Canadian envoy inspires future leaders

Comprising bpTT ’s interns and the company’s Brighter Prospects scholarship students, the group engaged in lively conversation with the Canadian diplomatic team led by High Commissioner Carla Hogan Rufelds.

The team was captivated by the wide range of topics discussed, which included public and political affairs, advocacy, trade, consular work, development assistance, security and personal experiences.

Rufelds was enthused about the visit. “I am really impressed by the cadre of talent present around this table and it was a pleasure for our team to discuss how the high commission works and some of our key focus areas.

It’s commendable that beyond supporting their educational pursuits and providing valuable work experience, bpTT is exposing these young people to a broader understanding of how the world works and the innumerable opportunities that are open to them. This exposure will serve them well as they grow into their expected roles as future leaders.” The young team was guided by bpTT ’s community sustainability and stakeholder relations adviser Joel Primus and human resources recruitment co-ordinator Elisabeth Latiff-Russell.

Primus gave some insight into the company’s perspective on the meeting: “Over the years, we’ve facilitated meetings for our interns and scholarship recipients with persons in high office, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice and the Attorney General.

We see these young people as more than students and future workers. They are citizens of this nation and it is important to provide them with perspectives beyond their academic focus. It is critical that they see the bigger picture, understand the importance of building relationships and networks and their personal role in fashioning a better future for Trinidad and Tobago.” BPTT ’s internship programme enrols the brightest students who are entering their final year of studies at university, while Brighter Prospects is one of bpTT ’s flagship education programmes that offer scholarships to tertiary level students from Mayaro and environs. The young people who met with the Canadian High Commissioner represented diverse areas of study including engineering, economics, law, communications, geology, dentistry, criminology and geography.

The experience was enlightening and inspirational for Renelle Kissoon, who is currently studying criminology and criminal justice at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine. “The discussions with the high commissioner and her team were very informative and revealing.

Understanding the nature of relationships between nations has given me an insight into the concept of diplomacy and collaboration for international development,” Kissoon said.

“The discussions on topics like reform to our criminal justice system, human rights and diversification of agriculture showed just how much we can tap into international resources to facilitate our nation’s progress. I am really happy that bpTT has facilitated these discussions for us.

I am even more energised than before.