Amcham calls for offensive strategy

“We cannot simply seek to take more from those sectors of the economy that are already producing and contributing. We have to allow those sectors to grow, and we have to create new sectors that would drive economic growth. To do that we have to redefine our roles,” he explained.

Tewarie was speaking on Wednesday, day two of AMCHAM’s 20th Annual Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE ) Conference and Exhibition, held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. This year’s theme is “Innovative HSSE Strategies for Today’s Challenges.” More than 300 professionals from the local business community, public sector, regulatory agencies and non-governmental organizations attended.

The two-day conference will include a number of Technical Sessions, and Panel Discussions.

He said the Government’s role is to facilitate, and the private sector’s role is to advocate and to find ways to match capital with good investment opportunities.

Tewarie noted that they are committed to do that as long as there are consultation, and collaboration, “As we interact with the National Tripartite committee and other fora with Government and Labour we believe that there are enough people who understand the situation and committed to Trinidad and Tobago to ensure that we can come out of our current challenge.” He said the exhibition provides opportunities for companies to share information and promote services to HSE professionals and the wider public. “It is also why we embarked on the National Youth Productivity Forum (NYPF), which provides a forum for young people to critically discuss pertinent issues. This year they discuss tolerance and next year the theme will be centered on the education curriculum and how teaching is delivered,” he explained