The Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj formally presented Letters of Appointment to the new Board of Directors of Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) yesterday (21 July, 2026), reinforcing the Government’s vision for a sustainable tourism sector that contributes meaningfully to economic diversification and the development of the non-energy sector.
The Board’s composition reflects a deliberate blend of expertise across marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, business, management and the creative industries to guide TTL through its next phase of growth and transformation. The newly appointed members of the Board of TTL are as follows:
Mr. Benedict Hatem – Chairman
Ms. Andrea Bhagwandeen – Director
Ms. Kalene Garcia-Gosyne – Director
Mr. Vedanand Hargobin – Director
Mr. Rennie Mohammed – Director
Mr. Swamy Morgan – Director
Mr. Orlando Octave – Director
Ms. Indira Rambaran – Director
Ms. Pramilla Ramdahani – Director
Mr. Michael Salickram – Director
Mr. Rene Seepersadsingh – Director
Addressing the Directors, Minister Maharaj underscored the Board’s responsibility to lead TTL at a pivotal time for the organisation and the tourism sector. He stated that TTL must move beyond traditional destination promotion and become a strategic driver of destination development, brand positioning and sustainable economic growth.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, MP, congratulated the Board and highlighted tourism’s importance to the growth of the non-energy economy. He urged the Directors to align TTL’s work with the Ministry’s tourism development strategies and the Government’s target of increasing tourism’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product from 6% to 12% by 2030. Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Abigail Bynoe, focused on the governance responsibilities attached to service on the Board of a State enterprise. She reminded Directors that public confidence depends on integrity, transparency, accountability and performance. She also emphasised the importance of sound financial oversight, transparent procurement, timely reporting, accurate record-keeping and the proper disclosure and management of conflicts of interest.
Upon receiving the instruments of appointment, Chairman Mr. Benedict Hatem affirmed the Board’s commitment to working with the Ministry, TTL’s executive management and industry stakeholders. He identified six priority tourism segments: Business Tourism; Eco-Tourism; Entertainment and Culture; Sport Tourism; Tertiary and Health Education Tourism; and Yachting. These segments will help diversify Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism offering, create jobs, strengthen communities and expand opportunities throughout the tourism value chain.
The Ministry congratulates the newly appointed Board and looks forward to working with its members to build a vibrant, sustainable and internationally competitive tourism sector that contributes meaningfully to economic diversification and national development.
