Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, extends congratulations to all businesses recognized by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) at its annual Champions of Business Awards, which was held on November 7 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain. Minister Gopee-Scoon also applauds the TTCIC for its dedication to recognizing the remarkable achievements of Trinidad and Tobago’s “visionaries and vanguards” of industry.
In congratulating the award recipients during her Remarks at the awards ceremony and cocktail event, Minister Gopee-Scoon said, “Thriving in the business world calls for more than innovative ideas and hard work; it requires resilience against inevitable challenges, and the flexibility to navigate a constantly evolving market.” She noted that contenders for the “Internationally Known … T&T Owned Company of the Year” award, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, have all demonstrated these attributes.
The “Internationally Known … T&T Owned Company of the Year” award exemplifies the spirit of international success, reflecting the ingenuity and talent that characterize Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage. The Minster said the award aligns with the MTI’s ethos and focus on helping businesses expand their reach overseas. “Through targeted initiatives, we aim to enhance export capacity, expand market access, promote local products abroad and ultimately bolster the success of T&T businesses internationally.”
Special commendation is extended to the 2024 winner of the “Internationally Known … T&T Owned Company of the Year”: Chief Brand Products.
The Minister recognized Chief for its role in “spicing-up the world with our islands’ unique flavour” and “taking our quality and culture across borders.” She further acknowledged the company’s extraordinary achievement in positioning itself within the international environment, while elevating the reputation of our country’s local products. “This awardee’s continuous pursuit of excellence is evident in its product diversification efforts, now offering over 100 unique items and expanding into new markets in the Caribbean, the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom, all while making substantial investments in infrastructure and strategic partnerships to strengthen its global presence.”
The Minister presented the award to Ms. Esther-Grace Ragoobarsingh, Sales, Trade, Marketing and Promotions Supervisor, Chief Brand Products. She also applauded the sterling contributions made by the Business Hall of Fame Inductees, Mr. George Janoura and Mr. Junior Elgin Sammy, part of a growing list of powerhouses that are reshaping local business and the nation’s commercial landscape.
The 2024 Champions of Business Award recipients include:
Breakthrough Exporter of the Year
- Creamery Novelties Ltd.
Business Hall of Fame Inductees
- George Janoura
- Junior Elgin Sammy
Entrepreneurship
- Caribbean Specialty Foods Company Limited
Green Agenda
- House of Angostura
Innovation Award
- CARIRI/Caribbean Industrial Research Institute
Internationally Known …T&T Owned Company of the Year
- Chief Brand Products
SME Award
- Cocobel Chocolate Limited (small category)
- ODeliver (medium category)
The Minister of Trade and Industry once again congratulates all nominees, finalists and award recipients and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to facilitating and supporting all local businesses through stakeholder engagement, access to financing, export promotion programs and other initiatives.
