Tashana Briscoe

• Follower of Christ Jesus
• Mother of an amazing 8yr old handsome fella
• Certified Global Talent Management Leader (Talent Management Institute – TMI)
• Learning, Development & People Experience Manager, Digicel Jamaica where I have successfully negotiated several partnerships including the first
• ever Employee Assistance Programme with Choose Life International, an HEART Trust/NSTA MOU, Coursera and CBT Nuggets learning partnerships
• Adjunct Lecturer, UWI Mona (Management of Change + HR)
• Consultant Trainer
• Published Scholar – Work Climate & Motivation + Human Factors Affecting Productivity in Jamaica: Technical Report on Preliminary Findings
• Applied (I/O) Psychologist
• People & Culture Manager for Digicel 2019 Digicel Digital Transformation team, in house leader of the team working with external consultant and in
• house team to revamp the dress code policy to a minimalist smart casual look and developed the digital meetings, remote work and internal comms
• framework that later became the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and launched the company’s first intranet
• Internationally recognized researcher and conference speaker – CSA, Curacao & CRCP, Bahamas
• Local conference presenter – Keep Growing, HRMAJ Conference 36
• HR Consultant to several SMEs
• I pay it forward to my community by serving on several Human Performance bodies with an aim of improving the experience of Jamaican employees, most recent: MLSS, Labour Market Reform Commission – Technology, Innovation & Productivity Committee, HRMAJ – Volunteer Consultant

Rosanne George-Dede Sombo

Rosanne George- Dede Sombo has always had a passion for languages, culture and literature which influenced her decision to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Languages. Ms George-Dede Sombo then decided to merge her foreign languages skills with the world on International business and succeeded in obtaining a Master’s Degree in Trilingual Negotiation and International Business.

Connecting with people and building sustainable, meaningful relationships in a business environment are indispensable today.

Occupying various positions, Rosanne developed a capacity to adapt quite easily to new environments, industries and cultures without previous experience or exposure. Rosanne has been an English Teacher, Trade Consultant, Sales Assistant, Sales Account Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Project Team Member, Administrative Manager and an HR Business Partner.

She is a quick and eager learner, always ready to face new challenges and opportunites and add value to any team. After spending 11 years in France, Rosanne returned to Trinidad where she have developed and continue to develop new skills in Human Resources with a special focus on Performance Management and the Employee Experience within today's ever changing work environment.

The driving force behind any successful business is its people. Strategic people agendas and organisational culture transformations best in line with current workforce dynamics should be of utmost importance in today's corporate environment.

Kristin Martinez

Mrs. Kirlyn Archie-Lewis is the Acting General Manager Human Resources of the First Citizens Group. She joined the FC Group in 2011 as Manager, Manpower Planning and Resourcing, a role which evolved into the Manager Recruitment and Selection/Talent Management. In 2017 she assumed the role of as Manager, Industrial Relations which later evolved into the Senior Manager, Industrial Relations. Her human resources experience spans over seventeen (17) years at a Managerial Level.

Mrs. Archie – Lewis is a Human Resources professional with sound knowledge and experience in the Human Resources practices and principles. Her experience also spans public sector and quasi-governmental organizations in both unionized and non-unionized environments.

To compliment her experience, her formal training includes a Master of Science (Hons) Degree - UWI in Management Studies specialising in Human Resource Management along with a Bachelor of Science in Management (Hons) Degree – UWI, a Professional Diploma in Industrial Relations with the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business and Queen’s University of Canada and an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, Association of Business Executives, London. Mrs. Archie - Lewis is also a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Kristin Martinez

Kristin Martinez is the Head of Human Resources for the Anglo Dutch Caribbean. During her twenty (20) years’ progressive experience as a HR generalist in both the manufacturing and financial services industries, Kristin has developed a passion for making a difference in society through her personal and professional capacities.

Kristin has led the establishment and expansion of the Nestlé Needs YOUth programme in the Anglo Dutch Caribbean, ensuring that youth development is defined as a staple among over 40 corporate partners to date. Kristin holds a post graduate qualification in Human Resource Management and has a proven track record of successfully leading and managing teams.

Kobe Sandy

Kobe began his journey within the youth space at age 11 where he founded his own NGO, Friends Inc, to provide alternative learning opportunities to children in rural communities.

He then excelled at his alma mater, Vessigny Secondary School, where he was elected Vice President and then President at the school’s Student Council. He was also elected President of the School’s Young Leaders and Vice President of the Junior Cooperative.

This culminated to him being the Class Valedictorian and Student Extraordinaire. He also excelled at St. Joseph High School where he was Deputy Head Prefect and was responsible for initiating a plethora of community engagements that sought to empower young people in Guyana.

Kobe is a two-time Youth Parliamentarian, three-time National Youth Award Nominee and has been a sterling youth advocate for over 6 years nationally, regionally, and internationally.

At the Guild of Students he was the former National Affairs Chairperson and currently sits as the Guild President at the UWI St. Augustine Cam

Professor Marlon Knights

Professor Marlon Knights is the Assistant Vice President for Research, Impact and Post Graduate Studies at The University of Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, he holds the portfolio of Programme Professor of the Bioscience, Agriculture and Food Technology Programme at UTT. He also serves as an advisor to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on Livestock Production and related issues.

Professor Knights earned his PhD in Reproductive Physiology from West Virginia University, a M.Sc. in Tropical Animal Science and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from The University of the West Indies (UWI). He has over 20 years of academic experience and previously worked at UWI, Michigan State University and West Virginia University.

He has served on numerous key public service committees and engaged in consultancies in the area of Biosciences and Food Technology and has attracted over US$2.0 million dollars in research grants and contracts during the span of his career.

Alpha Sennon

Alpha founded WHYFARM,a globally recognised and award-winning nonprofit organisation that pioneers Agricultural Educational Entertainment. Alpha is globally known as a farmer-preneur, motivational speaker and agri-youth advocate who is also a graduate of the University of the West Indies Alpha developed AGRIMAN and Photosynthesista, the world’s 1st Food and Nutrition Security Superheroes. Alpha is also an alumnus of the 2016 Young Leaders of Americas Initiative. Alpha was awarded the 2018-Andrew-e-Rice-Award for his work in Leadership and Innovation. Most recently, Alpha was presented with the winning title of ‘Social Entrepreneur’ of the year by CEMEX-TEC Mexico. He was also named the 40 under 40 influencer of the year by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Herzen Graham

Herzen Graham is currently the Agricultural Services Manager at Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago Limited. Hailing from Southern Trinidad, Herzen is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and holds a BSc. Double Major in General Agribusiness and Environmental Natural Resource Management and an MSc. In Agri-Food Safety and Quality Assurance. Herzen has been active in the development of the dairy industry in Trinidad over the past 8 years, and is deeply committed to the sustainability of the this area. Spurred by his passion for continuous improvement, Herzen is well positioned to support youth development and agripreneurship, which he views as crucial for the sustainable development of the local Agricultural sector.

Daniel Francis

Daniel Francis is a millennial helping other millennials.

He is an author, coach, and entrepreneur. Over the past 3 years, he has served as a Personal Development Coach whose work targets Millennials and helps them tap into their full potential. Under his direction, hundreds of Millennials have learned practical skills like time management, goal setting, and staying consistent. Daniel’s extensive work with young people inspired him to write a book entitled, “The Millennial Mind: Success Secrets For Unlocking Your Full Potential”, which helps guide millennials into becoming the best version of themselves. His book triggers deep introspection for its readers. The book focuses on Millennial challenges and shows how to overcome these challenges in a relatable and practical way. With his second book entitled, The Millennial Experience: 30 Stories of Hope, Growth and Success” he plans to motivate and empower even more Millennials to reach for greatness. Outside of his entrepreneurial activities Daniel is a pinned member of his local Rotaract Club (Rotaract Club of Port of Spain West) and continues to give back to his community.

Michelle Connell

Originating from Los Angeles, California and of Trinidadian descent, Michelle entered the cruise line industry over 35 years ago. With a dynamic background in operations management, project management, application development, administration and policy development, Michelle has held several management positions ranging from Operations to Project Management at Fortune 500 companies in the USA. During her tenure at Carnival Cruise Lines, Michelle was a senior fleet manager overseeing and coordinating operational aspects for 22 vessels and 20 thousand crewmembers originating from 92 countries. With a strong background in global leadership, supervisory and team building training, Michelle has been able to combine her leadership experience to result in efficient and strategic management policies and practices to assist organisations in improving their performance. Having attended John & Wales University, Carnival Cruise Management College and numerous training certification courses, Michelle has excelled by training thousands of personnel both in the USA and overseas. Michelle holds a Masters of Business Administration thru the University of Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom.

Michelle relocated to Trinidad in 2010. She is the President and Owner of Davis Consulting, which specializes in improving company performance by increasing efficiency through customer service and operations training. Michelle is known and highly recommended for her interactive, energetic and engaging style of training. Michelle is currently assigned to the Executive Education Department at Arthur Lok Jack Global Business School where she facilitates several management workshops yearly assisting companies and individuals to reach their optimum performance. Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to her training seminars.

Neel Arora

Neel Arora is a veteran of FMCG eCommerce having worked in this space for more than a decade. A mechanical engineer by training, Neel started his career in manufacturing and joined PepsiCo moving from factory to head office in category management. From there, Neel discovered his love of all things eCommerce stumbling across the lesser known Ocado Business in 2011.

Neel then joined Amazon.co.uk, a transformational experience where he learnt about retail, buying and of course working inside an exponential organisation. In 2015 Neel joined Nestle leading the UK eCommerce team. In 2018 he moved into and EMENA role and set up the above market eCommerce business based in Barcelona. In 2021 Neel moved into a newly created role in the Global team.

Philip Williams

Philip Williams has worked in the financial sector as an investment professional since 2003. He is a graduate of Morehouse College with a BA in Finance, and the University of Leicester with a (M.Sc.) in Finance. He holds the Series 6 and 26 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the United States. Philip has held various positions such as: Financial advisor, Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager and he currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Fixed Income Investments for one of the major Investment companies in Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the CEO and Founder of Phil The Gap which has been in existence since 2016.

Lara Quentrall – Thomas

Lara Quentrall-Thomas has more than 30 years experience in recruitment and HR management, in both the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago, including 25 as an entrepreneur and company owner.

As Chairman of Regency Recruitment and Resources Limited, she has overall responsibility for more than 100 contract personnel employed with clients including EXIM Bank, NLCB, IBM, GE Oil and Gas, Cable & Wireless and Electrolux. Her role includes negotiating master service agreements, business development and strategic planning, and Ms Quentrall-Thomas also designs and facilitates training programs for Regency’s corporate clients in a range of topics including DE&I, Business Etiquette, Interviewing Skills and Professional Networking.

Her education includes an MBA and certificates in industrial relations, labour law, mediation, behavioural economics and contract law. Ms Quentrall-Thomas currently serves as a Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries, National Training Agency and Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago. She is a Founding member and the first President of the Association of Female Executives of T&T, and a former Director of the Office of Procurement Regulation Board, Economic Advisory Board and Board of AMCHAM T&T.

In addition, she is a member of the International Women’s Forum T&T, Employment and Labour Relations Committee of the T&T Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day planning committee, Human Resources Management Association of T&T and the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

She has been a member of Rotary International, the world’s leading service organization, since 1999 and is a Director of the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain, part of Rotary District 7030 (Southern Caribbean).

Martha Uribe

Martha has more than 25 years of experience in the HR arena working for different organizations as Nestlé, Unilever, American Express and Hewitt Associates (AON). She holds a Masters degree in Human Resources from the University La Salle in Mexico. Currently she is the Head of Human Resources for the Nutrition Business in Zone Americas based in Switzerland.

In addition to this responsibility since 2015 Martha leads the Nestlé Needs Youth Initiative for Zone Americas. With a genuine desire to create a positive impact in people’s lives, Martha is a certified coach by IDC and is passionate about People Development. She loves nature and all types of activities that are related to health and wellness.

Josué De La Maza

Josué has developed a solid international career of over 25 years at Nestlé. He entered the Group in Mexico in Marketing and a few years later he was invited to the Global Headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland, where he worked in the Dairy Strategic Business Unit.

In 2002 he went back to Mexico to lead the Dairy Business Unit, where he managed iconic brands like NIDO and LA LECHERA. In 2005 he was transferred to Argentina to head the Marketing and Corporate Communication Division. After almost 3 years he went on to Panama as Commercial Director for Central America.

In 2009 he went back to Mexico as Vice President of Corporate Sales, where he remained for almost 4 years. This experience took him back to the Global Headquarters, this time as Head of Global Sales and E-commerce. After this experience, he was invited to take over as Country Manager for the Infant Nutrition Division in Brazil, fourth global market for the Group. Three years later, in 2018, he became Vice President of Corporate Sales for Nestlé Brazil, where he led important transformations to improve efficiency and productivity. He will move on to become the Market Head for the Anglo Dutch Caribbean Region of 22 markets from September 1, 2021.

The Honourable Dwight Sutherland

Dwight Gregory Sutherland assumed the role of Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment on July 23, 2020. Minister Sutherland is a Mechanical Engineer and worked as a Senior Executive at the Arawak Cement Company Limited for many years. His professional experience has been primarily private sector driven. He has held various positions at Arawak Cement Company Limited, they being Mechanical Engineer, Power Generation Engineer, Materials Manager, Engineering Services Manager, Operations Manager and acted as General Manager.

Minister Sutherland is a Graduate of the University of the West Indies - St Augustine and Cave Hill Campuses. While at University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad of the period 1989 - 1992, he enjoyed the fraternity of Canada Hall and graduated with Upper Second-Class Honors in Mechanical Engineering. He would later attend the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus where he was among the first cohort of students in the M.Sc. In Project Management. He also attended University of Leeds Business School where he obtained an MBA (International Business) with a Distinction.

He has a passion for youth and considers teaching among the professions most admired by him. He briefly taught two subjects (Mathematics, Chemistry and Integrated Science) at Harrison College and was engaged as a part-time Faculty member at the University of the West Indies where he taught two courses, Introduction to International Business and International Business Management for four years. He is a member of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers and a former Rotarian.

He is proud of his roots in Ellerton St. George which taught him the value of family, sports and community. He can identify in a real and personal way with people’s struggles to improve their own and children’s lives. As Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, his vision is to build a stable and cohesive society through empowerment and full involvement of youth and communities in sports and in the social and economic development of Barbados. He is married to Attorney-At-Law and Health Planning and Policy expert, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland and they have one son, Josiah Sutherland.

Keevo

Keevan Lewis is a born and bred son of San Fernando. He attended Presentation College San Fernando before furthering his studies at UWI St. Augustine and has been a Health and Safety Specialist for the past 12 years. Keevan has also built his Instagram platform called Keevotv where his brand of clean educational comedy has become a household name. His talents have been taken to the stand-up comedy stage, performing throughout the region, USA and Canada. He is also an entrepreneur, co-owning both BLAC Sheep Barbering Ltd (UWI campus) and Pump Event Management. His personal mantra is to encourage others to become the best versions of themselves.

Laurent Freixe

Laurent Freixe is currently Chief Executive Officer of Zone Americas at Nestlé.

Born in Paris, France, Laurent Freixe joined Nestlé France in 1986. After holding different positions with increasing responsibilities in Marketing and Sales, he became the Head of the Nutrition Division of Nestlé France in 1999; and was appointed in 2003 Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Hungary before becoming CEO of the Nestlé Iberian Region in 2007.

In November 2008, Laurent Freixe joined the Nestlé Executive Board as Executive Vice President with the responsibility for Zone Europe and has been appointed since 2014 Chief Executive Officer of Zone Americas, the largest region for Nestlé, accounting for 45% of its turnover. Laurent plays a leading role in promoting youth employment and employability across the company. Starting in Europe, Laurent launched the Nestlé Needs youth initiative, Nestlé Needs YOUth, in 2013 and has been successfully driving this global initiative that aims at providing a wide range of employment opportunities for young people under 30 and strengthen their capabilities, professional skills, to raise their employability.

As a leader at the world’s number one Food and Beverage Company, Laurent Freixe has been fundamental in driving innovation and leading performance across Nestlé’s value chain to help enable healthier lives and contribute to the communities in which the group operates.

In addition to his current responsibility, Laurent is International Youth Ambassador for the International Youth Organization for Ibero-America, Chairman of the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN), Chairman of the Global Alliance for Youth, Member of the Executive Board of the Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW) and Member of the Regional Board of Directors of the Consumer Goods Forum in Latin America.

The Honourable Gaston Browne

Gaston Browne is the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships in Antigua and Barbuda, since June 12, 2014.

He is a graduate of the University Of Manchester, United Kingdom, with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in Banking and Finance. He served as Commercial Banking Manager for a major banking consortium in Antigua and Barbuda, comprising offshore and onshore banks and trust company, managing in excess of US $400 million dollars in assets. Gaston Browne became an elected Member of Parliament in 1999 representing the constituency of St. John’s City West; and, he has been re-elected in four subsequent general elections.

PM Gaston Browne is well known for his philanthropic work which is witnessed through his contributions to the empowerment of the Point and Villa areas within his Constituency. In 2012, he was elected as Leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party which he steered to victory in General Elections in 2014, becoming Prime Minister. His ABLP won again in March 2018, increasing its representation in Parliament.

Between 1999 and 2004, he served as Minister of Planning, Trade, Industry, Commerce and Public Service Affairs. While in opposition in Parliament between 2004 and 2014, P.M. Browne returned to the private sector as a businessman and launched several successful ventures to include real estate development and real estate management.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has also published a number of academic and policy based papers, his most recent being: “Ending De-Risking in the Caribbean: Eliminating risks for the World”.

On becoming Prime Minister, the Caribbean Heads of Government appointed the Honourable Gaston Browne to exercise lead responsibility for financial matters, cricket, aviation and de-risking in the quasi Cabinet of CARICOM. Prime Minister Browne serves as the current Chairman of the CARICOM Heads, July to December 2021; Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the United Nations, January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021; Chairman of The Commonwealth Finance Ministers, 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022. Prime Minister Browne also served as Chairman of the Organization of East Caribbean States (OECS), 1 July 2020, to December 31, 2020.

Prime Minister Browne hosts a weekly talk-show on one of the most-listened-to Radio Stations in the nation, discussing politics, sports and culture. He has a special interest in soccer, cricket and sailing.

The Prime Minister is married to Member of Parliament Mrs. Maria Bird-Browne, and is the father of five.

Selena Chin

Selena Chin has climbed her way up the professional ladder to become one of the leading Financial Advisors at Sagicor Life Jamaica. She started her career in 2008 and since then she has improved from strength to strength. In her tenure she has won over 100 trophies, awards and recognitions, and in 2017 was nicknamed “GOAT” meaning Greatest Of All Time.

A past student of St. Hugh’s High School and The University of Technology, two institutions she is eternally grateful for as they significantly helped to mould her into the person she is today. She is a fun loving, disciplined and God-fearing young lady that loves life. One of the greatest moments in her life is when she had the opportunity to be an interviewee on the local television program PROFILE; she had grown up watching this show and to have gotten the chance to share her story with the world renounced Ian Boyne was life changing.

She continues to set high standards and stick to her standards, stating that the most powerful leadership tool she has is her own personal example.

Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson is the co-founder and Managing Director of Blueprint Creative, the world’s first “Bhranding”, communications and design agency. He is also the author of the book Tighten Your Shoelaces which teaches readers how to defend and grow their brands during a crisis. Ron has coached business professionals in Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, The Cayman Islands, The US Virgin Islands, The USA, Mexico and Malaysia. Under Ron’s leadership, Blueprint Creative has won several awards (including two “Best of Print” awards) at the Caribbean leg of the American Advertising Awards, and three Barbados’ Best Employers Awards.

Rochelle Cameron

Rochelle Cameron is an attorney-at-law with 20 years at the Jamaican Bar. She served for several years as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory for Flow Caribbean where she was also Company Secretary of Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited and its subsidiaries. She is the founder and currently CEO of Prescient Consulting Services Limited a firm which supports organisations with the development and execution of impactful legal, people and communications strategies. She is well known for her strategic management, leadership abilities, mentorship and her blend of business acumen and organizational skills allows her to be a valuable contributor on various private and public sector boards mentorship. Her diverse experience has given her considerable expertise in corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and business development. She has also become a widely called on public speaker for motivation and training in the corporate sphere.

Rochelle Cameron

Rochelle Cameron is an attorney-at-law with 20 years at the Jamaican Bar. She served for several years as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory for Flow Caribbean where she was also Company Secretary of Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited and its subsidiaries. She is the founder and currently CEO of Prescient Consulting Services Limited a firm which supports organisations with the development and execution of impactful legal, people and communications strategies. She is well known for her strategic management, leadership abilities, mentorship and her blend of business acumen and organizational skills allows her to be a valuable contributor on various private and public sector boards mentorship. Her diverse experience has given her considerable expertise in corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and business development. She has also become a widely called on public speaker for motivation and training in the corporate sphere.

Dr. Crystal Benjamin

Dr. Crystal Benjamin is an Individual and Couples Therapist based in Trinidad and Tobago. Her company, Enriched Life Limited, is the premier relationship education company in the Caribbean.

Dr. Benjamin provides counselling and coaching services to individuals and couples, and her company's employee wellness programs have been accessed by various companies in the private and public sectors. In 2019, Dr. Benjamin was selected as a Youth Development Influencer in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs "40 Under 40" Programme. Additionally, she currently serves as the Senior Programme Coordinator - Family Development of the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development.

Dr. Keron Niles

Dr Keron Niles is a Lecturer within the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies. He conducts research not only on climate change and the energy sector, but also on cultural industries as a pathway to low carbon and circular economic growth. Dr Niles is the Managing Director of Koru Green Ltd, a firm dedicated to commercializing creative content throughout the Caribbean. Koru Green provides management, marketing and research support to creative professionals who wish to find new markets for the content they produce and/or to expand the consumption of their works within markets in which they are already present. To this end, it should be noted the company currently represents the dynamic musical band known as Freetown Collective.

Ashfred Norris

Ashfred Norris is a 21-year-old youth climate change activist who has served as an ambassador and Dominica’s delegate at various regional and international climate change conferences and forums including COP23, COY13, the United Nations Economic and Social Youth Forum and the United Nations Youth Climate Summit. He currently occupies the capacities of Chairman of the GeneralAssembly of the National Youth Council of Dominica, Co-director of the Youth Climate Change Activists, Board member of the Dominica Youth Environment Organization and the Dominica Dementia Foundation. He is also a National Steering Committee member for the GEF Small Grants Programme and recently appointed as a Stay Alive & Thrive Ambassador.

Karl Brodbeck

Karl Brodbeck is a Swiss & Colombian citizen. He is a Food Technologist with an MBA specialized in Dairy Manufacturing. 25 years of experience in several positions across the Globe (Switzerland / Pakistan / Dominican Republic / Trinidad & Tobago / Brazil). Currently working as Category Technical Manager for Ambient Dairy / Ambient Culinary and “Plastic Champion” for Z-AMS (based in Vevey, Switzerland).

The Honourable Foster Cummings

Minister of Youth Development and National Service

A consummate professional and lifelong businessman, the Honourable Foster Cummings MP, began his political career in 2008, as a temporary Government Senator and served in this capacity until April 2010. He continued his political career, serving as an Opposition Senator and from 2015 as a Government Senator, until his appointment as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, in January 2020.

As a Senator, the Honourable Foster Cummings also contributed to several debates, notably, the Anti-gang Legislation, 2018; the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2019; the Administration of Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and the Motions to approve the Children’s Community Residences Regulations and to consider the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Minister Cummings’ proficiency at corporate governance is bolstered by his attainment of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine; and an Associate of Arts Degree in Co-Operative Studies from the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-Operative Studies. Minister Cummings’ training in Co-operative Studies and experience as a former Cooperative Officer at the Ministry of Labour and Cooperatives have enabled him to gain considerable experience in cooperative societies; develop strong relations with the Credit Union sector; and establish a strong community network across Trinidad and Tobago.

In April 2021, the Honourable Foster Cummings was appointed Minister of Youth Development and National Service, and is now charged with the responsibility for Youth Development and National Service, which has within its remit; the Military– led Academic Training Programme (MiLAT), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Military-led Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training (MYPART), the Geriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme (GAPP), the Retiree Adolescent Partnership Programme (RAPP) and the Transition Homes. He also has responsibility for Youth Development Apprenticeship Centres, Youth Facilities Cooperative Development, Micro and Small Enterprise Development; Friendly Societies; and the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (NEDCO).

Minister Foster Cummings is passionate about the development of all young people and remains committed to creating and facilitating an array of programmes that target their developmental needs; and support the youth development agenda for Trinidad and Tobago.

Daymond John

Daymond John has been a phenomenally successful business person for over 25 years. Along his entrepreneurial journey, through his many successes as well as failures, he has learned a few things about getting the best out of business and life. He believes the keys to his success include establishing the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles, which he calls his five "S.H.A.R.K points.”

Get ready! Daymond John is going to share his unique goal-setting and achievement strategies, which will empower audience members to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.

An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his business operation into its basement. John is CEO and Founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand, and a pioneer in the fashion industry with over $6 billion in product sales world-wide.

John is an award-winning entrepreneur and has received over 35 awards including the Brand Week Marketer of the Year, Advertising Age Marketing 1000 Award for Outstanding Ad Campaign, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award and, most recently, was named #2 on LinkedIn’s Top 20 Voices, a list of the top influencers, who are using their voice to help us analyze today’s changing world of work, navigate our industries, and find balance through an unprecedented year!

His marketing strategies and ability to build successful brands has made him a highly influential consultant and motivational speaker today. His marketing firm The Shark Group offers advice on how to effectively communicate to consumers through innovative means and connects brands with the world’s top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions.

John is also an author of 5 best-selling books including his New York Times bestselling books, The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). In March 2020, John released his fifth book, Powershift, that walks through his tried-and- true process of how to transform any situation, close any deal and achieve any outcome through his own experience and vast network of industry leaders. Finally, John is celebrating his 12th season on ABC TV’s critically acclaimed business reality show Shark Tank by renowned producer Mark Burnett, which has reinvigorated entrepreneurship around the world. Shark Tank has now gone on to win five Emmy® in the US and millions of weekly viewers world-wide tune into the show as John demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.