Chamber in mourning

The general manager title was changed to managing director during Chan’s tenure.

Following his retirement, Chan continued to serve as deputy chairman of Scotiabank until he left the bank in 2004.

Better known as “Ronnie” to his friends, Chan passed away on June 5, reportedly after a long illness.

Scotiabank’s Managing Director Anya Schnoor, said the bank was “truly saddened” to hear that Chan had died.

“He was very instrumental in building the foundation of the bank locally...He was at the helm for 20 years and during this time, helped grow the bank’s operations into one of the strongest financial institutions in TT. He had tremendous foresight and dedication and was loved and respected by all who worked with him. We express deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time,” Schnoor stated.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber), in extending condolences to the Chan family yesterday, said Chan, “was known within the business community as an innovator and trailblazer in the field of banking, and a man who piloted the bank through the economic recession of the 1980s.” The chamber said Ronnie was “a private man” who was far more than a career banker.

“He served both country and family with dedication and humility. He worked closely with the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago when the decision was taken to float the dollar.

Chan was a founding member of the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago and was the first President of the Institute of Banking and Finance.” Chan was also a founding member of the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra.

“Family was very important to him and he greatly valued the warmth and support of his wife Jacqueline and five children. (Chan) can truthfully be said to have left the country a better place,” the TT Chamber stated.