Vishnu Charran, new Chaguanas Chamber head

Sookhair handed over the reins at the chamber’s annual general meeting last week Wednesday at the chamber’s office at the corner of Cumberbatch Street and the Main Road. The AGM marked the final year of Sookhai’s three-year tenure as president of the Chamber. He will now operate on the board as the Immediate Past President.

Sookhai told the gathering in his final speech as president, that he and the CCIC had been able to achieve all they had during his tenure because of the support of the membership and the people of Chaguanas.

“The president of this chamber can bring change to Chaguanas and this chamber has the capacity to bring change not just to Chaguanas, but to Trinidad and Tobago as a whole,” Sookhai told members.

“Organisations like the Chaguanas Chamber have to shine like a beacon to society and we have to show great resolution and commitment to getting things done for our members and for our people.” “As the president of the Chamber over the past three years I have been particularly concerned by the rising crime in the area and the increasing incidences of bullying in our schools. Although a chamber is supposed to be about business we must never turn a blind eye to the alarming social conditions in our society,” he added.

It was for that reason, Sookhai said, the chamber initiated a CCIC Safety, Security and Sustainability Expo in June. This expo will highlight the latest technology and thinking in the areas of safety and security and will also address issues of crime and bullying through speakers who will bring their personal stories on how they have helped to turn around crime and bullying in their own schools and towns.

The outgoing president reminded members that the chamber is not only for large enterprises in the area but is there to support all businesses, be they large, medium, small or micro enterprises.

Even the smallest startup company, he said, would be welcomed to join the Chamber and have their concerns aired and voiced by the Chamber.

Sookhai highlighted the contributions of various board members and made special mention of Labib Najar of Metal-X Ltd who had allowed the Chamber to operate out of his premises for several years