Tremendous loss, says business community

THE BUSINESS community in Trinidad and Tobago has been plunged into mourning over the loss one of the icons in the business arena, Nazir Ahamad, who died yesterday while receiving treatment for cancer in a Miami hospital. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce Christian Mouttet described Ahamad’s passing as a “huge loss, not only to the business community, but to the country on the whole. He is one of a handful and his passing is a terrible loss,” stated Mouttet.

Mouttet explained that Ahamad had not only built a large and successful business, but he had also sat on the Board of a number of companies, and had made quite a contribution to building the family’s business and the other companies that he had been involved in. Mouttet said Ahamad was certainly an exemplary businessman and human being, who carried out his business in a modest way, even though he had achieved so much in business. “He was a very admirable person, and has always been down to earth. He has left a legacy behind for his family,” stated Mouttet. “So many people looked up to him and he was a role model to many  businessmen young and old.” Also commenting on the passing of this business icon, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, Anthony Aboud, said that the country has suffered a severe loss in the passing of this extremely successful entrepreneur.

Downtown Owners and Merchant Association president, Gregory Aboud, pointed out that anybody who understands business would have held Ahamad in admiration for his poise, dignity, modesty,  kindness and accomplishments. He stated that Ahamad was obviously a visionary in business, and noted that “his leadership will be missed not only by the businesses in which he participated, but by all those in business who sought his guidance and example.” Aboud stated that “most people thought that successful people are nice people, when in fact it is nice people who are usually  successful, and Naz Ahamad is an example of that.”

In a press release yesterday, president of the San Juan Business Association Gail Merhair stated that “the passing of such a prominent and innovative business director will be a tremendous loss not only to the country, but to the Caribbean.” She noted that as part of the San Juan business community, Ahamad was a pioneer who actively supported the activities of the association. The TTMA, DOMA, the San Juan Business Association and the TT Chamber of Commerce expressed their deepest sympathies at the passing of this influential businessman.