helps global professionals lead, adapt and assure trust in an evolving digital world by offering innovative and world-class knowledge, standards, networking, credentialing and career development. Our diverse membership live and work in a variety of professional IT-related roles such as IT Auditor, Consultant, Educator, IT Security Professional, Regulator, Chief Information Officer and Internal Auditor. Previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA now goes by its acronym only, to reflect the broad range of IT governance professionals it serves. ISACA also advances and validates business-critical skills and knowledge through its globally recognised and respected certifications.
Mr. Brown wrote and passed the CISA exam under UWI’s supervision in 1987, becoming the first Caribbean national to pass the exam outside the US. This was also the first time that the exam was held in the Caribbean and (possibly outside) the USA. Today, the Chapter has over 190 members and seeks to provide them and the wider Caribbean region with affordable education and training, professional networking opportunities and other benefits by:
> Hosting its annual Training Week, which continues to
attract several local and regional attendees in its 10th year.
> Producing a newsletter, for which it won an ISACA International Award in 2011.
> Hosting certification clinics to assist ISACA certification exam-takers.
> Participating in career fairs and other activities to promote and increase awareness of ISACA among students, IT professionals and business interests.
Our Chapter is run by ISACA members who volunteer and are elected via a biennial general meeting.
Current (2015-2017) Chapter Executive Front Row – Left to Right: Jude Williams – Vice President, Urmilla Persad – President, Adrian Fortune – Education Director, Julia Daniel – Secretary Back Row – Left to Right: Derek Haqq - Research, Funding & Academic Relations Liaison, Rita Purdeen – Membership Director, Justin John – Marketing & Communications Director, Alphanso Williams – Certification Coordinator, Ronald Mc Lean – Treasurer. Missing: Esther Mc Carthy-Mills – Immediate Past President, Deborah Gamaldo – Programmes Director
In this our 30th year, we are very grateful for the support we have received thus far from our various sponsors. As a non-profit organisation, we are open to exploring opportunities with any interested individuals or groups.
24
Feel free to contact us, using the information below! Email: info@isaca-tt.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/isaca_tt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISACATrinidadTobago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/isaca-trinidad-and-tobago-chapter
From the pen of an Intern
TTCSI
A view of the TTCSI
WRITTEN BY ELLIOT CLARKE, 3rd Year International Relations student, University of the West Indies
I became interested in trade policy while studying International Relations at the University at the West Indies since it is a subject often discussed throughout the program. I was aware of TTCSI through their Quarterly magazine, and was ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with them. I spent my first week reading articles, papers and projects produced by the organization. These articles ranged from service sector contribution to the real GDP of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the country’s opportunities within medical tourism industry. I was also able to learn about TTCSI Services Registry project. The Services Registry is project meant to fill the dearth of information available about the tertiary sector and allow for more accurate decisions, investments and representation to be implemented in future. During the following weeks I was granted the privilege of shadowing the CEO Miss Radha Permanand and the head of Research and Policy Mr. Ryan De Souza on various meetings, as well as discussions. The topics changed rapidly from Brexit’s effect on the Caribbean Region, opportunities in Cuba, accessing grants, writing business plans, export proposals and one meeting which I was grateful to be present at was the Green Hub project funded by the IDB. ThThe Green Hub is an IDB initiative to help improve the training and quality of the ICT sector in Trinidad and Tobago. TTCSI became an important part of the plan due to its ability to bridge the public and private sector. Seminars such as Understanding Trade policy as well as the SERVICES go global were completely captivating. TTCSI is championing the services sector, not only by representation, but also by teaching willing participants about how to take advantage of trade agreements to export their services. My Internship at TTCSI was eye opening. I have become convinced of the benefit the services sector can have on our economy, and I have shared in the organization’s disappointment from the lack of services dialogue by the government. The opportunities are present, and we as a country and as private citizens just need to take advantage of them. I thank TTCSI for giving me the opportunity to intern with them. It was a rewarding experience, which I will carry with me through my career. I was able to network, gain deeper insight into trade policy, as well as valuable work and professional experience. The time spent with them was unforgettable. 25
CREATIVE INDUSTRY
Anima Anima tion Services Se es in n T&T
Local Talent Ready to Work
WRITTEN BY JANINE CHARLES-FARRAY
Every year, more creatives are joining the animation industry in Trinidad and Tobago to contribute to the growth of the sector and support the demand for animation services. While Trinidad and Tobago animation studious such as Lab 206, Second Floor Studios, Phastrac Limited and Full Circle Animation have had successful growth in serving local markets, most the industry comprises freelancers and skilled individuals serving both individual clients as well as supporting the larger studios in the market. The Trinidad and Tobago Animation Network (TTAN) caught up with four such freelancers; Johnathan Scoon, Sekani Solomon, Nicholas Maxwell and Nicholas Manickram to get their views on the world of freelancing in animation services and how they navigate the industry both locally and internationally. These four freelancers have varying degrees of formal training and experience in animation, however, all have similar stories to share when it comes to their individual journeys into providing freelance animation services. "The decision to start freelancing was not 26
initially meant to be long term," revealed Scoon. "I had recently graduated from Animation Mentor focused on character animation and while applying for as many positions as I felt I was qualified for and that my citizenship would permit, I began freelancing and was lucky enough to get a couple character animation gigs with Greengrass Studios, a small animation studio based in Dallas, Texas." "In the beginning stages, I was unknown," revealed Manickram. "What I took advantage of was the whole network of small businesses within the market. After meeting, pitching, offering discounted services and building a good impression within the local business community, I was able to acquire smaller jobs at a far higher rate, compared to larger jobs that take quite a bit of time to get approvals from many investor parties involved." Manickram continued, "Freelancing in animation is especially tough in an industry
that is not substantially developed like our Trinidadian market. Not much is truly known to the common businessman about the services that we can provide regionally. Usually the concept is, ‘if you want quality animation or animation at all, exporting the job to a foreign studio is needed’, unless one has a contact to someone that provides the service locally the previous assumption is mostly made." Part of the TTAN mandate is to promote the skills of various animation stakeholders and work together with them as participants of the industry. Providing a platform for local professionals in animation is an important task and more so for the promotion of these services in the Trinidad and Tobago business community. The talent and the skill can be found right here in Trinidad and Tobago. Manickram continued, "The locals are quite ‘hungry’ for work and with the knowledge and experience given the chance to take the project to whatever level is envisioned." Solomon offered another perspective as a freelancer having worked in the US and for some of the cutting-edge studios in the global animation market today. "(In) Trinidad and Tobago for instance, there isn't really a large job market for designers and animators. It takes an
entrepreneurial mind to make it in this type of market, as you are essentially helping to shape it. The U.S. on the other hand has quite a large post production and design industry that has a great ecosystem for freelancers. If you are staff at a company and you want to try something new, you can leave and work on a part time basis with other companies. More developed markets give you that flexibility." For Scoon, the aim is to focus on serving clients internationally. However, living in T&T and working for international clients has its own challenges. For him, the enabling environment for the sector needs more development for animators and animation-related professionals to flourish and increase productivity. "In 2016, location is less of an issue as it is easier now to work off site and collaborate via file sharing apps such as Dropbox. However, it’s still not so easy to score remote international work because there’s a lot more competition for those jobs, and referrals and experience also count for a lot. Another challenge to doing international work remotely is how to receive payments." For Maxwell, the issue has more to do with focusing on serving the local needs by increasing the options available for clients on the island. "It takes a lot to stay afloat, it really does, especially as we don't have a large market like the US, but we (at his company: bigshinypixel) are looking to increase our offerings, work closer with clients and providers, and even expanding, by working beyond our borders, to truly become a regional and global company." Manickram shares a similar view, stressing on the importance of providing high quality and timely services to the local market to increase the demand and build a good personal brand as an animation professional. "One of the most important factors is the quality of the work produced. The reality is that the higher scale of cliental with the million dollar projects would only look for
Johnathan Scoon
something that is on the level of quality that they want to represent the projects they are affiliated with. Once the level of production and speed is constantly improving, businesses and other studios will naturally take interest, however this just alone isn’t enough to be successful, one must build a solid reputation in the industry and mingle with the industry leaders and importantly find a common ground to collaborate on projects." The animators also took a moment to comment on some of the challenges working as animation freelancers. Maxwell, whose bigshinypixel company serves a wide variety of clients and studios locally, outlined some of the challenges he faces. "Personally the challenge as a startup going into my fourth year, is understanding the playing field, learning how to work better with clients. Catering to even minimum overheads at times can sometimes seem a mountain, but with thought, effort and a little time, we've seemed to overcome, and are growing from strength to strength." "Everyone has the mind set to save money," said Manickram. "Unfortunately many prefer to save money by compromising the quality. Some situations lead to finishing projects as quickly as possible to save the job from going over estimated costs, but this can cause a lower quality of work produced." For Solomon, more client education is needed to push the industry forward. "New York and L.A. are full of high end design work, you just need the portfolio to have companies gain interest in you. Trinidad and the Caribbean has such a young industry that it requires more education and more client hand holding as the design and production process can be quite unfamiliar, which can be a challenge."
"I get the impression that of late, the supply of local freelance animators considerably outweighs the demand for their services, particularly as far as advertising is concerned. As a result, it appears that some local animators have been putting their creative heads together to try to figure out ways to become self-sufficient outside of the limited framework of the local advertising landscape.” Freelancing as an animator also requires heavy interaction and conversation with clients. Paramount to a successful client interaction is communication upfront and a clear understanding of the job task to be done. "As with any business operation that is contracted to provide a service there needs to be a clear understanding from the start of the time a project would take to complete and the cost involved," Scoon enthused. "There is nothing wrong with a client having a set budget and/or timeline to work with, but the client should also understand that the budget and timeline dictates what can be achieved." "From word of mouth, it's very difficult to access and judge the scale of a project. The more concrete and solid the information I can work with is, the better I can evolve a finished product according to the client's vision, that will be within their budget and timeframe. client has to work with," shared Manickram. According to Solomon, "To clients I say have an open mind and be prepared to compromise if your budget doesn’t meet your description. A designer will work with you to create something amazing within the budget you present. Don't try to barter work for exposure, this hardly ever works out in the end. You are hiring a professional for a reason, trust them and allow them to work with you to create the best product they can."
The Trinidad and Tobago Animation Network is welcoming business and "As far as the industry goes, there needs to be corporate clients to register as a corporate a steady enough demand for the services member of TTAN by visiting provided by freelance animators to keep them http://ttanimation.org/ or liking the official from giving up on their hopes of making a Facebook page at living from a creative profession," said Scoon. www.facebook.com/ttanimators.
Nicholas Manickram
NIcholas Maxwell
Sekani Solomon
27
FINANCE
THE POWER OF LOBBYING The Co-operative Credit Union League is the National
and would have eventually led to the demise of this noble people
Umbrella Body for credit unions in the country and represents
centered Movement.
a Movement of 600,000 members and thirteen billion dollars (TT$13B) in assets.
History followed, when on February 10, 2015 for the ďŹ rst time in the life of our Credit Union Movement that members took to the
28
For several years we have been promoting the enhancement
streets and in a massive show of support over 1,000 persons,
of legislation for co-operatives without the success that we
held a protest demonstration outside the Parliament Building in
would have envisioned. Over the last two years in particular,
Port-of Spain. We highlighted to lawmakers the Movement’s
we heightened our advocacy efforts and made publicly known
strong and legitimate displeasure with the Credit Union Bill.
our objections about the Draft Credit Union Bill which was
Subsequent events in 2015 saw the change in Government and
proposed by the former Government.
we decided to engage them.
The responses from Government were slow and uncertain and
The Movement/TECU Credit Union, commissioned two (2)
this prompted our Movement to adopt a more aggressive
studies in 2014, a Legal Review of the Bill and the Co-operative
approach when the Bill was tabled in Parliament in November
Societies Act, and, an Impact Analysis of the Proposed Credit
2014 even though the Movement was engaged in discussions
Union Bill on the Movement. These studies were conducted by
with the then Minister of Finance.
We expressed deep
Mair and Company and Kairi Consultants respectively, with the
concerns about the imminent threat posed by the proposed
objective of gathering empirical date to determine the veracity of
Bill to the existence of Co-operatives and indicated to the then
the proposed Legislation and to provide an analytical base upon
Minister that the Bill in its current form would be destructive
which the Movement would have determined the most feasible
AND ADVOCACY!
WRITTEN BY THE CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
way forward. During the discussions with the then Minister of
Framework for the Co-operative Sector. Two consultations
Finance, the Movement was given the assurance that the Bill
followed. One in Trinidad and the other in Tobago.
would not be tabled before the completion of these studies. The overwhelming consensus from the consultations was that as This assurance was compromised and the Bill was tabled in
a forerunner to revised Legislation, a National Policy for
Parliament in November 2014. The then Minister, in an apparent
Co-operatives should be first developed. This would form the
effort to appease the Movement, then publicly promised that we
basis for discussions on a new Legislative Framework. In
would have had the opportunity to present our case before a
addition, the Movement indicated that while it was in favour of
Joint Select Committee of Parliament. As faith would have it, the
enhanced Legislation for the regulation of the operations of the
Bill lapsed upon the dissolution of the Parliament in 2015.
Movement, there should be one (1) piece of Legislation. As such, the Movement overwhelmingly rejected the Draft Bill and agreed
Immediately upon the assumption of duties of our new line
that there be comprehensive amendments to the existing
Minister, Senator the Honourable, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus a
Co-operative Societies Act, with enhanced regulations to govern
meeting was arranged, she was briefed and necessary
the financial operations of Credit Unions.
documents submitted to her. This laid the foundation for a new roadmap for a Legislative Framework for the Movement. She
We are pleased that the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise
publicly stated her intention to withdraw the Credit Union Bill
Development has published a Draft National Policy and our
from
Government’s Legislative Agenda and signaled her
Movement has studied and responded to it. While we await
intention to engage in consultation with the Movement towards
further updates, we reminisce on the fact that there is power in
the development of a mutually acceptable Legislative
Advocacy. 29
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
The Life Cycle of a Building A Caribbean Facility Management Forum & Exhibition Centred around the Built Environment WRITTEN BY VAUGHN HALLIDAY, TTIFMA
The Trinidad & Tobago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (TTIFMA) will be hosting a one-day Caribbean Facility Management (FM) Forum & Exhibition on Thursday, December 8th 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad.
The forum will incorporate services representing the ‘Life
The construction or purchase of a building is one of the
Cycle of the Building’ from design phase to disposal,
most
delivered by experts in their fields with an emphasis on the
organisations. It therefore makes prudent sense in these
critical role FM plays towards preserving and maintaining
tough economic times to ensure that our organisation's
the value of all building resources.
buildings bring the maximum return on that investment.
significant
capital
expenditures
of
many
Yet many organisations do not stop to consider that the
30
TTIFMA is part of a global society of FM Chapters within 105
quality of any building can be improved by considering
countries, and seeks to advance the cause of the FM
FM from the design phase. Additionally, how well the
profession and industry. Our vision is to be the premier
building is cared for or maintained not only has a
advocate for Facility Management in the region and to
significant impact on the health, well-being and
achieve this vision, we seek to educate and expand the
productivity of its occupants, but also ensures that it
knowledge of all stakeholders within the built environment
continues to adequately serves its intended function for
on the important role of FM to any organizational model.
the longest possible lifespan.
TTIFMA FORUM SPEAKER PROFILE
TTIFMA AGENDA - EVENT SPEAKERS world of work in 1995, at The Maritime Financial Group where she held the position of Human Resource Coordinator.
Aykean Matthews MBA, FMP Aykean Matthews is the mother of three children, who along with her family bring tremendous support and joy to her life. Her passions flow beyond the plight of the aging building to the emotional needs and welfare of our nation’s children. To satisfy her passion for the care of children, she became the Founder/Director of Fun Memories Foundation, a non-profit organisation. Additionally, she is a member of the Building and Event Committees at Divine Destiny Worship Centre. Her professional career spans from her introduction to the
In 2000 she had the esteemed privilege of being the first employee of PriceSmart Trinidad Limited who worked closely with the foreign Directorship to establish the first membership shopping experience in Trinidad &Tobago. Her job included many aspects of start-up operations including the hiring of over 250 managerial and non-managerial employees, contributing to the establishment of Human Resource Department its policies and procedures, assisting with start-up operations for PriceSmart Aruba. She became Front End & Administrative Manager overseeing entire store operations including 50 direct employees. In 2002, Aykean was hired as Human Resource Consultant and assisted with start-up operations (HR, Maintenance, Vault and Food Service) for Movietowne. Later she joined the Chief Designer of The Falls of Westmall as a Consultant to assist with administration and project management for the expansion and
was part of the core group that created the university’s strategic plan (2014). He continues to participate in its implementation as a member of the strategic plan continuity group.
William M. O'Neill CFM William O’Neill, CFM has more than 20 years of experience in facilities. As an Associate Director at the University of Minnesota, he currently leads one of five University of Minnesota facility management districts that provide maintenance, custodial, construction, energy management and administration services throughout the university. O’Neill is also chair of the University of Minnesota civil service committee and
Previously, O’Neill held positions as Associate Director of Facilities Management Central Services, Construction Manager and Facilities Manager. As Associate Director of central services, he was responsible for directing construction, recycling, waste and reuse, as well as signs and graphics business units across 23 million square feet of facilities. As Construction Manager he created a design build model of in-house project delivery — integrating and collaborating with internal stakeholders and facility management organizations. As Facilities Manager, he led and managed operations of multi-use academic facilities within a large, urban university campus environment. O’Neill’s strategic orientation and operation experience provides him with expertise to work within complex,
upgrade of West Mall. In 2005, she was hired as Operations Manager for The International School of Port of Spain where she currently holds the position of Facilities Director in charge of all aspects of facilities operations. Aykean Matthews, graduated in 2014 with a Masters in Executive Business Administration, distinction from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (UWI), earned a Facilities Management Professional Certification from International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Andrews University, Michigan. Aykean Matthews has been a member of The International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) since April 2007, and in 2014 she held the position Professional Development Chair until she was appointed to the position of President of the Trinidad & Tobago Chapter of IFMA in July 2015. In this position her main goal is to increase the value and level of awareness placed in Facility Management in Trinidad & Tobago.
evolving work environments. He believes change is a constant, making it his mission as an IFMA board officer to use it to benefit IFMA’s future. He was appointed to the IFMA Board of Directors from 2011-2014 where he served as the liaison for the sustainability committee, international government committee and the Health Care Institute (formerly known as the Health Care Council). He has also served as the President of the Academic Facilities Council of IFMA and is the current past President of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul Chapter of IFMA. O’Neill currently serves as Chair of IFMA’s International Government Affairs Committee (IGAC) which monitors issues and advocates for the facility management profession in government within the United States, Europe and around the world. O’Neill earned a Bachelor of Arts from William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, and an MBA certificate from the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. In 2008, he earned his Certified Facility Manager® creden.
31
TTIFMA FORUM SPEAKER PROFILE
Vaughn Halliday Mr Vaughn Halliday is a dynamic and team-spirited Facilities Management and Project Management Professional. With over 15 years’ experience, his career has spanned both the operational and strategic management aspects of a diverse range of facilities within the Caribbean. He currently holds the post of Manager of Support Services – Facilities, at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.
Fuelled by a deep passion for the advancement of the FM industry, Vaughn has actively contributed to the development of the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (TTIFMA), of which he was a founding member. Over the years, he has held several leadership positions on the executive, and currently serves as the Chapter’s Vice President. He is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council (TTGBC) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) South Caribbean Chapter. Vaughn has lectured frequently in Project Management and Facilities Management, and is an IFMA certified trainer for the Essentials of FM Programme, and IFMA core competency courses required to achieve the Facility Management Professional (FMP) Designation. Between 2015 and 2016, he served as a subject matter expert during IFMA’s
Global Job Task Analysis, and currently serves as a Commissioner on IFMA’s International Credential Committee (ICC), which has oversight of all activities related to IFMA credentials. A strong believer in continuous development, Vaughn holds an Associate Degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a Bachelor Degree in Management, and a Masters in Project Management. He also holds the Facility Management Professional (FMP), the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP), the Project Management Professional (PMP), and the Change Management (Prosci Methodology) certifications. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration focusing specifically on Performance Management in Facility Management, with the goal that his research will further add to the development of the regional FM industry.
Carmel is the Regional Business Development Consultant – Caribbean, Florida and Southeast USA, for the Americas office of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). She is responsible for building the RICS brand and developing new opportunities in the areas of training, educational accreditation, events, and professional enrolment in these key markets. She also acts as a liaison between RICS qualified professionals in these markets and the professional body.
Carmel Haynes
She is also the Principal of Haynes Consulting, a bespoke public communications and business development consultancy catering primarily to not-for-profit and services-based clientele. Carmel has led the communications strategies for two internationally funded regional environmental projects, and she has over a decade’s experience in print and web-based journalism. Carmel is a member and past Board member of the Barbados Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, a Charter Member, Past President and former Distinguished Secretary-Treasurer of the Progressive Optimist Club of Barbados. She holds a BA (Hons) in Literatures in English from the University of the West Indies and a Pg. Dip. (Merit) in International Business Management from the University of Surrey.
32
David Fojo is an architect, green building consultant, developer and 3D printing pioneer. He is the Managing Director of Fojo Design & Develop Ltd. and Fojo 3D Printing. He studied engineering at Brown University and architecture at Pratt Institute, New York. He has a Master of Environmental Design from Yale University with an emphasis in Real Property Development. Recent architectural projects include: • The St. Lucia Financial Center, a seven storey building in Castries, which won Building of the Year 2014 for NH International. • The COSTAATT Headquarters Building in Chaguanas, an around 90,000 square foot world-class educational building that will soon be opened by the PM.
David Fojo
• The THA Building, a 90,000 square foot state-of-the-art building in Tobago. • The Asa Wright Nature Center new Main Building, which will be one of the greenest buildings in the Caribbean. • The design and development of a 300,000 square foot mall (under design). Fojo Design & Develop won Services Exporter of the Year for 2013, given by the TTCSI. Fojo 3D Printing is the largest 3D printing company in the English speaking Caribbean and is pioneering the use of 3D printing in the construction and maintenance of buildings.
Dr Ancil Kirk
Dr Ancil Kirk is an Assistant Co-ordinator at the Town and Country Planning Division, Ministry of Planning and Development, Trinidad and Tobago, and has been employed there for the past thirteen years. He is also a part-time lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus in the Graduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning; and a part-time lecturer at O.A.S.I.S Institute of Higher Learning, Curepe, Trinidad. Previously, Ancil was a secondary school teacher for 24 years. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Sociology and Management (UWI); MSc, Planning and Development (UWI); and is also a graduate of the Oxford Graduate School, Tennessee, USA where he obtained a DPhil, Integration of Religion and Society, with his area of contextualization in Land Use Planning. Ancil has been an active member of the Trinidad and Tobago Society of Planners (TTSP) for more than 14 years; serving in various positions on the TTSP’s Executive and is currently the Vice President. He is passionate about outdoor camping and is a strong advocate for public open space and recreational spaces as integral elements of all urban and regional communities.
33
TTIFMA FORUM SPEAKER PROFILE
Dmin. With focus on Leadership from New Port International University, he is BSI certified, PMP certified and a member of PMI (Project Management Institute) local chapter and a holder of a Certificate in Quality Management (CIQM). He also presented papers at two(2) International PMI Conference held in Trinidad.
Dr. Ricardo Vincent Bsc. Dip Eng. MA, MBA, CIQM, DMin, PMP Dr. Ricardo Vincent is the Managing Director and principal consultant of 4 Sight Technologies and Consulting Limited – a project management firm. He is also Vice President of Compliance for PMISCC – The Project Management Institute Southern Caribbean Chapter. He sits on the local arm of - Global Leadership Summit Committee (GLS) an organization that host Leadership Conferences in over 105 countries and 350+ cities around the world. Dr. Vincent worked on several government Initiatives such as the E-Government to upgrade the countries Telecoms capacity and on the Ministry of Education projects. Worked on EU funded project as Project Officer. Worked with IDB also training their staff. Was selected on the government Technical Workgroup team for “Fastforward” that was preliminary initiative for E-Government Projects. He was also one of the key project management consultant who worked with the international team to transform BWIA to Caribbean Airlines by Jan 1st 2007. He has been a Consultant in Project Management/Leadership and Performance Improvement and Transformation for over 24 years and has been writing and doing Planning and Leadership programmers for over 17 years. He has done consulting work with the UWI-Institute of Business, Roytec, CARICOM and Independently. Dr. Vincent also lead several Strategic Planning Workshop initiatives with companies such as L& S Surveying Services, Methanex, Gopaul Brothers Stores, Atlantic LNG and others. He was Chairman of Les Effort West Community Distance Learning Centre. He holds a B.Sc. (Honors) degree in Physics and Computer Science from the University of the West Indies (UWI), a Postgraduate diploma in Information Engineering from the National Institute of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology (NIHERST), and an MBA from HenleyBrunel Management College, an MA and 34
Dr. Vincent was also trained in Miami by Boston University – on an intensive PMP (Project Management Professional) Prep course. He is also the Author or four (5) books that is sold on the international market. All accessible on Amazon.com. As a consultant with the UWI-Institute of Business (UWI-IOB) Dr. Vincent was involved in several Change Management/Restructuring & Process Mapping initiatives. Dr. Vincent was also involved in PETROTRIN’s Restructuring in the 1996-1998. Dr. Vincent lead a Performance Improvement/ Restructuring exercise with L& S Surveying services that increased cash flow and competitiveness. Dr. Vincent has spent over 15 years on a Change Management/Performance Improvement and Transformation Projects, one of which saved a company $0.5MM in 3 months. He has developed several Project Management and Leadership programs for several institutions, assisted several companies develop their Project Management & Project Portfolio Management systems. Education institutions worked with : UWI-IOB, ROYTEC, BorderCom, Arthur Lok Jack University, Cable & Wireless College and others. Dr. Vincent has done development work and workshops for several companies over the years, both locally and regionally, both in the public and private sectors. He is also a speaker on Goal Setting at the Haggai Leadership Conference held locally (Organized by Dr. Asaf Pirali). Some of the Organization he has done work for is as follows: • L&S Surveying Services Ltd • National Insurance Board • Cable & Wire less College – St. Lucia • National Institute of Higher Education, • Home Construction • Barbados National Bank (Y2K Team) • Ministry of Social Development • Government Of Guyana (Income Tax Office) • Amoco’s Project Manager • Ministry of Consumer Affairs • Ministry of Works • Petrotrin • Ministry of Ed. , St. Lucia • National Insurance Board • Personnel Department (Gov. Ministry) • Ministry of Education • Caribbean Telecommunication Union
• Neal & Massy Woodgroup • Gillette Group – Computers & Controls • Global Caribbean Networks • Neal & Massy Woodgroup Research Science & Technology • Trinidad & Tobago Electric Commission • UWI-IOB (staff training) • T&T Methanol Co. Ltd. • Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation • Ansa Mc AL • Western Scientific • Government Printery of T&T • CARICOM Telecoms Project • Atlas Methonol • METHANEX • AtLantic LNG • BWIA/Caribbean Airlines • Bermudez • Computers & Controls • Central Bank Dr. Vincent has conducted several private and public workshops and has been a speaker at several conferences, some of which were hosted by the FLMI association, Institute of Internal auditors, ALGICO and the National Secretaries Association to name a few. Dr. Vincent has designed and executed over 10,000 training hours of courses and workshops. He is the developer of the Project management program ran by Roytec for AMA certification. He has been conducting PMP certification training for over 14 years. Dr. Vincent is one of the top leadership and planning & transformation consultant & facilitator in the country. He has had Motivational and Inspirational radio programs on Life Radio (99.5)) and Isaac 98.1 . Dr. Vincent is the author of 7 books, all in the national Library of Trinidad and Tobago and sold internationally. Countries worked in: includes, Barbados, Guyana, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua, Miami to name a few. Dr. Vincent is currently on the Board of Directors of the Project Management Institute for the Southern Caribbean Chapter ( PMI SCC). Dr. Vincent speaks at several International Conferences in the USA and Regionally. He is Vice President of Compliance for Project Management in the Region. He is also served on the steering committee of Mettamorpasis Leadership that host annual Global Leadership Summits. Core Competencies: • Change Management • Strategic Planning • Project Management • Information Technologies • Leadership & Performance Improvement • Motivational Skills
Ian J. Rogers MRICS, MBIFM, FIoD has been working in the Property and Facilities Management arena for over thirty years and has worked and / or advised on many FM and PFI projects both public and private sector. He is a Chartered Surveyor by training and spent the early part of his career working on large construction projects, so knows how buildings are put together. As a result Ian has in depth experience of how buildings should operate and can therefore relate the design of a building into operational requirements. He has a comprehensive knowledge of Facilities Management, Maintenance, Estate Management, PFI / PPP contracts and Construction.
Ian J. Rogers
John Edwards is a Senior Facility Management Consultant at Facility Engineering Associates, where he assists clients with organizational evaluations, technology improvements, contract management consulting, and building and property condition assessments. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Facility Manager with over 30 years’ experience. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and his Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Construction Management) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His assignments during his 24-year career as a U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer included service as an installation public works officer and a regional facilities executive officer.
John H. Edwards P.E., CFM
Immediately following his Navy career John worked as a Senior Analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office, where he developed recommendations for improvements to federal agency infrastructure programs. Prior to joining FEA in 2015, he was a business team leader with a firm that delivered environmental remediation and design-build construction solutions.
Mikey Joseph is the founder and Managing Director of Structural and Mechanical Agencies Limited which specializes in steel fabrication, erection and general construction He is also the founder and Chairman of Termite Attack Limited, a pest management firm and a Partner in SMAL Engineering Services Ltd a design consultancy firm. A graduate of San Fernando Technical Institute, Mr. Joseph started his professional career as a Project Manager at Skill Tech General Services and later, Director at KAB Construction Limited before establishing his business career in 1981.
Mikey Joseph
He is an Honorary Fellow of the Quarry Association of Trinidad & Tobago, a past member of three government appointed committees - Construction Industry Oversight, Procurement Implementation and the cabinet appointed Taskforce on Technical & Vocational Training.
35
TTIFMA FORUM SPEAKER PROFILE
diverse range of skills in the various fields. From a single base of operations, Mark manages his businesses and continues to develop avenues for further diversification and investments such as International IT Applications and Aviation Support Services.
Mark Edghill Key West Limited - Real Estate Brokerage Bramaco Limited - Bradford Clothing Landmark Distributors Ltd. - Wholesale Distribution, Tools and Accessories OTHER POSITIONS: UWI/Roytec - Lecturer Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA) - Vice President Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries (TTCSI) - Director Mark Edghill has established a diverse portfolio of businesses involved in Real Estate, Clothing Retail, Wholesale Distribution and Energy Management Consulting. With training and education from UWI/Roytec, Lok Jack GSB and various other local and international corporate programs coupled with almost 30 years’ experience in Sales and Marketing, 15 years in Management and Brand Development and 14 years in Real Estate Brokerage he has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a
Rudranath Singh
36
With an interest in contributing to the improvement of standards, policies and business practices in Trinidad and Tobago, Mark welcomed the opportunity to join the Real Estate Association (AREA) Board of Directors in 2009 to assist in the already extensive efforts being pursued by AREA to give structure and control to the industry and he served as President from 2011-2015. The contributions made by Mark and other members of the executive and the standing committees resulted in recognition by the TTCSI with the Service Excellence Award 2015. Mark is the Chair of the Education and Training Committee for AREA and handles the core focus of the association to continuously develop new programs, upgrade existing programs and provide improved and up-to-date training through the substantial programs offered independently and in partnership with UWI/Roytec. He is also leading the implementation of a National MLS Database in support of accurate data collection and statistics for the industry stakeholders such as
Rudranath Singh holds a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering, an MSC in Construction management from the University of the West Indies. He is also PMP certified and has been the chairman of the committee which initiated the formation of the Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council. Rudranath has been a LEED accredited professional and has a keen interest in the Green Building practices. He has more than 25 years working experience in both the private and public sectors in the field of building construction, maintenance and project management.
Brokers, Valuers and the Central Bank. More recently, he has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the TTCSI where he hopes to assist in the further development of local service sector businesses opportunities. Mark is forward-thinking and is well-known for his ability to think “outside the box” and for problem solving and new/innovative ideas. With a country-first approach, it has always been a hope that he could influence the change, however big or small, to make Trinidad and Tobago the proud and respectable nation it could and should be as compared to countries such as Singapore, that he claims, “should be in our wake”. In addition to seeing Legislation passed for the Regulation of the Real Estate sector and in these times of a Global Marketplace and unlimited access, Mark believes in "Corporate Responsibility" and is keen on pursuing equal opportunities, financing and protection for entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses with the introduction of policies and controls necessary to hold businessmen and large conglomerates accountable for unethical and/or questionable business practices that jeopardize the growth and survival of entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses.
He has also had work assignments in Mexico and South Korea. Rudranath is employed as the Manager, Estates and Operations, at the Chaguaramas Development Authority, a position in which he seeks to incorporate Green Building technologies and practice to the development of the Chaguaramas Peninsula and Offshore Islands. He has presented in several forums and conferences in Trinidad and Tobago and is currently completing his doctoral studies in sustainability and project management.
Sharda Ramlakhan served as the President of the Consortium of Disability Organisations from 2010 to 2014, she currently serves as trustee of the organization. Her accomplishments include uniting and giving voice to the disability community. In 2015 she was instrumental in launching the National Standard for Accessible Buildings, a document that offers practical and technical specifications in public and private buildings.
Sharda Ramlakhan
Presently her work revolves around the development of standards that promote inclusion and equality in society.
Sharda Ramlakhan is a leading Disability Human Rights advocate
She often advocates under the name ‘Squeaky Wheels’
in Trinidad and Tobago. Her passion for human rights comes from
where she highlights the effects of barriers in the built
her experience as an accountant, working and travelling abroad and
environment and provides pragmatic solutions. Her opinion
her late onset of a physical disability. She is intent to use her
on disability issues is valued by leaders and decision
disability experience to uplift an entire community and over the
makers both locally and abroad. Her recommendations are
last decade has developed and implemented several initiatives
supported by international development organisations
that elevate the most vulnerable in our society.
including the United Nations and World Bank.
Moving forward, he continued his career at Comfort Engineering Limited as an all in one Technician (service, installation & repairs) until 1981. As the opportunity arose he left Comfort Engineering Limited and worked at Thomas Peake & Company Limited until 1983 as an Air Conditioning Technician.
Sydney Senhouse
Sydney Senhouse, FMP, holds the position of HSE Manager at Peake Technologies Limited for the past 4yrs. He has been involved in all areas of the Air Conditioning Industry for the past 40yrs. He started his career in Air Conditioning by attending the John S Donaldson Technical Institute in 1973-1975. In 1975-1979, he started his working experience at Climate Control Limited as a Junior Supervisor in the window unit Assembly Department and then transferred to the Engineering Department installing Air Conditioning units and later expanded his skills in the Service Department carrying out repairs.
He then resigned to work at the Telephone Company (Telco) whose name was changed to Telecommunication Services of Trinidad & Tobago (TSTT) from 1983 as a Technician 1 and was promoted 3yrs later to Assistant Engineer, handling both Air Conditioning Systems and Building Maintenance, until he took early retirement in 2005.TSTT is where he acquired the love for Building Maintenance. He also had working stints at All Steps Services, Temp Tec Limited, Coffee Express and Hyatt Regency Trinidad during the period 2003-2007. He progressed in his career structure at Peake Technologies Limited during the period 2008-2010 as a Mechanical Engineering Technician, managing Air Conditioning Systems installations and as an A/C Systems Quality Control Inspector.
It was while working at the College of Science, Technology & Applied Arts of Trinidad & Tobago from April 2010-December 2011 as the Superintendent, Operation & Maintenance that his passion grew tremendously for Building Maintenance. He assisted with the successful preparation and the final achievement of Institute Accreditation Status. He joined IFMA in 2011 and achieved is FMP certification. He was awarded “Employee of the Quarter” for the period June- September 2010. He returned to Peake Technologies Limited in 2012, as the HSE Officer & A/C Systems Quality Control Inspector and was promoted to HSE Manager in 2013 to present. He handles delicate Customers complaints, in addition to visiting sites where technician have Safety Concerns. He is also a Certified Competent person to inspect and certify Scaffolding. Sydney was a former Treasurer of IFMA Trinidad for the period 2013-2014.
37
TTIFMA FORUM SPEAKER PROFILE
Sookdeo Beepath joined the insurance
Academy of Insurance and held that
industry in Trinidad and Tobago in 1972
position for over ten (10) years. He was
as a clerical officer. Thereafter, he began
the Institute’s representative on the Board
taking courses in several insurance
of the Association of Insurance Institutes
disciplines at the Academy of Insurance.
of the Caribbean where and held the posts of Vice President and President
He continued his insurance education in
respectively over a period of four years.
Mumbai, India and Zurich, Switzerland.
Sookdeo Beepath
Mr. Beepath holds a Certificate in Human
Mr. Beepath was recognized for his
Resource Management and a Diploma in
dedicated service to the Insurance
Industrial Relations. He is also a Certified
Industry by the Trinidad and Tobago
Financial Planner. He read for his MBA in
Insurance Institute; the Association of
Business Management at the Arthur Lok
Trinidad and Tobago Insurance
Jack Graduate School of Business.
Companies and the Association of Insurance Institutes of the Caribbean.
Mr. Beepath served on the Council of the
38
Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Institute
He is the current Chairman of the Claims
for many years during which time he was
Committee of the Association of Trinidad
elected Director of Education to the
and Tobago Insurance Companies.
TTIFMA AGENDA - THE LIFE CYCLE OF A BUILDING 7:15am – 8:00am
Registration / Seating/ Networking
8.00am – 9.00am (Regency I & II)
OPENING CEREMONY
8.00am – 8.05am
11.30am – 11.55am Moderator: Edward Kacal (Regency II)
Safety Briefing HYATT Personnel
Mr. David Fojo – Trinidad & Tobago Institute of Architects (TTIA) A2: Improving Your Facility Management: Insights from an Architect’s Perspective
12noon – 1.00pm
Lunch (Table by Table)/ Exhibit/ Networking
8.05am – 8.10am
NATIONAL ANTHEM
12.30pm – 12.40pm
Sponsor Feature
8:10am – 8:15am
Welcome Remarks Master of Ceremony – Mr. Vaughn Halliday Vice-President, TTIFMA
1.05pm – 2.20pm
EDUCATION SESSIONS (20 minute sessions, 5 minute Q&A, moderated by TTIFMA Board Members)
8.15am- 8.20am
Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries (TTCSI) Address Ms. Radha Permanand - CEO, TTCSI
1.05pm – 1.30pm Moderator: Sue Ann Cyril (Regency I)
8.20am – 8.30am
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Address Ms. Carmel Haynes - Regional Business Development Consultant, RICS
Mr. Rudranath Singh – President, Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council (TTGBC) A3: Green Building Design & Practice – Facilitating Efficient Life Cycle Management
8:30am – 8:40 am
Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce (TTTCIC) Facility Management & Maintenance Committee Address Mr. Gerard D’Arcy - Chairman of the FM&M Committee, TTCIC
1.05pm – 1.30pm Moderator: Marlon Allsop (Regency II)
Dr. Ricardo Vincent – Vice President of Compliance, Project Management Institute Southern Caribbean Chapter (PMISCC) A3: The Value of Starting Right & Procurement Best Practices
1.35pm -2.00pm Moderator: Derwin Celestine (Regency I)
Mr. Mikey Joseph – Former President, Trinidad & Tobago Contractor’s Association (TTCA) A4: Contracting Beginning with the End in Mind
1.35pm -2.00pm Moderator: Josanne Marcano (Regency II)
Mr. Sydney Senhouse – Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) A4: Air Conditioning: An Integral Part of the the Building System
2.05pm – 2.20pm
Liquid Break / Exhibit / Air-wall - Down
2.20pm – 2.30pm
Sponsor Feature
8.40am – 8.50am
Trinidad & Tobago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (TTIFMA) Address Ms. Aykean Matthews - President, TTIFMA
8.50am – 9.10am
Minister’s Address The Hon. Maxie Cuffie - Minister of Public Administration & Communication
9.10am – 10.35am (Regency I & II)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
9.10am – 9.15am
Introduction of Keynote Speaker 1 Master of Ceremony
2.30pm – 3.55pm
EDUCATION SESSIONS
9.15am – 9.40am
Mr. Ian Rogers - Director, Ace Project Solutions Life Cycle Analysis and Facilities Management
2.30pm – 2.35pm
Introduction of Keynote Speaker 3 Master of Ceremony
9.40am – 9.45am
Introduction of Keynote Speaker 2 Master of Ceremony
2.35pm – 3.15pm
Mr. John Edwards – Senior FM Consultant, Facility Engineering Associates The Ribbon Has Been Cut...Now What?
9.45am – 10.25am
Mr. Bill O’Neil - First Vice Chair, IFMA Board of Directors The Future of FM
3.15pm – 3.20pm
Introduction of Keynote Speaker 4 Master of Ceremony
3.20pm – 3.45pm
Ms. Sharda ‘Squeaky Wheels’ Ramlakhan, Disability Human Rights Advocate Providing Inclusion Through Facility Management (Video Presentation)
3.45pm – 3.55pm
Speaker Panel Q&A Ms. Aykean Matthews, President, TTIFMA
3.55pm – 4.10pm
TTIFMA Speaker, Sponsor and Member Appreciation Ceremony Mr. Marlon Allsop, Events Chair, TTIFMA
4.10pm – 4.20pm
Closing Remarks, Vote of Thanks & Toast Ms. Giselle Holder, Immediate Past President, TTIFMA
4.20pm – 4.30pm
Door Prize Giveaways Ms. Aykean Matthews, President, TTIFMA Ms. Radha Permanand, CEO, TTCSI Ms. Carmel Haynes, Regional Business Development Consultant, RICS
4.30pm – 5.30pm (Regency I & II Foyer)
Cocktails/Networking / Exhibit
10.25am – 10.35am
Speaker Panel Q&A Moderator: Ms. Giselle Holder - Immediate Past President, TTIFMA
10.35am – 10.45am
Sponsor Feature
10.45am – 11.00am
Coffee Break / Exhibit / Networking
11.00am – 11.55am
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS (20 min. simultaneous sessions, 5 min. Q&A, moderated by TTIFMA Board Members)
11.00am – 11.25am Moderator: Derwin Celestine (Regency I)
Mr. Sookdeo Beepath – Director, Association of Trinidad & Tobago Insurance Companies (ATTIC) A1: Emerging Risks And Insurance In The Life Cycle Of A Building
11.00am – 11.25am Moderator: Marlon Allsop (Regency II)
Mr. Mark Edghill – Vice President, Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA) A1: Real Estate Business and your Building Life Cycle
11.30am -11.55am Moderator: Vicki Fernandes (Regency I)
Dr. Ancil Kirk, Vice President, Trinidad and Tobago Society of Planners (TTSP) A2: Building Life Cycle & The Planning Process
39
TTIFMA FORUM PARTNERS PROFILE
TTIFMA AGENDA - EVENT PARTNERS ACE is an international consultancy firm which specializes in infrastructure projects and property development in the Caribbean, Latin America, UK and Asia. We provide a complete suite of solutions to manage and support your needs via 3 key segments: Project Solutions, Project Management and Facilities Management. We have been operating since 2007, facilitating the successful conclusion of both private sector and government projects, as well as providing ongoing advice and operational support for those projects. The team is equipped with over 25 years’ experience in managing all aspects and stages of any project, from inception through to operation. With this all-encompassing experience our knowledge in operational Facilities Management (FM) has evolved significantly allowing us to provide quality consultancy and operational FM services. Contact us on: email - info@aceprojectsolutions.come Telephone - 1 246 417 2353 Web site - www.aceprojectsolutions.com
Association of Real Estate Agents The Association of Real Estate Agents was established in 1990 to elevate the real estate industry from a position in which each agency operated in complete isolation from one another to a more uniform, vibrant, and reliable industry capable of reflecting a more professional image. AREA raised the bar of professionalism in the real estate sector, thus benefiting both the industry and the public throughout Trinidad & Tobago. Prior to the formation of the Association, there were no documented guidelines for the conduct of real estate in Trinidad & Tobago. One of the biggest accomplishments of the Association was to establish a comprehensive set of Rules & Regulations and Standards of Practice for the conduct of real estate between brokers, and between brokers and vendors/purchasers, thereby assuring a higher level of service to the public.
AREA’s objectives are: 1.To promote the highest level of professionalism and integrity in real estate by insisting on principles of fair dealing. 2.To educate and guide the membership in improving its professionalism through continuing educational programmes and annual credits as a condition of membership. 3. To increase public awareness and develop confidence in the real estate profession. 40
4. To provide quality service to both sellers and buyers of real estate by providing them with access to Brokers who are knowledgeable and have integrity 5. To provide access to the latest information and technology available to the sector. 6. To partner with Government and private sector organisations to assist in the development of Trinidad & Tobago. 7.To introduce in 2016 a Real Estate Bill that will ensure the registration with AREA and annual licensing of all real estate professionals and provide a uniform method and ethical standard for the conduct of real estate business. Legislation for the Incorporation of the Association by Act of Parliament was put before Parliament and approved in 2012. The Association is now seeking to have their draft legislation tabled in Parliament. This legislation is in keeping with the move within CARICOM to have all professional bodies regulated. In line with its commitment to education, AREA developed The Principles of Real Estate Sales course which has been available through UWI/ROYTEC since 1998 and in 2013 it added a Broker’s Course that takes its educational offerings to a higher level of real estate knowledge and expertise.
AREA’s accomplishments to date include: • Standardisation of Listing Agreements and Forms • Multiple Listing Database • Constitution and By-Laws of the Association • Rules & Regulations • Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice • Development of an AREA website • Real Estate Training: “Principles of Real Estate Sales” course (pilot
course - September 1994) • Introduction to Real Estate - Level 1 (pilot course - September 2009) • Broker’s Course (first offered 2013) • Ongoing training of members via monthly workshops • Annual Seminar for members as well as the wider public with interests in real estate • Development of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Manual for membership • Completion of the draft Real Estate Bill for self-regulation of the industry.
THE BOARD OF AREA: Like many associations, the Directors of AREA are selected by the membership for voluntary service to their industry. All are full-time employed real estate agents or allied professionals, and all service provided in addition to the monthly board meetings is also given freely. Over the past several years, all Directors have been involved in the effort to draft legislation to regulate the industry, as well as other time-consuming board business such as FIU compliance and on-going educational courses, representation on a Rent Act review board, representing AREA at formal public events and so on. There are, however, certain individuals who from time to time have given more to the Association than could be expected. The following are some of these individuals who in more recent years have contributed above and beyond to the work of AREA.
of the Association. f) What are your main programme areas and activities? Who are the beneficiaries?
General Objectives:-
requirements they will be accepted into our 3 years’ program which entails of Levels 1 ,2 and 3. Each year they will be awarded with a Certificate at the end of each course.
1. To develop, in the school community, concern and respect for the welfare of others, with specific reference to interpersonal relationships based on sensitivity, tolerance and good will. 2. To promote the display of initiative and the exercise of individual. 3. To encourage positive attitudes to the demands of a changing society while The Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) has been in existence since 1998, incorporated on
upholding a belief in basic values and standards. 4. To encourage the highest academic
January 26, 1999 and launched on
standards and to ensure that the
February 14, 1999 under the patronage of
students of the school remain competitive
the Environmental Management Authority
in the changing environment practices.
(EMA), The United Nations (UN), guidance of the Trinidad and Tobago
Curriculum Objectives:
Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and
1. To stimulate intellectual curiosity and
the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
develop students' interest in learning. 2. To encourage clear thinking and
Mission Statement: Our mission statement is "To Promote Professionalism, Integrity And Environmental Awareness In The Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Industry".
informed decision-making.
• To bring respect to the profession by uplifting its standards through regulatory means whilst preserving
problem and to fully sustain an argument. 4. To develop a curriculum which is flexible,
5. To recognize and encourage students to be technically verse in their respective fields 6. The Training Programme, was developed using an established international
which we live.
training course from Refrigeration
community and industry • To provide a forum where grievance matters can be lodged and dealt with.
Service Engineer Society (RSES) of the USA. 7. Theory, which contains lecturers and guest lectures from industry stalwarts. 8. Review tests, which are conducted
ARIA is a non- profit making association
after every ten sessions to ensure that
operated and funded by member
students are learning and to monitor
companies using a yearly membership fee. The management of the affairs of the Association is vested in a Board of Directors comprising 10 elected members. The President, Vice President
+ The Accreditation Council of Trinidad & Tobago (ACTT) Registered Post-Secondary and Tertiary Institute + Refrigeration Service Engineer Society (RSES) of USA Corporate Member
relevant and meaningful to the students
and protecting the environment in • To provide technical assistance to the
Accreditations and Professional Affiliations
3. To develop students' ability to tackle a
at different ages and stages.
Our objectives are:
Why and when was the ATI created? The ARIA Technical Institute Limited (ATI) was incorporated on December 04 2006 and was born out of the need for properly trained technicians, of which there were only small numbers in our country. This was realized by the Board of Directors of the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) whose members are stakeholders of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Programme currently conducted at ATI, had its start under the umbrella of the ARIA ITO until its incorporation.
progress.
+ National Training Agency (NTA) of Trinidad and Tobago Approved Training Center –Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Quality Policy Statement ARIA Technical Institute is committed to all of our stakeholders to create exceptional technicians through continuous improvement and an effective quality management system. We strive to provide students with high quality training and a level of education and professionalism that benefits the Air Condition and Refrigeration Industry in Trinidad and Tobago and its dependents and customers.
9. Practical lab training and actual site visits for hands on tuition. 10. Seminar on ozone friendly gases to occupants of the home.
and Secretary/ Treasurer and Directors. Formed out of the Association in 2006
The schools programme is structured in
was ATI (Aria Technical Institute). The
such a manner that we cater for person
School Principal/ Chairman is an ex
who have not finished their schooling to
officio member of the Council. The
be able to take our assessment, upon
members of the Council are the directors
taking their assessment and passing our
Our main objective is to improve student satisfaction and improve services, through continuous assessments, which are continuously reviewed at specific periods. ATI ensures that our physical resources are appropriate and adequate to facilitate training, teaching and learning, as we seek to achieve our quality policy.
41
TTIFMA FORUM PARTNERS PROFILE
OUR VISION To be the voice of the insurance industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
OUR MISSION To articulate, represent and promote the interests of market Registrants and Policyholders.
OUR OBJECTIVES: 1. Promote an understanding of the role, structure, products and functions of the insurance industry. 2. Promote and encourage the Growth and development of the insurance industry in Trinidad and Tobago in terms of GDP contribution 3. Identify and address issues affecting the insurance industry. 4. Collect and disseminate statistical or other information relating to the insurance industry.
5. Encourage and assist the insurance industry in the maintenance of appropriate standards in accordance with ATTIC’s Code of Ethics. 6. Lobby on behalf of industry stakeholders where appropriate and in the best interest of all parties involved
Directors 2016 – 2017: James Camacho – President Andrew Ferguson – Vice President - Life Paul Traboulay – Vice President - General Jason Clarke – Director Anand Pascal – Director Robert Soverall - Director Sookdeo Beepath – Director Willard P. Harris – Director Chip Sa Gomes – Director Baliram Sawh - Director
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management (FM) professionals, supporting 24,000 members in 104 countries. Formed in 1980, IFMA certifies professionals in facility management, conducts research, and provides educational programs, content resources, networking and conferences.
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is a global professional body. Founded in 1868 RICS accredits 125,000 professionals in 148 countries, promoting and enforcing the highest professional standards in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Incorporated by a Royal Charter RICS is required to promote the public advantage. The name promises the consistent delivery of professional standards - bringing confidence to global markets. There is global demand for our professional credentials underpinned by ethical principles and independent regulation.
42
GOALS & OBJECTIVES 1. Become the knowledge authority on
5. Become a body that could assist
Project Management in Trinidad and
and/or have input into National and
Tobago and the Southern Caribbean.
Regional Programmes and Projects both public and private sector.
2. Promote and institutionalize Project Management in Trinidad and Tobago and the Southern Caribbean.
PMI SCC partners with the private and
PMI SCC Vision
Through:
public sector and professional groups
To be "a high profile, well respected,
• Advancement of the Project
and organizations to effective
professional and sought after institution in the region for project
Management discipline • Establishing the use of common
managers and the practice of project
Project Management jargon in all
management."
fields and sectors of the economy
fulfillment of its mission, vision goals and objectives. Project Management Institute Southern Caribbean Chapter (PMI
The PMI SCC MISSION
3. Encourage greater eagerness to belong
SCC)
To "operate as the authoritative
to this professional body through an
Telephone: 868-658-4200 Ext. 2179
body for Project Management
improved image for PMI SCC
Fax: 868-658-5679 Email: secretariat@pmiscc.org or
professionals that fully caters to the needs of its members as they
4. Foster common knowledge of Project
actively promote and practice the
Management as a discipline and as a
discipline of project management. "
career option.
Jemma.Ramjattan@petrotrin.com
The Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA) founded in 1968, is a medium through which members and the greater society benefits from construction related training and adherence to agreed to standards by members. The TTCA lobbies for issues affecting contractors and continuously pursues the various publics for the improvement and development of the sector.
The Association strives for excellence in the Industrial, Residential, Commercial and Institutional Sectors. Members include small, medium and large firms and make up a spectrum of general contractors, manufacturers and specialty construction suppliers.
43
TTIFMA FORUM PARTNERS PROFILE
tube videos, Facebook, Instagram,
the unique experiences and
Tweeter, and the good old new paper
worldview of the PwD community
articles to get the word out. We even
bringing to your awareness both
have ‘Popups’ intended to highlight
problems, solutions and ways you can
unacceptable practices and ‘Bigups’ that
effect change!
say ‘yeah!’ when things are done correctly. Your feedback is welcome as
Why? Einstein once said..... ‘If you change
You know the old adage ‘the Squeaky
together we delve into this seemingly
the way you look at things, the things
Wheel gets the oil’? Well Squeaky
unexplored world of disability in TT.
you look at will change’.
program designed to enhance your
Who? SQUEAKY WHEELS is a product of disability
SQUEAKY WHEELS will focus on these
life by bringing you awareness on
self-advocates Sharda Ramlakhan and
misconceptions and give logic and
every day disability issues and
draws upon her life experiences as a
reason to disability issues offering
providing possible solutions with the
person with a disability. Over the next
you a look at disability issues from
hope of effecting change. It’s about
year she opens up and shares her funny,
different lens. It hopes to explain and
narrowing the huge gap that exists in
shocking, sobering, life changing
have you better understand what all
opportunities available to average
experiences that have given meaning
the fuss is about. What? Look out for
citizens and that of our counterparts
and purpose to her life and value to the
thought provoking insights that will
with disabilities all in a TT context.
disability community in TT.
help you add value to your life and
Wheels is a disability advocacy
develop an appreciation for an
Where? SQUEAKY WHEELS finds fun and
When? Look out for SQUEAKY WHEELS posts weekly
inclusive society. Through SQUEAKY
interactive ways to get the serious
in you inbox. Every week for the next
WHEELS articles, videos, cartoons, pics
message across, using Blogs; You
year you will be treated to insights into
we will bring awareness.
"The Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects (TTIA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the ethical practice, art and science of architecture in Trinidad and Tobago.
The TTIA is an association of Architects established under The Act for the
Trinidad & Tobago Institute of Architects
Incorporation of the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects in 1988. In Trinidad and Tobago the registration of Architects and the practice of Architecture is regulated by the Board of Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT)(boa-tt.org) which was established in Law by the Architecture Profession Act of 1992 (boa-tt.org/home/act).
To date the TTIA has approximately 100 Full Members who are qualified architects and Trinidad and Tobago Nationals or Permanent Residents of CARICOM
44
The Trinidad and Tobago Society of Planners is a professional association committed to promoting spatial, sustainable and inclusive planning principles as an essential means of efficiently allocating public and private resources and sustaining vital communities.
As a learned society, the TTSP strives to be the premier think tank for developing holistic solutions to the complex urban and settlements problems our country faces today and pledges to continuously innovate so as to ensure its members are equipped with the best tools and support necessary to address the emerging developmental issues that our nation will face in the future.
43
TTIFMA FORUM SPONSORS
TTIFMA AGENDA - PARTNERS
GOLD INVESTOR PARTNER
BRONZE INVESTOR PARTNER
EXHIBITOR INVESTOR PARTNER
46
47