Regional

Boosting Dominica’s Specialty Cocoa Production and Quality

Dominica’s cocoa sector is poised for growth thanks to an intensive five-day training program focused on specialty cocoa production, post-harvest processing, quality management, and sensory evaluation. Held from February 3-7, 2025, at the Marigot Fisheries Complex in Marigot, Dominica, the program was a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica, and the University of the West Indies Cocoa Research Centre (UWI-CRC).

Jacqueline Douglas from Hamstead Estate and member of the Northeast Cocoa Producers Cooperative said, “The training was highly impactful, providing not just practical techniques but also the reasoning behind them, which challenged the participants to improve farming methods and estate management. The hands-on and classroom-based training, delivered by highly qualified experts, was invaluable.”

The program combined theoretical learning with hands-on practical sessions on pod cracking, fermentation monitoring, pruning, grafting, and flavour profiling using internationally recognized evaluation methods.

This initiative is part of the FAO project ‘Strengthening the Foundations for a Specialty Cocoa Sector in the Caribbean’ and aims to empower cocoa farmers, processors, and industry stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to build a robust specialty cocoa industry by addressing production challenges, improving post-harvest practices and enhancing the awareness of quality produce through sensory analysis techniques, for improved access to premium markets.

Expert facilitators from the UWI-CRC, including Professor Umaharan (Head of the CRC and Professor of Genetics), Dr. Sukha (Research Fellow/Food Technologist), Dr. Romina Umaharan (Pathology Team Leader), and Mrs. Annelle Holder-John (Agronomist), led the training. Participants gained valuable knowledge in areas such as:

Sustainable cocoa farm establishment and management
Fermentation methods and best practices
Pest and disease management
Drying techniques and quality management
Traceability and food safety standards
Soil fertility management and mitigation of heavy metals in cocoa
Sensory evaluation and flavour profiling

“This training empowers farmers, agro-processors, and other stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices, improve productivity, and enhance quality awareness through sensory evaluation,” said Anne Desrochers, Plant Production and Protection Specialist at FAO’s Subregional Office for the Caribbean. “By strengthening their expertise, participants will contribute to enhancing Dominica’s reputation in the high-value specialty cocoa market.”

The training proved highly beneficial for participants. Julia Napier from Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory expressed her gratitude, highlighting the valuable insights gained in cocoa grafting and crop management.

Ivan Ferreira, Laboratory Technician at the Ministry of Agriculture and cocoa stick maker affirmed Dominica’s potential in the fine-flavour cocoa industry, citing the country’s rich soils and the knowledge gained from the training.

Jamal Prince from Jamagro Processing Ltd. stated, “The training was highly impactful. Participants gained valuable knowledge on cocoa production, propagation, and fermentation. The presenters effectively shared their expertise, making the experience an amazing opportunity to enhance cocoa production and processing practices in Dominica.”

At the end of the 5-day training, Dr. Sukha, from the UWI-CRC was proud to have successfully conducted this training in Dominica, equipping stakeholders with essential knowledge on cocoa production, agronomy, post-harvest processing, quality management, and sensory analysis. He said: “This initiative, funded by the FAO, is a crucial step in strengthening the foundations of the specialty cocoa sector in the Caribbean, addressing key challenges such as farm rehabilitation, climate-smart practices, and quality enhancement to ensure Dominica’s continued recognition as a fine cocoa producer.” (PR)

Regional

Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen: A Regional Leader to Watch in 2025

On September 1, 2024, Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious business chamber. She is the youngest individual to hold this position in over a decade, marking a historic milestone for the organization. Her appointment signifies a bold new chapter for the Chamber as it seeks to navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Early Life and Influences

Born and raised in Marabella, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyadeen’s journey to leadership is rooted in her strong family values and commitment to excellence. She attended Naparima Girls’ High School, where her passion for history was sparked under the mentorship of her teacher, Joan Dinoo. She pursued higher education at the University of the West Indies (UWI), earning a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in International Relations and History. Her academic pursuits were further complemented by studies at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business.

Guyadeen credits three key figures for shaping her career: her father, Ramnarine Guyadeen; her maternal grandfather, Boney Soman; and her first boss, former UWI Principal Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie. Her father’s advice that “your work is your contribution to God” profoundly influenced her ethos, instilling a relentless drive to excel and deliver meaningful impact in every endeavour.

A Visionary Career Path

Guyadeen’s career spans over two and a half decades, marked by transformative leadership across both public and private sectors. Her professional trajectory includes pivotal roles at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, the Economic Development Board, the Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre, and the Ministries of Energy and Public Administration. As CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), she spearheaded innovative strategies that positioned the organization as a regional and global thought leader in the services sector.

Her contributions have been significant and diverse. In 2001, she developed the dataset that enabled Trinidad and Tobago’s inclusion in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. Later, as Research Manager at the Chamber, she conceptualized and produced the nation’s first centennial statistical digest on the energy sector. Her tenure at TTCSI was instrumental in launching Trinidad and Tobago’s first exporter services registry and portal, cementing her reputation as a champion for service export growth.

Championing Regional Development

Guyadeen’s influence extends far beyond Trinidad and Tobago. At the regional level, she has been at the forefront of positioning the Caribbean as a hub for knowledge-based services. Her efforts have not only rejuvenated the regional services agenda but have also gained international recognition for Caribbean service industries.

Additionally, her tenure at TTCSI saw groundbreaking partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belize Coalition of Service Providers. This collaboration aimed to foster innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness within the regional services sector, enabling Caribbean firms to thrive on the global stage.

Vision for the Chamber

As CEO of the Chamber, Guyadeen envisions a transformative agenda focused on economic diversification and sustainable growth. Recognizing that the services sector accounted for over 85% of the national labour force in 2017 and contributed 58% to real GDP in 2018, she aims to unlock the untapped potential of service exports, which represented just 8% of export earnings in 2017. Her strategy involves building a robust manufacturing and services particularly knowledge-based services export framework and advocating for stronger policies to support firms entering international markets.

Guyadeen emphasizes that collaboration among businesses, government, and institutions will be critical to achieving these goals. She believes the Chamber has a pivotal role to play in preparing firms for global competitiveness and ensuring the business community is at the forefront of shaping the nation’s economic future.

A Global Ambassador

Beyond her contributions to the Chamber, Guyadeen serves as Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador to the Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI). This role underscores her commitment to fostering leadership and collaboration within the African diaspora and beyond. Her advocacy for PALI’s initiatives and efforts to strengthen ties between communities globally highlight her dedication to driving inclusive and equitable development.

A Leader to Watch in 2025

Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen is poised to be one of the Caribbean’s most influential leaders in 2025. Her unique ability to navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes, coupled with her dedication to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, makes her a standout figure in the region. With a proven track record of revitalizing coalitions, driving service export growth, and crafting actionable solutions to economic challenges, Guyadeen embodies the forward-thinking leadership that the Caribbean needs to remain competitive in the global economy.

Her colleagues, including regional heavyweights in business and policy, have consistently lauded her strategic foresight and capacity to deliver impactful results. Guyadeen’s leadership style—anchored in ethics, hard work, and community service—sets her apart as a beacon of integrity and resilience in the regional business landscape.

Personal Philosophy and Legacy

Guyadeen’s leadership is deeply rooted in her faith and the principles instilled in her by her family. Guided by the Hindu concepts of dharma (duty) and seva (selfless service), she sees leadership as a moral obligation to serve her members and community. Her career is a testament to her commitment to transformative impact, driven by three guiding principles: dedication to hard work, a focus on adding value, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As she takes on the challenges of leading the Chamber, Vashti Gaitri Guyadeen stands out not only as a leader to watch in 2025 but also as a trailblazer shaping the future of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. Her journey is an inspiration to young professionals and a call to action for the business community to embrace bold, visionary leadership.

Regional

Majestic Princess welcomed to St. Lucia

Cruise tourism remains a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s thriving tourism sector, significantly contributing to the island’s economy. Yesterday, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, led by its CEO, Mr. Louis Lewis and the team warmly welcomed the Majestic Princess to our shores. Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Invest Saint Lucia, the St. Lucia Cruise Ports Agency, and port agent Cox & Company were also in attendance.

In his remarks, Mr. Lewis emphasized the pivotal role of cruise tourism in driving economic growth and highlighted the benefits for vendors and individuals working directly in the sector. With capacity of 3,560 guests, the Majestic Princess brought scores of visitors who took time to explore the island’s diverse offerings.

Among the top experiences is the Piton Coastal Tour, a popular land-and-sea adventure showcasing the island’s natural beauty. Visitors can also be seen enjoying the atmosphere of Castries, indulging in its dining options, shopping for local arts and crafts, and taking advantage of duty-free shopping.

Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism continues to create lasting impressions for visitors while fueling economic activity across the island. (Taken from the St. Lucia Tourism Authority)

Regional

TWO MORE CANDIDATES NAMED FOR THE PNM

Regional media is reporting that the People’s National Movement, PNM, in Trinidad and Tobago has selected two more candidates to contest the general election due this year.

They are Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell and engineer Christian Birchwood.

Mitchell is the prospective candidate for the La Brea Constituency. He received the nod over Jermel Pierre.

Both men were seeking to replace out-going MP Stephen Mc Clashie, who is not seeking reelection.

Birchwood, meanwhile, has been selected as the prospective candidate for the Laventille East/Morvant constituency.

The selection of Mitchell and Birchwood brings the number of prospective candidates selected by the PNM to 34.